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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2014

Registration No. 333-           


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



Shake Shack Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  5810
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  47-1941186
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

24 Union Square East, 5 th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Telephone: (646) 747-7200
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)



Ronald Palmese, Jr., Esq.
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
24 Union Square East, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Telephone: (646) 237-5039
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



Copies to:

Howard A. Sobel, Esq.
Gregory P. Rodgers, Esq.
Ryan K. deFord, Esq.
Latham & Watkins LLP
885 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Telephone: (212) 906-1200
Fax: (212) 751-4864
  Daniel J. Bursky, Esq.
Andrew B. Barkan, Esq.
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
Telephone: (212) 859-8000
Fax: (212) 859-4000



Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.



          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 of 1933, 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

          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.

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



CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

       
 
Title of each class of securities to be registered
  Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price(1)(2)

  Amount of
registration fee

 

Class A common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  $      100,000,000.00   $      11,620.00

 

(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(2)
Includes the offering price of shares of Class A common stock that may be sold if the option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock solely to cover over-allotments granted by the Registrant to the underwriters is exercised.

           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 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

   


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 December 29, 2014

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

             Shares

GRAPHIC

Class A Common Stock

                                                             

           This is an initial public offering of Shake Shack Inc. We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be between $            and $            per share of our Class A common stock.

           Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. We have applied to have our Class A common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SHAK."

           We will use the net proceeds that we receive from this offering to purchase from SSE Holdings, LLC, which we refer to as "SSE Holdings," newly-issued common membership interests of SSE Holdings, which we refer to as the "LLC Interests." There is no public market for the LLC Interests. The purchase price for the newly-issued LLC Interests will be equal to the public offering price of our Class A common stock, less the underwriting discount referred to below. We intend to cause SSE Holdings to use the net proceeds it receives from us in connection with this offering as described in "Use of Proceeds." In connection with the closing of this offering, certain of the holders of LLC Interests received in exchange for existing membership interests in SSE Holdings, whom we refer to as "Former SSE Equity Owners," will exchange their indirect ownership of LLC Interests for shares of Class A common stock and certain other holders of LLC Interests received in exchange for existing membership interests in SSE Holdings, whom we refer to as "Continuing SSE Equity Owners," will continue to own their LLC Interests. In addition, certain individuals who hold existing awards under our Unit Appreciation Rights Plan, whom we refer to as the "Former UAR Plan Participants," will receive shares of Class A common stock in settlement of their awards.

           We will have two classes of common stock outstanding after this offering: Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters presented to our stockholders generally. All of our Class B common stock will be held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, on a one-to-one basis with the number of LLC Interests they own. Immediately following this offering, the holders of our Class A common stock issued in this offering collectively will hold         % of the economic interests in us and        % of the voting power in us, the Former SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants, through their ownership of Class A common stock, collectively will hold        % of the economic interests in us and        % of the voting power in us, and the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, through their ownership of all of the outstanding Class B common stock, collectively will hold no economic interest in us and the remaining        % of the voting power in us. We will be a holding company, and upon consummation of this offering and the application of proceeds therefrom, our principal asset will be the LLC Interests we purchase from SSE Holdings and acquire from the Former SSE Equity Owners, representing an aggregate        % economic interest in SSE Holdings. The remaining        % economic interest in SSE Holdings will be owned by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners through their ownership of LLC Interests.

           Although we will have a minority economic interest in SSE Holdings, because we will be the sole managing member of SSE Holdings, we will operate and control all of the business and affairs of SSE Holdings and, through SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries, conduct our business.

           Following this offering, we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the corporate governance rules of the New York Stock Exchange. See "The Transactions" and "Management—Corporate Governance."

           We are an "emerging growth company," as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and will be subject to reduced public reporting requirements. This prospectus complies with the requirements that apply to an issuer that is an emerging growth company.

                                                             

           Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 22.

               
 
 

 

      Per Share       Total
 

Initial public offering price

      $                                         $                              
 

Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)

      $                                         $                              
 

Proceeds to us, before expenses

      $                                         $                              
 
 

(1)    See "Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)" for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

           We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional            shares of Class A common stock solely to cover over-allotments.

           Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

           Delivery of the shares will be made on or about                        .

                                                             

J.P. Morgan

      Morgan Stanley

Barclays

 

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 
Jefferies

William Blair

  Stifel

The date of this prospectus is                  , 2015.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

  ii

TRADEMARKS

  iii

MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

  iii

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

  iv

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL MEASURES AND OTHER DATA

  v

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

  1

RISK FACTORS

  22

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

  52

THE TRANSACTIONS

  54

USE OF PROCEEDS

  58

CAPITALIZATION

  59

DIVIDEND POLICY

  61

DILUTION

  62

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

  65

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  70

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

  81

LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN AND OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  99

BUSINESS

  101

MANAGEMENT

  118

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  125

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

  137

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

  146

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

  148

DESCRIPTION OF INDEBTEDNESS

  154

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

  156

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

  159

UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

  163

LEGAL MATTERS

  171

EXPERTS

  171

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

  171

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  F-1

        You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. We and the underwriters have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our Class A common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of shares of our Class A common stock.

        For investors outside the United States: We have not and the underwriters have not done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of Class A common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. See "Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)."



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BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        In connection with the closing of this offering, we will effect certain organizational transactions. Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, all information in this prospectus reflects the consummation of the organizational transactions and this offering, which we refer to collectively as the "Transactions." See "The Transactions" for a description of the Transactions and a diagram depicting our organizational structure after giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering.

        As used in this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, references to:

        We will be a holding company and the sole managing member of SSE Holdings, and upon completion of this offering and the application of proceeds therefrom, our principal asset will be LLC Interests of SSE Holdings. SSE Holdings, LLC is the predecessor of the issuer, Shake Shack Inc., for

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financial reporting purposes. Shake Shack Inc. will be the audited financial reporting entity following this offering. Accordingly, this prospectus contains the following historical financial statements:

        The unaudited pro forma financial information of Shake Shack Inc. presented in this prospectus has been derived by the application of pro forma adjustments to the historical consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries included elsewhere in this prospectus. These pro forma adjustments give effect to the Transactions as described in "The Transactions," including the completion of this offering, as if all such transactions had occurred on December 27, 2012, in the case of the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations data, and as of September 24, 2014, in the case of the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information" for a complete description of the adjustments and assumptions underlying the pro forma financial information included in this prospectus.

        SSE Holdings, LLC is, and Shake Shack Inc. will be, on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Wednesday of the calendar year. Accordingly, references to fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 represent the financial results of SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries for the fiscal years ended December 26, 2012 and December 25, 2013, respectively. In a 52-week fiscal year, each quarter contains 13 weeks of operations; in a 53-week fiscal year, each of the first, second and third quarters includes 13 weeks of operations and the fourth quarter includes 14 weeks of operations. Every five or six years, a 53-week fiscal year occurs. Fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 were both 52-week years. Fiscal 2014 is a 53-week year ending on December 31, 2014, which may cause our revenue, expenses and other results of operations to be higher due to an additional week of operations.


TRADEMARKS

        This prospectus includes our trademarks, trade names and service marks, such as "Shake Shack®," "ShackBurger®," " GRAPHIC ®," " GRAPHIC ®," "Shack-Cago Dog®," "SmokeShack®," "ShackMeister®," "Shack 2 0®," "Pooch-ini®" and "Stand for Something Good®," which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws and are our property. This prospectus also contains trademarks, trade names and service marks of other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, trademarks, trade names and service marks referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ®, ™ 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 right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, trade names and service marks. We do not intend our use or display of other parties' trademarks, trade names or service marks to imply, and such use or display should not be construed to imply, a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other parties.


MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

        Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this prospectus concerning our industry and the markets in which we operate is based on information from independent industry and research organizations, other third-party sources (including industry publications, surveys and forecasts, as well as market analyses and reports prepared for us by eSite, Inc.), and management estimates. Management estimates are derived from publicly available information released by independent industry analysts and third-party sources, as well as data from our internal research, and are based on

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assumptions made by us upon reviewing such data and our knowledge of such industry and markets which we believe to be reasonable. Although we believe the data from these third-party sources is reliable, we have not independently verified any third-party information. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of the future performance of the industry in which we operate and our future performance are necessarily subject to uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements." These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

        Certain financial measures presented in this prospectus, such as same Shack sales, Average Unit Volumes, Shack-level operating profit margin, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which we refer to as "GAAP." We define these terms as follows:

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ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL MEASURES AND OTHER DATA

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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 to invest in our Class A common stock. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. The principles of "Enlightened Hospitality," as defined by Danny Meyer, state that we prioritize our own people above all else, because we understand that taking care of each other is the foundation that enables us to provide uncommon excellence and hospitality to our team members, guests, our community, our suppliers and our investors. We refer to our customers as "guests," as we treat anyone who walks into our restaurants, or "Shacks," as if they were guests in our home. Except as specifically noted or as the context otherwise implies, the description of our menu, supply chain and operations in this prospectus applies to our domestic company-operated Shacks, as some of the Shacks operated by our licensees vary in menu, supply chain and operations.

Overview of Shake Shack

        Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand serving a classic American menu of premium burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer and wine. Founded by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC ("USHG"), Shake Shack was created leveraging USHG's expertise in community building, hospitality, fine dining, restaurant operations and sourcing premium ingredients. Danny's vision of Enlightened Hospitality guided the creation of the unique Shake Shack culture that, we believe, creates a differentiated experience for our guests across all demographics at each of the 63 Shacks around the world. As Shake Shack's Board Chairman and USHG's Chief Executive Officer, Danny has drawn from USHG's experience creating and operating some of New York City's most acclaimed and popular restaurants, including Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Blue Smoke, The Modern, Maialino and Marta, to build what we believe is a new fine casual restaurant category in Shake Shack.

        Shake Shack originated from a hot dog cart that USHG established in 2001 to support the rejuvenation of New York City's Madison Square Park through its Conservancy's first art installation—"I  ©  Taxi." The hot dog cart was an instant hit, with lines forming daily throughout the summer months for the next three years. In response to this success, the city's Department of Parks and Recreation awarded Shake Shack a contract to create a kiosk to help fund the park's future. In 2004, Shake Shack officially opened and immediately became a community gathering place for New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world. Over the last decade, Shake Shack has become a beloved New York City institution that generates significant media attention, critical acclaim and a passionately devoted following. We have since grown rapidly, with 63 Shacks in nine countries and 34 cities.

        Our vision is to Stand For Something Good in all aspects of Shake Shack's business, including the exceptional team we hire and train, the premium ingredients making up our menu, our community engagement and the design of our Shacks. Stand For Something Good is a call to action to all of our stakeholders—our team, guests, communities, suppliers and investors—and we actively invite them all to share in this philosophy with us. This commitment drives our integration into the local communities in which we operate and fosters a lasting connection with our guests. We continually invest in our "Shack Team," as we believe that team members who are treated and trained well will deliver Enlightened Hospitality and a superior guest experience. Through our leadership development program, The Shacksperience , we teach our team members the principles of Enlightened Hospitality and how to live and breathe our Shack Pact , the agreement that encompasses our value system and brand ethos. Our people make all the difference, as they embody the sense of community necessary to create the complete Shake Shack experience. This vision reflects our goal to be the best burger company in the world, for the world and for our team.

 

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        We believe Shake Shack has become a compelling lifestyle brand and has helped to pioneer the creation of a new fine casual category in restaurants. Fine casual couples the ease, value and convenience of fast casual concepts with the high standards of excellence in thoughtful ingredient sourcing, preparation, hospitality and quality grounded in fine dining. As a pioneer in this new category, we strive to maintain the culinary traditions of the classic American burger stand, while providing our guests a menu of chef-inspired food and drinks. Our signature items are our all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes and frozen custard. We cook our burgers and spin our shakes to order and strive to use the freshest premium ingredients available. This core menu is supplemented with seasonal and innovative culinary offerings such as those featured during our annual Shacktoberfest event.

        Of the 63 Shacks, there are 31 domestic company-operated Shacks, five domestic licensed Shacks and 27 international licensed Shacks. We open Shacks in areas where communities gather, often with high foot traffic and substantial commercial density such as New York City's Theater District, London's Covent Garden and Dubai's Mall of the Emirates. We have been able to successfully grow across a variety of locations due to our versatile Shack formats and designs that are tailored to reflect each Shack community's core attributes. During the three fiscal years ended December 25, 2013, we grew from seven Shacks in two states to 40 Shacks across six states, Washington, D.C. and eight other countries, representing a 79% compound annual growth rate ("CAGR"). In fiscal 2013, our domestic company-operated Shacks had AUVs of approximately $5.0 million, of which our Manhattan Shacks had AUVs of approximately $7.4 million and our non-Manhattan Shacks had AUVs of approximately $3.8 million. During the three fiscal years ended December 25, 2013, our total revenue grew from $19.5 million to $82.5 million, a 62% CAGR, our net income grew from $0.2 million to $5.4 million, and Adjusted EBITDA grew to $14.5 million. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, to net income, see "—Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data."

GRAPHIC


(1)
Shack system-wide sales includes combined revenue from all of our domestic company-operated Shacks and our domestic and international licensed Shacks. Our total revenue is limited to Shack sales from domestic company-operated Shacks and licensing revenue from our domestic and international licensed Shacks.

The Burger Market

        Shake Shack is part of the burger market of the restaurant industry, which is the largest dine-out segment in the United States with more than $72 billion in 2013 sales, according to Technomic Inc. The burger industry is estimated to be twice the size of the pizza market, which is the next largest category. Given its role as the quintessential American meal, burgers have also proven to be the most portable concept internationally, with an estimated global market size of over $135 billion.

 

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        With the majority of the burger restaurant segment comprised of quick service restaurant competitors, we believe that Shake Shack is well positioned to take market share, as we believe consumers will continue to trade up to higher quality offerings given an increasing consumer focus on responsible sourcing, ingredients and preparation. Additionally, we believe that consumers will continue to move away from the added time commitment and cost of traditional casual dining.

        We believe that many consumers want to associate with brands whose ethos matches that of their own, and that Shake Shack's fine casual position, born and raised in Manhattan, creates a distinctly differentiated global lifestyle brand opportunity.

What Makes Shake Shack Special

        1. Our culture of Enlightened Hospitality: taking care of each other.     We believe that the culture of our team is the single most important factor in our success. We aim to recruit and develop a team with the innate "personality to please" that cannot be taught. We look for people who are warm, friendly, motivated, caring, self-aware and intellectually curious team members, or what we call "51%'ers." We use the term "51%" to describe the emotional skills needed to thrive at the job and "49%" to describe the technical skills needed for the job. Our 51%'ers are excited and committed to championship performance, remarkable and enriching hospitality, embodying our culture and actively growing themselves and the brand. Our team is trained to understand and practice the values of Enlightened Hospitality: caring for each other, caring for our guests, caring for our community, caring for our suppliers and caring for our investors. These principles have been championed by Danny Meyer throughout his career and are detailed in his New York Times best-selling book Setting the Table The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business ; they are fundamental to the way Shake Shack operates its business. We invest in our team through extensive leadership development programs to ensure that Shake Shack remains a great place to work and an exciting career choice for team members at every level. We have built a culture of active learning and we foster an environment of leadership development throughout the entire lifecycle of employment. We seek to be the employer of choice by offering above industry average compensation in most markets, comprehensive benefits and a variety of incentive programs, including a monthly revenue-sharing program with our employees. We believe that our culture of Enlightened Hospitality enables us to develop future leaders from within and deliver a consistent Shack experience as we continue to grow.

        2. Fine Casual: inspired food and drink.     We embrace our Company's fine-dining heritage and are committed to sourcing premium, sustainable ingredients, such as all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free beef, while offering excellent value to our guests. Our core menu remains focused and is supplemented with targeted innovation inspired by the best versions of the classic American roadside burger stands. As a result of culinary creativity and excellence, we attract continued interest from partners such as award-winning chefs, talented bakers, farmers and artisanal purveyors who want to collaborate with us in different and engaging ways. We never stop looking for the best culinary ingredients and the best partners in order to exceed our guests' expectations in every aspect of their experience.

        3. Beloved lifestyle brand.     In Shake Shack's 10-year history, we have become a globally recognized brand with outsized consumer awareness relative to our current footprint. Shake Shack is a New York City institution, a vibrant and authentic community gathering place that delivers an unparalleled experience to loyal, passionate guests and a broad, global demographic. Born in 2004, Shake Shack grew up alongside the emergence of social media and has benefited from an ongoing love affair with passionate fans who share their real-time experiences with friends. We aim to establish genuine connections with our guests and the communities in which they live. Each Shack is localized with design and menu options that we believe drive a sense of appreciation and enthusiasm for the Shake Shack brand. Shake Shack has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Bon Appétit's "The 20 Most Important Restaurants in America" (ranked #16), TIME Magazine's "17 Most Influential

 

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Burgers of All Time" (ranked #7 for the ShackBurger) and winning "Best Burger" in 2007 and 2014 at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival's Burger Bash.

        4. Versatile real estate model built for growth.     During fiscal 2013, we grew the number of our domestic company-operated Shacks by 62% with the opening of eight new Shacks, and have opened 10 domestic company-operated Shacks during fiscal 2014. We will continue to not only fill in existing markets such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago and South Florida to leverage operational effectiveness as we cluster in high-density markets, but also enter new markets, such as Austin, where we have signed leases. Although we currently have only 63 Shacks around the world, we have identified many attractive and differentiated markets for the Shake Shack experience. In major metropolitan areas, we seek locations where communities gather, often with characteristics such as high foot traffic, substantial commercial density, reputable co-tenants and other traffic drivers such as proximity to parks, museums, schools, hospitals and tourist attractions. For every potential domestic company-operated Shack we consider, we apply rigorous financial metrics to ensure we maintain our targeted profitability. We measure much of our financial success by analyzing Shack-level operating profit margins, cash-on-cash returns and payback periods. Our flexible model allows us to design our Shacks so that we can pursue a variety of property types. We have successfully launched different layouts and sizes of Shacks in varied locations throughout urban high density areas, suburban in-line and pad sites, regional malls, lifestyle centers, ballparks, airports and train stations. Each design is critical to the Shake Shack experience and we blend our core brand identifiers with features specifically designed for each Shack to be of its place and connect directly with its neighborhood. With a disciplined approach to new Shack development and a successful track record in site selection, we are positioned well for future growth.

        5. Shack-onomics.     Our brand power and thoughtful approach to growth have resulted in strong Shack performance across a variety of geographic areas and formats and during both strong and weak economic environments. Our Shack model is designed to generate attractive Shack-level operating profit margins, strong cash flow and high returns on invested capital. We have notable AUVs at both Manhattan Shacks and non-Manhattan Shacks. In fiscal 2013, our domestic company-operated Shacks had AUVs of approximately $5.0 million, of which our Manhattan Shacks generated AUVs of approximately $7.4 million with Shack-level operating profit margins of approximately 30% and our non-Manhattan Shacks generated AUVs of approximately $3.8 million with Shack-level operating profit margins of approximately 22%. Historically, our domestic company-operated Shacks have delivered an attractive average cash-on-cash return of 65% and payback period of 1.5 years, of which our Manhattan Shacks generated an average cash-on-cash return of 82% and payback period of 1.2 years and our non-Manhattan Shacks generated an average cash-on-cash return of 31% and payback period of 3.2 years. Since the vast majority of future Shacks will be non-Manhattan locations, we are targeting AUVs in the $2.8 to $3.2 million range, Shack-level operating profit margins in the 18 to 22% range and cash-on-cash returns in the 30 to 33% range.

        6. The Shack travels abroad.     With 27 licensed Shacks outside the United States, we believe that we have proven to be an internationally desirable restaurant concept. Our track record of opening successful Shacks in both the United States and overseas demonstrates the global appeal of Shake Shack and validates our belief in our significant whitespace opportunity internationally. We currently have license agreements for four major international territories, with Shacks operating in eight countries. The Middle East has been our most prominent growth market with 20 Shacks in operation, followed by Turkey with four, Russia with two and the United Kingdom with one. In fiscal 2013, our international licensed Shacks had AUVs of approximately $6.1 million, which resulted in license fees of approximately $3.5 million. In addition to license fees, we also receive exclusive territory fees, which help us fund further domestic growth.

        7. Leaders training future leaders.     Our team is led by passionate and experienced senior leaders, balanced with professionals formerly from USHG's fine dining operations and industry veterans from

 

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larger restaurant companies. Randy Garutti, our Chief Executive Officer, combines strategic multi-unit leadership experience with fine dining expertise. Randy has worked in restaurants since he was 13 and joined USHG in 2000 as General Manager of Tabla, followed by Union Square Cafe, and later took on the role of Director of Operations overseeing all USHG restaurants, prior to launching the first Shake Shack in 2004. Randy has led the development of the Shake Shack concept from its earliest stages and guided every aspect of the business. Jeff Uttz, our Chief Financial Officer, brings valuable experience managing high growth restaurant concepts drawing from his 22 years of restaurant finance experience, most recently as Chief Financial Officer at Yard House Restaurants. Jeff led the expansion of Yard House from three units when he began to over 40 units when Yard House was acquired by Darden Restaurants, Inc. Randy and Jeff are supported by a talented executive leadership team that has deep experience in operations, culinary arts, supply chain, finance and accounting, training and leadership development, people resources, real estate and design, construction and facilities, information technology, legal, marketing and communications.

Shake Shack is in the Very Early Stages of Growth

        We believe that we are well-positioned to achieve significant, sustainable financial growth, primarily driven by:

        Opening new domestic company-operated Shacks.     This is where our greatest immediate opportunity for growth lies. We waited nearly five years to open our second Shack, and we are still in the very nascent stage of our story, with only 31 domestic company-operated and five domestic licensed Shacks in 10 states and Washington, D.C. We believe there is tremendous whitespace opportunity to expand in both existing and new U.S. markets, and we have invested in our infrastructure through new hires at our home office to enable us to continue to grow rapidly and with discipline. In fiscal 2013, we significantly expanded our domestic company-operated footprint by opening eight new Shacks representing 62% domestic unit growth. In fiscal 2014, we opened 10 domestic company-operated Shacks. We plan to open at least 10 new domestic company-operated Shacks each year, beginning in fiscal 2015, for the foreseeable future. Based on our experience, and analysis and research conducted for us by eSite, we believe that over the long-term we have the potential to grow our current domestic company-operated Shack footprint to at least 450 Shacks by opening domestic company-operated Shacks in new and existing markets. The rate of future Shack growth in any particular period is inherently uncertain and is subject to numerous factors that are outside of our control. As a result, we do not currently have an anticipated timeframe for such expansion. We believe we have a versatile real estate model built for growth. We have adopted a disciplined expansion strategy designed to leverage the strength of our business model and our significant brand awareness to successfully develop new Shacks in an array of markets that are primed for growth, including new and existing and small and large markets. We will use a portion of the proceeds from this offering to open new Shacks and renovate existing Shacks. See "Use of Proceeds." As we grow, we will continue to live by one principle to ensure the success of both our new and existing restaurants: "The Bigger We Get, The Smaller We Need To Act." This mantra is central to our Stand For Something Good vision and encompasses our commitment to continue to make decisions that focus on the core of who we are, staying true to the principles of Enlightened Hospitality.

        Capitalizing on our outsized brand awareness.     The Shake Shack experience has cultivated significant brand awareness relative to the small number of Shacks. We have worked tirelessly to establish a genuine connection with our guests and integrate into their communities through investment in innovative marketing and programming. We utilize various social media outlets to actively engage with our growing online following. In June 2014, we ranked #10 on Restaurant Social Media Index's top 250 restaurant brands, which is measured on influence, sentiment and engagement. Furthermore, we believe that our press and media impressions and industry recognition are a testament to the strength of our brand. We were named one of "The 25 Most Innovative Consumer and Retail Brands" in 2014 by

 

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Entrepreneur.com , ranked #11 in The Daily Meal 's "101 Best Restaurants in America" for 2013, and were the winner of the 2013 "Most Loved Brand of the Year" from the RIZMY Awards, "Best Burger" at the 2014 South Beach Wine and Food Festival's Burger Bash and more. Additionally, we give back to the communities in which we operate, and strengthen awareness for philanthropic causes such as Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign. Our marketing focuses on interacting with our guests in an authentic, innovative manner which creates memorable, meaningful experiences. The experience that we provide for our guests and local communities has generated a growing loyal following who promote our brand through word-of-mouth. We believe that this outsized brand awareness will continue to fuel our growth in existing and new markets.

        Growing Same Shack Sales.     Given the significant awareness of our brand and the excitement we have been able to generate for our market launches, our Shacks have generally opened with higher volumes and operating profits relative to their second year, which have often shown a decline in sales and operating profit. In year three, our Shacks generally mature and continue to grow from the second year base and then retain these higher volumes over time. It is important to note that, while our goal is to grow same Shack sales over time, this is not our greatest growth opportunity. We expect our Shacks to deliver low same Shack sales growth for the foreseeable future as the number of new Shack openings relative to our comparable Shack base remains our primary driver of growth. We do, however, continually focus on improving our same Shack sales performance by providing an engaging and differentiated guest experience that includes new seasonal and Shack-specific offerings, unique and thoughtful integration with local communities and high standards of excellence and hospitality. We will continue to innovate around our core menu to keep our offerings fresh, while remaining focused on our signature items. For example, our SmokeShack, which debuted in 2012, has been a great success and helped drive sales.

        Opportunistically increasing our licensed Shacks abroad.     We will continue to grow our licensed portfolio by expanding further in the eight countries abroad in which we currently have internationally licensed operations. This strategy historically has been a low-cost, high-return method of growing our brand awareness and provides an increasing source of cash flow. We believe there are additional international markets that will embrace the Shake Shack concept. Given our position in New York and the success of our current licensed Shacks at home and abroad, we continue to attract substantial interest from potential international licensees around the world and have identified opportunities to expand our licensing footprint in existing and new international markets.

Summary Risk Factors

        We are subject to a number of risks, including risks that may prevent us from achieving our business objectives or that may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. You should carefully consider the risks discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors," including the following risks, before investing in our Class A common stock:

    our long-term success is highly dependent on our ability to successfully identify and secure appropriate sites and timely develop and expand our operations in existing and new markets;

    damage to our reputation could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations;

    food safety and food-borne illness incidents may have an adverse effect on our business by not only reducing demand but also increasing operating costs;

    shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of food products;

    risks related to our international operations and our international licensed Shacks; and

    we face significant competition for guests, and our inability to compete effectively may affect our traffic, Shack sales and Shack-level operating profit margins.

 

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Summary of the Transactions

        Prior to the consummation of this offering and the organizational transactions described below, the Original SSE Equity Owners are the only members of SSE Holdings. Shake Shack Inc. was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on September 23, 2014 to serve as the issuer of the Class A common stock offered hereby. Prior to the consummation of this offering and the organizational transactions below, we will pay a distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners in the amount of approximately $21.9 million funded from borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility in the same amount.

        In connection with the closing of this offering we will consummate the following organizational transactions:

    we will amend and restate the second amended and restated limited liability company agreement of SSE Holdings, as amended, effective as of the completion of this offering (the "SSE Holdings LLC Agreement"), to, among other things, (i) provide for LLC Interests that will be the single class of common membership interests in SSE Holdings, (ii) exchange all of the Original SSE Equity Owners' existing membership interests in SSE Holdings for LLC Interests and (iii) appoint Shake Shack as the sole managing member of SSE Holdings;

    we will amend and restate Shake Shack's certificate of incorporation to, among other things, (i) provide for Class A common stock and Class B common stock and (ii) issue shares of Class B common stock to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, on a one-to-one basis with the number of LLC Interests they own, for nominal consideration;

    we will issue shares of our Class A common stock to the purchasers in this offering;

    we will use all of the net proceeds from this offering (including net proceeds received upon exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to acquire newly-issued LLC Interests from SSE Holdings at a purchase price per interest equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock, less underwriting discounts and commissions, collectively representing        % of SSE Holdings' outstanding LLC Interests (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

    SSE Holdings will use the proceeds from the sale of LLC Interests to Shake Shack as described in "Use of Proceeds," including (i) to pay fees and expenses of approximately $       million in connection with this offering and the Transactions, (ii) to repay the outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $             million, including approximately $21.9 million of borrowings used to pay a distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners, and (iii) approximately $       million for general corporate purposes, including opening new Shacks and renovating existing Shacks. To the extent the gross proceeds of this offering exceed $             million (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), SSE Holdings will pay an additional distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners in an amount equal to the product of (A) the increase in the gross proceeds and (B) 0.273, and the balance of such additional net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including opening new Shacks and renovating existing Shacks;

    the Former SSE Equity Owners will exchange their indirect ownership of LLC Interests for        shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis;

    the Former UAR Plan Participants will receive        shares of Class A common stock in settlement of their awards under the UAR Plan (and Shake Shack will receive a corresponding number of LLC Interests from SSE Holdings);

 

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    the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will continue to own the LLC Interests they received in exchange for their existing membership interests in SSE Holdings and will have no economic interests in Shake Shack despite their ownership of Class B common stock (where "economic interests" means the right to receive any distributions or dividends, whether cash or stock, in connection with common stock). LLC Interests, following this offering, will be redeemable, at the election of such members, for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (and their shares of Class B common stock will be cancelled on a one-for-one basis upon any such issuance). Shake Shack's board of directors, which will include directors who hold LLC Interests or are affiliated with holders of LLC Interests and may include such directors in the future, may, at its option, instead make a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock for each LLC Interest redeemed (subject to customary adjustments, including for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications) in accordance with the terms of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement; and

    Shake Shack will enter into (i) a tax receivable agreement (the "Tax Receivable Agreement") with the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, (ii) a stockholders agreement (the "Stockholders Agreement") with the Voting Group and (iii) a registration rights agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") with the Continuing SSE Equity Owners who, assuming that all of the LLC Interests of the Continuing SSE Equity Owners are redeemed or exchanged for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, will own            shares of Shake Shack's Class A common stock, representing approximately        % of the combined voting power of all of Shake Shack's common stock (or approximately        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), and the Former SSE Equity Owners.

        We refer to the foregoing distribution and organizational transactions collectively as the "Transactions." For more information regarding our structure after the completion of the Transactions, including this offering, see "The Transactions."

        Immediately following this offering, Shake Shack will be a holding company and its principal asset will be the LLC Interests it purchases from SSE Holdings and acquires from the Former SSE Equity Owners. As the sole managing member of SSE Holdings, we will operate and control all of the business and affairs of SSE Holdings and, through SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries, conduct our business. Accordingly, although we will have a minority economic interest in SSE Holdings, we will have the sole voting interest in, and control the management of, SSE Holdings. As a result, we will consolidate SSE Holdings in our consolidated financial statements and will report a non-controlling interest related to the LLC Interests held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners on our consolidated financial statements.

        See "Description of Capital Stock" for more information about our certificate of incorporation and the terms of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" for more information about:

    the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement, including the terms of the LLC Interests and the redemption right of the Continuing SSE Equity Owners;

    the Tax Receivable Agreement;

    the Registration Rights Agreement; and

    the Stockholders Agreement.

 

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        The diagram below depicts our organizational structure after giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock.

GRAPHIC

 

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Our Corporate Information

        Shake Shack Inc., the issuer of the Class A common stock in this offering, was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on September 23, 2014. Our corporate headquarters are located at 24 Union Square East, 5 th  Floor, New York, NY 10003. Our telephone number is (646) 747-7200. Our principal website address is www.shakeshack.com . The information on any of our websites is deemed not to be incorporated in this prospectus or to be part of this prospectus.

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

        As a company with less than $1.0 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an "emerging growth company" as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include:

    we are required to have only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations disclosure;

    we are not required to engage an auditor to report on our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act");

    we are not required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB") regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor's report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements ( i.e. , an auditor discussion and analysis);

    we are not required to submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholder advisory votes, such as "say-on-pay," "say-on-frequency" and "say-on-golden parachutes;" and

    we are not required to disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the chief executive officer's compensation to median employee compensation.

        We may take advantage of these provisions until the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering or such earlier time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We would cease to be an emerging growth company if we have more than $1.0 billion in annual revenue, have more than $700 million in market value of our Class A common stock held by non-affiliates, or issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. We may choose to take advantage of some but not all of these reduced burdens. We have elected to adopt the reduced disclosure with respect to financial statements and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations disclosure. As a result of this election, the information that we provide stockholders may be different than you might get from other public companies in which you hold equity.

        The JOBS Act permits an emerging growth company like us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We are choosing to "opt out" of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted. This decision to opt out of the extended transition period is irrevocable.

 

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The Offering

Issuer in this offering

  Shake Shack Inc.

Class A common stock offered by us

 

            shares.

Underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock from us solely to cover overallotments

 

            shares.

Class A common stock to be issued to the Former SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants

 

            shares.

Class A common stock to be outstanding after this offering

 

            shares (or            shares, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

Class B common stock to be outstanding after this offering

 

            shares, all of which will be owned by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners.

Voting Rights

 

Holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by law. Each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will entitle its holder to one vote per share on all such matters. See "Description of Capital Stock."

Voting power held by purchasers in this offering

 

        % (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

Voting power held by the Former SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants

 

        % (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

Voting power held by all holders of Class A common stock after giving effect to this offering

 

        % (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

Voting power held by all holders of Class B common stock after giving effect to this offering

 

        % (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

 

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Voting power held by the Original SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants after giving effect to this offering

 

        % (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

Ratio of shares of Class A common stock to LLC Interests

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement will require that (i) we at all times maintain a ratio of one LLC Interest owned by us for each share of Class A common stock issued by us (subject to certain exceptions for treasury shares and shares underlying certain convertible or exchangeable securities), and (ii) SSE Holdings at all times maintain (x) a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class A common stock issued by us and the number of LLC Interests owned by us and (y) a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class B common stock owned by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners and the number of LLC Interests owned by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners. This construct is intended to result in the Continuing SSE Equity Owners having a voting interest in Shake Shack that is identical to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners' percentage economic interest in SSE Holdings. The Continuing SSE Equity Owners will own all of our outstanding Class B common stock.

Use of proceeds

 

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses, will be approximately $             million (or approximately $             million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), assuming the shares are offered at $            per share (the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus).

 

We intend to use the net proceeds that we receive from this offering to purchase            newly-issued LLC Interests from SSE Holdings at a purchase price per interest equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock less underwriting discounts and commissions payable thereon.

 

We intend to cause SSE Holdings to use such proceeds as follows: (i) to pay fees and expenses of approximately $          million in connection with this offering and the Transactions, (ii) to repay the outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $             million, including approximately $21.9 million of borrowings used to pay a distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners, and (iii) approximately $             million for general corporate purposes, including opening new Shacks and renovating existing Shacks. To the extent the gross proceeds of this

   

 

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offering exceed $             million (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), we will pay an additional distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners in an amount equal to the product of (A) the increase in the gross proceeds and (B) 0.273, and the balance of such additional net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including opening new Shacks and renovating existing Shacks. See "Use of Proceeds."

Conflicts of interest

 

Because J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and/or certain of its affiliates are lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility and will receive more than 5% of the net proceeds of this offering due to the repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is deemed to have a conflict of interest within the meaning of Rule 5121 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA"). Accordingly, this offering will be conducted in accordance with Rule 5121. See "Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)—Conflicts of Interest."

Redemption rights of holders of LLC Interests

 

The Continuing SSE Equity Owners, from time to time following the offering may require SSE Holdings to redeem or exchange all or a portion of their LLC Interests for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. Shake Shack's board of directors, which will include directors who hold LLC Interests or are affiliated with holders of LLC Interests and may include such directors in the future, may, at its option, instead make a cash payment equal to the volume weighted average market price of one share of our Class A common stock for each LLC Interest redeemed (subject to customary adjustments, including for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications) in accordance with the terms of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement." Shares of our Class B common stock will be cancelled on a one-for-one basis if we, at the election of a Continuing SSE Equity Owner, redeem or exchange LLC Interests of such Continuing SSE Equity Owner pursuant to the terms of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement.

Registration Rights Agreement

 

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we will, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, agree to register the resale of the shares of our Class A common stock that are issuable to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners upon redemption or exchange of their LLC Interests and the shares of our Class A common stock that are issued to the Former SSE Equity Owners in connection with the Transactions. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement."

 

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Directed share program

 

The underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to approximately            shares of our Class A common stock being offered for sale to our directors, officers and certain employees and other parties with a connection to the Company. We will offer these shares to the extent permitted under applicable regulations. The number of shares available for sale to the general public in this offering will be reduced to the extent these persons purchase reserved shares. Any reserved shares not purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares.

Controlled company

 

Following this offering we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the corporate governance rules of the New York Stock Exchange. See "Management—Corporate Governance."

Dividend policy

 

We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business, and therefore we do not currently expect to pay any cash dividends on our Class A common stock. Any future determination to pay dividends to holders of Class A common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, restrictions in SSE Holdings' debt agreements and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. We are a holding company, and substantially all of our operations are carried out by SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries. Our ability to pay dividends may also be restricted by the terms of any future credit agreement or any future debt or preferred equity securities of us or of our subsidiaries. See "Dividend Policy."

Tax Receivable Agreement

 

We will enter into the Tax Receivable Agreement with SSE Holdings and the Continuing SSE Equity Owners that will provide for the payment by Shake Shack to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that Shake Shack actually realizes (or in some circumstances is deemed to realize) as a result of (i) increases in the tax basis of assets of SSE Holdings resulting from any redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests described above under "—The Offering—Redemption rights of holders of LLC Interests" and (ii) certain other tax benefits related to our making payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement."

Risk factors

 

Investing in shares of our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 22 of this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before investing in shares of our Class A common stock.

 

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Proposed New York Stock Exchange symbol

 

"SHAK."

        The number of shares of our Class A common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on the membership interests of SSE Holdings and awards under the UAR plan outstanding as of                  , 2015 and excludes:

                shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our 2015 Incentive Award Plan (as described in "Executive Compensation—New Employment Agreements and Incentive Plans"), consisting of (i)             shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of Class A common stock granted on the date of this prospectus to our directors and certain employees, including the named executive officers, in connection with this offering as described in "Executive Compensation—Director Compensation" and "Executive Compensation—New Equity Awards," and (ii)              additional shares of Class A common stock reserved for future issuance; and

                 shares of Class A common stock reserved as of the closing date of this offering for future issuance upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners.

        Unless otherwise indicated, this prospectus assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock.

 

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Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data

        The following tables present the summary historical and pro forma consolidated financial and other data for SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries. SSE Holdings, LLC is the predecessor of the issuer, Shake Shack Inc., for financial reporting purposes. The summary consolidated statement of operations data for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 25, 2013 and the summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 26, 2012 and December 25, 2013 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries contained herein. The summary consolidated statements of operations data for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014 and the summary consolidated balance sheet data as of September 24, 2014 are derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries included in this prospectus. In the opinion of our management, such unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods.

        The results of operations for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period and the results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year. The information set forth below should be read together with the "Selected Historical Consolidated Financial and Other Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

        The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data of Shake Shack Inc. presented below have been derived from our unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary unaudited pro forma financial data for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2013 and as of and for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 give effect to the Transactions as described in "The Transactions" and the completion of this offering as if all such transactions had occurred on December 27, 2012, in the case of the summary unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations data, and as of September 24, 2014, in the case of the summary unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data. The unaudited pro forma financial information includes various estimates which are subject to material change and may not be indicative of what our operations or financial position would have been had this offering and related transactions taken place on the dates indicated, or that may be expected to occur in the future. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information" for a complete description of the adjustments and assumptions underlying the summary unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data.

        The summary historical consolidated financial and other data of Shake Shack Inc. have not been presented as Shake Shack Inc. is a newly incorporated entity, has had no business transactions or activities to date and had no assets or liabilities during the periods presented in this section.

 

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  Historical SSE Holdings, LLC   Pro Forma Shake
Shack Inc.(1)
 
 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
 
  Fiscal year
ended
December 25,
2013
  Thirty-nine
weeks ended
September 24,
2014
 
(in thousands, except share and per
share data)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 
 
   
   
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
 

Consolidated statement of operations data:

                                     

Revenues

                                     

Shack sales

  $ 55,591   $ 78,587   $ 56,783   $ 78,988   $     $    

Licensing revenue

    1,447     3,869     2,721     4,770              
                           

Total revenue

    57,038     82,456     59,504     83,758              

Expenses

                                     

Operating expenses

                                     

Food and paper costs

    16,774     23,865     17,211     24,248              

Labor and related expenses

    14,436     20,096     14,161     20,605              

Other operating expenses

    5,081     7,315     5,072     7,866              

Occupancy and related expenses

    5,053     6,892     4,871     6,794              

General and administrative expenses

    6,988     12,453     9,164     12,192              

Depreciation expense

    2,162     3,541     2,472     4,067              

Pre-opening costs

    1,858     2,334     1,705     3,828              

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

        25     17     28              
                           

Total expenses

    52,352     76,521     54,673     79,628              
                           

Income from operations

    4,686     5,935     4,831     4,130              

Interest expense, net

    156     52     31     219              
                           

Income before income taxes

    4,530     5,883     4,800     3,911              

Income tax expense

    397     460     374     366              
                           

Net income

  $ 4,133   $ 5,423   $ 4,426   $ 3,545   $     $    
                           
                           

Pro forma net income per share data (unaudited)(1)(2):

                                     

Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:

                                     

Basic

                                     

Diluted

                                     

Pro forma net income available to Class A common stock per share:

                                     

Basic

                          $     $    

Diluted

                          $     $    

Supplemental pro forma net income per share data (unaudited)(3):

                                     

Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:

                                     

Basic

                                     

Diluted

                                     

Pro forma net income available to Class A common stock per share:

                                     

Basic

                          $               $    

Diluted

                          $               $    

 

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  Historical SSE Holdings, LLC   Pro Forma
SSE Holdings,
LLC(4)
  Pro Forma
Shake
Shack Inc.(1)
 
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
  September 24,
2014
  September 24,
2014
 
 
   
   
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
 

Consolidated balance sheet data:

                               

Cash

  $ 16,033   $ 13,076   $ 6,107   $ 6,107   $    

Total assets

    44,068     55,219     65,537     65,537        

Total liabilities

    12,197     17,832     29,700     51,551        

Total members'/stockholders' equity

    31,871     37,387     35,837     13,986        

 

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Other data:

                         

Number of Shacks

   
21
   
40
   
33
   
53
 

Domestic company-operated          

    13     21     16     26  

Domestic licensed

    3     4     4     5  

International licensed

    5     15     13     22  

Same Shack sales growth

   
7.1

%
 
5.9

%
 
5.5

%
 
3.0

%

Average unit volumes

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Domestic company-operated Shacks          

  $ 5,367   $ 5,017              

Manhattan Shacks

    7,034     7,387              

Non-Manhattan Shacks

    3,791     3,840              

International licensed Shacks(5)

    9,665     6,077              

Shack system-wide sales(5)

 
$

81,048
 
$

139,903
 
$

98,931
 
$

156,080
 

Shack-level operating profit margins(6)

   
25.6

%
 
26.0

%
 
27.2

%
 
24.7

%

Manhattan Shacks

    29.0 %   30.3 %   31.7 %   31.2 %

Non-Manhattan Shacks

    19.8 %   21.9 %   22.8 %   20.8 %

Adjusted EBITDA(7)

 
$

9,998
 
$

14,459
 
$

11,417
 
$

14,063
 

As a percentage of revenue          

    17.5 %   17.5 %   19.2 %   16.8 %

Capital expenditures

 
$

11,036
 
$

16,194
 
$

10,359
 
$

17,885
 

(1)
Pro forma figures give effect to the Transactions, including this offering. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information" for a detailed presentation of the unaudited pro forma information, including a description of the transactions and assumptions underlying the pro forma adjustments.

(2)
See Note 5 to the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations in "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information" for the computations of the pro forma weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding.

(3)
The supplemental pro forma net income per share data has been computed, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share (the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover of this prospectus), to give effect to the number of shares whose proceeds would be necessary to pay (i) a distribution in the amount of approximately $21.9 million to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners and (ii) the $5.2 million distribution made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, but only to the extent the aggregate amount of these distributions exceeded our earnings for the preceding twelve-month period. See Note 7 to the unaudited pro forma

 

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    consolidated statements of operations in "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information."

(4)
The pro forma data in this column gives effect to the payment of a distribution in the amount of $21.9 million to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners and the related borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility used to fund the distribution as if such distribution was declared and paid on September 24, 2014. See Note 2 to the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2014 in "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information."

(5)
Shack system-wide sales includes combined revenue from all of our domestic company-operated Shacks and our domestic and international licensed Shacks. Our total revenue is limited to Shack sales from domestic company-operated Shacks and licensing revenue from our domestic and international licensed Shacks.

(6)
Shack-level operating profit margin is included in this prospectus because we believe that Shack-level operating profit margin is an important measure to evaluate the performance and profitability of each Shack, individually and in the aggregate. We use Shack-level operating profit margin information to benchmark our performance versus competitors. Shack-level operating profit margin is defined as Shack sales less operating expenses, including food and paper costs, labor and related expenses, other operating expenses and occupancy and related expenses as a percentage of Shack sales. Shack-level operating profit margin is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. Shack-level operating profit margin is a supplemental measure of operating performance of our Shacks and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Shack-level operating profit margin has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

    The computation of Shack-level operating profit margin is set forth below:

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Shack sales

  $ 55,591   $ 78,587   $ 56,783   $ 78,988  

Food and paper costs

    16,774     23,865     17,211     24,248  

Labor and related expenses

    14,436     20,096     14,161     20,605  

Other operating expenses

    5,081     7,315     5,072     7,866  

Occupancy and related expenses

    5,053     6,892     4,871     6,794  
                   

Shack-level operating profit

  $ 14,247   $ 20,419   $ 15,468   $ 19,475  
                   
                   

Shack-level operating profit margin

    25.6 %   26.0 %   27.2 %   24.7 %

 

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A reconciliation of Shack-level operating profit to income from operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is set forth below.

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Shack-level operating profit

  $ 14,247   $ 20,419   $ 15,468   $ 19,475  

Add:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Licensing revenue

    1,447     3,869     2,721     4,770  

Less:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

General and administrative expenses              

    6,988     12,453     9,164     12,192  

Depreciation expense

    2,162     3,541     2,472     4,067  

Pre-opening costs

    1,858     2,334     1,705     3,828  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

        25     17     28  
                   

Income from operations

  $ 4,686   $ 5,935   $ 4,831   $ 4,130  
                   
                   
(7)
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are included in this prospectus because they are key metrics used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry.

    EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not GAAP measures of our financial performance or liquidity and should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss) as a measure of financial performance or cash flows from operations as measures of liquidity, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not intended to be measures of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as they do not reflect tax payments, debt service requirements, capital expenditures, Shack openings and certain other cash costs that may recur in the future, including, among other things, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA supplementally. Our measures of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.

 

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    A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is set forth below:

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Net income

  $ 4,133   $ 5,423   $ 4,426   $ 3,545  

Depreciation expense

    2,162     3,541     2,472     4,067  

Interest expense, net

    156     52     31     219  

Income tax expense

    397     460     374     366  
                   

EBITDA

    6,848     9,476     7,303     8,197  

Equity-based compensation(a)

    450     93     51     124  

Deferred compensation(b)

        2,054     2,032      

Pre-opening costs(c)

    1,623     1,737     941     2,260  

Deferred rent(d)

    839     975     1,023     1,934  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment(e)

        25     17     28  

Costs associated with this offering(f)

                1,495  

Other non-cash items(g)

    238     99     50     25  
                   

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 9,998   $ 14,459   $ 11,417   $ 14,063  
                   
                   

(a)
Non-cash charges related to equity-based compensation programs, which vary from period to period depending on timing of awards.

(b)
For the periods presented, represents amounts accrued under a bonus agreement we entered into with an employee pursuant to which we agreed to pay a bonus in a future period.

(c)
Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new Shacks exclusive of deferred rent incurred prior to opening.

(d)
Reflects the extent to which our annual rent expense has been above or below our cash rent payments.

(e)
Includes the loss on disposal of assets in the ordinary course of business.

(f)
Costs incurred in connection with this offering, including legal, accounting and other related expenses.

(g)
For the periods presented, represents non-cash charges related to certain employee benefits.

 

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RISK FACTORS

         You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks or uncertainties. In that case, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our long-term success is highly dependent on our ability to successfully identify and secure appropriate sites and timely develop and expand our operations in existing and new markets.

        One of the key means of achieving our growth strategies will be through opening and operating new Shacks on a profitable basis for the foreseeable future. We opened eight new domestic company-operated Shacks in fiscal 2013 and 10 domestic company-operated Shacks and 12 international licensed Shacks in fiscal 2014. We must identify target markets where we can enter or expand, taking into account numerous factors such as the location of our current Shacks, demographics, traffic patterns and information gathered from our various contacts. We may not be able to open our planned new Shacks within budget or on a timely basis, if at all, given the uncertainty of these factors, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As we operate more Shacks, our rate of expansion relative to the size of our Shack base will eventually decline.

        The number and timing of new Shacks opened during any given period may be negatively impacted by a number of factors including, without limitation:

    the identification and availability of attractive sites for new Shacks and the ability to negotiate suitable lease terms;

    the lack of development and overall decrease in commercial real estate due to a macroeconomic downturn;

    recruitment and training of qualified personnel in the local market;

    our ability to obtain all required governmental permits, including zonal approvals, on a timely basis;

    our ability to control construction and development costs of new Shacks;

    competition in new markets, including competition for appropriate sites;

    failure of the landlords to timely deliver real estate to us;

    landlord delays;

    the proximity of potential sites to an existing Shack, and the impact of cannibalization on future growth;

    anticipated commercial, residential and infrastructure development near our new Shacks; and

    the cost and availability of capital to fund construction costs and pre-opening expenses.

        Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully expand as we may not correctly analyze the suitability of a location or anticipate all of the challenges imposed by expanding our operations. Our growth strategy, and the substantial investment associated with the development of each new company-operated Shack, may cause our operating results to fluctuate and be unpredictable or adversely affect our profits. In addition, as has happened when other restaurant concepts have tried to expand, we may find that our concept has limited appeal in new markets or we may experience a decline in the popularity of our concept in the markets in which we operate. If we are unable to

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expand in existing markets or penetrate new markets, our ability to increase our revenues and profitability may be materially harmed or we may face losses.

Damage to our reputation could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our reputation and the quality of our brand are critical to our business and success in existing markets, and will be critical to our success as we enter into new markets. We believe that we have built our reputation on the high quality of our food and service, our commitment to our guests, our strong employee culture, and the atmosphere and design of our Shacks, and we must protect and grow the value of our brand in order for us to continue to be successful. Any incident that erodes consumer loyalty for our brand could significantly reduce its value and damage our business.

        We may be adversely affected by any negative publicity, regardless of its accuracy, including with respect to:

    food safety concerns, including food tampering or contamination;

    food-borne illness incidents;

    the safety of the food commodities we use, particularly beef;

    guest injury;

    security breaches of confidential guest or employee information;

    employment-related claims relating to alleged employment discrimination, wage and hour violations; labor standards or healthcare and benefit issues; or

    government or industry findings concerning our Shacks, restaurants operated by other foodservice providers, or others across the food industry supply chain.

        Also, there has been a marked increase in the use of social media platforms and similar devices, including weblogs (blogs), social media websites and other forms of Internet-based communications that provide individuals with access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. The availability of information on social media platforms is virtually immediate as is its impact. Many social media platforms immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants can post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. The opportunity for dissemination of information, including inaccurate information, is seemingly limitless and readily available. Information concerning our Company may be posted on such platforms at any time. Information posted may be adverse to our interests or may be inaccurate, each of which may harm our performance, prospects or business. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction.

        Ultimately, the risks associated with any such negative publicity or incorrect information cannot be completely eliminated or mitigated and may materially harm our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Food safety and food-borne illness incidents may have an adverse effect on our business by not only reducing demand but also increasing operating costs.

        Food safety is a top priority, and we dedicate substantial resources to help ensure that our guests enjoy safe, quality food products. However, food-borne illnesses and other food safety issues have occurred in the food industry in the past, and could occur in the future. In addition, consumer preferences could be affected by health concerns about the consumption of beef, our key ingredient. A negative report or negative publicity, whether related to one of our Shacks or to a competitor in the industry, may have an adverse impact on demand for our food and could result in decreased guest traffic to our Shacks. A decrease in guest traffic to our Shacks as a result of these health concerns or

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negative publicity could materially harm our brand, business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Furthermore, our reliance on third-party food suppliers and distributors increases the risk that food-borne illness incidents could be caused by factors outside of our control and that multiple Shacks would be affected rather than a single Shack. We cannot assure that all food items will be properly maintained during transport throughout the supply chain and that our employees will identify all products that may be spoiled and should not be used in our Shacks. If our guests become ill from food-borne illnesses, we could be forced to temporarily close some Shacks. Furthermore, any instances of food contamination, whether or not at our Shacks, could subject us or our suppliers to a food recall pursuant to the United States Food and Drug Administration's (the "FDA") recently enacted Food Safety Modernization Act ("FSMA").

Shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of food products could adversely affect our operating results.

        We are dependent on frequent deliveries of food products that meet our specifications. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of food products caused by problems in production or distribution, inclement weather, unanticipated demand or other conditions could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of ingredients, which would adversely affect our operating results.

        Our burgers depend on the availability of our proprietary ground beef blend. Availability of our blend depends on two different components; raw material supplied by the slaughterhouses and ground and formed beef patties supplied by regional grinders who further process and convert whole muscle purchased from the slaughterhouses. The primary risk we face is with our regional grinders. If there is an interruption of operation at any one of our regional grinder's facilities, we face an immediate risk because each Shack typically has less than three days of beef patty inventory on hand. However, we have agreements with our regional grinders to provide an alternative back up supply in the event of a disruption in their operations. In addition, our largest supplier of raw material has agreed to an emergency plan to supply us in the event of a disruption of operations at one of our beef grinders through our broadline distributor's distribution network, but it would not be able to do so immediately.

        We currently have five approved sources of raw material in the United States. If there is a supply issue with all U.S. raw material, we have seven approved suppliers in other countries. The risks to using international suppliers are shipping lead time, shipping costs, potential import duties and U.S. customs. It is unknown at this time how long it would take and at what cost the raw material would be to import from any such other country, but the delay and cost would likely be adverse to our business. However, it is our belief that only in the event of extreme disruptions would our operations be materially and adversely affected.

Our international licensed Shacks import most of our proprietary and other core ingredients from the United States and the European Union. If this international supply chain is interrupted, our international licensed operations could encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs.

        Our international licensed Shacks import most of our proprietary ingredients from the United States and the European Union (the "EU"). For example, our proprietary blend of beef patties and/or raw materials for beef patties originate from the United States and the EU as well as Australia. In addition, our potato buns are exclusively from the United States, and other key items such as crinkle-cut fries and American cheese originate within the United States or the EU. While we have established secondary supply solutions for some of these ingredients, we have not acquired secondary supplies for all of them.

        Due to the long lead time and general volatility in the supply chain, the third party logistic providers for our international licensed Shacks in the Middle East carry one to three months of

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inventory to allow for delays or interruptions in the supply chain. Specifically, we have had past and ongoing issues in ensuring that timely and adequate supplies reach our Middle East Shacks. In the Middle East, our licensee, Alshaya Trading Company W.L.L. ("Alshaya"), delegates the supply function to its third party logistics providers in each country in which Alshaya operates, with which we have limited and restricted communication, preventing us from exercising control or instruction over such entities. As a result, in the Middle East, Alshaya has a limited ability to achieve economies of scale and minimize production and freight costs.

        The recent sanctions enacted by the Russian Federation on many imported ingredients from the United States, the EU and Australia have affected our licensee in Russia's ability to import such ingredients to our Russian Shack. As a result of the changing and uncertain nature of such sanctions, while our licensee in Russia has identified a back-up supplier, we are unable to guarantee that the licensee will be able to import our proprietary ingredients to supply this Shack. We have given our licensee in Russia approval to utilize alternative ingredients not affected by the sanctions, but there is a risk that these substitute ingredients may be inferior in taste and quality or come from suppliers that have not been vetted for food safety and quality assurance.

        Our U.K. Shack faces challenges in obtaining potato buns and custard, which originate from our U.S. suppliers. While these ingredients have no trade restrictions, they must be shipped from the United States, which poses an ongoing risk of delay in supply deliveries.

        Our Turkish Shacks currently import many key ingredients from both the EU and the United States. As is common in many developing markets, regulations are always subject to change which could potentially give rise to import risks should current importation legislation change. We are currently working on local Turkish alternatives to alleviate these risks in the future.

        If our international licensed Shacks are unable to obtain our proprietary ingredients in the necessary amounts in a timely fashion as a result of logistics issues, sanctions or other challenges, it could harm its business and adversely affect the licensing fees we receive from Alshaya, adversely impacting our business and results of operations.

We have a limited number of suppliers for our major products and rely on one distribution company for the majority of our domestic distribution program. If our suppliers or distributor are unable to fulfill their obligations under our arrangements with them, we could encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs.

        We have a limited number of suppliers for our major products, including beef patties, potato buns, custard, Portobello mushrooms and cheese sauce. In fiscal 2013, we purchased all of our (i) ground beef patties from two suppliers, with more than 87% of our ground beef patties supplied by one supplier, (ii) potato buns directly from one supplier, (iii) custard base from one supplier, (iv) 'Shroom Burgers from two suppliers, with approximately 50% of our 'Shroom Burgers supplied by each supplier and (v) ShackSauce from two suppliers, with approximately 87% of our ShackSauce supplied by one supplier. Due to this concentration of suppliers, the cancellation of our supply arrangements with these suppliers or the disruption, delay or inability of these suppliers to deliver these major products to our Shacks may materially and adversely affect our results of operations while we establish alternative distribution channels. In addition, if our suppliers fail to comply with food safety or other laws and regulations, or face allegations of non-compliance, their operations may be disrupted. We cannot assure you that we would be able to find replacement suppliers on commercially reasonable terms or a timely basis, if at all.

        We contract with one distributor to provide virtually all of our food distribution services in the United States. Specifically, as of September 24, 2014, we consolidated approximately 89% of our core food and beverage ingredients, as well as 100% of our paper goods and chemicals with this distributor, which we refer to as our broadline distributor, for distribution and delivery to each Shack. We currently utilize six affiliated distribution centers and plan to add three more by the end of fiscal 2014. Each

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distribution center carries two to three weeks of inventory for our core ingredients. In the event of a catastrophe, such as a fire, our broadline distributor can supply the Shacks affected by their respective distribution center from another affiliated distribution center. If a catastrophe, such as a fire, were to occur at the distribution center that services the New York and New Jersey Shacks, we would be at immediate risk of product shortages because that distribution center supplies approximately 39% of our domestic company-operated Shacks, which collectively represented approximately 61% of our Shack sales, as of September 24, 2014. The other five distribution centers are all along the eastern seaboard and collectively supply the other approximately 61% of our domestic company-operated Shacks which represent the remaining approximately 39% of our total Shack sales.

        Accordingly, although we believe that alternative supply and distribution sources are available, there can be no assurance that we will continue to be able to identify or negotiate with such sources on terms that are commercially reasonable to us. If our suppliers or distributors are unable to fulfill their obligations under their contracts or we are unable to identify alternative sources, we could encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. See "Business—Operations—Sourcing and Supply Chain."

Security breaches of confidential guest information, in connection with our electronic processing of credit and debit card transactions, or confidential employee information may adversely affect our business.

        Our business requires the collection, transmission and retention of large volumes of guest and employee data, including credit and debit card numbers and other personally identifiable information, in various information technology systems that we maintain and in those maintained by third parties with whom we contract to provide services. The integrity and protection of that guest and employee data is critical to us. Further, our guests and employees have a high expectation that we and our service providers will adequately protect their personal information.

        The information, security and privacy requirements imposed by governmental regulation are increasingly demanding. Our systems may not be able to satisfy these changing requirements and guest and employee expectations, or may require significant additional investments or time in order to do so. Efforts to hack or breach security measures, failures of systems or software to operate as designed or intended, viruses, operator error or inadvertent releases of data all threaten our and our service provider's information systems and records. A breach in the security of our information technology systems or those of our service providers could lead to an interruption in the operation of our systems, resulting in operational inefficiencies and a loss of profits. Additionally, a significant theft, loss or misappropriation of, or access to, guests' or other proprietary data or other breach of our information technology systems could result in fines, legal claims or proceedings, including regulatory investigations and actions, or liability for failure to comply with privacy and information security laws, which could disrupt our operations, damage our reputation and expose us to claims from guests and employees, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We face significant competition for guests, and our inability to compete effectively may affect our traffic, Shack sales and Shack-level operating profit margins, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The restaurant industry is intensely competitive with many well-established companies that compete directly and indirectly with us with respect to food quality, service, price and value, design and location. We compete in the restaurant industry with national, regional and locally-owned and/or operated limited-service restaurants and full-service restaurants. We compete with (i) "better burger" restaurants, (ii) fast casual restaurants, (iii) quick service restaurants and (iv) casual dining restaurants. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial, marketing, personnel and other resources than we do, and many of our competitors are well-established in markets in which we have existing Shacks or intend to locate new Shacks. In addition, many of our competitors have greater name

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recognition nationally or in some of the local markets in which we have or plan to have Shacks. Any inability to successfully compete with the restaurants in our markets will place downward pressure on our guest traffic and may prevent us from increasing or sustaining our revenues and profitability.

        Our continued success depends in part on the continued popularity of our menu and the experience we offer guests at our Shacks. Consumer tastes, nutritional and dietary trends, traffic patterns and the type, number, and location of competing restaurants often affect the restaurant business, and our competitors may react more efficiently and effectively to those conditions. In addition, some of our competitors in the past have implemented programs that provide price discounts on certain menu offerings, and they may continue to do so in the future. If we are unable to continue to compete effectively, our traffic, Shack sales and Shack-level operating profit margins could decline and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Our expansion into new domestic markets may present increased risks, which could affect our profitability.

        We plan to open domestic company-operated Shacks in markets where we have little or no operating experience. Shacks we open in new markets may take longer to reach expected Shack sales and profit levels on a consistent basis, are likely to be less profitable on average than our Manhattan Shacks and may have higher construction, occupancy or operating costs than Shacks we open in existing markets. New markets may have competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns that are more difficult to predict or satisfy than our existing markets. We may need to make greater investments than we originally planned in advertising and promotional activity in new markets to build brand awareness. We may find it more difficult in new markets to hire, motivate and keep qualified employees who share our values. We may also incur higher costs from entering new markets if, for example, we assign area directors to manage comparatively fewer Shacks than we assign in more developed markets. Also, until we attain a critical mass in a market, the Shacks we do open will have reduced operating leverage. As a result, these new Shacks may be less successful or may achieve target Shack-level operating profit margins at a slower rate, if ever. If we do not successfully execute our plans to enter new markets, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, we plan to continue to expand into new international markets, which can pose similar and additional challenges in opening new Shacks.

New Shacks, once opened, may not be profitable, and the performance of our Shacks that we have experienced in the past may not be indicative of future results.

        Our results have been, and in the future may continue to be, significantly impacted by the timing of new Shack openings (often dictated by factors outside of our control), including landlord delays, associated Shack pre-opening costs and operating inefficiencies, as well as changes in our geographic concentration due to the opening of new Shacks. We typically incur the most significant portion of pre-opening expenses associated with a given Shack within the three months preceding the opening of the Shack. Our experience has been that labor and operating costs associated with a newly opened Shack for the first several months of operation are materially greater than what can be expected after that time, both in aggregate dollars and as a percentage of Shack sales. Our new Shacks commonly take eight to 12 weeks to reach planned operating levels due to inefficiencies typically associated with new Shacks, including the training of new personnel, new market learning curves, inability to hire sufficient qualified staff and other factors. We may incur additional costs in new markets, particularly for transportation and distribution, which may impact the profitability of those Shacks. Accordingly, the volume and timing of new Shack openings may have a material adverse impact on our profitability.

        In addition, the majority of our current domestic company-operated Shacks are located in Manhattan and other high revenue markets. As we expand, this percentage will decline and as a result we may not be able to maintain our current AUVs and Shack-level operating profit margins and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

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        Although we target specified operating and financial metrics, new Shacks may not meet these targets or may take longer than anticipated to do so. Any new Shacks we open may not be profitable or achieve operating results similar to those of our existing Shacks, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our Shack sales and profit growth could be adversely affected if same Shack sales growth is less than we expect.

        The level of same Shack sales growth, which represents the change in year-over-year revenues for domestic company-operated Shacks open for 24 months or longer, could affect our Shack sales growth. Our ability to increase same Shack sales depends in part on our ability to successfully implement our initiatives to build Shack sales. It is possible such initiatives will not be successful, that we will not achieve our target same Shack sales growth or that same Shack sales growth could be negative, which may cause a decrease in Shack sales and profit growth that would adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Opening new Shacks in existing markets may negatively affect Shack sales at our existing Shacks .

        The consumer target area of our Shacks varies by location, depending on a number of factors, including population density, other local restaurants and attractions, area demographics and geography. As a result, the opening of a new Shack in or near markets in which we already have Shacks could adversely affect the Shack sales of those existing Shacks. Existing Shacks could also make it more difficult to build our consumer base for a new Shack in the same market. We will continue to cluster in select markets and open new Shacks in and around areas of existing Shacks that are operating at or near capacity to leverage operational efficiencies and effectively serve our guests. Shack sales cannibalization among our Shacks may become significant in the future as we continue to expand our operations and could adversely affect our Shack sales growth, which could, in turn, adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business and operating results.

        Our growth plan includes a significant number of new Shacks. Our existing management systems, financial and management controls and information systems may not be adequate to support our planned expansion. Our ability to manage our growth effectively will require us to continue to enhance these systems, procedures and controls and to locate, hire, train and retain management and operating personnel, particularly in new markets. We may not be able to respond on a timely basis to all of the changing demands that our planned expansion will impose on management and on our existing infrastructure, or be able to hire or retain the necessary management and operating personnel, which could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations. These demands could cause us to operate our existing business less effectively, which in turn could cause a deterioration in the financial performance of our existing Shacks. If we experience a decline in the financial performance, we may decrease the number of or discontinue Shack openings, or we may decide to close Shacks that we are unable to operate in a profitable manner.

Our plans to open new Shacks, and the ongoing need for capital expenditures at our existing Shacks, require us to spend capital.

        Our growth strategy depends on opening new Shacks, which will require us to use cash flows from operations and a portion of the net proceeds of this offering. We cannot assure you that cash flows from operations and the net proceeds of this offering will be sufficient to allow us to implement our growth strategy. If this cash is not allocated efficiently among our various projects, or if any of these initiatives prove to be unsuccessful, we may experience reduced profitability and we could be required to delay, significantly curtail or eliminate planned Shack openings, which could have a material adverse

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effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the price of our Class A common stock.

        In addition, as our Shacks mature, our business will require capital expenditures for the maintenance, renovation and improvement of existing Shacks to remain competitive and maintain the value of our brand standard. This creates an ongoing need for cash, and, to the extent we cannot fund capital expenditures from cash flows from operations, funds will need to be borrowed or otherwise obtained.

        If the costs of funding new Shacks or renovations or enhancements at existing Shacks exceed budgeted amounts, and/or the time for building or renovation is longer than anticipated, our profits could be reduced. If we cannot access the capital we need, we may not be able to execute on our growth strategy, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures.

We are subject to risks associated with leasing property subject to long-term non-cancelable leases.

        We do not own any real property and all of our domestic company-operated Shacks are located in leased premises. The leases for our Shacks generally have initial terms of 10 years and typically provide for two renewal options in five-year increments as well as for rent escalations. However, the license agreement for our Madison Square Park Shack can be terminated by the New York City Commissioner of Parks for any reason on 25 days' written notice.

        Generally, our leases are net leases that require us to pay our share of the costs of real estate taxes, utilities, building operating expenses, insurance and other charges in addition to rent. We generally cannot cancel these leases. Additional sites that we lease are likely to be subject to similar long-term non-cancelable leases. If we close a Shack, we nonetheless may be obligated to perform our monetary obligations under the applicable lease, including, among other things, payment of the base rent for the balance of the lease term. In addition, as each of our leases expire, we may fail to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all, which could cause us to close Shacks in desirable locations. As of September 24, 2014, we were a party to operating leases associated with our Shacks and administrative offices requiring future minimum lease payments of $1.9 million for the remainder of fiscal 2014 and approximately $164.9 million thereafter, which minimum lease commitments are not reflected as liabilities on our balance sheet. We depend on cash flows from operations to pay our lease expenses and to fulfill our other cash needs. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities, and sufficient funds are not otherwise available to us from borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in "Description of Indebtedness") or other sources, we may not be able to service our lease expenses or fund our other liquidity and capital needs, which would materially affect our business.

We depend on key executive management.

        We depend on the leadership and experience of our key executive management. The loss of the services of any of our executive management members could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, as we may not be able to find suitable individuals to replace such personnel on a timely basis or without incurring increased costs, or at all. We do not maintain key man life insurance policies on any of our executive officers. We believe that our future success will depend on our continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel. There is a high level of competition for experienced, successful personnel in our industry. Our inability to meet our executive staffing requirements in the future could impair our growth and harm our business.

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Our inability to identify qualified individuals for our workforce could slow our growth and adversely impact our ability to operate our Shacks.

        We believe that the "Enlightened Hospitality" culture of our Shack team is the single most important factor to our success. Accordingly, our success depends in part upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of qualified managers and associates to meet the needs of our existing Shacks and to staff new Shacks. We aim to hire warm, friendly, motivated, caring, self-aware and intellectually curious individuals, who are excited and committed to championship performance, remarkable and enriching hospitality, embodying our culture and actively growing themselves and our brand. A sufficient number of qualified individuals to fill these positions and qualifications may be in short supply in some communities. Competition in these communities for qualified staff could require us to pay higher wages and provide greater benefits, especially if there is significant improvement in regional or national economic conditions. We place a heavy emphasis on the qualification and training of our personnel and spend a significant amount of time and money on training our employees. Any inability to recruit and retain qualified individuals may result in higher turnover and increased labor costs, and could compromise the quality of our service, all of which could adversely affect our business. Any such inability could also delay the planned openings of new Shacks and could adversely impact our existing Shacks. Any such inability to retain or recruit qualified employees, increased costs of attracting qualified employees or delays in Shack openings could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Unionization activities may disrupt our operations and affect our profitability.

        Although none of our employees are currently covered under collective bargaining agreements, our employees may elect to be represented by labor unions in the future. If a significant number of our employees were to become unionized and collective bargaining agreement terms were significantly different from our current compensation arrangements, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, a labor dispute involving some or all of our employees may harm our reputation, disrupt our operations and reduce our revenues, and resolution of disputes may increase our costs. Further, if we enter into a new market with unionized construction companies, or the construction companies in our current markets become unionized, construction and build out costs for new Shacks in such markets could materially increase.

Increased food commodity and energy costs could decrease our Shack-level operating profit margins or cause us to limit or otherwise modify our menu, which could adversely affect our business.

        Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the price and availability of food commodities, including among other things beef, poultry, grains, dairy and produce. Prices may be affected due to market changes, increased competition, the general risk of inflation, shortages or interruptions in supply due to weather, disease or other conditions beyond our control, or other reasons. For example, certain regions of the United States have been experiencing a significant drought in 2014, which has increased the price of certain food commodities, including beef, dairy and produce. Other events could increase commodity prices or cause shortages that could affect the cost and quality of the items we buy or require us to further raise prices or limit our menu options. These events, combined with other more general economic and demographic conditions, could impact our pricing and negatively affect our Shack sales and Shack-level operating profit margins. While we have been able to partially offset inflation and other changes in the costs of core operating resources by gradually increasing menu prices, coupled with more efficient purchasing practices, productivity improvements and greater economies of scale, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the future. From time to time, competitive conditions could limit our menu pricing flexibility. In addition, macroeconomic conditions could make additional menu price increases imprudent. There can be no assurance that future cost increases can be offset by increased menu prices

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or that increased menu prices will be fully absorbed by our guests without any resulting change to their visit frequencies or purchasing patterns. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will generate same Shack sales growth in an amount sufficient to offset inflationary or other cost pressures.

        We do not currently hedge our commodity risks. We may decide to enter into certain forward pricing arrangements with our suppliers, which could result in fixed or formula-based pricing with respect to certain food products. However, these arrangements generally are relatively short in duration and may provide only limited protection from price changes. In addition, the use of these arrangements may limit our ability to benefit from favorable price movements.

        Our profitability also is adversely affected by increases in the price of utilities, such as natural gas, electric, and water, whether as a result of inflation, shortages or interruptions in supply, or otherwise. Our ability to respond to increased costs by increasing prices or by implementing alternative processes or products will depend on our ability to anticipate and react to such increases and other more general economic and demographic conditions, as well as the responses of our competitors and guests. All of these things may be difficult to predict and beyond our control. In this manner, increased costs could adversely affect our results of operations.

Higher health care costs and labor costs could adversely affect our business.

        With the passage in 2010 of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the "ACA"), we are required to provide affordable coverage, as defined in the ACA, to all employees, or otherwise be subject to a payment per employee based on the affordability criteria in the ACA. Many of these requirements will be phased in over a period of time, with the majority of the most impactful provisions affecting us presently anticipated to begin in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Additionally, some states and localities have passed state and local laws mandating the provision of certain levels of health benefits by some employers. Increased health care and insurance costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, changes in federal or state workplace regulations could adversely affect our ability to meet our financial targets.

        Various federal and state labor laws govern our relationships with our employees and affect operating costs. These laws include employee classifications as exempt or non-exempt, minimum wage requirements, unemployment tax rates, workers' compensation rates, overtime, family leave, safety standards, payroll taxes, citizenship requirements and other wage and benefit requirements for employees classified as non-exempt. As our team members are paid at rates set above, but related to, the applicable minimum wage, further increases in the minimum wage could increase our labor costs. Significant additional government regulations could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to many federal, state and local laws with which compliance is both costly and complex.

        The restaurant industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations, including the recently enacted comprehensive health care reform legislation discussed above, those relating to building and zoning requirements and those relating to the preparation and sale of food. Such laws and regulations are subject to change from time to time. The failure to comply with these laws and regulations could adversely affect our operating results. Typically, licenses, permits and approvals under such laws and regulations must be renewed annually and may be revoked, suspended or denied renewal for cause at any time if governmental authorities determine that our conduct violates applicable regulations. Difficulties or failure to maintain or obtain the required licenses, permits and approvals could adversely affect our existing Shacks and delay or result in our decision to cancel the opening of new Shacks, which would adversely affect our business.

        The development and operation of Shacks depend, to a significant extent, on the selection of suitable sites, which are subject to zoning, land use, environmental, traffic and other regulations and

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requirements. We are also subject to licensing and regulation by state and local authorities relating to health, sanitation, safety and fire standards.

        There is also a potential for increased regulation of certain food establishments in the United States, where compliance with a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points ("HACCP") approach may now be required. HACCP refers to a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of potential hazards from production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product. Many states have required restaurants to develop and implement HACCP Systems, and the United States government continues to expand the sectors of the food industry that must adopt and implement HACCP programs. For example, FSMA signed into law in January 2011, granted the FDA new authority regarding the safety of the entire food system, including through increased inspections and mandatory food recalls. Although restaurants are specifically exempted from or not directly implicated by some of these new requirements, we anticipate that the new requirements may impact our industry. Additionally, our suppliers may initiate or otherwise be subject to food recalls that may impact the availability of certain products, result in adverse publicity or require us to take actions that could be costly for us or otherwise impact our business.

        We are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA"), which, among other things, requires our Shacks to meet federally mandated requirements for the disabled. The ADA prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations on the basis of disability. Under the ADA, we could be required to expend funds to modify our Shacks to provide service to, or make reasonable accommodations for the employment of, disabled persons. In addition, our employment practices are subject to the requirements of the Immigration and Naturalization Service relating to citizenship and residency.

        In addition, our licensing activities are subject to laws enacted by a number of states, rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and certain rules and requirements regulating licensing activities in foreign countries. Failure to comply with new or existing licensing laws, rules and regulations in any jurisdiction or to obtain required government approvals could negatively affect our licensing sales and our relationships with our licensees.

        The impact of current laws and regulations, the effect of future changes in laws or regulations that impose additional requirements and the consequences of litigation relating to current or future laws and regulations, or our inability to respond effectively to significant regulatory or public policy issues, could increase our compliance and other costs of doing business and, therefore, have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Failure to comply with the laws and regulatory requirements of federal, state and local authorities could result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. In addition, certain laws, including the ADA, could require us to expend significant funds to make modifications to our Shacks if we failed to comply with applicable standards. Compliance with all of these laws and regulations can be costly and can increase our exposure to litigation or governmental investigations or proceedings.

Our marketing strategies and channels will evolve and our programs may or may not be successful.

        Shake Shack is a small, but growing brand. We incur costs and expend other resources in our marketing efforts to attract and retain guests. The brand's promotion includes public relations, digital and social media, promotions, and in-store messaging, which require less marketing spend as compared to traditional marketing programs. Currently, the amount of discounted promotions and advertising we do is nominal. As the number of Shacks increases, and as we expand into new markets, we expect to increase our investment in advertising and consider additional promotional activities. Accordingly, in the future, we will incur greater marketing expenditures, resulting in greater financial risk and a greater impact on our Company.

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        Some of these initiatives may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without the benefit of higher revenues. Additionally, some of our competitors have greater financial resources, which enable them to spend significantly more on marketing and advertising than we are able to at this time. Should our competitors increase spending on marketing and advertising or our marketing funds decrease for any reason, or should our advertising and promotions be less effective than those of our competitors, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in economic conditions, including continuing effects from the recent recession, could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The restaurant industry depends on consumer discretionary spending. During the economic downturn starting in 2008, continuing disruptions in the overall economy, including the ongoing impacts of the housing crisis, high unemployment, and financial market volatility and unpredictability, caused a related reduction in consumer confidence, which negatively affected the restaurant industry. These factors, as well as national, regional and local regulatory and economic conditions, gasoline prices, energy and other utility costs, inclement weather, conditions in the residential real estate and mortgage markets, health care costs, access to credit, disposable consumer income and consumer confidence, affect discretionary consumer spending. If these economic conditions persist or worsen, guest traffic could be adversely impacted if our guests choose to dine out less frequently or reduce the amount they spend on meals while dining out. If such negative economic conditions persist for a long period of time or become more pervasive, consumer changes to their discretionary spending behavior, including the frequency with which they dine out, could be more permanent. If Shack sales decrease, our profitability could decline as we spread fixed costs across a lower level of Shack sales. Prolonged negative trends in Shack sales could cause us to, among other things, reduce the number and frequency of new Shack openings, close Shacks or delay remodeling of our existing Shacks or take asset impairment charges.

Changes to estimates related to our property, fixtures and equipment or operating results that are lower than our current estimates at certain Shacks may cause us to incur impairment charges on certain long-lived assets, which may adversely affect our results of operations.

        In accordance with accounting guidance as it relates to the impairment of long-lived assets, we make certain estimates and projections with regard to individual Shack operations, as well as our overall performance, in connection with our impairment analyses for long-lived assets. If an impairment indicator was deemed to exist for a Shack, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows would be compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value. The projections of future cash flows used in these analyses require the use of judgment and a number of estimates and projections of future operating results. If actual results differ from our estimates, additional charges for asset impairments may be required in the future.

We rely on a limited number of licensees for the operation of our licensed Shacks, and we have limited control with respect to the operations of our licensed Shacks, which could have a negative impact on our reputation and business.

        We rely in part on our licensees and the manner in which they operate their Shacks to develop and promote our business. As of September 24, 2014, two licensees operated all of our domestic licensed Shacks and Alshaya, through affiliated and unaffiliated third party sublicensees, operated all of our international licensed Shacks. Our licensees are required to operate their Shacks according to the specific guidelines we set forth that are essential to maintaining brand integrity and reputation as well as in accordance with all laws and regulations applicable to Shake Shack and its subsidiaries, and all laws and regulations applicable in the countries in which we operate. We provide training to these

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licensees to integrate them into our operating strategy and culture. However, since we do not have day-to-day control over all of these Shacks, we cannot give assurance that there will not be differences in product and service quality, operations, marketing or profitably or that there will be adherence to all of our guidelines and applicable laws at these Shacks. In addition, if our licensees fail to make investments necessary to maintain or improve their Shacks, guest preference for the Shake Shack brand could suffer. Failure of these Shacks to operate effectively could adversely affect our cash flows from those operations or have a negative impact on our reputation or our business.

        Although we have developed criteria to evaluate and screen prospective developers and licensees, we cannot be certain that the developers and licensees we select will have the business acumen necessary to open and operate successful licensed Shacks in their licensing areas. Our licensees compete for guests with other restaurants in their geographic markets, and the ability of our licensees to compete for guests directly impacts our results of operations, as well as the desirability of our brand to prospective licensees. Licensees may not have access to the financial or management resources that they need to open the Shacks contemplated by their agreements with us or to be able to find suitable sites on which to develop them, or they may elect to cease development for other reasons. Licensees may not be able to negotiate acceptable lease or purchase terms for the sites, obtain the necessary permits and governmental approvals or meet construction schedules. Additionally, financing from banks and other financial institutions may not always be available to licensees to construct and open new Shacks. Any of these problems could slow our growth from licensing operations and reduce our licensing revenues.

A challenging economic environment may affect our licensees, with adverse consequences to us.

        Our operating results are impacted by the ability of our licensees to generate revenues at their licensed Shacks. It is possible that, in a challenging economic environment, some licensees could file for bankruptcy or become delinquent in their payments to us, which could have significant adverse impacts on our business due to loss or delay in payments of licensing and other fees. Bankruptcy or other adverse performance by our licensees could negatively impact our market share and operating results as we may have fewer well-performing Shacks, and adversely impact our ability to attract new licensees.

If we are unable to maintain good relationships with our licensees, revenues could decrease and we may be unable to expand our presence in certain markets.

        Our licensees pay us a license fee and certain other fees pursuant to our license agreements. The viability of our licensing business depends on our ability to establish and maintain good relationships with our licensees. In particular, our relationship with our international licensee, who is our sole international licensee and has an exclusive right to open new Shacks in certain markets, is critical to our international operations.

        The value of our brand and the rapport that we maintain with our licensees are important factors for potential licensees considering doing business with us. If we are unable to maintain good relationships with licensees, we may be unable to renew license agreements and opportunities for developing new relationships with additional licensees may be adversely affected. This, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

        Our license agreements require us and our licensees to comply with operational and performance conditions that are subject to interpretation and could result in disagreements. At any given time, we may be in disputes with one or more of our licensees. An adverse result in any such dispute could adversely impact our results of operations and business.

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We rely heavily on information technology, and any material failure, weakness, interruption or breach of security could prevent us from effectively operating our business .

        We rely heavily on information systems, including point-of-sale processing in our Shacks, for management of our supply chain, accounting, payment of obligations, collection of cash, credit and debit card transactions and other processes and procedures. Our ability to efficiently and effectively manage our business depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems. Our operations depend upon our ability to protect our computer equipment and systems against damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events, as well as from internal and external security breaches, viruses and other disruptive problems. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, maintenance problems, upgrading or transitioning to new platforms, expanding our systems as we grow or a breach in security of these systems could result in interruptions to or delays in our business and guest service and reduce efficiency in our operations. If our information technology systems fail and our redundant systems or disaster recovery plans are not adequate to address such failures, or if our business interruption insurance does not sufficiently compensate us for any losses that we may incur, our revenues and profits could be reduced and the reputation of our brand and our business could be materially adversely affected. In addition, remediation of such problems could result in significant, unplanned capital investments.

Legislation and regulations requiring the display and provision of nutritional information for our menu offerings, and new information or attitudes regarding diet and health or adverse opinions about the health effects of consuming our menu offerings, could affect consumer preferences and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        We serve burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer and wine. Government regulation and consumer eating habits may impact our business as a result of changes in attitudes regarding diet and health or new information regarding the health effects of consuming our menu offerings. These changes have resulted in, and may continue to result in, the enactment of laws and regulations that impact the ingredients and nutritional content of our menu offerings, or laws and regulations requiring us to disclose the nutritional content of our food offerings.

        For example, a number of states, counties and cities have enacted menu labeling laws requiring multi-unit restaurant operators to disclose certain nutritional information to customers, or have enacted legislation restricting the use of certain types of ingredients in restaurants. Furthermore, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (the "PPACA") establishes a uniform, federal requirement for certain restaurants to post certain nutritional information on their menus. Specifically, the PPACA amended the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require certain chain restaurants to publish the total number of calories of standard menu items on menus and menu boards, along with a statement that puts this calorie information in the context of a total daily calorie intake. The PPACA also requires covered restaurants to provide to consumers, upon request, a written summary of detailed nutritional information for each standard menu item, and to provide a statement on menus and menu boards about the availability of this information. The PPACA further permits the FDA to require covered restaurants to make additional nutrient disclosures, such as disclosure of trans-fat content. An unfavorable report on, or reaction to, our menu ingredients, the size of our portions or the nutritional content of our menu items could negatively influence the demand for our offerings.

        We cannot make any assurances regarding our ability to effectively respond to changes in consumer health perceptions or our ability to successfully implement the nutrient content disclosure requirements and to adapt our menu offerings to trends in eating habits. The imposition of menu-labeling laws could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position, as well as the hospitality industry in general.

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Our insurance may not provide adequate levels of coverage against claims.

        We believe that we maintain insurance customary for businesses of our size and type. However, there are types of losses we may incur that cannot be insured against or that we believe are not economically reasonable to insure. Such losses could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Because a component of our strategy is to continue to grow our licensed business internationally, the risks of doing business internationally could lower our revenues, increase our costs, reduce our profits or disrupt our business.

        Twenty-seven of our 32 licensed Shacks are located outside the United States and we expect to continue to expand our licensed Shacks internationally. As a result, we are and will be, on an increasing basis, subject to the risks of doing business outside the United States, including:

    changes in foreign currency exchange rates or currency restructurings and hyperinflation or deflation in the countries in which our licensees operate;

    the imposition of restrictions on currency conversion or the transfer of funds or limitations on our ability to repatriate non-U.S. earnings in a tax effective manner;

    the presence and acceptance of varying levels of business corruption in international markets;

    the ability to comply with, or impact of complying with, complex and changing laws, regulations and policies of foreign governments that may affect investments or operations, including foreign ownership restrictions, import and export controls, tariffs, embargoes, intellectual property, licensing requirements and regulations, increases in taxes paid and other changes in applicable tax laws;

    the difficulties involved in managing an organization doing business in many different countries;

    the ability to comply with, or impact of complying with, complex and changing laws, regulations and economic and political policies of the U.S. government, including U.S. laws and regulations relating to economic sanctions, export controls and anti-boycott requirements;

    increases in anti-American sentiment and the identification of the licensed brand as an American brand;

    the effect of disruptions caused by severe weather, natural disasters, outbreak of disease or other events that make travel to a particular region less attractive or more difficult; and

    political and economic instability.

        Any or all of these factors may adversely affect the performance of and licensing fees we receive from our licensed Shacks located in international markets. In particular, our international licensed Shacks operate in several volatile regions that are subject to geopolitical and sociopolitical factors that pose risk to our business operations. In addition, the economy of any region in which our Shacks are located may be adversely affected to a greater degree than that of other areas of the country or the world by certain developments affecting industries concentrated in that region or country. While these factors and the impact of these factors are difficult to predict, any one or more of them could lower our revenues, increase our costs, reduce our profits or disrupt our business, and, as our international licensed operations increase, these risks will become more pronounced.

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Because of our international licensed operations, we could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws.

        A significant portion of our licensed operations are located outside the United States. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and other similar anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws and regulations, generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. While our license agreements mandate compliance with applicable law, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in preventing our employees or other agents from taking actions in violation of these laws or regulations. Such violations, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Changes in statutory, regulatory, accounting, and other legal requirements could potentially impact our operating and financial results.

        We are subject to numerous statutory, regulatory and legal requirements, domestically and abroad. Our operating results could be negatively impacted by developments in these areas due to the costs of compliance in addition to possible government penalties and litigation in the event of deemed noncompliance. Changes in the regulatory environment in the area of food safety, privacy and information security, wage and hour laws, among others, could potentially impact our operations and financial results.

        We lease all of our domestic company-operated Shacks, and each is classified as an operating lease. The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") has issued an exposure draft that will revise lease accounting and require many leases currently considered to be operating leases to instead be classified as capital leases. The primary impact to this exposure draft would be that such leases would be recorded on the balance sheet as debt, and they currently have an off-balance sheet classification as operating leases. The timeline for effectiveness of this pronouncement, as well as the final guidelines and potential financial impact, are unclear at this point.

Fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate and realization of our deferred tax assets may result in volatility of our operating results.

        We are subject to income taxes in various U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. We record tax expense based on our estimates of future payments, which may include reserves for uncertain tax positions in multiple tax jurisdictions, and valuation allowances related to certain net deferred tax assets. At any one time, many tax years may be subject to audit by various taxing jurisdictions. The results of these audits and negotiations with taxing authorities may affect the ultimate settlement of these issues. We expect that throughout the year there could be ongoing variability in our quarterly tax rates as events occur and exposures are evaluated.

        In addition, our effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted by a variety of factors including but not limited to changes in the mix and level of earnings, varying tax rates in the different jurisdictions in which we operate, fluctuations in the valuation allowance or by changes to existing accounting rules or regulations. Further, tax legislation may be enacted in the future which could negatively impact our current or future tax structure and effective tax rates.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which, in turn, could harm the value of our brands and adversely affect our business.

        Our ability to implement our business plan successfully depends in part on our ability to further build brand recognition using our trademarks, service marks, proprietary products and other intellectual property, including our name and logos and the unique character and atmosphere of our Shacks. We rely on U.S. and foreign trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, as well as license agreements,

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nondisclosure agreements, and confidentiality and other contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property. Nevertheless, our competitors may develop similar menu items and concepts, and adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of our trade secrets and other intellectual property.

        The success of our business depends on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks and service marks to increase brand awareness and further develop our brand in both domestic and international markets. We have registered and applied to register trademarks and service marks in the United States and foreign jurisdictions. We may not be able to adequately protect our trademarks and service marks, and our competitors and others may successfully challenge the validity and/or enforceability of our trademarks and service marks and other intellectual property. The steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in the United States and in foreign countries may not be adequate. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property to the same extent as the laws of the United States.

        If our efforts to maintain and protect our intellectual property are inadequate, or if any third party misappropriates, dilutes or infringes on our intellectual property, the value of our brands may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and might prevent our brands from achieving or maintaining market acceptance.

        We may also from time to time be required to institute litigation to enforce our trademarks, service marks and other intellectual property. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could negatively affect our sales, profitability and prospects regardless of whether we are able to successfully enforce our rights.

        Third parties may assert that we infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate their intellectual property and may sue us for intellectual property infringement. Even if we are successful in these proceedings, we may incur substantial costs, and the time and attention of our management and other personnel may be diverted in pursuing these proceedings. If a court finds that we infringe a third party's intellectual property, we may be required to pay damages and/or be subject to an injunction. With respect to any third party intellectual property that we use or wish to use in our business (whether or not asserted against us in litigation), we may not be able to enter into licensing or other arrangements with the owner of such intellectual property at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms.

Restaurant companies have been the target of class action lawsuits and other proceedings that are costly, divert management attention and, if successful, could result in our payment of substantial damages or settlement costs.

        Our business is subject to the risk of litigation by employees, guests, suppliers, licensees, stockholders or others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify. In recent years, restaurant companies have been subject to lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, alleging violations of federal and state laws regarding workplace and employment matters, discrimination and similar matters. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in the payment of substantial damages by the defendants. Similar lawsuits have been instituted from time to time alleging violations of various federal and state wage and hour laws regarding, among other things, employee meal deductions, overtime eligibility of assistant managers and failure to pay for all hours worked. While we have not been a party to any of these types of lawsuits in the past, there can be no assurance that we will not be named in any such lawsuit in the future or that we would not be required to pay substantial expenses and/or damages.

        Occasionally, our guests file complaints or lawsuits against us alleging that we are responsible for some illness or injury they suffered at or after a visit to one of our Shacks, including actions seeking damages resulting from food-borne illness or accidents in our Shacks. We are also subject to a variety

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of other claims from third parties arising in the ordinary course of our business, including contract claims. The restaurant industry has also been subject to a growing number of claims that the menus and actions of restaurant chains have led to the obesity of certain of their customers.

        Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from our operations. In addition, they may generate negative publicity, which could reduce guest traffic and Shack sales. Although we maintain what we believe to be adequate levels of insurance, insurance may not be available at all or in sufficient amounts to cover any liabilities with respect to these or other matters. A judgment or other liability in excess of our insurance coverage for any claims or any adverse publicity resulting from claims could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our business is subject to risks related to our sale of alcoholic beverages.

        We serve beer and wine at most of our Shacks. Alcoholic beverage control regulations generally require our Shacks to apply to a state authority and, in certain locations, county or municipal authorities for a license that must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate to numerous aspects of daily operations of our Shacks, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, trade practices, wholesale purchasing, other relationships with alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. Any future failure to comply with these regulations and obtain or retain licenses could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        We are also subject in certain states to "dram shop" statutes, which generally provide a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. We carry liquor liability coverage as part of our existing comprehensive general liability insurance. Recent litigation against restaurant chains has resulted in significant judgments and settlements under dram shop statutes. Because these cases often seek punitive damages, which may not be covered by insurance, such litigation could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from operations and hurt our financial performance. A judgment significantly in excess of our insurance coverage or not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations.

        Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations in that our Shack sales are typically nominally higher during the summer months affecting the second and third quarters of the fiscal year. Our quarterly results have been and will continue to be affected by the timing of new Shack openings and their associated pre-opening costs. As a result of these factors, our financial results for any single quarter or for periods of less than a year are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

Because many of our domestic company-operated Shacks are concentrated in local or regional areas, we are susceptible to economic and other trends and developments, including adverse weather conditions, in these areas.

        Our financial performance is highly dependent on Shacks located in the Northeast and the New York City metropolitan area, which comprised approximately 58% (or 15 out of 26) of our total domestic company-operated Shacks as of September 24, 2014. As a result, adverse economic conditions in any of these areas could have a material adverse effect on our overall results of operations. In

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addition, given our geographic concentrations, negative publicity regarding any of our Shacks in these areas could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations, as could other regional occurrences such as local strikes, terrorist attacks, increases in energy prices, inclement weather or natural or man-made disasters.

        In particular, adverse weather conditions, such as regional winter storms, floods, severe thunderstorms and hurricanes, could negatively impact our results of operations. Recently, we have experienced temporary Shack closures on the east coast due to Superstorm Sandy, which resulted in the closing of 11 Shacks for at least one day. Temporary or prolonged Shack closures may occur and guest traffic may decline due to the actual or perceived effects of future weather related events.

Risks Related to Our Company and Our Organizational Structure

Our principal asset after the completion of this offering will be our interest in SSE Holdings, and, accordingly, we will depend on distributions from SSE Holdings to pay our taxes and expenses, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. SSE Holdings' ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions.

        Upon the consummation of this offering, we will be a holding company and will have no material assets other than our ownership of LLC Interests of SSE Holdings. As such, we will have no independent means of generating revenue or cash flow, and our ability to pay our taxes and operating expenses or declare and pay dividends in the future, if any, will be dependent upon the financial results and cash flows of SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries and distributions we receive from SSE Holdings. There can be no assurance that our subsidiaries will generate sufficient cash flow to distribute funds to us or that applicable state law and contractual restrictions, including negative covenants in our debt instruments, will permit such distributions.

        SSE Holdings will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, will not be subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income will be allocated to holders of LLC Interests, including us. Accordingly, we will incur income taxes on our allocable share of any net taxable income of SSE Holdings. Under the terms of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement, SSE Holdings will be obligated to make tax distributions to holders of LLC Interests, including us. In addition to tax expenses, we will also incur expenses related to our operations, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which we expect could be significant. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement." We intend, as its managing member, to cause SSE Holdings to make cash distributions to the owners of LLC Interests in an amount sufficient to (i) fund all or part of their tax obligations in respect of taxable income allocated to them and (ii) cover our operating expenses, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. However, SSE Holdings' ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions, such as restrictions on distributions that would either violate any contract or agreement to which SSE Holdings is then a party, including debt agreements, or any applicable law, or that would have the effect of rendering SSE Holdings insolvent. If we do not have sufficient funds to pay tax or other liabilities or to fund our operations, we may have to borrow funds, which could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and subject us to various restrictions imposed by any such lenders. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid; provided, however, that nonpayment for a specified period may constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement and therefore accelerate payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement" and "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement—Distributions." In addition, if SSE Holdings does not have sufficient funds to make distributions, our ability to declare and pay cash dividends will also be restricted or impaired.

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See "—Risks Related to This Offering and Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock" and "Dividend Policy."

The Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing SSE Equity Owners requires us to make cash payments to them in respect of certain tax benefits to which we may become entitled, and we expect that the payments we will be required to make will be substantial.

        Upon the closing of this offering, we will be a party to the Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing SSE Equity Owners. Under the Tax Receivable Agreement, we will be required to make cash payments to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners equal to 85% of the tax benefits, if any, that we actually realize, or in certain circumstances are deemed to realize, as a result of (1) the increases in the tax basis of assets of SSE Holdings resulting from any redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests from the Continuing SSE Equity Owners as described under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement—LLC Interest Redemption Right," and (2) certain other tax benefits related to our making payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. The amount of the cash payments that we will be required to make under the Tax Receivable Agreement we expect will be significant. Any payments made by us to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us. Furthermore, our future obligation to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement could make us a less attractive target for an acquisition, particularly in the case of an acquirer that cannot use some or all of the tax benefits that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement. For more information, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement." Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are not conditioned on any Continuing SSE Equity Owner's continued ownership of LLC Interests or our Class A common stock after this offering.

        The actual amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of redemptions or exchanges by the holders of LLC Interests, the amount of gain recognized by such holders of LLC Interests, the amount and timing of the taxable income we generate in the future, and the federal tax rates then applicable.

Our organizational structure, including the Tax Receivable Agreement, confers certain benefits upon the Continuing SSE Equity Owners that will not benefit Class A common stockholders to the same extent as it will benefit the Continuing SSE Equity Owners.

        Our organizational structure, including the Tax Receivable Agreement, confers certain benefits upon the Continuing SSE Equity Owners that will not benefit the holders of our Class A common stock to the same extent as it will benefit the Continuing SSE Equity Owners. We will enter into the Tax Receivable Agreement with SSE Holdings and the Continuing SSE Equity Owners and it will provide for the payment by Shake Shack to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that Shake Shack actually realizes, or in some circumstances is deemed to realize, as a result of (1) the increases in the tax basis of assets of SSE Holdings resulting from any redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests from the Continuing SSE Equity Owners as described under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement—LLC Interest Redemption Right," and (2) certain other tax benefits related to our making payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement." Although Shake Shack will retain 15% of the amount of such tax benefits, this and other aspects of our organizational structure may adversely impact the future trading market for the Class A common stock.

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In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners may be accelerated or significantly exceed the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.

        The Tax Receivable Agreement provides that upon certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control or if, at any time, we elect an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, then our obligations, or our successor's obligations, under the Tax Receivable Agreement to make payments thereunder would be based on certain assumptions, including an assumption that we would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize all potential future tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.

        As a result of the foregoing, (i) we could be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement that are greater than the specified percentage of the actual benefits we ultimately realize in respect of the tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement and (ii) if we elect to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement early, we would be required to make an immediate cash payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future tax benefits that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement, which payment may be made significantly in advance of the actual realization, if any, of such future tax benefits. In these situations, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. There can be no assurance that we will be able to fund or finance our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

We will not be reimbursed for any payments made to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the event that any tax benefits are disallowed.

        Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that we determine, and the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or another tax authority may challenge all or part of the tax basis increases, as well as other related tax positions we take, and a court could sustain such challenge. We will not be reimbursed for any cash payments previously made to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the event that any tax benefits initially claimed by us and for which payment has been made to a Continuing SSE Equity Owner are subsequently challenged by a taxing authority and are ultimately disallowed. Instead, any excess cash payments made by us to a Continuing SSE Equity Owner will be netted against any future cash payments that we might otherwise be required to make to such Continuing SSE Equity Owner under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement. However, we might not determine that we have effectively made an excess cash payment to a Continuing SSE Equity Owner for a number of years following the initial time of such payment. As a result, payments could be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement in excess of the tax savings that we realize in respect of the tax attributes with respect to a Continuing SSE Equity Owner that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

        We are subject to taxes by the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities, and our tax liabilities will be affected by the allocation of expenses to differing jurisdictions. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:

    changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;

    expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;

    tax effects of stock-based compensation;

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    changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof; or

    future earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated earnings in countries where we have higher statutory tax rates.

        In addition, we may be subject to audits of our income, sales and other transaction taxes by U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxing authorities. Outcomes from these audits could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

If we were deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a result of our ownership of SSE Holdings, applicable restrictions could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        Under Sections 3(a)(1)(A) and (C) of the 1940 Act, a company generally will be deemed to be an "investment company" for purposes of the 1940 Act if (i) it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities or (ii) it engages, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and it owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We do not believe that we are an "investment company," as such term is defined in either of those sections of the 1940 Act.

        As the sole managing member of SSE Holdings, we will control and operate SSE Holdings. On that basis, we believe that our interest in SSE Holdings is not an "investment security" as that term is used in the 1940 Act. However, if we were to cease participation in the management of SSE Holdings, our interest in SSE Holdings could be deemed an "investment security" for purposes of the 1940 Act.

        We and SSE Holdings intend to conduct our operations so that we will not be deemed an investment company. However, if we were to be deemed an investment company, restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on our capital structure and our ability to transact with affiliates, could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Shake Shack is controlled by the Original SSE Equity Owners, whose interests may differ from those of our public stockholders.

        Immediately following this offering and the application of net proceeds from this offering, the Original SSE Equity Owners will control approximately        % of the combined voting power of our common stock through their ownership of both Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The Original SSE Equity Owners will, for the foreseeable future, have significant influence over corporate management and affairs, and will be able to control virtually all matters requiring stockholder approval. The Original SSE Equity Owners are able to, subject to applicable law, and the voting arrangements described in "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions," elect a majority of the members of our board of directors and control actions to be taken by us and our board of directors, including amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and approval of significant corporate transactions, including mergers and sales of substantially all of our assets. The directors so elected will have the authority, subject to the terms of our indebtedness and applicable rules and regulations, to issue additional stock, implement stock repurchase programs, declare dividends and make other decisions. It is possible that the interests of the Original SSE Equity Owners may in some circumstances conflict with our interests and the interests of our other stockholders, including you. For example, the Original SSE Equity Owners may have different tax positions from us, especially in light of the Tax Receivable Agreement, that could influence their decisions regarding whether and when to dispose of assets, whether and when to incur new or refinance existing indebtedness, and whether and when Shake Shack should terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement and accelerate its obligations

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thereunder. In addition, the determination of future tax reporting positions and the structuring of future transactions may take into consideration these Original SSE Equity Owners' tax or other considerations, which may differ from the considerations of us or our other stockholders. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement."

        In addition, certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners are in the business of making or advising on investments in companies and may hold, and may from time to time in the future acquire interests in or provide advice to businesses that directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business or the business of our suppliers. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the Original SSE Equity Owners or any director who is not employed by us or his or her affiliates will have any duty to refrain from engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar lines of business as us. The Original SSE Equity Owners may also pursue acquisitions that may be complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us.

We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange listing standards 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.

        Substantially concurrent with the closing of this offering, the Voting Group, which will hold Class A common stock and Class B common stock representing approximately        % of the combined voting power of our common stock, will enter into the Stockholders Agreement with us. Pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, until such time as no members of the Voting Group are entitled to designate individuals to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by our board of directors for election to our board of directors, or the Stockholders Agreement is otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms, the parties to the Stockholders Agreement will agree to vote their shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock in favor of the election of the nominees of certain members of the Voting Group to our board of directors upon their nomination by the nominating and corporate governance committee of our board of directors. See "Management—Corporate Governance—Composition of our Board of Directors." As a result, the Voting Group will have the ability to elect all of the members of our board of directors, and thereby, to control our management and affairs. The Stockholders Agreement will further provide that, for so long as the Meyer Group collectively owns at least 10% of the total shares of our Class A and Class B common stock owned by it immediately following the consummation of this offering, the approval of the Meyer Group will be required for certain corporate actions, including change in control transactions, equity issuances and the hiring or termination of our Chief Executive Officer. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement—Meyer Group Approvals."

        Because of the Stockholders Agreement and the aggregate voting power of the Voting Group, we are considered a "controlled company" for the purposes of the New York Stock Exchange. As such, we are exempt from certain corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, including (i) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors, (ii) the requirement that we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors and (iii) the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors. Following this offering, we intend to rely on some or all of these exemptions. As a result, we will not have a majority of independent directors and our compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees will not 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 New York Stock Exchange.

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Our anti-takeover provisions could prevent or delay a change in control of our Company, even if such change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders.

        Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as they will be in effect upon completion of this offering, as well as provisions of Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of our Company, even if such change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include:

    authorizing the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock that could be issued by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;

    establishing a classified board of directors so that not all members of our board of directors are elected at one time;

    the removal of directors only for cause;

    prohibiting the use of cumulative voting for the election of directors;

    limiting the ability of stockholders to call special meetings or amend our bylaws;

    requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders; and

    establishing advance notice and duration of ownership requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.

        These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors of your choosing and cause us to take other corporate actions you desire. In addition, because our board of directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions could in turn affect any attempt by our stockholders to replace current members of our management team.

        In addition, the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, to which we are subject, prohibits us, except under specified circumstances, from engaging in any mergers, significant sales of stock or assets or business combinations with any stockholder or group of stockholders who owns at least 15% of our common stock.

We may issue shares of preferred stock in the future, which could make it difficult for another company to acquire us or could otherwise adversely affect holders of our Class A common stock, which could depress the price of our Class A common stock.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will authorize us to issue one or more series of preferred stock. Our board of directors will have the authority to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of the shares of preferred stock and to fix the number of shares constituting any series and the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our preferred stock could be issued with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to the rights of our Class A common stock. The potential issuance of preferred stock may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discourage bids for our Class A common stock at a premium to the market price, and materially and adversely affect the market price and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Class A common stock.

The provision of our certificate of incorporation requiring exclusive venue in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware for certain types of lawsuits may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will require, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a

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claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or the bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us governed by the internal affairs doctrine will have to be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware. Although we believe this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

Risks Related to This Offering and Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock

Immediately following the consummation of this offering, the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will have the right to have their LLC Interests redeemed pursuant to the terms of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement.

        After this offering, we will have an aggregate of more than                shares of Class A common stock authorized but unissued, including approximately                shares of Class A common stock issuable upon redemption of LLC Interests that will be held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners. SSE Holdings will enter into the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement and, subject to certain restrictions set forth therein and as described elsewhere in this prospectus, the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will be entitled to have their LLC Interests redeemed for shares of our Class A common stock. We also intend to enter into a Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which the shares of Class A common stock issued to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners upon redemption of LLC Interests and the shares of Class A common stock issued to the Former SSE Equity Owners in connection with the Transactions will be eligible for resale, subject to certain limitations set forth therein. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement."

        We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Class A common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our Class A common stock may have on the market price of our Class A common stock. Sales or distributions of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock, including shares issued in connection with an acquisition, or the perception that such sales or distributions could occur, may cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.

If you purchase shares of Class A common stock in this offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution.

        Dilution is the difference between the offering price per share and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our Class A common stock immediately after the offering. The price you pay for shares of our Class A common stock sold in this offering is substantially higher than our pro forma net tangible book value per share immediately after this offering. If you purchase shares of Class A common stock in this offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution in the amount of $            per share based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share (the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus). In addition, you may also experience additional dilution, or potential dilution, upon future equity issuances to investors or to our employees and directors under our 2015 Incentive Award Plan and any other equity incentive plans we may adopt. As a result of this dilution, investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering may receive significantly less than the full purchase price that they paid for the stock purchased in this offering in the event of liquidation. See "Dilution."

We do not know whether a market will develop for our Class A common stock or what the market price of our Class A common stock will be and as a result it may be difficult for you to sell your shares of our Class A common stock.

        Before this offering, there was no public trading market for our Class A common stock. If a market for our Class A common stock does not develop or is not sustained, it may be difficult for you

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to sell your shares of Class A common stock at an attractive price or at all. We cannot predict the prices at which our Class A common stock will trade. It is possible that in one or more future periods our results of operations may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors and, as a result of these and other factors, the price of our Class A common stock may fall.

If our operating and financial performance in any given period does not meet the guidance that we provide to the public, our stock price may decline.

        We may provide public guidance on our expected operating and financial results for future periods. Any such guidance will be comprised of forward-looking statements subject to the risks and uncertainties described in this prospectus and in our other public filings and public statements. Our actual results may not always be in line with or exceed any guidance we have provided, especially in times of economic uncertainty. If, in the future, our operating or financial results for a particular period do not meet any guidance we provide or the expectations of investment analysts or if we reduce our guidance for future periods, the market price of our Class A common stock may decline as well.

If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they publish negative evaluations of our Class A common stock, the price of our Class A common stock could decline.

        The trading market for our Class A common stock will rely in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by industry or financial analysts. If no or few analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price of our stock would likely decrease. Even if we do obtain analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts covering our business downgrade their evaluations of our stock, the price of our Class A common stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover our Class A common stock, we could lose visibility in the market for our stock, which in turn could cause our Class A common stock price to decline.

Our common stock may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the initial public offering price.

        After this offering, the market price for our common stock is likely to be volatile, in part because our shares have not been traded publicly. In addition, the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, most of which we cannot control, including:

    low same Shack sales growth compared to market expectations;

    delays in the planned openings of new Shacks;

    quarterly variations in our operating results compared to market expectations;

    changes in preferences of our guests;

    adverse publicity about us, the industries we participate in or individual scandals;

    announcements of new offerings or significant price reductions by us or our competitors;

    stock price performance of our competitors;

    changes in the price and availability of food commodities, particularly beef and dairy;

    fluctuations in stock market prices and volumes;

    default on our indebtedness;

    actions by competitors;

    changes in senior management or key personnel;

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    changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;

    the market's reaction to our reduced disclosure as a result of being an "emerging growth company" under the JOBS Act;

    negative earnings or other announcements by us or other restaurant companies;

    downgrades in our credit ratings or the credit ratings of our competitors;

    incurrence of indebtedness or issuances of capital stock;

    global economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance; and

    the other factors listed in this "Risk Factors" section.

        The initial public offering price of our Class A common stock will be determined by negotiations between us and the underwriters based upon a number of factors and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail following the closing of this offering. Volatility in the market price of our common stock may prevent investors from being able to sell their Class A common stock at or above the initial public offering price. As a result, you may suffer a loss on your investment.

        In addition, stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies in our industry. In the past, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were involved in securities litigation, we could incur substantial costs and our resources and the attention of management could be diverted from our business.

Substantial future sales of our Class A common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress our stock price.

        Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock in the public market after this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional shares. Upon the closing of this offering, we will have                shares of Class A common stock outstanding (or                if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and                authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock that would be issuable upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests. The shares of Class A common stock offered in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, except for any shares of our common stock that may be held or acquired by our directors, executive officers and other affiliates, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, which will be restricted securities under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may not be sold in the public market unless the sale is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available.

        The remaining outstanding                shares of Class A common stock held by the Former SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants will be subject to certain restrictions on sale. We and each of our executive officers and directors and the Original SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants, which collectively will hold        % of our outstanding capital stock (including shares of Class A common stock issuable upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests) upon the closing of this offering, have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for (including the LLC Interests), or that represent the right to receive, 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 J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. See "Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)." All of our shares of common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus (and shares of Class A common stock issuable upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests) may be sold in the public market by existing stockholders following the

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expiration of the applicable lock-up period, subject to applicable limitations imposed under federal securities laws.

        We also intend to enter into a Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which the shares of Class A common stock issued upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners and the shares of Class A common stock issued to the Former SSE Equity Owners in connection with the Transactions will be eligible for resale, subject to certain limitations set forth therein. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement."

        We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all shares of Class A common stock subject to outstanding options and Class A common stock issued or issuable under our stock plans. Any such Form S-8 registration statements will automatically become effective upon filing. Accordingly, shares registered under such registration statements will be available for sale in the open market following the expiration of the applicable lock-up period. We expect that the initial registration statement on Form S-8 will cover                shares of our Class A common stock.

        See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" for a more detailed description of the restrictions on selling shares of our common stock after this offering.

        In the future, we may also issue additional securities if we need to raise capital, which could constitute a material portion of our then-outstanding shares of common stock.

Taking advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to "emerging growth companies" may make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.

        The JOBS Act provides that, so long as a company qualifies as an "emerging growth company," it will, among other things:

    be exempt from the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act") requiring that its independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting;

    be exempt from the "say on pay" and "say on golden parachute" advisory vote requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Customer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act");

    be exempt from certain disclosure requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act relating to compensation of its executive officers and be permitted to omit the detailed compensation discussion and analysis from proxy statements and reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"); and

    be exempt from any rules that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requiring mandatory audit firm rotations or a supplement to the auditor's report on the financial statements.

        We currently intend to take advantage of each of the exemptions described above. 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 107(b) of the JOBS Act. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years after this offering. We cannot predict if investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive if we elect to rely on these exemptions, or if taking advantage of these exemptions would result in less active trading or more volatility in the price of our Class A common stock.

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We will incur increased costs as a result of becoming a public company and in the administration of our organizational structure.

        As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting, insurance and other expenses that we have not incurred as a private company, including costs associated with public company reporting requirements. We also have incurred and will incur costs associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Following the completion of this offering, we will incur ongoing periodic expenses in connection with the administration of our organizational structure. The expenses incurred by public companies generally for reporting and corporate governance purposes have been increasing. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly, although we are currently unable to estimate these costs with any degree of certainty. In estimating these costs, we took into account expenses related to insurance, legal, accounting, and compliance activities, as well as other expenses not currently incurred. These laws and regulations could also make it more difficult or costly for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we may be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. These laws and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or as our executive officers. Furthermore, if we are unable to satisfy our obligations as a public company, we could be subject to delisting of our common stock, fines, sanctions and other regulatory action and potentially civil litigation.

Failure to establish and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.

        We are not currently required to comply with the rules of the SEC implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. Upon becoming a public company, we will be required to comply with the SEC's rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which will require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of controls over financial reporting. Though we will be required to disclose changes made in our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis, we will not be required to make our first annual assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC. However, 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 pursuant to Section 404 until the later of the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC or the date we are no longer an emerging growth company. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating.

        To comply with the requirements of being a public company, we have undertaken various actions, and may need to take additional actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring additional accounting or internal audit staff. Testing and maintaining internal control can divert our management's attention from other matters that are important to the operation of our business. Additionally, when evaluating our internal control over financial reporting, we may identify material weaknesses that we may not be able to remediate in time to meet the applicable deadline imposed upon us for compliance with the requirements of Section 404. For example, a material weakness was identified during fiscal 2014 relating to prior period financial statement close procedures. We have since remediated this material weakness. If we identify any additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or are unable to comply with the requirements of

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Section 404 in a timely manner or assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting once we are no longer an emerging growth company, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our Class A common stock could be negatively affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

We do not currently expect to pay any cash dividends.

        The continued operation and expansion of our business will require substantial funding. Accordingly, we do not currently expect to pay any cash dividends on shares of our Class A common stock. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors our board of directors deems relevant. We are a holding company, and substantially all of our operations are carried out by SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, SSE Holdings is currently restricted from paying cash dividends, and we expect these restrictions to continue in the future. Our ability to pay dividends may also be restricted by the terms of any future credit agreement or any future debt or preferred equity securities of ours or of our subsidiaries. Accordingly, if you purchase shares in this offering, realization of a gain on your investment will depend on the appreciation of the price of our Class A common stock, which may never occur. Investors seeking cash dividends in the foreseeable future should not purchase our Class A common stock.

We have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.

        Shake Shack intends to use the proceeds of this offering to purchase newly issued LLC Interests as described in "The Transactions" and "Use of Proceeds." We cannot specify with certainty the particular uses of the net proceeds that SSE Holdings will receive from such purchase. Our management will have broad discretion in SSE Holdings' application of such proceeds, including for any of the purposes described in "Use of Proceeds." Accordingly, you will have to rely upon the judgment of our management with respect to the use of the proceeds, with only limited information concerning management's specific intentions. Our management may cause SSE Holdings to spend a portion or all of the net proceeds from this offering in ways that our stockholders may not desire or that may not yield a favorable return. The failure by our management to cause SSE Holdings, to apply these funds effectively could harm our business. Pending their use, SSE Holdings may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this prospectus may be forward-looking statements. Statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including, among others, statements regarding the Transactions, expected new Shack openings, future capital expenditures and debt service obligations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions.

        Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

    our inability to successfully identify and secure appropriate sites and timely develop and expand our operations;

    our inability to protect our brand and reputation;

    our failure to prevent food safety and food-borne illness incidents;

    shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of food products;

    our inability to maintain our international supply chain;

    our dependence on a small number of suppliers and a single distribution company for the majority of our domestic distribution program;

    our inability to protect against security breaches of confidential guest information;

    competition from other restaurants;

    changes in consumer tastes and nutritional and dietary trends;

    our inability to manage our growth;

    our inability to open profitable Shacks;

    our failure to generate projected same Shack sales growth;

    our inability to maintain sufficient levels of cash flow, or access to capital, to meet growth expectations;

    our dependence on long-term non-cancelable leases;

    our failure to meet the operational and financial performance guidance we provide to the public;

    our dependence on key executive management;

    our inability to identify qualified individuals for our workforce;

    labor relations difficulties;

    our vulnerability to increased food commodity and energy costs;

    our vulnerability to health care costs and labor costs;

    our vulnerability to global financial market conditions, including the continuing effects from the recent recession;

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    our sale of alcoholic beverages;

    our dependence on a limited number of licensees;

    our inability to maintain good relationships with our licensees;

    violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws;

    our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property;

    our business model being susceptible to litigation;

    failure to obtain and maintain required licenses and permits to comply with alcoholic beverage or food control regulations;

    our vulnerability to adverse weather conditions in local or regional areas where our Shacks are located;

    our realization of any benefit from the Tax Receivable Agreement and our organizational structure; and

    the Voting Group's control of us.

        The forward-looking statements in this prospectus are only predictions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

        These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus after we distribute this prospectus, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.

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THE TRANSACTIONS

Existing Organization

        Prior to the consummation of this offering and the organizational transactions described below, the Original SSE Equity Owners are the only members of SSE Holdings. SSE Holdings is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is not subject to any U.S. federal entity-level income taxes. Rather, taxable income or loss is included in the U.S. federal income tax returns of SSE Holdings' members.

        Shake Shack was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on September 23, 2014 to serve as the issuer of the Class A common stock offered hereby.

Transactions

        Prior to the consummation of this offering and the organizational transactions below, we will pay a distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners in the amount of approximately $21.9 million funded from borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility in the same amount. We refer to the distribution as well as the organizational transactions below as the "Transactions." Following the offering, we will be a separate company from USHG, which will remain privately held.

        In connection with the closing of this offering we will consummate the following organizational transactions:

    we will amend and restate the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement, to, among other things, (i) provide for LLC Interests that will be the single class of common membership interests in SSE Holdings, (ii) exchange all of the Original SSE Equity Owners' existing membership interests in SSE Holdings for LLC Interests and (iii) appoint Shake Shack as the sole managing member of SSE Holdings;

    we will amend and restate Shake Shack's certificate of incorporation to, among other things, (i) provide for Class A common stock and Class B common stock and (ii) issue shares of Class B common stock to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, on a one-to-one basis with the number of LLC Interests they own, for nominal consideration;

    we will issue                shares of our Class A common stock to the purchasers in this offering (or                 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $             million (or approximately $             million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), assuming the shares are offered at $            per share (the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions but before offering expenses;

    we will use all of the net proceeds from this offering (including net proceeds received upon exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to acquire newly-issued LLC Interests from SSE Holdings at a purchase price per interest equal to the initial public offering price of Class A common stock, less underwriting discounts and commissions, collectively representing        % of SSE Holdings' outstanding LLC Interests (or         %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

    SSE Holdings will use the proceeds from the sale of LLC Interests to Shake Shack as follows: (i) to pay fees and expenses of approximately $            million in connection with this offering and the Transactions, (ii) to repay the outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $             million, including approximately $21.9 million of borrowings used to pay a distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners, and (iii) approximately

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      $             million for general corporate purposes, including opening new Shacks and renovating existing Shacks. To the extent the gross proceeds of this offering exceed $             million (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), we will pay an additional distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners in an amount equal to the product of (A) the increase in the gross proceeds and (B) 0.273, and the balance of such additional net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including opening new Shacks and renovating existing Shacks. See "Use of Proceeds."

    the Former SSE Equity Owners will exchange their indirect ownership of LLC Interests for                shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis;

    the Former UAR Plan Participants will receive            shares of Class A common stock in settlement of their awards under the UAR Plan (and Shake Shack will receive a corresponding number of LLC Interests from SSE Holdings);

    the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will continue to own the LLC Interests they received in exchange for their existing membership interests in SSE Holdings and will have no economic interests in Shake Shack despite their ownership of Class B common stock (where "economic interests" means the right to receive any distributions or dividends, whether cash or stock, in connection with common stock); and

    Shake Shack will enter into (i) the Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing SSE Equity Owners and (ii) the Registration Rights Agreement with the Continuing SSE Equity Owners who, assuming that all of the LLC Interests of the Continuing SSE Equity Owners are redeemed or exchanged for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, will own                shares of Shake Shack's Class A common stock, representing approximately        % of the combined voting power of all of Shake Shack's common stock (or approximately        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), and the Former SSE Equity Owners. For a description of the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions."

Organizational Structure Following this Offering

        Immediately following the completion of the Transactions, including this offering:

    Shake Shack will be a holding company and the principal asset of Shake Shack will be LLC Interests of SSE Holdings;

    Shake Shack will be the sole managing member of SSE Holdings and will control the business and affairs of SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries;

    our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement will require that (i) we at all times maintain a ratio of one LLC Interest owned by us for each share of Class A common stock issued by us (subject to certain exceptions for treasury shares and shares underlying certain convertible or exchangeable securities), and (ii) SSE Holdings at all times maintain (x) a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class A common stock issued by us and the number of LLC Interests owned by us and (y) a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class B common stock owned by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners and the number of LLC Interests owned by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners;

    Shake Shack will own LLC Interests representing        % of the economic interest in SSE Holdings (or         %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

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    the purchasers in this offering (i) will own                shares of Class A common stock, representing approximately        % of the combined voting power of all of Shake Shack's common stock (or approximately        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), (ii) will own        % of the economic interest in Shake Shack (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (iii) through Shake Shack's ownership of LLC Interests, indirectly will hold (applying the percentages in the preceding clause (ii) to Shake Shack's percentage economic interest in SSE Holdings) approximately        % of the economic interest in SSE Holdings (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

    the Former SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants (i) will own                shares of Class A common stock, representing approximately        % of the combined voting power of all of Shake Shack's common stock (or approximately        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), (ii) will own        % of the economic interest in Shake Shack (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (iii) through Shake Shack's ownership of LLC Interests, indirectly will hold (applying the percentages in the preceding clause (ii) to Shake Shack's percentage economic interest in SSE Holdings) approximately        % of the economic interest in SSE Holdings (or         %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

    the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will own (i) LLC Interests, representing        % of the economic interest in SSE Holdings (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (ii) through their ownership of Class B common stock, approximately        % of the voting power in Shake Shack (or approximately        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). Following the offering, each LLC Interest held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will be redeemable, at the election of such members, for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. Shake Shack's board of directors, which will include directors who hold LLC Interests or are affiliated with holders of LLC Interests and may include such directors in the future, may, at its option, instead make a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock for each LLC Interest redeemed (subject to customary adjustments, including for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications) in accordance with the terms of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement;" and

    the Original SSE Equity Owners collectively (i) will own Class A and Class B common stock representing approximately        % of the combined voting power of all of Shake Shack's common stock (or approximately        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (ii) will own        % of the economic interest in SSE Holdings (or        %, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), representing both a direct interest through the Continuing SSE Equity Owners' ownership of LLC Interests and an indirect interest through the Former SSE Equity Owners' ownership of Class A common stock.

        Immediately following this offering, we will be a holding company and our principal asset will be the LLC Interests we purchase from SSE Holdings and acquire from the Former SSE Equity Owners. As the sole managing member of SSE Holdings, we will operate and control all of the business and affairs of SSE Holdings and, through SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries, conduct our business. Accordingly, although we will have a minority economic interest in SSE Holdings, we will have the sole voting interest in, and control the management of, SSE Holdings. As a result, we will consolidate SSE

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Holdings in our consolidated financial statements and will report a non-controlling interest related to the LLC Interests held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners on our consolidated financial statements. Shack Shack will have a board of directors and executive officers, but will have no employees. The functions of all of our employees are expected to reside at SSE Holdings.

        The following diagram shows our organizational structure after giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock:

GRAPHIC

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We estimate that the net proceeds to us of the sale of the Class A common stock that we are offering will be approximately $             million, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $             million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Our management will have broad discretion over the uses of the net proceeds in this offering.

        We intend to use the net proceeds to us from this offering to purchase            newly-issued LLC Interests from SSE Holdings at a purchase price per interest equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock less the underwriting discounts payable thereon.

        We intend to cause SSE Holdings to use the proceeds it receives as follows: (i) to pay fees and expenses of approximately $       million in connection with this offering and the Transactions, (ii) to repay the outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $             million, including approximately $21.9 million of borrowings used to pay a distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners, and (iii) approximately $             million for general corporate purposes, including opening new Shacks and renovating existing Shacks. To the extent the gross proceeds of this offering exceed $             million (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), SSE Holdings will pay an additional distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners in an amount equal to the product of (A) the increase in the gross proceeds and (B) 0.273 and the balance of such additional net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including opening new Shacks and renovating existing Shacks.

        If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in full, we estimate that our net proceeds will be approximately $             million. We will use the net proceeds we receive pursuant to any exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock to purchase additional LLC Interests from SSE Holdings to maintain the one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class A common stock issued by us and the number of LLC Interests owned by us. We intend to cause SSE Holdings to use the proceeds it receives (i) to pay the additional distribution described above and (ii) for general corporate purposes, including opening new Shacks and renovating existing Shacks.

        The Revolving Credit Facility matures in April 2019 and as of September 24, 2014, the interest rate for the Revolving Credit Facility was 3.2% per annum.

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth the cash and capitalization as of September 24, 2014, as follows:

    of SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries on an actual basis;

    of SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries on a pro forma basis to give effect to the incurrence of approximately $21.9 million of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the payment of a distribution in the same amount to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners; and

    of Shake Shack and its subsidiaries on a pro forma basis to give effect to the Transactions, including our issuance and sale of shares of Class A common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, after (i) deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us and (ii) the application of the proceeds from the offering, each as described under "Use of Proceeds."

        For more information, please see "The Transactions," "Use of Proceeds" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information" elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read this information in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing at the end of this prospectus and the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section and other financial information contained in this prospectus.

 
  As of September 24, 2014  
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
  Historical
SSE
Holdings, LLC
  Pro Forma
SSE
Holdings, LLC(3)
  Pro Forma
Shake Shack Inc.(4)
 

Cash

  $ 6,107   $ 6,107   $    
               
               

Indebtedness:

                   

Revolving Credit Facility(1)

  $ 5,000   $ 26,851   $    

Promissory note

    313     313        
               

Total indebtedness

    5,313     27,164        

Total equity:

                   

Members' equity

    35,837     13,986        

Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual;             shares authorized,            issued and outstanding, pro forma

               

Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual;             shares authorized,            issued and outstanding, pro forma

               

Additional paid-in capital

               
               

Total members' equity/stockholders' equity

    35,837     13,986        
               

Noncontrolling interest(2)

               
               

Total capitalization

  $ 41,150   $ 41,150   $    
               
               

(1)
On December 28, 2014, SSE Holdings entered into an amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility, which, among other things, increased the total commitment amount to $50.0 million. As of December 29, 2014, we had availability of $17.9 million under the Revolving Credit Facility, after giving effect to $0.1 million of outstanding letters of credit. The Revolving Credit Facility will be amended or terminated in connection with this offering. SSE Holdings will enter into the New

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    Credit Facility concurrently with the consummation of this offering. See "Description of Indebtedness."

(2)
On a pro forma basis, includes the LLC Interests not owned by us, which represents        % of SSE Holdings, LLC's outstanding common equity. The Continuing SSE Equity Owners will hold the noncontrolling interest in SSE Holdings, LLC. Shake Shack Inc. will hold            % of the economic interests in SSE Holdings, LLC and the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will hold            % of the economic interests in SSE Holdings, LLC.

(3)
The pro forma data in this column gives effect to the payment of a distribution in the amount of $21.9 million to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners and the related borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility used to fund the distribution as if such distribution was declared and paid on September 24, 2014. See Note 2 to the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2014 in "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information."

(4)
A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma amount of each of cash, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders' equity and total capitalization by approximately $             million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

    The table above does not include (i)             shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our 2015 Incentive Award Plan (as described in "Executive Compensation—New Employment Agreements and Incentive Plans"), consisting of (x)             shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of options to purchase shares of Class A common stock granted on the date of this prospectus to our directors and certain employees, including the named executive officers, in connection with this offering as described in "Executive Compensation—Director Compensation" and "Executive Compensation—New Equity Awards," and (y)             additional shares of Class A common stock reserved for future issuance and (ii)              shares of Class A common stock issuable to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners upon redemption or exchange of their LLC Interests as described in "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement." The table assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock.

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DIVIDEND POLICY

        Except for the distributions described under "The Transactions," we currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business, and therefore we do not currently expect to pay any cash dividends on our Class A common stock. Holders of our Class B common stock are not entitled to participate in any dividends declared by our board of directors. Any future determination to pay dividends to holders of Class A common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, restrictions in SSE Holdings' debt agreements and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. We are a holding company, and substantially all of our operations are carried out by SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries. Additionally, under the Revolving Credit Facility, SSE Holdings is currently restricted from paying cash dividends, and we expect these restrictions to continue in the future, which may in turn limit our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock. Our ability to pay dividends may also be restricted by the terms of any future credit agreement or any future debt or preferred equity securities of us or our subsidiaries. See "Risk Factors—We do not currently expect to pay any cash dividends."

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DILUTION

        The Continuing SSE Equity Owners will maintain their LLC Interests in SSE Holdings after the Transactions. Because the Continuing SSE Equity Owners do not own any Class A common stock or have any right to receive distributions from Shake Shack, we have presented dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering assuming that all of the holders of LLC Interests (other than Shake Shack) had their LLC Interests redeemed or exchanged for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (rather than for cash) and the cancellation for no consideration of all of their shares of Class B common stock (which are not entitled to receive distributions or dividends, whether cash or stock from Shake Shack) in order to more meaningfully present the dilutive impact on the investors in this offering. We refer to the assumed redemption or exchange of all LLC Interests for shares of Class A common stock as described in the previous sentence as the "Assumed Redemption."

        Dilution is the amount by which the offering price paid by the purchasers of the Class A common stock in this offering exceeds the pro forma net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock after the offering. SSE Holdings' net tangible book value as of September 24, 2014 was $35.8 million. Net tangible book value per share is determined at any date by subtracting our total liabilities from the total book value of our tangible assets and dividing the difference by the number of shares of Class A common stock deemed to be outstanding at that date.

        If you invest in our Class A common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our Class A common stock after this offering.

        Pro forma net tangible book value per share is determined at any date by subtracting our total liabilities from the total book value of our tangible assets and dividing the difference by the number of shares of Class A common stock, after giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering, and the Assumed Redemption. Our pro forma net tangible book value as of September 24, 2014 would have been approximately $             million, or $            per share of Class A common stock. This amount represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $            per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of approximately $            per share to new investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering. We determine dilution by subtracting the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering from the amount of cash that a new investor paid for a share of Class A common stock. The following table illustrates this dilution:

Assumed initial public offering price per share

  $    

Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of September 24, 2014 before this offering(1)

       

Increase per share attributable to investors in this offering

       

Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering

  $    
       

Dilution per share to new Class A common stock investors

  $    
       
       

(1)
Gives pro forma effect to the Transactions (other than this offering) and the Assumed Redemption.

        A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering by approximately $            , and dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors by approximately $            , assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus,

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remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

        If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock in full in this offering, the pro forma net tangible book value after the offering would be $            per share, the increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share to existing stockholders would be $            and the dilution per share to new investors would be $            per share, in each case assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

        The following table summarizes, as of September 24, 2014 after giving effect to this offering, the differences between the Original SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants and new investors in this offering with regard to:

    the number of shares of Class A common stock purchased from us by investors in this offering and the number of shares issued to the Original SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants after giving effect to the Assumed Redemption,

    the total consideration paid to us in cash by investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering and by the Original SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants, and

    the average price per share of Class A common stock that such Original SSE Equity Owners and Former UAR Plan Participants and new investors paid.

        The calculation below is based on an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 
  Shares purchased   Total consideration    
 
 
  Average price
per share
 
 
  Number   Percent   Amount   Percent  

Original SSE Equity Owners and Former UAR Plan Participants

            % $         % $    

New investors

                               
                       

Total

          100 % $       100 % $    
                       
                       

        Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by new investors and the total consideration paid by all shareholders by $             million, assuming the number of shares offered by us remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions but before estimated offering expenses.

        Except as otherwise indicated, the discussion and the tables above assume no exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock. In addition, the discussion and tables above exclude shares of Class B common stock, because holders of the Class B common stock are not entitled to distributions or dividends, whether cash or stock, from Shake Shack. The number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after this offering as shown in the tables above is based on the number of shares outstanding as of September 24, 2014, after giving effect to the Transactions and the Assumed Redemption, and excludes             shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our 2015 Incentive Award Plan (as described in "Executive Compensation—New Employment Agreements and Incentive Plans"), consisting of (i)                                      shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of Class A common stock granted on the date of this prospectus to our directors and certain employees, including the named executive officers, in connection with this offering as described

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in "Executive Compensation—Director Compensation" and "Executive Compensation—New Equity Awards," and (ii)                                      additional shares of Class A common stock reserved for future issuance.

        To the extent any of these outstanding options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors. To the extent all of such outstanding options had been exercised as of September 24, 2014 the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering would be $            , and total dilution per share to new investors would be $            .

        If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in full:

    the percentage of shares of Class A common stock held by Original SSE Equity Owners and Former UAR Plan Participants will decrease to approximately        % of the total number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after this offering; and

    the number of shares held by new investors will increase to            , or approximately        % of the total number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after this offering.

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

        The following table presents the selected historical consolidated financial data for SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries. SSE Holdings, LLC is the predecessor of the issuer, Shake Shack Inc., for financial reporting purposes. The selected consolidated statement of operations data for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 25, 2013 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 26, 2012 and December 25, 2013 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries contained herein. The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of September 24, 2014 are derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries contained herein. In the opinion of our management, such unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods.

        The results of operations for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period and the results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year. The information set forth below should be read together with the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section and the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        The selected historical financial data of Shake Shack Inc. have not been presented as Shake Shack Inc. is a newly incorporated entity, has had no business transactions or activities to date and had no assets or liabilities during the periods presented in this section.

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  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 
 
   
   
  (unaudited)
 

Consolidated statement of operations data:

                         

Revenues

                         

Shack sales

  $ 55,591   $ 78,587   $ 56,783   $ 78,988  

Licensing revenue

    1,447     3,869     2,721     4,770  
                   

Total revenue

    57,038     82,456     59,504     83,758  

Expenses

                         

Operating expenses

                         

Food and paper costs

    16,774     23,865     17,211     24,248  

Labor and related expenses

    14,436     20,096     14,161     20,605  

Other operating expenses

    5,081     7,315     5,072     7,866  

Occupancy and related expenses          

    5,053     6,892     4,871     6,794  

General and administrative expenses

    6,988     12,453     9,164     12,192  

Depreciation expense

    2,162     3,541     2,472     4,067  

Pre-opening costs

    1,858     2,334     1,705     3,828  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

        25     17     28  
                   

Total expenses

    52,352     76,521     54,673     79,628  
                   

Income from operations

    4,686     5,935     4,831     4,130  

Interest expense, net

    156     52     31     219  
                   

Income before income taxes

    4,530     5,883     4,800     3,911  

Income tax expense

    397     460     374     366  
                   

Net income

  $ 4,133   $ 5,423   $ 4,426   $ 3,545  
                   
                   

Pro forma net income per share data (unaudited)(1)(2):

                         

Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:

                         

Basic

                         

Diluted

                         

Pro forma net income available to Class A common stock per share:

                         

Basic

        $           $    

Diluted

        $           $    

Supplemental pro forma net income per share data (unaudited)(3):

                         

Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:

                         

Basic

                         

Diluted

                         

Pro forma net income available to Class A common stock per share:

                         

Basic

        $           $    

Diluted

        $           $    

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  Historical SSE Holdings, LLC   Pro Forma
SSE Holdings,
LLC(4)
  Pro Forma
Shake
Shack Inc.(1)
 
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
  September 24,
2014
  September 24,
2014
 
 
   
   
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
 

Consolidated balance sheet data:

                               

Cash

  $ 16,033   $ 13,076   $ 6,107   $ 6,107   $    

Total assets

    44,068     55,219     65,537     65,537        

Total liabilities

    12,197     17,832     29,700     51,551        

Total members'/stockholders' equity

    31,871     37,387     35,837     13,986        

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Other data:

                         

Number of Shacks

   
21
   
40
   
33
   
53
 

Domestic company-operated

    13     21     16     26  

Domestic licensed

    3     4     4     5  

International licensed

    5     15     13     22  

Same Shack sales growth

   
7.1

%
 
5.9

%
 
5.5

%
 
3.0

%

Average unit volumes

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Domestic company-operated Shacks

  $ 5,367   $ 5,017              

Manhattan Shacks

    7,034     7,387              

Non-Manhattan Shacks

    3,791     3,840              

International licensed Shacks(5)

    9,665     6,077              

Shack system-wide sales(5)

 
$

81,048
 
$

139,903
 
$

98,931
 
$

156,080
 

Shack-level operating profit margin(6)

   
25.6

%
 
26.0

%
 
27.2

%
 
24.7

%

Manhattan Shacks

    29.0 %   30.3 %   31.7 %   31.2 %

Non-Manhattan Shacks

    19.8 %   21.9 %   22.8 %   20.8 %

Adjusted EBITDA(7)

 
$

9,998
 
$

14,459
 
$

11,417
 
$

14,063
 

As a percentage of revenue

   
17.5

%
 
17.5

%
 
19.2

%
 
16.8

%

Capital expenditures

  $ 11,036   $ 16,194   $ 10,359   $ 17,885  

(1)
Pro forma figures give effect to the Transactions, including this offering. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information" for a detailed presentation of the unaudited pro forma information, including a description of the transactions and assumptions underlying the pro forma adjustments.

(2)
See Note 5 to the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations in "Unaudited Pro Consolidated Financial Information" for the computations of the pro forma weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding.

(3)
The supplemental pro forma net income per share data has been computed, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, to give effect to the number of shares whose proceeds would be necessary to pay (i) a distribution in the amount of approximately $21.9 million to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners and (ii) the $5.2 million distribution made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, but only to the extent the aggregate amount of these distributions exceeded our earnings for the preceding twelve-month period. See Note 7 to the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations in "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information."

(4)
The pro forma data in this column gives effect to the payment of a distribution in the amount of $21.9 million to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners and the related borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility used to fund the distribution as if such distribution was declared and paid on September 24, 2014. See Note 2 to the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2014 in "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information."

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(5)
Shack system-wide sales includes combined revenue from all of our domestic company-operated Shacks and our domestic and international licensed Shacks. Our total revenue is limited to Shack sales from domestic company-owned operated Shacks and licensing revenue from domestic and international licensed Shacks.

(6)
Shack-level operating profit margin is included in this prospectus because we believe that Shack-level operating profit margin is an important measure to evaluate the performance and profitability of each Shack, individually and in the aggregate. We use Shack-level operating profit margin information to benchmark our performance versus competitors. Shack-level operating profit margin is defined as Shack sales less operating expenses, including food and paper costs, labor and related expenses, other operating expenses and occupancy and related expenses as a percentage of Shack sales. Shack-level operating profit margin is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. Shack-level operating profit margin is a supplemental measure of operating performance of our Shacks and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Shack-level operating profit margin has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

    The computation of Shack-level operating profit margin is set forth below:

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Shack sales

  $ 55,591   $ 78,587   $ 56,783   $ 78,988  

Food and paper costs

    16,774     23,865     17,211     24,248  

Labor and related expenses

    14,436     20,096     14,161     20,605  

Other operating expenses

    5,081     7,315     5,072     7,866  

Occupancy and related expenses

    5,053     6,892     4,871     6,794  
                   

Shack-level operating profit

  $ 14,247   $ 20,419   $ 15,468   $ 19,475  
                   
                   

Shack-level operating profit margin

    25.6 %   26.0 %   27.2 %   24.7 %

A reconciliation of Shack-level operating profit to income from operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is set forth below.

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Shack-level operating profit

  $ 14,247   $ 20,419   $ 15,468   $ 19,475  

Add:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Licensing revenue

    1,447     3,869     2,721     4,770  

Less:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

General and administrative expenses

    6,988     12,453     9,164     12,192  

Depreciation expense

    2,162     3,541     2,472     4,067  

Pre-opening costs

    1,858     2,334     1,705     3,828  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

        25     17     28  
                   

Income from operations

  $ 4,686   $ 5,935   $ 4,831   $ 4,130  
                   
                   
(7)
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are included in this prospectus because they are key metrics used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry.

    EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not GAAP measures of our financial performance or liquidity and should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss) as a measure of financial performance or cash flows from operations as measures of liquidity, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not intended to be measures of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as they do not reflect tax payments, debt

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    service requirements, capital expenditures, Shack openings and certain other cash costs that may recur in the future, including, among other things, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA supplementally. Our measures of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.

            A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is set forth below:

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Net income

  $ 4,133   $ 5,423   $ 4,426   $ 3,545  

Depreciation expense

    2,162     3,541     2,472     4,067  

Interest expense, net

    156     52     31     219  

Income tax expense

    397     460     374     366  
                   

EBITDA

    6,848     9,476     7,303     8,197  

Equity-based compensation(a)

    450     93     51     124  

Deferred compensation(b)

        2,054     2,032      

Pre-opening costs(c)

    1,623     1,737     941     2,260  

Deferred rent(d)

    839     975     1,023     1,934  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment(e)

        25     17     28  

Costs incurred with this offering(f)

                  1,495  

Other non-cash items(g)

    238     99     50     25  
                   

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 9,998   $ 14,459   $ 11,417   $ 14,063  
                   
                   

(a)
Non-cash charges related to equity-based compensation programs, which vary from period to period depending on timing of awards.

(b)
For the periods presented, represents amounts accrued under a bonus agreement we entered into with an employee pursuant to which we agreed to pay a bonus in a future period.

(c)
Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new Shacks exclusive of deferred rent incurred prior to opening.

(d)
Reflects the extent to which our annual rent expense has been above or below our cash rent payments.

(e)
Includes the loss on disposal of assets in the ordinary course of business.

(f)
Costs incurred in connection with this offering, including legal, accounting and other related expenses.

(g)
For the periods presented, represents non-cash charges related to certain employee benefits.

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        The following unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 25, 2013 and the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 give effect to the Transactions, including this offering, as if the same had occurred on December 27, 2012. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2014 gives effect to the Transactions, including this offering, as if the same had occurred on September 24, 2014.

        We have derived the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 25, 2013 from the audited consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 25, 2013 set forth elsewhere in this prospectus. We have derived the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2014 from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries as of and for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 set forth elsewhere in this prospectus. The pro forma financial information is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        The pro forma adjustments related to the Transactions other than this offering, which we refer to as the Transaction Adjustments, are described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information, and principally include the following:

    the approval by the board of directors of SSE Holdings of a distribution in the amount of approximately $21.9 million to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners, which will be funded with borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility;

    the amendment and restatement of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement to, among other things, (i) provide for LLC Interests that will be the single class of common membership interests in SSE Holdings, (ii) exchange all of the Original SSE Equity Owners' existing membership interests in SSE Holdings for LLC Interests and (iii) appoint Shake Shack as the sole managing member of SSE Holdings;

    the amendment and restatement of Shake Shack's certificate of incorporation to, among other things, (i) provide for Class A common stock and Class B common stock and (ii) issue shares of Class B common stock to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, on a one-to-one basis with the number of LLC Interests they own, for nominal consideration;

    the exchange by the Former SSE Equity Owners of their LLC Interests for                shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis;

    the receipt by the Former UAR Plan Participants of            shares of Class A common stock in settlement of their awards under the UAR Plan (and the receipt by Shake Shack of a corresponding number of LLC Interests from SSE Holdings); and

    a provision for federal and state income taxes of Shake Shack as a taxable corporation at an effective rate of             %.

        The pro forma adjustments related to this offering, which we refer to as the Offering Adjustments, are described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information, and principally include the following:

    the issuance of shares of our Class A common stock to the purchasers in this offering in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $            million, assuming that the shares are offered at $            per share (the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions but before offering expenses;

    the application of all of the net proceeds from this offering to acquire newly-issued LLC Interests from SSE Holdings at a purchase price per interest equal to the initial public offering price of Class A common stock, less underwriting discounts and commissions;

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    the application by SSE Holdings of the proceeds from the sale of LLC Interests to Shake Shack (i) to pay fees and expenses of approximately $            million in connection with this offering and (ii) to repay the outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $             million, including approximately $21.9 million of borrowings used to pay a distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners; and

    the grant of options to purchase shares of Class A common stock under our 2015 Incentive Award Plan in connection with this offering.

        Except as otherwise indicated, the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information presented assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock from us.

        As described in greater detail under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement," in connection with the closing of this offering, we will enter into the Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing SSE Equity Owners that will provide for the payment by Shake Shack to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that Shake Shack actually realizes as a result of (i) increases in the tax basis of assets of SSE Holdings resulting from any redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests as described under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement—LLC Interest Redemption Right" and (ii) certain other tax benefits related to our making payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Due to the uncertainty in the amount and timing of future exchanges of LLC Interests by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information assumes that no exchanges of LLC Interests have occurred and therefore no increases in tax basis in SSE Holdings' assets or other tax benefits that may be realized thereunder have been assumed in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information. However, if all of the Continuing SSE Equity Owners were to exchange their LLC Interests, we would recognize a deferred tax asset of approximately $             million and a liability of approximately $             million, assuming (i) all exchanges occurred on            ; (ii) a price of $            per share (the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus); (iii) a constant corporate tax rate of            %; (iv) we will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits; and (v) no material changes in tax law. For each 5% increase (decrease) in the amount of LLC Interests exchanged by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, our deferred tax asset would increase (decrease) by approximately $             million and the related liability would increase (decrease) by approximately $             million, assuming that the price per share and corporate tax rate remain the same. For each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed share price of $            per share, our deferred tax asset would increase (decrease) by approximately $             million and the related liability would increase (decrease) by approximately $             million, assuming that the number of LLC Interests exchanged by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners and the corporate tax rate remain the same. These amounts are estimates and have been prepared for informational purposes only. The actual amount of deferred tax assets and related liabilities that we will recognize will differ based on, among other things, the timing of the exchanges, the price of our shares of Class A common stock at the time of the exchange, and the tax rates then in effect.

        As a public company, we will be implementing additional procedures and processes for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. We expect to incur additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things, additional directors' and officers' liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses. We have not included any pro forma adjustments relating to these costs.

        The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and methodologies that are factually supportable and directly related to the Transactions, including this offering. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information includes various estimates which are subject to material change and may not be indicative of what our operations or financial position would have been had the Transactions, including this offering, taken place on the dates indicated, or that may be expected to occur in the future. For further discussion of these matters, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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Shake Shack Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 24, 2014

(in thousands)
  Historical
SSE
Holdings,
LLC(1)
  Distribution
Adjustments
  Pro Forma
SSE
Holdings,
LLC
  Transaction
Adjustments
  As
Adjusted
Before
Offering
  Offering
Adjustments
  Pro Forma
Shake
Shack
Inc.
 

Assets

                                           

Cash

  $ 6,107   $   $ 6,107   $     $     $   (3)(4) $    

Accounts receivable

    2,313         2,313                          

Inventories

    357         357                          

Prepaid expenses

    311         311                          
                               

Total current assets

    9,088         9,088                          

Property and equipment, net

   
53,041
   
   
53,041
                         

Deferred financing costs

    432         432                          

Security deposits

    970         970                          

Deferred tax asset

    67         67                          

Other assets

    1,939         1,939                   (4)      
                               

Total assets

  $ 65,537   $   $ 65,537   $     $     $     $    
                               
                               

Liabilities and Members'/Stockholders' Equity

                                           

Short-term debt

  $ 5,000   $ 21,851 (2) $ 26,851   $     $     $     $    

Accounts payable

    3,493         3,493                          

Accrued expenses

    3,556         3,556                   (4)      

Accrued wages and related liabilities

    1,947         1,947                          

Sales tax payable

    383         383                          

Due to affiliates

    359         359                          

Deferred revenue

    517         517                          
                               

Total current liabilities

    15,255     21,851     37,106                          

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

   
1,500
   
   
1,500
                         

Long-term debt

    313         313                          

Deferred compensation

    2,119         2,119                          

Deferred rent

    10,482         10,482                          

Other long-term liabilities

    31         31                          
                               

Total liabilities

    29,700     21,851     51,551                          

Commitments and contingencies

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Members'/Stockholders' Equity

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Members' equity

    35,837     (21,851) (2)   13,986       (6)           (5)      

Class A common stock

                  (7)           (3)      

Class B common stock

                  (6)                  

Additional paid-in capital

                  (7)           (3)(4)      

Retained earnings

                  (7)           (5)      
                               

Members' equity/stockholders' equity attributable to Shake Shack Inc. 

    35,837     (21,851 )   13,986                          

Non-controlling interest

                                (5)      
                               

Total liabilities and members'/stockholders' equity

  $ 65,537   $   $ 65,537   $     $     $     $    
                               
                               

   

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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Shake Shack Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet

(1)
Shake Shack Inc. was formed on September 23, 2014 and will have no material assets or results of operations until the completion of this offering and therefore its historical financial position is not shown in a separate column in this unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet.

(2)
In connection with this offering and subsequent to September 24, 2014, SSE Holdings will make a distribution in the amount of approximately $21.9 million to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners. The distribution is expected to be financed with borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, which will be repaid with a portion of the proceeds from this offering. This adjustment represents the recognition of the distribution and the related borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility as if the distribution was declared and paid on September 24, 2014. It does not include any additional distributions in the event the gross proceeds from the offering exceed the anticipated gross proceeds (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). If an additional distribution is paid because the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, Members' equity would decrease by $             million. Such additional distribution, if any, would be paid subsequent to the closing with a portion of the proceeds from this offering.

(3)
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions but before estimated offering expenses, will be approximately $             million, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus. This amount has been determined based on the assumption that the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock is not exercised. A reconciliation of the gross proceeds from this offering to the net cash proceeds is set forth below.

Assumed initial public offering price per share

  $    

Shares of Class A common stock issued in this offering

       
       

Gross proceeds

  $    

Less: underwriting discounts and commissions

       

Less: offering expenses (including amounts previously deferred)

       
       

Net cash proceeds

  $    
       
       
(4)
We are deferring certain costs associated with this offering, including certain legal, accounting and other related expenses, which have been recorded in other assets on our consolidated balance sheet. Upon completion of this offering, these deferred costs will be charged against the proceeds from this offering with a corresponding reduction to additional paid-in capital.

(5)
Upon completion of the Transactions, we will become the sole managing member of SSE Holdings. Although we will have a minority economic interest in SSE Holdings, we will have the sole voting interest in, and control the management of, SSE Holdings. As a result, we will consolidate the financial results of SSE Holdings and will report a non-controlling interest related to the LLC Interests held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners on our consolidated balance sheet. The

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    computation of the non-controlling interest following the consummation of this offering, based on the assumed initial public offering price, is as follows:

 
  Units   Percentage   Amount  

Interest in SSE Holdings held by Shake Shack Inc. 

              $    

Non-controlling interest in SSE Holdings held by Continuing SSE Equity Owners

                   
               

              $    
               
               

    If the underwriters were to exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock, Shake Shack Inc. would own        % of the economic interest of SSE Holdings and the Continuing SSE Equity Owners would own the remaining        % of the economic interest of SSE Holdings.

    Following the consummation of this offering, the LLC Interests held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, representing the non-controlling interest, will be redeemable at the election of the members, for, at our option, shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock for each LLC Interest redeemed (subject to customary adjustments, including for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications) in accordance with the terms of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement.

(6)
In connection with this offering, we will issue                    shares of Class B common stock to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners, on a one-to-one basis with the number of LLC Interests they own, for nominal consideration. Holders of Class B common stock will have the same voting rights as holders of Class A common stock but holders of the Class B common stock will not be entitled to receive any distributions from or participate in any dividends declared by our board of directors.

(7)
This adjustment represents the total increase in compensation expense we expect to incur following the completion of this offering as a result of the following:

$             million of compensation expense to be recognized in connection with the settlement of the outstanding awards held by the Former UAR Plan Participants. As described in "The Transactions," the Former UAR Plan Participants will receive shares of Class A common stock in settlement of their awards under the UAR Plan. Upon the occurrence of a qualifying transaction, each holder of an award under the UAR Plan will receive shares of Class A common stock. The related compensation expense is determined by multiplying (i) the excess, if any, of the qualifying transaction price over the base price of the award under the UAR Plan, by (ii) the stated number of Class B units deemed covered by the award under the UAR Plan. As of September 24, 2014, there were 22,214 awards outstanding under the UAR Plan, with a weighted average base price of $192.44. The adjustment was calculated assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), resulting in a qualifying transaction price of $             million,                         which was divided by the total common units outstanding as of                        , 2015 of                         , resulting in a price per unit of $            ; and

$0.6 million of compensation expense to be recognized in connection with the accelerated vesting of the outstanding restricted Class B Units in connection with this offering.

These adjustments are non-recurring in nature and, as such, have not been included as adjustments in the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations.

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Shake Shack Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations for the
Year Ended December 25, 2013

(in thousands, except share and per share data)
  Historical
SSE Holdings,
LLC(1)
  Transaction
Adjustments
  As
Adjusted
Before
Offering
  Offering
Adjustments
  Pro Forma
Shake Shack
Inc.
 

Revenues

                               

Shack sales

  $ 78,587   $     $     $     $    

Licensing revenue

    3,869                          
                       

Total revenue

    82,456                          

Expenses

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Operating expenses:

                               

Food and paper costs

    23,865                          

Labor and related expenses

    20,096                          

Other operating expenses

    7,315                          

Occupancy and related expenses

    6,892                          

General and administrative expenses

    12,453       (2)           (2)      

Depreciation expense

    3,541                          

Pre-opening costs

    2,334                          

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

    25                          
                       

Total expenses

    76,521                          
                       

Income from operations

    5,935                          

Interest expense, net

   
52
   
(6)
       
(6)
 
(6)
                       

Income before income taxes

    5,883                          

Income tax expense

   
460
   
(3)
       
(3)
     
                       

Net income

  $ 5,423   $     $     $     $    
                       
                       

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

          (4)           (4)      
                       

Net income attributable to Shake Shack Inc. 

  $ 5,423   $     $     $     $    
                       
                       

Pro forma net income per share data(5):

                               

Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding

                               

Basic

                               

Diluted

                               

Net income available to Class A common stock per share

                               

Basic

                          $    

Diluted

                          $    

Supplemental pro forma net income per share data(7):

                               

Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding

                               

Basic

                               

Diluted

                               

Net income available to Class A common stock per share

                               

Basic

                          $    

Diluted

                          $    

   

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Shake Shack Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations for the
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2014

(in thousands, except share and per share data)
  Historical
SSE Holdings,
LLC(1)
  Transaction
Adjustments
  As
Adjusted
Before Offering
  Offering
Adjustments
  Pro Forma
Shake Shack
Inc.
 

Revenues

                               

Shack sales

  $ 78,988   $     $     $     $    

Licensing revenue

    4,770                          
                       

Total revenue

    83,758                          

Expenses

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Operating expenses:

                               

Food and paper costs

    24,248                          

Labor and related expenses

    20,605                          

Other operating expenses

    7,866                          

Occupancy and related expenses

    6,794                          

General and administrative expenses

    12,192       (2)           (2)      

Depreciation expense

    4,067                          

Pre-opening costs

    3,828                          

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

    28                          
                       

Total expenses

    79,628                          
                       

Income from operations

    4,130                          

Interest expense, net

   
219
   
(6)
       
(6)
 
(6)
                       

Income before income taxes

    3,911                          

Income tax expense

   
366
   
(3)
       
(3)
     
                       

Net income

  $ 3,545   $     $     $     $    
                       
                       

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

          (4)           (4)      
                       

Net income attributable to Shake Shack Inc.          

  $ 3,545   $     $     $     $    
                       
                       

Pro forma net income per share data(5):

                               

Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding

                               

Basic

                               

Diluted

                               

Net income available to Class A common stock per share

                               

Basic

                          $    

Diluted

                          $    

Supplemental pro forma net income per share data(7):

                               

Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding

                               

Basic

                               

Diluted

                               

Net income available to Class A common stock per share

                               

Basic

                          $    

Diluted

                          $    

   

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Shake Shack Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations

(1)
Shake Shack Inc. was formed on September 23, 2014 and will have no material assets or results of operations until the completion of this offering and therefore its historical financial position is not shown in a separate column in these unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations.

(2)
This adjustment represents the increase in compensation expense we expect to incur following the completion of this offering. We expect to grant              stock options to our directors and certain employees in connection with this offering. This amount was calculated assuming the stock options were granted on December 27, 2012 at an exercise price equal to $            per share, the assumed initial public offering price. The grant date fair value was determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model using the following assumptions:

Expected volatility

      %

Expected dividend yield

      %

Expected term (in years)

       

Risk-free interest rate

      %
(3)
SSE Holdings has been, and will continue to be, treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. As such, income generated by SSE Holdings will flow through to its partners, including us, and is generally not subject to tax at the SSE Holdings level. Following the Transactions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state, local and foreign income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of SSE Holdings. As a result, the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations reflect adjustments to our income tax expense to reflect an effective income tax rate of        %, which was calculated assuming the U.S. federal rates currently in effect and the highest statutory rates apportioned to each applicable state, local and foreign jurisdiction.

(4)
Upon completion of the Transactions, Shake Shack Inc. will become the sole managing member of SSE Holdings. Although we will have a minority economic interest in SSE Holdings, we will have the sole voting interest in, and control the management of, SSE Holdings. As a result, we will consolidate the financial results of SSE Holdings and will report a non-controlling interest related to the LLC Interests held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners on our consolidated statements of operations. Following this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, Shake Shack Inc. will own        % of the economic interest of SSE Holdings and the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will own the remaining        % of the economic interest of SSE Holdings. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests will represent        % of the income before income taxes of Shake Shack. These amounts have been determined based on the assumption that the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock is not exercised. If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock in full, Shake Shack Inc. will own            % of the economic interest of SSE Holdings and the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will own the remaining            % of the economic interest of SSE Holdings and net income attributable to non-controlling interests would represent        % of the income before income taxes of Shake Shack.

(5)
Pro forma basic net income per share is computed by dividing the net income available to Class A common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period. Pro forma diluted net income per share is computed by adjusting the net income available to Class A common stockholders and the weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding to give effect to potentially dilutive securities. Shares of our Class B common stock are not entitled to receive any distributions or dividends and are therefore not included in the computation of pro forma basic or diluted net income per share. The following table sets forth

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    a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used to compute pro forma basic and diluted net income per share.

 
  Pro Forma Shake Shack Inc.  
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
  Fiscal year
ended
December 25,
2013
  Thirty-nine
weeks ended
September 24,
2014
 

Basic net income per share:

             

Numerator

             

Net income

  $     $    

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

             
           

Net income attributable to Class A common stockholders—basic

  $     $    
           

Denominator

             

Shares of Class A common stock held by the Former SSE Equity Owners          

             

Shares of Class A common stock held by the Former UAR Plan Participants

             

Shares of Class A common stock sold in this offering(a)

             
           

Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding—basic

             
           

Basic net income per share

  $     $    
           
           

Diluted net income per share:

             

Numerator

             

Net income available to Class A common stockholders

  $     $    

Reallocation of net income assuming conversion of LLC Interests(b)

             
           

Net income attributable to Class A common stockholders—diluted

  $     $    
           

Denominator

             

Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding—basic

             

Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities(c):

             

Assumed conversion of LLC Interests to shares of Class A common stock(b)

             
           

Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding—diluted          

             
           

Diluted net income per share

  $     $    
           
           

(a)
We plan to use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to repay outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $             million, including approximately $21.9 million of borrowings used to pay a distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners. The following table sets forth the number of weighted-average shares of Class A common stock whose proceeds will be used for the purposes mentioned above and general corporate purposes.

Repayment of the outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility used for:

The distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners

       

Other revolver borrowings

       

General corporate purposes

       
       

Shares of Class A common stock sold in this offering

       
       
       
(b)
The LLC Interests held by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners are potentially dilutive securities and the computations of pro forma diluted net income per share assume that all LLC interests

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    were exchanged for shares of Class A common stock at the beginning of the period. This adjustment was made for purposes of calculating pro forma diluted net income per share only and does not necessarily reflect the amount of exchanges that may occur subsequent to this offering.

(c)
We expect to grant            stock options to our directors and certain employees in connection with this offering, at an exercise price equal to the initial public offering price. Under the treasury stock method, assuming the stock options were granted at the beginning of the period at an exercise price equal to $            per share (the assumed initial public offering price), the effect of these stock options is anti-dilutive and has therefore been excluded from the computations of pro forma diluted net income per share.
(6)
As described in "Use of Proceeds," we plan to repay the outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility with the net proceeds from this offering. As of December 25, 2013, there were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. Additionally, there were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility during the fiscal year ended December 25, 2013. As such, no interest expense was incurred and no adjustment has been made to the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2013. As of September 24, 2014, there were $5.0 million of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. This adjustment reflects a reduction in interest expense of $             million, computed at a weighted-average interest rate of 3.2%, as if the outstanding borrowings had been repaid on December 27, 2012. We estimate that the outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility immediately prior to the closing of this offering will be approximately $             million, including approximately $21.9 million of borrowings used to pay a distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners. These borrowings bear interest at a weighted-average rate of        % and we expect to incur additional interest expense in the amount of $             million from September 25, 2014 through the closing of this offering.

Additionally, in connection with this offering, we anticipate that SSE Holdings will enter into an amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility or obtain a new credit facility, which we refer to as the "New Credit Facility." The New Credit Facility is expected to provide for a revolving line of credit of $30.0 million. The New Credit Facility is expected to allow for incremental commitments not to exceed $20.0 million. We anticipate that borrowings under the New Credit Facility will bear interest, at our option, at either the prime rate or LIBOR plus, in each case, an applicable margin determined according to a grid based on a net funded debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio. We anticipate that the New Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable five years from the effective date of the New Credit Facility. Assuming the New Credit Facility was in place as of December 27, 2012, interest expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 would have been $             million.

(7)
In connection with this offering, SSE Holdings will pay a distribution in the amount of approximately $21.9 million to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners. The distribution is expected to be funded with borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, which will be repaid with a portion of the proceeds from this offering. Distributions declared in the year preceding an initial public offering are deemed to be in contemplation of the offering with the intention of repayment out of offering proceeds to the extent that the dividends exceeded earnings during such period. These distributions, along with the $5.2 million distribution made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, are significant relative to the reported equity as of September 24, 2014 and are in excess of our earnings of $5.4 million and $4.5 million for the twelve-month periods ended December 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014, respectively. Earnings for the twelve-month period ended September 24, 2014 is comprised of (i) net income for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 of $3.5 million and (ii) net income for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2013 of $1.0 million. The supplemental pro forma information has been computed, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), to give effect to the number of shares whose proceeds would be necessary to pay (i) the distribution to certain of the Original SSE

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    Equity Owners and (ii) the $5.2 million distribution made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, but only to the extent the aggregate amount of these distributions exceeded our earnings for the preceding twelve-month period. The computations of the supplemental pro forma weighted average shares outstanding and net income per share are set forth below.

 
  Fiscal year
ended
December 25,
2013
  Thirty-nine
weeks ended
September 24,
2014
 

Basic and diluted supplemental pro forma net income per share:

             

Numerator

             

Net income

  $                  $                 
           
           

Denominator

             

The distribution to certain of the Original SSE Equity Owners

  $                  $                 

Distributions made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014

             

Less: Earnings for the preceding twelve-month period

             
           

Excess of distributions over earnings

             

Divided by: Assumed initial public offering price

  $                  $                 
           

Number of shares whose proceeds would be necessary to pay the distributions

             
           
           

Basic and diluted pro forma net income per share

  $                  $                 
           
           

    As SSE Holdings has no potentially dilutive securities, the supplemental pro forma basic and diluted net income per share amounts are the same.

    The supplemental pro forma weighted average shares outstanding and net income per share amounts have been computed assuming there will be no additional distribution in the event the gross proceeds from the offering exceed the anticipated gross proceeds (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). If an additional distribution is paid because the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock, the supplemental pro forma weighted average shares outstanding would be                and                and supplemental pro forma net income per share would be $            and $            for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2013 and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, respectively.

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

        You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the "Selected Historical Consolidated Financial and Other Data" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information 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 review the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" 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 the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

        The following discussion contains references to fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013, which represent the financial results of our predecessor, SSE Holdings, LLC, for the fiscal years ended December 26, 2012 and December 25, 2013, respectively. We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Wednesday of the calendar year. In a 52-week fiscal year, each quarter contains 13 weeks of operations; in a 53-week fiscal year, each of the first, second and third quarters includes 13 weeks of operations and the fourth quarter includes 14 weeks of operations. Every five or six years, a 53-week fiscal year occurs. Fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 were both 52-week years. Fiscal 2014 is a 53-week year ending on December 31, 2014, which may cause our revenue, expenses and other results of operations to be higher due to an additional week of operations.

Overview

        Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand serving a classic American menu of premium burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer and wine. There currently are 63 Shacks worldwide, comprised of:

    31 domestic company-operated Shacks;

    five domestic licensed Shacks; and

    27 international licensed Shacks.

        During the three fiscal years ended December 25, 2013, we grew from seven Shacks in two states to 40 Shacks across six states, Washington, D.C. and eight other countries, representing a 79% compound annual growth rate ("CAGR"). As a result, our total revenue grew from $19.5 million to $82.5 million, a 62% CAGR, our net income grew from $0.2 million to $5.4 million, and Adjusted EBITDA grew to $14.5 million over the same period. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, to net income, see "—Results of Operations." Our brand power and thoughtful approach to growth have resulted in strong Shack performance across a variety of geographic areas and formats. Our Shacks generate attractive Shack-level operating profit margins, strong cash flow and high returns on invested capital. We have notable AUVs in both domestic company-operated Manhattan Shacks ("Manhattan Shacks") and domestic company-operated non-Manhattan Shacks ("non-Manhattan Shacks"). Because our AUVs are higher in Manhattan, due in large part to population density and overall familiarity with the brand in Manhattan, we typically look at AUVs on both a Manhattan Shack and non-Manhattan Shack basis. There currently are 31 domestic company-operated Shacks, comprised of:

    seven Manhattan Shacks; and

    24 Non-Manhattan Shacks.

        While we believe that there is still ample room to grow our Shack-base in Manhattan, the majority of our domestic company-operated Shack growth is expected to occur outside of Manhattan, and thus we believe that non-Manhattan Shack AUVs are a better measure of expected sales at new Shacks. In fiscal 2013, our domestic company-operated Shacks had AUVs of approximately $5.0 million, of which our Manhattan Shacks had AUVs of approximately $7.4 million with Shack-level operating profit

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margins of approximately 30%. Our non-Manhattan Shacks had AUVs of approximately $3.8 million with Shack-level operating profit margins of approximately 22% during the same period.

        Historically, our domestic company-operated Shacks have delivered an attractive average cash-on-cash return of approximately 65% and payback period of 1.5 years of which our Manhattan Shacks generated an average cash-on-cash return of 82% and payback period of 1.2 years and our non-Manhattan Shacks generated an average cash-on-cash return of 31% and payback period of 3.2 years. This performance is driven by our approach in targeting areas where communities gather, often with high foot traffic and substantial commercial density. The small number of Shacks included in our calculation of our average cash-on-cash return and payback period may cause these measures to fluctuate and be subject to change.

Growth Strategies and Outlook

        We plan to continue to expand our business, drive Shack sales and enhance our competitive positioning by executing on the following strategies:

    Open new domestic company-operated Shacks.   Our domestic company-operated Shack growth strategy is focused on both existing and new markets. Given that we are still in a nascent stage of growth, a substantial portion of our growth will come from opening Shacks in markets where we have little to no presence currently. In fiscal 2014, we opened 10 domestic company-operated Shacks. Given that our primary growth driver will be the opening of new domestic company-operated Shacks, we are keenly focused on maintaining a rigorous site selection process. In addition to evaluating key new Shack criteria, our management team personally visits each potential Shack to determine if the prospective location is likely to meet certain Shack-level operating profit margin and cash-on-cash return targets.

    Capitalize on our outsized brand awareness.   The Shake Shack experience has cultivated significant brand awareness relative to the small number of Shacks. We have worked tirelessly to establish a genuine connection with our guests and integrate into their communities through investment in innovative marketing and programming.

    Grow same Shack sales.   We continually focus on improving our same Shack sales performance by providing an engaging and differentiated guest experience that includes great food, unique and thoughtful integration with local communities and high standards of excellence and hospitality.

    Opportunistically increase our licensed Shacks abroad.   We will continue to grow our licensed portfolio by expanding further in the eight countries abroad in which we currently have internationally licensed operations. This strategy historically has been a low-cost, high-return method of growing our brand awareness and providing an increasing source of cash flow. We believe there are additional international markets that will embrace the Shake Shack concept.

        With only 63 Shacks around the world, we have identified many attractive new markets for the Shake Shack experience. We have successfully launched different layouts and sizes of Shacks in varied locations throughout urban high density areas, suburban in-line and pad sites, regional malls, lifestyle centers, ballparks, airports and train stations. Each design is critical to the Shake Shack experience and we blend our core brand identifiers with features specifically designed for each Shack to be of its place and connect directly with its neighborhood. With a disciplined approach to new Shack development and a successful track record in site selection, we believe that we are positioned well for future growth.

        Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the price and availability of food commodities. Prices for these commodities may be affected by market changes, increased competition, shortages or interruptions in supply due to weather, disease or other conditions beyond our control. In particular, certain regions of the United States have been experiencing a significant drought in 2014, which has increased, and we expect to continue to increase, the price we pay for our beef and dairy commodities. We do not currently hedge our commodity risks, and we may not be able to pass on these increased costs to our guests. If we cannot offset these costs, our operating margins and profitability may be adversely impacted.

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Post-Offering Taxation and Expenses

        After consummation of this offering, we will become subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of SSE Holdings and will be taxed at the prevailing corporate tax rates. In addition to tax expenses, we also will incur expenses related to our operations, plus payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which we expect to be significant. We intend to cause SSE Holdings to make distributions in an amount sufficient to allow us to pay our tax obligations and operating expenses, including distributions to fund any ordinary course payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement—Distributions."

        In addition, as a public company, we will be implementing additional procedures and processes for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. We expect to incur additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things, additional directors' and officers' liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses.

Key Performance Indicators

        To evaluate the performance of our business, we utilize a variety of financial and performance measures. These key measures include Shack sales, new Shack openings, average unit volumes, same Shack sales growth, Shack-level operating profit margin, growth in licensing fees and Adjusted EBITDA.

Shack Sales

        Shack sales represent the aggregate sales of food and beverages in domestic company-operated Shacks. Shack sales in any period are directly influenced by the number of operating weeks in such period, the number of open Shacks and same Shack sales.

New Shack Openings

        The number of new Shack openings reflects the number of Shacks opened during a particular reporting period. Before we open new Shacks, we incur pre-opening costs, as described below. We expect that, beginning in fiscal 2015, we will open at least 10 domestic company-operated Shacks each fiscal year for the foreseeable future, which is the primary driver of our expected sales growth. The total number of new Shacks per year and the timing of Shack openings has, and will continue to have, an impact on our results. New Shacks sometimes experience normal inefficiencies in the form of higher labor and other operating expenses and, as a result, Shack-level operating profit margins are generally lower during the start-up period of operation. See "Risk Factors—New Shacks, once opened may not be profitable, and the performance of our Shacks that we have experienced in the past may not be indicative of future results."

Average Unit Volumes ("AUVs")

        Average Unit Volumes or AUVs for any 12-month period consist of the average annualized sales of all domestic company-operated Shacks over that period. AUVs are calculated by dividing total sales from domestic company-operated Shacks by the number of domestic company-operated Shacks open during that period. For Shacks that are not open for the entire period, we make fractional adjustments to the number of Shacks open such that it corresponds to the period of associated sales. The measurement of AUVs allows us to assess changes in guest traffic and per transaction patterns at our domestic company-operated Shacks.

        Because our AUVs are significantly higher in Manhattan, we analyze AUVs on both a Manhattan Shack and non-Manhattan Shack basis. Manhattan Shack AUVs have historically been higher than non-Manhattan Shack AUVs given the population density and overall familiarity with the Shake Shack brand. Given that the majority of our new domestic company-operated Shack growth is expected to

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occur outside of Manhattan, we believe that non-Manhattan Shack AUVs are a more representative measure of expected sales at new Shacks, compared to Manhattan Shack AUVs.

Same Shack Sales Growth

        Same Shack sales growth reflects the change in year-over-year sales ("same Shack sales") for the comparable Shack base, which we define as the number of domestic company-operated Shacks open for 24 months or longer. For the fiscal years ended December 26, 2012 and December 25, 2013 and the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014, there were five, eight, eight and 12 Shacks, respectively, in our comparable Shack base. The small number of Shacks included in our comparable Shack base may cause same Shack sales growth to fluctuate and be unpredictable.

        Given our focused marketing efforts surrounding each opening, new Shacks often experience an initial start-up period with considerable sales volumes, which subsequently decrease to stabilized levels after approximately 12 months. As a result, the initial comparison of second year sales to first year sales is often to higher than normal sales in the first year. Thus, we do not include Shacks in the comparable Shack base until they have been open 24 months or longer. We expect that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future as we continue to open and expand into new markets.

Shack-level Operating Profit Margin

        Shack-level operating profit margin is defined as sales less operating expenses, including food and paper costs, labor and related expenses, other operating expenses and occupancy and related expenses as a percentage of Shack sales. Shack-level operating profit margin is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. Shack-level operating profit margin is a supplemental measure of operating performance of our Shacks and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Shack-level operating profit margin has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. We believe that Shack-level operating profit margin is an important measure to evaluate the performance and profitability of each Shack, individually and in the aggregate. We use Shack-level operating profit margin information to benchmark our performance versus competitors.

Growth in Licensing Fees

        We currently have five domestic licensed Shacks and 27 international licensed Shacks. Internationally, we have license agreements for four major territories, with Shacks operating in eight countries. The Middle East has been our most prominent growth market with 20 Shacks in operation, followed by Turkey with four, Russia with two and the United Kingdom with one. In fiscal 2013, our international licensed Shacks had AUVs of approximately $6.1 million, which resulted in license fees of approximately $3.5 million. We also receive territory fees for the exclusive right to develop Shacks in a specific geographic area.

Adjusted EBITDA

        We use Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is also the basis for performance evaluation under our executive compensation programs. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before depreciation and amortization, interest expense and provision for income taxes, adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash and other items that we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing operating performance. These items include equity-based compensation expense, non-cash deferred rent charges and pre-opening costs, as well as certain non-recurring charges. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of expenses that do not relate to business performance.

        Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this prospectus is a supplemental measure of our performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP metrics such as net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Also, in the future we may incur expenses or charges such as those added back to calculate Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items.

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Results of Operations

        The following tables summarize key components of our results of operations for the periods indicated:

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Revenues

                         

Shack sales

  $ 55,591   $ 78,587   $ 56,783   $ 78,988  

Licensing revenue

    1,447     3,869     2,721     4,770  
                   

Total revenue

    57,038     82,456     59,504     83,758  

Expenses

                         

Operating expenses

                         

Food and paper costs

    16,774     23,865     17,211     24,248  

Labor and related expenses

    14,436     20,096     14,161     20,605  

Other operating expenses

    5,081     7,315     5,072     7,866  

Occupancy and related expenses          

    5,053     6,892     4,871     6,794  

General and administrative expenses

    6,988     12,453     9,164     12,192  

Depreciation expense

    2,162     3,541     2,472     4,067  

Pre-opening costs

    1,858     2,334     1,705     3,828  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

        25     17     28  
                   

Total expenses

    52,352     76,521     54,673     79,628  
                   

Income from operations

    4,686     5,935     4,831     4,130  

Interest expense, net

    156     52     31     219  
                   

Income before income taxes

    4,530     5,883     4,800     3,911  

Income tax expense

    397     460     374     366  
                   

Net income

  $ 4,133   $ 5,423   $ 4,426   $ 3,545  
                   
                   

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Other data:

                         

Number of Shacks

    21     40     33     53  

Domestic company-operated

   
13
   
21
   
16
   
26
 

Domestic licensed

    3     4     4     5  

International licensed

    5     15     13     22  

Same Shack sales growth

   
7.1

%
 
5.9

%
 
5.5

%
 
3.0

%

Average unit volumes

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Domestic company-operated Shacks

  $ 5,367   $ 5,017              

Manhattan Shacks

    7,034     7,387              

Non-Manhattan Shacks

    3,791     3,840              

International licensed Shacks(1)

    9,665     6,077              

Shack system-wide sales(1)

 
$

81,048
 
$

139,903
 
$

98,931
 
$

156,080
 

Shack-level operating profit margin(2)

   
25.6

%
 
26.0

%
 
27.2

%
 
24.7

%

Manhattan Shacks

    29.0 %   30.3 %   31.7 %   31.2 %

Non-Manhattan Shacks

    19.8 %   21.9 %   22.8 %   20.8 %

Adjusted EBITDA(3)

 
$

9,998
 
$

14,459
 
$

11,417
 
$

14,063
 

As a percentage of revenue

    17.5 %   17.5 %   19.2 %   16.8 %

Capital expenditures

 
$

11,036
 
$

16,194
 
$

10,359
 
$

17,885
 

(1)
Shack system-wide sales includes combined revenue from all of our domestic company-operated Shacks and our domestic and international licensed Shacks. Our total revenue is limited to Shack sales from domestic company-operated Shacks and licensing revenue from our domestic and international licensed Shacks.

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(2)
The computation of Shack-level operating profit margin is set forth below:

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Shack sales

  $ 55,591   $ 78,587   $ 56,783   $ 78,988  

Food and paper costs

    16,774     23,865     17,211     24,248  

Labor and related expenses

    14,436     20,096     14,161     20,605  

Other operating expenses

    5,081     7,315     5,072     7,866  

Occupancy and related expenses

    5,053     6,892     4,871     6,794  
                   

Shack-level operating profit

  $ 14,247   $ 20,419   $ 15,468   $ 19,475  
                   
                   

Shack-level operating profit margin

    25.6 %   26.0 %   27.2 %   24.7 %

    A reconciliation of Shack-level operating profit to income from operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is set forth below.

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Shack-level operating profit

  $ 14,247   $ 20,419   $ 15,468   $ 19,475  

Add:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Licensing revenue

    1,447     3,869     2,721     4,770  

Less:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

General and administrative expenses

    6,988     12,453     9,164     12,192  

Depreciation expense

    2,162     3,541     2,472     4,067  

Pre-opening costs

    1,858     2,334     1,705     3,828  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

        25     17     28  
                   

Income from operations

  $ 4,686   $ 5,935   $ 4,831   $ 4,130  
                   
                   
(3)
A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is set forth below:

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Net income

  $ 4,133   $ 5,423   $ 4,426   $ 3,545  

Depreciation expense

    2,162     3,541     2,472     4,067  

Interest expense, net

    156     52     31     219  

Income tax expense

    397     460     374     366  
                   

EBITDA

    6,848     9,476     7,303     8,197  

Equity-based compensation(a)

    450     93     51     124  

Deferred compensation(b)

        2,054     2,032      

Pre-opening costs(c)

    1,623     1,737     941     2,260  

Deferred rent(d)

    839     975     1,023     1,934  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment(e)

        25     17     28  

Costs associated with this offering(f)

                1,495  

Other non-cash items(g)

    238     99     50     25  
                   

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 9,998   $ 14,459   $ 11,417   $ 14,063  
                   
                   

(a)
Non-cash charges related to equity-based compensation programs, which vary from period to period depending on timing of awards.

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(b)
For the periods presented, represents amounts accrued under a bonus agreement we entered into with an employee pursuant to which we agreed to pay a bonus in a future period.

(c)
Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new Shacks exclusive of deferred rent incurred prior to opening.

(d)
Reflects the extent to which our annual rent expense has been above or below our cash rent.

(e)
Includes the loss on disposal of assets in the ordinary course of business.

(f)
Costs incurred in connection with this offering, including legal, accounting and other related expenses.

(g)
For the periods presented, represents non-cash charges for certain employee benefits.

        The following is a description of certain key financial definitions and a discussion of our results of operations for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 and the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013.

Shack Sales

        Shack sales represent the aggregate sales of food and beverages in domestic company-operated Shacks. Shack sales in any period are directly influenced by the number of operating weeks in such period, the number of open Shacks and same Shack sales.

        Shack sales were $78.6 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $55.6 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $23.0 million or 41.4%. The growth in Shack sales was primarily driven by the opening of eight new domestic company-operated Shacks during fiscal 2013. Shacks in the comparable Shack base contributed $2.3 million of this increase while new domestic company-operated Shacks contributed $20.7 million. Same Shack sales growth increased 5.9% during fiscal 2013. For purposes of calculating same Shack sales growth, Shack sales for eight Shacks were included in the comparable Shack base. For fiscal 2013, AUVs for Manhattan Shacks were $7.4 million and AUVs for non-Manhattan Shacks were $3.8 million.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, Shack sales were $79.0 million compared to $56.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $22.2 million or 39.1%, primarily driven by the opening of 10 new domestic company-operated Shacks between September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014. Shacks in the comparable Shack base contributed $1.0 million of this increase while new domestic company-operated Shacks contributed $21.2 million. Same Shack sales increased 3.0% during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014. For purposes of calculating same Shack sales growth, Shack sales for 12 Shacks were included in the comparable Shack base.

Licensing Revenue

        Licensing revenue is comprised of license fees and territory fees. License fees are calculated as a percentage of sales and territory fees are payments for the exclusive right to develop Shacks in a specific geographic area.

        Licensing revenue was $3.9 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $1.4 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $2.5 million or 167.4%. This increase was primarily driven by the opening of 10 international licensed and one domestic licensed Shack during fiscal 2013. AUVs at international licensed Shacks declined over the same period due to the opening of lower-volume Shacks during fiscal 2013.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, licensing revenue was $4.8 million compared to $2.7 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $2.1 million or 75.3%. This increase was primarily driven by the opening of nine international licensed Shacks between September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014.

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Food and Paper Costs

        Food and paper costs include the direct costs associated with food, beverage and packaging of our menu items. The components of food and paper costs are variable by nature, change with sales volume, are impacted by menu mix and are subject to increases or decreases in commodity costs.

        Food and paper costs were $23.9 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $16.8 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $7.1 million or 42.3%, primarily due to the opening of eight new domestic company-operated Shacks during fiscal 2013. As a percentage of Shack sales, food and paper costs increased slightly to 30.4% for fiscal 2013 compared to 30.2% for fiscal 2012. This increase was due to an increase in the cost of certain food items, primarily beef, which was partially offset by menu price increases and purchasing efficiencies of other items.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, food and paper costs were $24.2 million compared to $17.2 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $7.0 million or 40.9%. This increase was primarily due to the opening of 10 new domestic company-operated Shacks between September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014. As a percentage of Shack sales, food and paper cost increased to 30.7% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 from 30.3% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013. This increase was due to an increase in the cost of certain food items, primarily beef, which was partially offset by menu price increases.

Labor and Related Expenses

        Labor and related expenses include domestic company-operated Shack-level hourly and management wages, bonuses, payroll taxes, workers' compensation expense and medical benefits. As we expect with other variable expense items, we expect labor costs to grow as our Shack sales grow. Factors that influence labor costs include minimum wage and payroll tax legislation, health care costs and the performance of our domestic company-operated Shacks.

        Labor and related expenses were $20.1 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $14.4 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $5.7 million or 39.2%. This increase was primarily due to the opening of eight new domestic company-operated Shacks during fiscal 2013. As a percentage of Shack sales, labor and related expenses decreased to 25.6% in fiscal 2013 compared to 26.0% in fiscal 2012. This decrease was due to certain operational efficiencies and strategies implemented at the Shacks in fiscal 2013.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, labor and related expenses were $20.6 million compared to $14.2 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $6.4 million or 45.5%. This increase was primarily due to the opening of 10 new domestic company-operated Shacks between September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014. As a percentage of Shack sales, labor and related expenses increased to 26.1% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 compared to 24.9% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013. This increase was due to a decision by the Company to increase the starting rate of pay for Shack team members at the start of fiscal 2014, as well as the impact of lower-volume Shacks opening and the impact of fixed management labor at these Shacks.

Other Operating Expenses

        Other operating expenses consist of marketing expenses, utilities and other operating expenses incidental to operating our domestic company-operated Shacks, such as non-perishable supplies, credit card fees, property insurance and repairs and maintenance.

        Other operating expenses were $7.3 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $5.1 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $2.2 million or 44.0%, primarily due to the opening of eight new domestic company-operated Shacks in fiscal 2013. As a percentage of Shack sales, other operating expenses increased to

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9.3% in fiscal 2013 compared to 9.1% in fiscal 2012. This increase was due to the opening of lower-volume non-Manhattan Shacks and the impact of fixed operating expenses at these lower-volume non-Manhattan Shacks.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, other operating expenses were $7.9 million compared to $5.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $2.8 million or 55.1%, primarily due to the opening of 10 new domestic company-operated Shacks between September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014. As a percentage of Shack sales, other operating expenses increased to 10.0% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 compared to 8.9% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013. This increase was due to the impact of certain fixed operating expenses at new lower-volume Shacks.

Occupancy and Related Expenses

        Occupancy and related expenses consist of Shack-level occupancy expenses (including rent, common area expenses and certain local taxes), excluding pre-opening costs, which are recorded separately.

        Occupancy and related expenses were $6.9 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $5.1 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $1.8 million or 36.4%, primarily due to the opening of eight new domestic company-operated Shacks in fiscal 2013. As a percentage of Shack sales, occupancy and related expenses decreased to 8.8% in fiscal 2013 compared to 9.1% in fiscal 2012, primarily due to the opening of non-Manhattan Shacks, where occupancy and related expenses are typically lower.

        Occupancy and related expenses were $6.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 compared to $4.9 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $1.9 million or 39.5%, primarily due to the opening of 10 new domestic company-operated Shacks between September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014. As a percentage of Shack sales, occupancy and related expenses remained unchanged at 8.6% for both the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013.

General and Administrative Expenses

        General and administrative expenses consist of costs associated with corporate and administrative functions that support Shack development and operations, as well as equity-based compensation expense for certain executives.

        General and administrative expenses were $12.5 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $7.0 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $5.5 million or 78.2%. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses increased to 15.1% in fiscal 2013 from 12.3% in fiscal 2012. This increase was due primarily to an increase in payroll related to building our infrastructure through new hires at our home office to support our planned growth as well as a $2.1 million charge for a deferred bonus payable to a member of our executive team.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, general and administrative expenses were $12.2 million compared to $9.2 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $3.0 million or 33.0%. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased to 14.6% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 from 15.4% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013. This decrease was primarily due to the aforementioned charge of $2.1 million accrued during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013. There was no such charge during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014. Also contributing to the decrease was a reduction in the management fee paid to USHG, offset by increases in management payroll and training costs.

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Depreciation Expense

        Depreciation expense consists of the depreciation of fixed assets, including leasehold improvements and equipment.

        Depreciation expense was $3.5 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $2.2 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $1.3 million or 63.8%. This increase was due primarily to depreciation of capital expenditures related to the opening of eight new domestic company-operated Shacks during fiscal 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation expense increased to 4.3% in fiscal 2013 compared to 3.8% in fiscal 2012 due to the introduction of lower-volume non-Manhattan Shacks into the Shack system.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, depreciation expense was $4.1 million compared to $2.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $1.6 million or 64.5%. This increase was primarily due to depreciation of capital expenditures related to the opening of 10 new domestic company-operated Shacks between September 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation expense increased to 4.9% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 from 4.2% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013 due to the introduction of lower-volume non-Manhattan Shacks into the system.

Pre-opening Costs

        Pre-opening costs consist primarily of legal fees, rent, managers' salaries, training costs, employee payroll and related expenses, all costs to relocate and compensate Shack management teams prior to an opening and wages, travel and lodging costs for our opening training team and other support team members. All such costs incurred prior to the opening of a domestic company-operated Shack are expensed in the period in which the expense was incurred. Pre-opening costs can fluctuate significantly from period to period, based on the number and timing of domestic company-operated Shack openings and the specific pre-opening costs incurred for each domestic company-operated Shack. Additionally, domestic company-operated Shack openings in new geographic market areas will initially experience higher pre-opening costs than our established geographic market areas, such as the New York City metropolitan area, where we have greater economies of scale and incur lower travel and lodging costs for our training team.

        Pre-opening costs were $2.3 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $1.9 million in fiscal 2012, an increase of $0.4 million or 25.6% as a result of an increase in the number of new domestic company-operated Shacks opened in fiscal 2013.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, pre-opening costs were $3.8 million compared to $1.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $2.1 million or 124.5% as a result of an increase in the number of new domestic company-operated Shacks during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, as well as pre-opening costs incurred at Shacks scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment

        Loss on disposal of property and equipment represents the net book value of assets that have been retired and consists primarily of furniture and fixtures that were replaced in the normal course of business.

        For all periods presented, loss on disposal of property and equipment was immaterial.

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Interest Expense

        Interest expense consists of interest on the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) as well as the amortization of deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility.

        For all periods presented, interest expense was immaterial.

Income Tax Expense

        Income tax expense consists of unincorporated business tax payable to the City of New York as well as other various state and local taxes. We are also subject to tax withholding in other foreign jurisdictions. SSE Holdings is currently taxed as a partnership. See "—Critical Accounting Policies—Income Taxes."

        Income tax expense was $0.5 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $0.4 million in fiscal 2012. Our effective income tax rate decreased to 7.8% in fiscal 2013 from 8.8% in fiscal 2012, primarily due to lower state and local income taxes.

        Income tax expense was $0.4 million for both the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013. Our effective income tax rate increased to 9.4% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 from 7.8% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, primarily due to increased foreign withholding taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        We have continued to experience increases in Shack-level operating profit margin, Adjusted EBITDA, the number of domestic company-operated Shack openings, same Shack sales growth and AUVs. However, the restaurant industry continues to be challenged, and uncertainty exists as to the sustainability of these favorable trends. We believe that cash provided by operating activities, cash on hand and the Revolving Credit Facility are adequate to fund our debt service requirements, operating lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital obligations for the next 12 months. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow from operations and our ability to manage costs and working capital successfully.

        We desire to maintain a strong balance sheet to support our growth initiatives and increase same Shack sales with financial flexibility; to provide the financial resources necessary to protect and enhance the competitiveness of our brand and guest experience at our Shacks; and to provide a prudent level of financial capacity to manage the risks and uncertainties of operating our business in the current volatile economic environment and through future economic and industry cycles. Our ongoing capital expenditures are principally related to opening new Shacks, existing Shack capital investments (both for remodels and maintenance), as well as investment in our corporate infrastructure.

        In addition, following the consummation of this offering, we will be obligated to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Although the actual timing and amount of any payments that may be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement will vary, we expect that the payments that we will be required to make to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners will be significant. Any payments made by us to Continuing SSE Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us or to SSE Holdings and, to the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, the unpaid amounts generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid by us.

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        We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business, and therefore we do not currently expect to pay any cash dividends on our Class A common stock. Any future determination to pay dividends to holders of Class A common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, restrictions in SSE Holdings' debt agreements and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. See "Dividend Policy." Holders of Class B common stock will have the same voting rights as holders of Class A common stock but holders of Class B common stock will not be entitled to receive any distributions from or participate in any dividends declared by Shake Shack Inc.'s board of directors.

        We utilize operating lease arrangements for all of our domestic company-operated Shacks. We believe that our operating lease arrangements continue to provide the appropriate leverage for our capital structure in a financially efficient manner. Because we lease all of the properties related to our domestic company-operated Shacks, as well as our home office, we do not have any debt that is secured by real property.

Summary of Cash Flows

        Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources have been cash provided from operating activities, cash on hand and the Revolving Credit Facility. Aside from the capital expenditures noted above, our primary requirements for liquidity are for lease obligations, working capital and general corporate needs. Our requirement for working capital is not significant because our guests pay for their food and beverage purchases in cash or on debit or credit cards at the time of the sale and we are able to sell many of our inventory items before payment is due to the supplier of such items.

        The following table and discussion presents, for the periods indicated, a summary of our key cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities.

 
  Fiscal year ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended  
(in thousands)
  December 26,
2012
  December 25,
2013
  September 25,
2013
  September 24,
2014
 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

  $ 11,678   $ 12,924   $ 9,989   $ 11,433  

Net cash flows used in investing activities

    (11,036 )   (16,194 )   (10,359 )   (17,885 )

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (2,171 )   313         (517 )
                   

Net decrease in cash

    (1,529 )   (2,957 )   (370 )   (6,969 )

Cash at beginning of period

    17,562     16,033     16,033     13,076  
                   

Cash at the end of period

  $ 16,033   $ 13,076   $ 15,663   $ 6,107  
                   
                   

Operating Activities

        For fiscal 2013, net cash provided by operating activities was $12.9 million compared to $11.7 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $1.2 million, primarily due to cash generated by increased revenue as a result of new domestic company-operated Shack openings.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities was $11.4 million compared to $10.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $1.4 million. This increase was due primarily to cash generated by increased revenue as a result of new domestic company-operated Shack openings.

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Investing Activities

        For fiscal 2013, net cash used in investing activities was $16.2 million compared to $11.0 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $5.2 million. The increase was due to an increase in capital expenditures to construct new domestic company-operated Shacks in the current year period.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, net cash used in investing activities was $17.9 million compared to $10.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, an increase of $7.5 million. This increase was due to an increase in capital expenditures to construct new domestic company-operated Shacks in such period compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013.

Financing Activities

        For fiscal 2013, net cash provided by financing activities was $0.3 million. For fiscal 2012, net cash used in financing activities was $2.2 million, an increase of $2.5 million, primarily due to the repayment of approximately $1.9 million of long-term debt as well as the payment of deferred financing charges.

        For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, net cash used in financing activities was $0.5 million, resulting from distributions to members and the payment of debt issuance costs, offset by proceeds from borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013, there was no cash provided by or used in financing activities.

Revolving Credit Facility

        On December 30, 2013, SSE Holdings entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, which became effective in April 2014 (such date, the "Effective Date") and was subsequently amended on December 28, 2014 (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a revolving total commitment amount of $50.0 million. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable five years from the effective date. The Revolving Credit Facility permits the issuance of letters of credit upon our request of up to $10.0 million. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at either: (i) LIBOR plus a percentage ranging from 3.0% to 4.0%, or (ii) the prime rate plus a percentage ranging from 0.0% to 1.0%. As of September 24, 2014, we had $5.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and $24.9 million of availability, after giving effect to $0.1 million in letters of credit.

        The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of our assets and is guaranteed by USHG.

        The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to, subject to specified exceptions, incur additional debt; incur additional liens and contingent liabilities; sell or dispose of assets; merge with or acquire other companies; liquidate or dissolve ourselves; engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; make loans, advances or guarantees; pay dividends or make other distributions (with an exception so long as no event of default (as such term is defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) exists and subject to pro forma compliance with a funded net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio); engage in transactions with affiliates; and make investments. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility contains certain cross-default provisions. We are required to maintain a specified consolidated fixed-charge coverage ratio and a specified funded net debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio. As of September 24, 2014, we were in compliance with all covenants.

        In connection with this offering, we anticipate obtaining the New Credit Facility. See "Description of Indebtedness."

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        As of September 24, 2014, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, except for operating leases entered into in the normal course of business.

Contractual Obligations

        The following table and discussion presents contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 25, 2013.

 
  Payments due by period  
(in thousands)
  Total   Fiscal 2014   Fiscal
2015-2016
  Fiscal
2017-2018
  Thereafter  

Operating lease obligations

  $ 166,215   $ 6,464   $ 23,078   $ 27,568   $ 109,105  

Deferred compensation

  $ 2,450           $ 2,450      
                       

Total

  $ 168,665   $ 6,464   $ 23,078   $ 30,018   $ 109,105  
                       
                       

        The above table excludes long-term, exclusive contracts we enter into with certain vendors to supply us with food, beverages and paper goods, obligating us to purchase specified quantities. These volume commitments are not subject to any time limit and there are no material financial penalties associated with these agreements in the event of early termination. We also enter into purchase commitments related to construction, marketing and other service-related arrangements that occur in the normal course of business. Such commitments are excluded from the above table as they are typically short-term in nature and are not material as of December 25, 2013.

        Other long-term liabilities excluded from the above table include non-cash obligations for deferred rent and deferred property incentives. In addition, other unrecorded obligations that have been excluded from the contractual obligations table include contingent rent payments, property taxes, insurance payments and common area maintenance costs.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

        Our discussion and analysis of operating results and financial condition are based upon our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

        Our critical accounting policies are those that materially affect our consolidated financial statements and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. A thorough understanding of these critical accounting policies is essential when reviewing our consolidated financial statements. We believe that the critical accounting policies listed below are the most difficult management decisions as they involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions as described above.

Revenue Recognition

        Revenue consists of Shack sales and licensing revenues. Revenue from Shacks are presented net of discounts and recognized when food and beverage products are sold. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenues and the obligation is included in sales tax payable until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. Revenues from our gift cards are deferred and recognized upon redemption. Licensing revenues include exclusive territory fees and ongoing licensing

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fees from all licensed Shacks. Territory fees are recorded as deferred revenue when received and proportionate amounts are recognized as revenue when a Shack is opened as all material services and conditions related to the fee have been substantially performed. Ongoing licensing fees from these Shacks are recognized as revenue in the period the related Shacks' revenues are earned.

Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment acquired is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment is depreciated based on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally ranging from five to seven years for furniture and fixtures, computer equipment, computer software, and machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related lease life.

        We assess potential impairments to our long-lived assets, which includes property and equipment, whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Shack-level assets are grouped together for the purpose of the impairment assessment. There were no impairment charges recorded during fiscal 2012, fiscal 2013 or the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014.

Leases

        We currently lease all of our domestic company-operated Shacks and the home office. At the inception of each lease, we determine its appropriate classification as an operating or capital lease. As of December 25, 2013 and September 24, 2014 there were no leases classified as capital leases. For operating leases that include rent escalations, we record the base rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and the difference between the base cash rents paid and the straight-line rent expense is recorded as deferred rent. Certain leases contain contingent rent provisions that require additional rental payments based upon sales volume. When achievement of such sales volume target is probable, contingent rent is accrued in proportion to the sales recognized during the period that are attributable to the expected achievement of the sales volume target. It is our policy to record straight-line rent expense from possession date through the opening date as pre-opening expense. Once a domestic company-operated Shack opens, we record the straight-line rent plus contingent rent, if applicable, as occupancy and related expenses.

        We expend cash for leasehold improvements and to build out and equip our leased premises. We may also expend cash for structural additions that we make to leased premises. Generally, a portion of the leasehold improvements and building costs are reimbursed to us by our landlords as construction contributions pursuant to agreed-upon terms in our leases. If obtained, landlord construction contributions usually take the form of up-front cash, full or partial credits against our future minimum or percentage rents otherwise payable by us, or a combination thereof. When contractually due to us, we classify tenant improvement allowances as deferred rent on the consolidated balance sheets and amortize the tenant improvement allowance on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a credit to occupancy and related expenses.

Income Taxes

        SSE Holdings is currently, and will be through the consummation of this offering, treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, taxable income or loss is passed through to and included in the taxable income of its members,

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including us. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus do not include a provision for federal income taxes. SSE Holdings is liable for various other state and local taxes and is subject to tax withholding in foreign jurisdictions. After the consummation of this offering, pursuant to the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement, SSE Holdings will generally make pro rata tax distributions to holders of LLC Interests in an amount sufficient to fund all or part of their tax obligations with respect to the taxable income of SSE Holdings that is allocated to them. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement—Distributions."

        After consummation of this offering, we will become subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of SSE Holdings and will be taxed at the prevailing corporate tax rates. In addition to tax expenses, we also will incur expenses related to our operations, plus payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which will be significant. We intend to cause SSE Holdings to make distributions in an amount sufficient to allow us to pay our tax obligations and operating expenses, including distributions to fund any ordinary course payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—SSE Holdings LLC Agreement—Distributions."

Equity-Based Compensation

        Equity-based compensation expense is measured based on fair value. We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For awards with graded vesting features and service conditions only, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the total requisite service period for the entire award.

    Class B Units

        Certain of our employees have received grants of Class B Units in SSE Holdings. The Class B Units generally vest annually over five years from the applicable grant date. If not fully vested, awards will become fully vested (i) upon the occurrence of a change in control or (ii) upon the occurrence of an initial public offering, each as defined in the grant agreements with respect to such awards. Upon consummation of this offering, the vesting of all outstanding awards will accelerate and each Class B Unit will be exchanged for LLC Interests in SSE Holdings. The potential compensation expense to be recorded for the awards upon consummation of this offering is approximately $0.6 million, the amount of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards as of September 24, 2014. We will recognize non-cash equity-based compensation expense with respect to these awards in the period in which the offering is consummated.

    Unit Appreciation Rights

        SSE Holdings currently maintains a phantom equity plan, which we refer to as the Unit Appreciation Rights Plan, or "UAR Plan," whereby it may grant up to 31,303 unit appreciation rights ("UARs") to employees. The UARs terminate on the tenth anniversary of the grant date or upon termination of employment, if earlier. UARs are subject to continued employment and are only exercisable upon a qualifying transaction, which is either a change of control or an initial public offering, each as defined in the UAR Plan. Upon the occurrence of a qualifying transaction, participants are entitled to receive a payment determined by multiplying (i) the excess, if any, of the qualifying transaction price over the base price per UAR, as specified in each participant's award agreement, by (ii) the stated number of Class B Units deemed covered by the UARs held by the participant. The consummation of this offering will constitute a qualifying transaction under the terms of the UAR Plan and will result in the recognition of approximately $             million of compensation expense, which we will recognize in the period in which the offering is consummated. All UARs outstanding under the UAR Plan will be paid out in connection with this offering in the form of shares of our Class A common stock.

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        Compensation expense is included within general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012

        The JOBS Act permits us, as an "emerging growth company," to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We are choosing to "opt out" of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted. This decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risks

Commodity and Food Price Risks

        Our profitability is dependent on, among other things, our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the costs of key operating resources, including food and beverage, energy and other commodities. We have been able to partially offset cost increases resulting from a number of factors, including market conditions, shortages or interruptions in supply due to weather or other conditions beyond our control, governmental regulations and inflation, by increasing our menu prices, as well as making other operational adjustments that increase productivity. However, substantial increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be offset by menu price increases.

Labor and Benefits Costs

        At our domestic company-operated Shacks, we have historically provided a starting wage that is above the minimum wage in place for that particular state. For instance, in Manhattan Shacks, we start our new employees at $10.00 per hour even though the minimum wage in New York is $8.00 per hour. We believe that this enables us to attract a higher caliber employee and this translates directly to better guest service. Our desire is to continue to do so and, as such, there can be no assurance that we will generate same Shack sales growth in an amount sufficient to offset increases in minimum wage or other inflationary pressures.

Interest Rate Risk

        We are exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations in interest rates on our debt obligations. Our Revolving Credit Facility carries interest at a floating rate. We seek to manage exposure to adverse interest rate changes through our normal operating and financing activities. As of September 24, 2014, we had $5.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

        Although we conduct business outside of the United States, the revenue and expenses associated with our international business are transacted in U.S. dollars and accordingly we do not have material foreign currency risk.

Impact of Inflation

        While we have been able to partially offset inflation and other changes in the costs of core operating resources by gradually increasing menu prices, coupled with more efficient purchasing practices, productivity improvements and greater economies of scale, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the future. From time to time, competitive conditions could limit our menu pricing flexibility. In addition, macroeconomic conditions could make additional menu price

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increases imprudent. There can be no assurance that future cost increases can be offset by increased menu prices or that increased menu prices will be fully absorbed by our guests without any resulting change to their visit frequencies or purchasing patterns. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will generate same Shack sales growth in an amount sufficient to offset inflationary or other cost pressures.

        Substantially all of the leases for our domestic company-operated Shacks provide for contingent rent obligations based on a percentage of sales. As a result, an increase in occupancy and related expenses will offset a proportionate share of any menu price increases at our domestic company-operated Shacks.

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

        Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations in that our Shack sales are typically nominally higher during the summer months affecting the second and third quarters of the fiscal year. Our quarterly results have been and will continue to be affected by the timing of new Shack openings and their associated pre-opening costs. As a result of these factors, our financial results for any single quarter or for periods of less than a year are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

        The following table sets forth certain unaudited financial and operating information for each fiscal quarter during fiscal 2012, fiscal 2013 and each of the first three fiscal quarters of fiscal 2014. The unaudited quarterly information includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the information presented. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year.

 
  Fiscal 2012   Fiscal 2013   Fiscal 2014  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
  First
quarter
  Second
quarter
  Third
quarter
  Fourth
quarter
  First
quarter
  Second
quarter
  Third
quarter
  Fourth
quarter
  First
quarter
  Second
quarter
  Third
quarter
 

Total revenue

  $ 11,815   $ 13,936   $ 16,070   $ 15,217   $ 15,749   $ 20,952   $ 22,803   $ 22,952   $ 24,196   $ 27,737   $ 31,825  

Income from operations

  $ 1,222   $ 1,729   $ 1,733   $ 2   $ 1,283   $ 2,936   $ 612   $ 1,104   $ 1,229   $ 2,142   $ 759  

Other data:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Same Shack sales growth

    27.0 %   7.7 %   8.2 %   -0.1 %   0.8 %   5.9 %   8.2 %   6.8 %   3.9 %   4.5 %   1.2 %

Number of Shacks

    14     15     17     21     24     28     33     40     44     48     53  

Domestic company-operated

    9     10     12     13     14     16     16     21     21     23     26  

Domestic licensed

    3     3     3     3     3     4     4     4     4     4     5  

International licensed

    2     2     2     5     7     8     13     15     19     21     22  

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LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN AND OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dear Prospective Stockholders,

        One of the things that may get lost among all the hubbub when a company is "going public" is that the business can now be owned, in part, by its greatest fans. We have always been so incredibly grateful for the enormous number of people from all walks of life who genuinely love Shake Shack, and who already feel as if it's theirs. And we're excited that now it actually can be.

        There's a good reason there are such stringent standards for a registration statement and if you're interested in owning part of Shake Shack, you will no doubt want to read every word of this prospectus. This letter is just to let you know a little more about our story and how grateful we are for your interest in being part of our future. We pledge to keep doing business with the same set of values and employee first culture that brought us to this point and to stay focused on achieving our long term goals for the company.

        Shake Shack was born "public"–at least in the middle of a public park–first as a hot dog cart, and then three years later, as a humble kiosk. We first conceived of our hot dog cart, not as the basis for a business, but rather as a small experiment to see if something as simple as selling delicious hot dogs could have the power to express what matters most in our Union Square Hospitality Group culture of Enlightened Hospitality: caring for our team members, guests, community, suppliers, and investors.

        What if those hot dogs–part of a public art exhibit–could help draw more people to New York's Madison Square Park? What if–just like in USHG's fine dining restaurants–the cart could cultivate a legion of regular guests? What if we could remember people's names, what they like as toppings for their hot dog, and when they had last visited us? What if we could source the best possible ingredients and even raise a few dollars for the park in the process?

        Well, the hot dog cart was so popular–with epic lines to match–that all three major TV networks and CNN covered it in their nightly news reports. The New York Times even sent their restaurant critic to write a review! We repeated the cart for three years (2001-2003), before finally deciding to collaborate with the Madison Square Park Conservancy and winning a public bid to build a more permanent kiosk in the park. We entertained a bunch of names for the kiosk (most of them pretty bad–like Custard's First Stand , Dog Run and Madison Mixer ) and ultimately settled on Shake Shack.

        Our vision was for Shake Shack to be a "community wealth venture." We would raise the money philanthropically to build the kiosk, then we'd gift it to the park, which would in turn become our landlord. We would own the business, and the park would receive rent as a percentage of our sales. If it worked, we'd employ people, give food lovers a great reason to visit the park from 11:00am-11:00pm, and we'd sell a lot of wonderful food from our favorite suppliers. And if it really worked, the park would feel safer, and much needed dollars would be generated to provide funding for the park's robust budget for ongoing maintenance, horticulture, and public programming.

        And then something unexpected happened. Shake Shack became so beloved, that just before its fifth birthday, we decided to do something we'd never done before in our nearly 25-year history as a fine dining restaurant company. We opened a second one–this time in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Our hope was that the second Shake Shack would work so well that we might shorten up the long lines in the park. The second one worked, alright, but, for some reason, more people than ever stood in line in the park.

        Back in those days we asked ourselves every day, "what is it about this place that people love so much?" It's an amazing burger and those frozen custard shakes are incredible–but after all, why would New Yorkers, who are famously rushed, wait in a line for a burger and fries? What was the big deal?

        We looked at that line as a responsibility. A responsibility to assure that if our guests were going to invest time waiting to get their hands and mouths on our burgers, then we owed it to each one of

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them to bring the exact same level of hospitality, thoughtfulness, and flavor we bring to USHG's New York Times-starred restaurants.

        At just about the time we decided to grow Shake Shack, the Great Recession hit. Intriguingly, there were some advantages for us. First, our value allowed guests to trade down in price without giving up one ounce of flavor–or even prestige. We were selling wines and really good beer at fair prices–so you could get away with using Shake Shack as a date place and have money left over relative to going out to a full service restaurant. We also found lots of great employees almost instantly as the marketplace was loaded with talent–great hospitality folks who knew our company from our other restaurants, and were intrigued to grow with us in an unexpected way.

        We've never believed that Shake Shack only thrives in a down economy, but growing from one to 15 Shacks smack dab in the heart of the recession told us that we also don't need a robust economy to build our business.

        One of our favorite parts of Shake Shack–a story that is infrequently told–is how it has served as a jobs training program for hundreds of first-time employees, many of whom have then gone on to become managers and leaders in our company. It feels so good to help people learn to take accountability for their role as team members, and then to grow and prosper right alongside Shake Shack.

        Another tradition we're proud of and intend to continue is to connect Shake Shack to its broader community. Our biggest initiative is the Great American Shake Sale , which raised over $300,000 this year for Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign . Additionally, we invite each one of our general managers to select a local not-for-profit to partner with. That community organization receives a percentage of sales from one of our frozen custard "concretes"–whose recipe is always derived from local tradition and flavor, often using mix-in ingredients made by a local culinary artisan.

        Shake Shack has also become our passport to seeing the world. Instead of waiting to try our hand internationally until after we'd saturated the U.S., we partnered with a well-respected operator and opened our first international Shack when we had just a handful of restaurants in our own country. We were curious to learn whether our burgers, shakes and hospitality would successfully translate to other cultures. It has. Among our busiest and most popular Shake Shacks in the world are ones in Dubai, Istanbul, London and Kuwait.

        That early international growth has been a superb education for us in how to hire, teach, and train our culture of Enlightened Hospitality across the globe. It has taught us all kinds of things about distribution of food, allowing us to purchase locally whenever possible, and to remain consistent with the flavor people expect from us. We've learned to design our Shacks in a way that is harmonious with other cultures, and we've learned to tell our story in a way that has influenced other local businesses on how to take great care of people and communities and to earn profits at the same time.

        We are both humbled and proud of the success Shake Shack has enjoyed to date. We began with a mission to do something good for a park and a community. We continue to feel a huge responsibility for each one of our stakeholders, and as we continue to grow by standing for something good, our motto will remain, "the bigger we get, the smaller we need to act."

        If our story and values resonate with you, we'd be more than honored to count you among our stockholders. Thank you for wanting to learn more about how to help us keep this beautiful journey going, and hope to see you soon at Shake Shack!

Sincerely,


GRAPHIC
 
GRAPHIC
Danny Meyer
Founder and Chairman of the Board
  Randy Garutti
Chief Executive Officer

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BUSINESS

         Except as specifically noted or as the context otherwise implies, the description of our menu, supply chain and operations in this prospectus applies to our domestic company-operated Shacks, as some of the Shacks operated by our licensees vary in menu, supply chain and operations.

Overview of Shake Shack

        Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand serving a classic American menu of premium burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer and wine. Founded by Danny Meyer's USHG, Shake Shack was created leveraging USHG's expertise in community building, hospitality, fine dining, restaurant operations and sourcing premium ingredients. Danny's vision of Enlightened Hospitality guided the creation of the unique Shake Shack culture that, we believe, creates a differentiated experience for our guests across all demographics at each of the 62 Shacks around the world. As Shake Shack's Board Chairman and USHG's Chief Executive Officer, Danny has drawn from USHG's experience creating and operating some of New York City's most acclaimed and popular restaurants, including Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Blue Smoke, The Modern, Maialino and Marta, to build what we believe is a new fine casual restaurant category in Shake Shack.

        Shake Shack originated from a hot dog cart that USHG established in 2001 to support the rejuvenation of New York City's Madison Square Park through its Conservancy's first art installation—"I  ©  Taxi." The hot dog cart was an instant hit, with lines forming daily throughout the summer months for the next three years. In response to this success, the city's Department of Parks and Recreation awarded Shake Shack a contract to create a kiosk to help fund the park's future. In 2004, Shake Shack officially opened and immediately became a community gathering place for New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world. Over the last decade, Shake Shack has become a beloved New York City institution that generates significant media attention, critical acclaim and a passionately devoted following. We have since grown rapidly with 63 Shacks in nine countries and 34 cities.

        Our vision is to Stand For Something Good in all aspects of Shake Shack's business, including the exceptional team we hire and train, the premium ingredients making up our menu, our community engagement and the design of our Shacks. Stand For Something Good is a call to action to all of our stakeholders—our team, guests, communities, suppliers and investors—and we actively invite them all to share in this philosophy with us. This commitment drives our integration into the local communities in which we operate and fosters a lasting connection with our guests. We continually invest in our "Shack Team," as we believe that team members who are treated and trained well will deliver Enlightened Hospitality and a superior guest experience. Through our leadership development program, The Shacksperience , we teach our team members the principles of Enlightened Hospitality and how to live and breathe our Shack Pact , the agreement that encompasses our value system and brand ethos. Our people make all the difference, as they embody the sense of community necessary to create the complete Shake Shack experience. This vision reflects our goal to be the best burger company in the world, for the world and for our team.

        We believe Shake Shack has become a compelling lifestyle brand and has helped to pioneer the creation of a new fine casual category in restaurants. Fine casual couples the ease, value and convenience of fast casual concepts with the high standards of excellence in thoughtful ingredient sourcing, preparation, hospitality and quality grounded in fine dining. As a pioneer in this new category, we strive to maintain the culinary traditions of the classic American burger stand, while providing our guests a menu of chef-inspired food and drinks. Our signature items are our all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes and frozen custard. We cook our burgers and spin our shakes to order and strive to use the freshest premium ingredients available. This core menu is supplemented with seasonal and innovative culinary offerings such as those featured during our annual Shacktoberfest event.

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        Of the 63 Shacks, there are 31 domestic company-operated Shacks, five domestic licensed Shacks and 27 international licensed Shacks. We open Shacks in areas where communities gather, often with high foot traffic and substantial commercial density such as New York City's Theater District, London's Covent Garden and Dubai's Mall of the Emirates. We have been able to successfully grow across a variety of locations due to our versatile Shack formats and designs that are tailored to reflect each Shack community's core attributes. During the three fiscal years ended December 25, 2013, we grew from seven Shacks in two states to 40 Shacks across six states, Washington, D.C. and eight other countries, representing a 79% CAGR. In fiscal 2013, our domestic company-operated Shacks had AUVs of approximately $5.0 million, of which our Manhattan Shacks had AUVs of approximately $7.4 million and our non-Manhattan Shacks had AUVs of approximately $3.8 million. During the three fiscal years ended December 25, 2013, our total revenue grew from $19.5 million to $82.5 million, a 62% CAGR, our net income grew from $0.2 million to $5.4 million, and Adjusted EBITDA grew to $14.5 million. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, to net income, see "Prospectus Summary—Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data."

GRAPHIC


(1)
Shack system-wide sales includes combined revenue from all of our domestic company-operated Shacks and our domestic and international licensed Shacks. Our total revenue is limited to Shack sales from domestic company-operated Shacks and licensing revenue from our domestic and international licensed Shacks.

The Burger Market

        Shake Shack is part of the burger market of the restaurant industry, which is the largest dine-out segment in the United States with more than $72 billion in 2013 sales, according to Technomic Inc. The burger industry is estimated to be twice the size of the pizza market, which is the next largest category. Given its role as the quintessential American meal, burgers have also proven to be the most portable concept internationally, with an estimated global market size of over $135 billion.

        With the majority of the burger restaurant segment comprised of quick service restaurant competitors, we believe that Shake Shack is well positioned to take market share, as we believe consumers will continue to trade up to higher quality offerings given an increasing consumer focus on responsible sourcing, ingredients and preparation. Additionally, we believe that consumers will continue to move away from the added time commitment and cost of traditional casual dining.

        We believe that many consumers want to associate with brands whose ethos matches that of their own, and that Shake Shack's fine casual position, born and raised in Manhattan, creates a distinctly differentiated global lifestyle brand opportunity.

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What Makes Shake Shack Special

1.     Our Culture of Enlightened Hospitality: Taking Care of Each Other

        We believe that the culture of our team is the single most important factor in our success. We aim to recruit and develop a team with the innate "personality to please" that cannot be taught. We look for people who are warm, friendly, motivated, caring, self-aware and intellectually curious team members, or what we call "51%'ers." We use the term "51%" to describe the emotional skills needed to thrive at the job and "49%" to describe the technical skills needed for the job. Our 51%'ers are excited and committed to championship performance, remarkable and enriching hospitality, embodying our culture and actively growing themselves and the brand. Our team is trained to understand and practice the values of Enlightened Hospitality: caring for each other, caring for our guests, caring for our community, caring for our suppliers and caring for our investors. These principles have been championed by Danny Meyer throughout his career and are detailed in his New York Times best-selling book Setting the Table : The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business ; they are fundamental to the way Shake Shack operates its business. We invest in our team through extensive leadership development programs to ensure that Shake Shack remains a great place to work and an exciting career choice for team members at every level. We have built a culture of active learning and we foster an environment of leadership development throughout the entire lifecycle of employment. We seek to be the employer of choice by offering above industry average compensation in most markets, comprehensive benefits and a variety of incentive programs, including a monthly revenue-sharing program with our employees. We believe that our culture of Enlightened Hospitality enables us to develop future leaders from within and deliver a consistent Shack experience as we continue to grow.

Culture

        Our culture is rooted in the 29-year history of USHG. Our commitment to Stand For Something Good permeates throughout every Shack and every team member we hire. Expounding on the principles of USHG's Enlightened Hospitality and Stand For Something Good is our Shack Pact , which is prominently displayed in the team member areas of every Shack, on the inside cover of the Shackademics book (our training manual) and on the template for every pre-meal meeting agenda (daily Shack team meeting). It is the agreement we make with ourselves and with each other to uphold our principles and to hold each other accountable. Our Shack Pact is summarized below:

    Hospitality —We stand for following the 5 Tenets of Enlightened Hospitality (Taking care of Each Other, Our Guests, Our Community, Our Suppliers and Our Investors) to create raves through every stakeholder interaction.

    Team— We stand to hire 51%'ers to create teams that are excited and committed to championship performance, remarkable and enriching hospitality, embodying our culture and actively growing themselves and the brand.

    Food & Drink— We stand to be a worldwide culinary leader in our interpretation of the classic American roadside burger stand.

    The Shack —We stand to design, build and maintain the most engaging, thoughtful, safe and clean environment for our teams to work in and our guests to gather in.

    Communication —We stand to be aligned with each other every day so that mutual understanding leads to progress.

        The unity that we have built amongst our Shack Teams and within the Company as a whole is a key driver of our ability to deliver a great guest experience and, therefore, continue to successfully grow our footprint. Each Shack has a "Caught Doing Right" board where team members are encouraged to post notes when they have witnessed other team members go above and beyond what is expected. At

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Shake Shack, we celebrate our successes, no matter how small, and this is practiced at every level of the Company. We also believe that team members will perform their best when they feel like the rest of the team is "on their side"—a belief ingrained in Shake Shack's DNA that began in the early stages of our fine dining history.

Leadership Development

        The goal of training is to develop leaders and to cross utilize team members throughout the operation. We call our team member life cycle, The Shacksperience . This model clarifies and outlines growth opportunities at all levels of the organization and furthers our philosophy of hiring and developing 51%'ers, growing from within and "leaders training future leaders." We train our culture and guiding principles first, and then move to menu knowledge, followed by a focus on station training. We believe that everyone learns differently and our training uses various formats: online interactive, video, hands-on and paper-based. Every team member has access to ShackSource , our proprietary online training portal, following his or her hire. ShackSource is used not only as a learning platform, but also as a communication tool for our team. As an example, ShackSource is a way for team members to send recognition messages, comments, praise and thanks to their fellow team members across the Company.

The Bigger We Get, The Smaller We Need To Act

        This mantra, which was developed from our Stand For Something Good vision, is what guides our decision-making and keeps us connected to our roots. As we grow, it is our passion to continue the ethos that led to the creation of USHG and Shake Shack and to never veer too far from that original vision. We make decisions that focus on the core of who we are, staying true to the principles of Enlightened Hospitality. It is these decisions that drive us to seek out what we believe to be the finest team members, the tastiest ingredients, the best suppliers, the best community partners and the right investors.

2.     Fine Casual: Inspired Food and Drink

        We embrace our Company's fine-dining heritage and are committed to sourcing premium, sustainable ingredients, such as all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free beef, while offering excellent value to our guests. Our core menu remains focused and is supplemented with targeted innovation inspired by the best versions of the classic American roadside burger stands. As a result of culinary creativity and excellence, we attract continued interest from partners such as award-winning chefs, talented bakers, farmers and artisanal purveyors who want to collaborate with us in different and engaging ways. We never stop looking for the best ingredients and the best culinary partners in order to exceed our guests' expectations in every aspect of their experience.

Menu

        Shake Shack's menu focuses on premium food and beverages, carefully crafted from a range of classic American foods at more accessible price points than full-service restaurants. The domestic menu includes a variety of signature items, such as the ShackBurger, SmokeShack, Shack-cago Dog, 'Shroom Burger, seasonal Frozen Custard, Shakes, Concretes, ShackMeister Ale and Shack Red and White

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wines. The Shake Shack concept and core menu items have not materially changed since 2004, which speaks to the timelessness and universal appeal of our food offerings.


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  Burgers

Shake Shack uses a proprietary whole-muscle blend of all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free beef in its hamburgers, which are ground fresh daily. Shake Shack's flagship item is the ShackBurger, which is a four-ounce cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce. We take great care in the preparation of our burgers, from sourcing to handling to cooking to ensure that the quality of the burgers we serve drives new and repeat visits. The burger section of our menu also includes the SmokeShack, 'Shroom Burger (our vegetarian burger), Shack Stack and Hamburger.


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Fries

Our classic and passionately loved crinkle-cut fries are made from premium golden potatoes and are prepared 100% free of artificial trans fat. Guests also have the option to order Cheese Fries, which are our crinkle-cut fries topped with a proprietary blend of cheddar and American cheese sauce. We believe the tactile pleasure and emotional attachment that our guests have to the crispiness and ridges of our crinkle-cut fries is a nostalgic ode to the roadside burger stand of yesteryear.


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Hot Dogs

Shake Shack was born from a hot dog cart in 2001 and we believe that our hot dog options give our guests another premium category from which to choose. Both our beef hot dogs and our chicken dogs are made from 100% all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free beef and chicken, respectively. Our signature Shack-cago Dog is "dragged through the garden" and topped with Shack relish, onion, cucumber, pickle, tomato, sport pepper, celery salt and mustard. The DogMeister is topped with Cheese Sauce and ShackMeister Ale-marinated shallots.


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Frozen Custard

Our premium, dense, rich and creamy ice cream, spun daily on-site, is crafted from Shake Shack's proprietary vanilla and chocolate recipes using only real sugar—no corn syrup—and milk from dairy farmers who pledge not to use artificial growth hormones. Shakes remain our guests' favorite in this category and are scooped and spun to order. Our concretes are made by blending frozen custard at high speed with premium mix-ins. Since each Shake Shack intends to mirror its community, each Shack has signature concretes, distinct to its location, and uses locally-sourced mix-ins made by artisanal producers whenever possible. Also, each month Shake Shack unveils a specialized custard calendar with seasonally changing flavors. The flavors change every month, with favorites repeating throughout the year. Our culinary team also uses the custard menu to highlight local, seasonal and premium ingredients. Not only does the custard calendar keep the custard section of the menu varied and bolster guest frequency, but it also helps distinguish our menu relative to other burger chains.

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Beer, Wine and Beverages

Our proprietary ShackMeister Ale, brewed by Brooklyn Brewery, was specifically crafted to complement the flavor profile of a ShackBurger, and our local beer selections are tailored to each Shack's geography. When it comes to wine, we believe that our Shack Red and Shack White, grown and bottled exclusively by Frog's Leap Vineyards in Napa Valley, accentuate our fine dining ethos and provide our guests with premium beverage options not commonly found at burger concepts. In addition, we serve draft Root Beer, seasonal freshly-squeezed lemonade, organic iced tea and Shack 2 0 bottled water, 1% of sales from which support the cleanup of water sources around the world.


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Dogs are Welcome Too

We believe that many dog owners treat their four-legged friends as family members. From our first Shack at Madison Square Park, we wanted to invite dogs to be part of the community gathering experience and developed the "Woof" section on our menu. ShackBurger dog biscuits, peanut butter sauce and vanilla custard make up our signature Pooch-ini, which is available at Shacks with outdoor space. We also serve dog biscuits to-go, handcrafted exclusively for us by a New York-based bakery.

Culinary Innovation

        Shake Shack continues to innovate around our core menu. Our team is led by Culinary Director Mark Rosati whose cooking pedigree began at USHG's Gramercy Tavern. We are constantly experimenting with seasonal and local products, to enhance our menu and drive revenue. Our fine dining heritage has afforded Shake Shack a unique opportunity to team up with some of the world's best chefs for short-term specials such as Daniel Boulud's "Piggie Shack" to celebrate our 10 th  birthday at Madison Square Park or Marc Vetri's "Carbonara Burger" that ran only in Philadelphia. We devote significant resources to menu innovation and are frequently invited to participate and compete in chef events such as the South Beach Wine and Food Festival's Burger Bash, which presents opportunities for us to test new creations that can often lead to the introduction of new items. For example, the SmokeShack, a cheeseburger topped with all-natural bacon, chopped cherry peppers and ShackSauce, which debuted in 2012, has become a popular menu item and helped drive sales.

3.     Beloved Lifestyle Brand

        In Shake Shack's 10-year history, we have become a globally recognized brand with outsized consumer awareness relative to our current footprint. Shake Shack is a New York City institution, a vibrant and authentic community gathering place that delivers an unparalleled experience to loyal, passionate guests and a broad, global demographic. Born in 2004, Shake Shack grew up alongside the emergence of social media and has benefited from an ongoing love affair with passionate fans who share their real-time experiences with friends. We aim to establish genuine connections with our guests and the communities in which they live. Each Shack is localized with design and menu options that we believe drive a sense of appreciation and enthusiasm for the Shake Shack brand. Shake Shack has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Bon Appétit's "The 20 Most Important Restaurants in America" (ranked #16), TIME Magazine's "17 Most Influential Burgers of All Time" (ranked #7 for the ShackBurger) and winning "Best Burger" in 2007 and 2014 at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival's Burger Bash.

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Marketing Strategy

        We are today's roadside burger stand and this identity anchors our marketing efforts. The premium positioning and brand voice, derived from the spirit, integrity and humor of Shake Shack, are reinforced by our contemporary, responsible designs and hospitable team members who Stand For Something Good. We believe that our guests appreciate the experience of coming to Shake Shack as a community gathering place and, thus, the heart of our marketing strategy is to communicate and connect with our guests both at our Shacks and through social media.

Stand For Something Good

         Stand For Something Good is an invitation for our guests to align with Shake Shack's commitment to all that is good in the world and a reflection of how Shake Shack embraces these values both internally and externally. We are dedicated to using sustainable materials and equipment, such as handmade tabletops constructed from reclaimed bowling alleys. We source all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free beef to make our proprietary burger blend because we believe there are no shortcuts to quality. Recently, we have added a Stand For Something Good TV at each Shack to tell our story to our guests through photos, graphics and informative imagery containing information on our suppliers, community relationships and company initiatives.

        The essential components of Stand For Something Good are displayed in each Shack and listed below:

    Good Ingredients —All-natural proteins, vegetarian fed, humanely raised and source verified, with no hormones or antibiotics. We pride ourselves on sourcing premium ingredients from like-minded producers.

    Good n' Green —Sustainable sourcing and business practices throughout the supply chain.

    Good Bones —Caring enough to design the Shack experience so people want to stay and using reclaimed materials whenever possible.

    Good Neighbors —We are all about our hood! We strive to be the best employer and citizen of each community we call home.

Social Media

        Much like we design our Shacks to be community gathering places, we execute a social media strategy that creates an online, on-brand community gathering place. Our guests and fans easily connect with us through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest. We recognize the impact of social media on today's consumers and we use these platforms to share information with our guests about new menu items, new Shack openings and other relevant Shake Shack information. Currently, we have approximately 126,000 Facebook fans, 139,000 Instagram followers, and 33,000 Twitter followers. We communicate with our fans in creative and organic ways that both strengthen our connection with them and increase brand awareness. In June 2014, we ranked #10 on Restaurant Social Media Index's top 250 restaurant brands, which is measured on influence, sentiment and engagement.

Community and Charitable Partners

        As a mirror of its community, each Shack focuses on conveying a consistent national brand message and on tailoring marketing efforts to each Shack. We always have menu items that feature local ingredients and beers that are specific to each Shack's community. We also aim marketing efforts at local events which help position Shake Shack as a premium brand that is connected to the community through participating in local celebrations and developing relationships with local chefs and restaurants. For instance, from June 9-13, 2014, our Madison Square Park Shack celebrated The Decade

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of Shack, its 10-year anniversary. We collaborated with five well-known chefs, each of whom crafted a special-edition burger for one day during the week. Outside of local events, each Shack has one regionally-themed concrete, which has the added benefit of driving semi-annual charitable contributions. The Shack in Miami Beach, for instance, features the "Vice Crispy Treat," and donates 5% of this item's sales to the Miami Children's Hospital.

Shack-wide Events

        Shake Shack promotes annual events to drive repeat visits, add limited-time-offers and build intrigue among staff and guests. Shacktoberfest , for example, is Shake Shack's ode to traditional Oktoberfest in which special sausages, beers and desserts are added to the menu for a 10-day period in October. Throughout the year, we offer playful items that surprise and delight our guests such as When Irish Fries Are Smiling on St. Patrick's Day, as well as Corn Dogs during Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.

        Since 2012, Shake Shack has held The Great American Shake Sale during the month of May to raise money and awareness for childhood hunger. During The Great American Shake Sale , we encourage guests to donate $2 in exchange for a free cake-themed shake (a $5 value) at their next visit. 100% of these donations go directly to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign. In May 2014, we raised $338,000 across our domestic company-operated Shacks for this initiative.

Product Placement

        Shake Shack has been fortunate to receive considerable product placement in movies, TV shows and other media without any cost to the Company. In fact, Shake Shack has been able to charge fees for these location shoots, which have included scenes from the motion pictures Something Borrowed and Tower Heist, as well as the acclaimed HBO series The Newsroom. We have also been featured in segments on The Daily Show, Saturday Night Live, CBS Sunday Morning and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

4.     Versatile Real Estate Model Built for Growth

        During fiscal 2013, we grew the number of our domestic company-operated Shacks by 62% with the opening of eight new Shacks, and have opened 10 domestic company-operated Shacks during fiscal 2014. We will continue to not only fill in existing markets such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago and South Florida to leverage operational effectiveness as we cluster in high-density markets, but also enter new markets, such as Austin, where we have signed leases. Although we currently have only 60 Shacks around the world, we have identified many attractive and differentiated markets for the Shake Shack experience. In major metropolitan areas, we seek locations where communities gather, often with characteristics such as high foot traffic, substantial commercial density, reputable co-tenants and other traffic drivers such as proximity to parks, museums, schools, hospitals and tourist attractions. For every potential domestic company-operated Shack we consider, we apply rigorous financial metrics to ensure we maintain our targeted profitability. We measure much of our financial success by analyzing Shack-level operating profit margins, cash-on-cash returns and payback periods. Our flexible model allows us to design our Shacks so that we can pursue a variety of property types. We have successfully launched different layouts and sizes of Shacks in varied locations throughout urban high density areas, suburban in-line and pad sites, regional malls, lifestyle centers, ballparks, airports and train stations. Each design is critical to the Shake Shack experience and we blend our core brand identifiers with features specifically designed for each Shack to be of its place and connect directly with its neighborhood. With a disciplined approach to new Shack development and a successful track record in site selection, we are positioned well for future growth.

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Existing Shacks

        Our Shack system consists of 63 Shacks comprised of 31 domestic company-operated Shacks, five licensed domestic Shacks and 27 licensed international Shacks. To date, we have never closed or relocated a Shack. In addition, we lease our home office, which consists of approximately 10,500 square feet in New York, New York.

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DOMESTIC

State
  Company-operated   Licensed   Total  

Connecticut

    2         2  

District of Columbia

    3     1     4  

Florida

    4         4  

Georgia

    1         1  

Illinois

    1         1  

Massachusetts

    2         2  

Nevada

    1         1  

New Jersey

    2         2  

New York

    11     4     15  

Pennsylvania

    3         3  

Virginia

    1         1  
               

Total Domestic

    31     5     36  

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INTERNATIONAL

Country
  Company-operated   Licensed   Total  

Kuwait

        6     6  

Lebanon

        2     2  

Qatar

        1     1  

Russia

        2     2  

Saudi Arabia

        1     1  

Turkey

        4     4  

United Arab Emirates

        10     10  

United Kingdom

        1     1  
               

Total International

        27     27  
               

TOTAL SYSTEM-WIDE

    31     32     63  
               
               

Real Estate

        A typical domestic company-operated Shack is between 3,000 and 3,500 square feet with interior seating for between 80 and 100 guests. Additionally, whenever possible, our domestic company-operated Shacks feature either outdoor seating or easy access to a park or green space. We believe that these attributes facilitate the community gathering experience that our guests love and associate with our brand. We lease all of our domestic company-operated Shacks. Our leases typically have initial terms of 10 years with two five-year renewal options.

Site Selection

        Shake Shack is ultimately about the guest experience and our site selection focuses on choosing great sites where people want to be together. Our site selection process is actively led by our Real Estate Committee, consisting of our CEO, CFO, Director of Real Estate & Design and Director of Construction & Facilities. The Real Estate Committee meets regularly and follows a detailed approval process to ensure quality, fiduciary responsibility and overall adherence to the Company's strategic growth goals. We invest in site analytics tools for extensive demographic analysis and data collection for both existing and new potential sites. In addition to our in-house team of experienced real estate professionals, we use a national real estate broker to manage a network of regional brokers in order to leverage external resources in pursuit of pipeline development and consistent deal flow.

Construction

        A typical Shack takes between 14 and 16 weeks to build. We expect that the cost to build a new Shack will range from $1.5 to $2.5 million, with an average near-term build cost of approximately $1.9 million. We use a number of general contractors on a regional basis and employ a mixed approach of bidding and strategic negotiation in order to ensure the best value and highest quality construction. Often during the construction of new Shacks, particularly those in new markets, we reimagine the often uninspiring plywood walls that surround a construction site and use this space as a canvas to begin the process of integrating the Shake Shack brand into the community prior to it even opening. For instance, during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, as we were constructing our first Shack in Chicago, we unveiled six interactive life-size sliding puzzles with illustrated pieces that celebrate Chicago landmarks, while revealing the burgers, hot dogs and frozen custards that Shake Shack guests have enjoyed over the past decade.

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Design

        The original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park was designed by SITE Architecture and Design, led by James Wines and Denise Lee, in collaboration with Pentagram, led by Paula Scher. This design set the tone for a dynamic dialogue inside the park and our surrounding neighborhood that continues to drive our designs today. The overall atmosphere and design of our new Shacks evoke the very best from the design of the original park kiosk, as well as the best of the fine dining experience in terms of the quality of design, material used, lighting and music. We are mindful that each new Shack should embody the experience of the Madison Square Park Shake Shack—the line, the kiosk style, the experience of ordering food made just for you and the energetic open kitchen.

        While each Shack is specifically designed to be of its place and connect with its neighborhood, Shake Shack has developed a number of iconic brand identifiers common to every Shack, including wrap-around steel beams, open kitchens, magnetic menu boards and tables made from reclaimed bowling lanes. Although no two Shacks are alike, we believe that these brand identifiers are critical to the expression of the brand and the experience of Shake Shack.

Domestic Licensing

        We have five licensed domestic Shacks: one in Citi Field where the New York Mets play; one in Nationals Park where the Washington Nationals play; one at the Saratoga Race track; and two in the Delta Airlines terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport ("JFK"). The three licensed Shacks in sporting venues are operated by Hudson Yards Sports and Entertainment LLC ("HYSE") doing business as Union Square Events, another subsidiary of USHG. The two Shacks in JFK are licensed to a third party, though they are managed by Shake Shack employees. All five licensed domestic Shacks provide regular license fees based on sales and bolster brand equity. Additionally, the Shacks at JFK serve breakfast and a number of "grab-and-go" items such as freshly-made yogurt parfaits and all-natural chocolate fudge brownies.

5.     Shack-onomics

        Our brand power and thoughtful approach to growth have resulted in strong Shack performance across a variety of geographic areas and formats and during both strong and weak economic environments. Our Shack model is designed to generate attractive Shack-level operating profit margins, strong cash flow and high returns on invested capital. We have notable AUVs in both Manhattan and non-Manhattan domestic company-operated Shacks. For fiscal 2013, our domestic company-operated Shacks had AUVs of approximately $5.0 million, of which our Manhattan Shacks had AUVs of approximately $7.4 million with Shack-level operating profit margins of approximately 30% and our non-Manhattan Shacks had AUVs of approximately $3.8 million with Shack-level operating profit margins of approximately 22%. Historically, our domestic company-operated Shacks have delivered an attractive average cash-on-cash return of 65% and payback period of 1.5 years of which our Manhattan Shacks generated an average cash-on-cash return of 82% and payback period of 1.2 years and our non-Manhattan Shacks generated an average cash-on-cash return 31% and payback period of 3.2 years. Since the vast majority of future Shacks will be non-Manhattan locations, we are targeting AUVs in the $2.8 to $3.2 million range, Shack-level operating profit margins in the 18 to 22% range and cash-on-cash returns in the 30 to 33% range.

Our Shacks

        As an early stage company, we believe that it is important to show the varied models with which we have already had success. Our revenue varies considerably across geographic lines and our AUVs remain high. Because of our New York City history and roots as a fine-dining company, our base of

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Shacks was initially built in Manhattan. Of the 31 domestic company-operated Shacks, we currently have seven located in Manhattan and 24 located outside of Manhattan.

        We have a balanced lunch/dinner mix, which is reflective of steady guest traffic throughout the day and further differentiates Shake Shack from a number of competitive restaurants that tend to skew towards a more heavily-weighted lunch period.

6.     The Shack Travels Abroad

        With 27 licensed Shacks outside the United States, we believe that we have proven to be an internationally desirable restaurant concept. Our track record of opening successful Shacks in both the United States and overseas demonstrates the global appeal of Shake Shack and validates our belief in our significant whitespace opportunity internationally. We currently have license agreements for four major international territories, with Shacks operating in eight countries. The Middle East has been our most prominent growth market with 20 Shacks in operation, followed by Turkey with four, Russia with two and the United Kingdom with one. In fiscal 2013, our international licensed Shacks had AUVs of $6.1 million, which resulted in license fees of approximately $3.5 million. In addition to license fees, we also receive exclusive territory fees, which help us fund further domestic growth.

International Licensing

        The international mission of Shake Shack is to export the best of the American fine casual experience, spreading Enlightened Hospitality to communities around the world, while generating cash flow to help fuel the Company's growth. Being a New York-based brand, with USHG's history of creating some of New York City's favorite restaurants, Shake Shack has had a distinct and early opportunity to grow internationally. Shake Shack seeks partners whose values and standards of excellence are fully aligned with our vision, culture and brand. Shake Shack's domestic company-operated development plan is complemented by a focused effort to increase its international footprint with operationally-experienced, proven licensees. Because of Shake Shack's compelling unit economics and global brand strength, the Company attracts substantial interest from large international retail operators.

        In fiscal 2009, when there were just two domestic company-operated Shacks, we were pursued by Alshaya, an experienced and well-respected operator of licensed brands, with whom we subsequently entered into an area development agreement. Under its terms, Alshaya paid Shake Shack a territory fee for the exclusive right to operate Shake Shacks in select countries within the Middle East, as well as ongoing license fees based on sales. In fiscal 2012, we amended the area development agreement to expand the license rights into Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Russia, for which we also received territory fees and receive ongoing license fees based on sales. Outside of the Middle East, Alshaya sublicenses its Shake Shack operations to affiliates and unaffiliated third parties with which it has long-standing commercial relationships. We work closely with Alshaya to open Shacks in new markets, implementing the same conceptual strategies that we employ domestically to ensure that our Shacks have brand consistency and provide a community gathering place for our guests.

7.     Leaders Training Future Leaders

        Our team is led by passionate and experienced senior leaders, balanced with professionals formerly from USHG's fine dining operations and industry veterans from larger restaurant companies. Randy Garutti, our Chief Executive Officer, combines strategic multi-unit leadership experience with fine dining expertise. Randy has worked in restaurants since he was 13 and joined USHG in 2000 as General Manager of Tabla, followed by Union Square Cafe, and later took on the role of Director of Operations overseeing all USHG restaurants, prior to launching the first Shake Shack in 2004. Randy has led the development of the Shake Shack concept from its earliest stages and guided every aspect of

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the business. Jeff Uttz, our Chief Financial Officer, brings valuable experience managing high growth restaurant concepts drawing from his 22 years of restaurant finance experience, most recently as Chief Financial Officer at Yard House Restaurants. Jeff led the expansion of Yard House from three units when he began to over 40 units when Yard House was acquired by Darden Restaurants, Inc. Randy and Jeff are supported by a talented executive leadership team that has deep experience in operations, culinary arts, supply chain, finance and accounting, training and leadership development, people resources, real estate and design, construction and facilities, information technology, legal, marketing and communications.

Shake Shack is in the Very Early Stages of Growth

        We believe that we are well-positioned to achieve significant, sustainable financial growth, primarily driven by:

Opening New Domestic Company-Operated Shacks

        This is where our greatest immediate opportunity for growth lies. We waited nearly five years to open our second Shack, and we are still in the very nascent stage of our story, with only 31 domestic company-operated and five domestic licensed Shacks in 10 states and Washington, D.C. We believe there is tremendous whitespace opportunity to expand in both existing and new U.S. markets, and we have invested in the infrastructure that will enable us to continue to grow rapidly and with discipline. In fiscal 2013, we significantly expanded our domestic company-operated footprint by opening eight new Shacks representing 62% domestic unit growth. In fiscal 2014, we opened 10 domestic company-operated Shacks. We plan to open at least 10 new domestic company-operated Shacks each year, beginning in fiscal 2015, for the foreseeable future. Based on our experience, and analysis and research conducted for us by eSite, we believe that over the long-term we have the potential to grow our current domestic company-operated Shack footprint to at least 450 Shacks by opening domestic company-operated Shacks in new and existing markets. The rate of future Shack growth in any particular period is inherently uncertain and is subject to numerous factors that are outside of our control. As a result, we do not currently have an anticipated timeframe for such expansion. We believe we have a versatile real estate model built for growth. We have adopted a disciplined expansion strategy designed to leverage the strength of our business model and our significant brand awareness to successfully develop new Shacks in an array of markets that are primed for growth, including new and existing and small and large markets. We will use a portion of the proceeds from this offering to open new Shacks and renovate existing Shacks. See "Use of Proceeds." As we grow, we will continue to live by one principle to ensure the success of both our new and existing restaurants: "The Bigger We Get, The Smaller We Need To Act." This mantra is central to our Stand For Something Good vision and encompasses our commitment to continue to make decisions that focus on the core of who we are, staying true to the principles of Enlightened Hospitality.

Capitalizing on Our Outsized Brand Awareness

        The Shake Shack experience has cultivated significant brand awareness relative to the small number of Shacks. We have worked tirelessly to establish a genuine connection with our guests and integrate into their communities through investment in innovative marketing and programming. We utilize various social media outlets to actively engage with our growing online following. In June 2014, we ranked #10 on Restaurant Social Media Index's top 250 restaurant brands, which is measured on influence, sentiment and engagement. Furthermore, we believe that our press and media impressions and industry recognition are a testament to the strength of our brand. We were named one of "The 25 Most Innovative Consumer and Retail Brands" in 2014 by Entrepreneur.com , ranked #11 in The Daily Meal 's "101 Best Restaurants in America" for 2013, and were the winner of the 2013 "Most Loved Brand of the Year" from the RIZMY Awards, "Best Burger" at the 2014 South Beach Wine and Food

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Festival's Burger Bash and more. Additionally, we give back to the communities in which we operate, and strengthen awareness for philanthropic causes such as Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign. Our marketing focuses on interacting with our guests in an authentic, innovative manner which creates memorable, meaningful experiences. The experience that we provide for our guests and local communities has generated a growing loyal following who promote our brand through word-of-mouth. We believe that this outsized brand awareness will continue to fuel our growth in existing and new markets.

Growing Same Shack Sales

        Given the significant awareness of our brand and the excitement we have been able to generate for our market launches, our Shacks have generally opened with higher volumes and operating profits relative to their second year, which have often shown a decline in sales and operating profit. In year three, our Shacks generally mature and continue to grow from the second year base and then retain these higher volumes over time. It is important to note that, while our goal is to grow same Shack sales over time, this is not our greatest growth opportunity. We expect our Shacks to deliver low same Shack sales growth for the foreseeable future as the number of new Shack openings relative to our comparable Shack base remains our primary driver of growth. We do, however, continually focus on improving our same Shack sales performance by providing an engaging and differentiated guest experience that includes new seasonal and Shack-specific offerings, unique and thoughtful integration with local communities and high standards of excellence and hospitality. We will continue to innovate around our core menu to keep our offerings fresh, while remaining focused on our signature items. For example, our SmokeShack, which debuted in 2012, has been a great success and helped drive sales.

Opportunistically Increasing Our Licensed Shacks Abroad

        We will continue to grow our licensed portfolio by expanding further in the eight countries abroad in which we currently have internationally licensed operations. This strategy historically has been a low-cost, high-return method of growing our brand awareness and providing an increasing source of cash flow. We believe there are additional international markets that will embrace the Shake Shack concept. Given our position in New York and the success of our current licensed Shacks at home and abroad, we continue to attract substantial interest from potential international licensees around the world and have identified opportunities to expand our licensing footprint in existing and new international markets.

Operations

Sourcing and Supply Chain

        Shake Shack has always been committed to seeking out and working with best-in-class suppliers, artisanal purveyors, cattle ranchers and distribution networks. Our Stand For Something Good vision guides us in how we source and develop our ingredients, always looking for the best ways to provide top quality food that is a value and accessible to all. All of our proteins are raised without added hormones and we never use antibiotics. The Supply Chain team has developed a reliable supply chain and continues to focus on identifying additional backups to avoid any possible interruptions of service and product.

        We have a regional strategy for ground beef production to ensure that we are always serving freshly ground and never frozen beef. We have had the same butcher for the New York City metropolitan area, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Shacks since opening our first Shack, which helped create our proprietary beef blend. We will continue to partner with and develop regional suppliers in new markets as we grow.

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        We have entered into a distribution agreement with one broadline distributor. By the end of fiscal 2014, Shake Shack will utilize nine distribution centers from our broadline distributor. This broadline distributor is the main purchasing link in the United States among many of our suppliers and distributes most of our dry, refrigerated and frozen goods, non-alcoholic beverages, paper goods and cleaning supplies. We use another broadline distributor to distribute the majority of our products to our international licensed Shacks.

Food Safety and Quality Assurance

        Our commitment to food safety is strengthened through the direct relationship between our Supply Chain, Culinary and Quality Assurance teams. All supplier and ingredient decisions go through a review of the supplier's internal and external quality audits, insurance coverage, track record and physical site inspection. We have a Food Safety Site Inspection process in place and a dedicated Quality Assurance Manager to ensure food safety across all domestic company-operated Shacks.

Management Information Systems

        Our domestic company-operated Shacks use computerized point-of-sale and back-office systems created by NCR Corporation, which we believe are scalable to support our growth plans. These point-of-sale systems are designed specifically for the restaurant industry and we use many customized features to increase operational effectiveness, internal communication and data analysis. This system provides a touch screen interface, graphical order confirmation display, touch screen kitchen display and integrated, high-speed credit card and gift card processing. The point-of-sale system is used to collect daily transaction data, which generates information about daily sales, product mix and average transaction size.

        Our Shack back-office computer system is designed to assist in the management of our domestic company-operated Shacks and provide real-time labor and food cost management tools. These tools provide the home office and operations management quick access to detailed business data and reduces restaurant managers' time spent on administrative needs. The system provides our restaurant managers the ability to submit orders electronically with our distribution network. The system also supplies sales, bank deposit and variance data to our accounting department on a daily basis. We use this data to generate daily sales information and weekly consolidated reports regarding sales and other key measures, as well as preliminary weekly detailed profit and loss statements for each Shack with final reports following the end of each period.

Competition

        We compete in the restaurant industry, which is highly competitive and fragmented. We compete primarily with "better burger" restaurants and, to a lesser extent, fast casual restaurants, quick service restaurants and casual dining restaurants. The number, size and strength of competitors vary by region. Our competition includes a wide variety of locally owned restaurants and national and regional chains. Our competition in the broadest perspective includes fast casual and fine dining restaurants, convenience food stores, delicatessens, supermarkets and club stores. Some of our competitors, including some of our "better burger" competitors, have significantly greater financial, marketing, personnel and other resources than we do, and many of our competitors are well-established in markets in which we have existing Shacks or intend to locate new Shacks. In addition, many of our competitors have greater name recognition nationally or in some of the local markets in which we have or plan to have Shacks. However, we specifically target guests that appreciate our engaging and differentiated guest experience that includes great food, unique and thoughtful integration with local communities and high standards of excellence and hospitality. We believe that we compete primarily based on experience, product quality, restaurant concept, service, location and value perception. Our competition continues to intensify as competitors enter the burger segment and open new restaurants. Additionally,

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we compete with local and national restaurant concepts and other retail concepts for prime restaurant locations.

Intellectual Property

        Since our inception, we have undertaken to strategically and proactively develop our intellectual property portfolio by registering our trademarks and service marks worldwide. As such, Shake Shack currently has 15 registered marks domestically, including registrations in its core marks ("Shake Shack", "Shack Burger", " GRAPHIC ", and " GRAPHIC ") and certain other marks, such as Stand for Something Good , which reflects the brand's ethos. Internationally, Shake Shack currently has registered its core marks in over 80 countries spanning six continents. These marks are registered in multiple international trademark classes, including for restaurant services, food services, non-alcoholic beverages and apparel. Shake Shack also owns the domain www.shakeshack.com as well as over 60 other domain names for use in other markets.

        In addition, we have agreements with the suppliers of our proprietary products that the recipes for and production processes associated with those products are our property, confidential to us, and may not be provided to any other customer. Our proprietary products include the burger recipe for our whole muscle blend and the patty grinding procedure and the product formulations for our ShackSauce, 'Shroom Burger, cheese sauce, unflavored custard base, chocolate custard base, and certain toppings and custard mix-ins. We also have exclusive arrangements with our suppliers of ShackMeister Ale, Shack Red wine, Shack White wine, all-natural hot dog and all-natural chicken sausage.

Government Regulations and Environmental Matters

        We are subject to extensive federal, state and local government regulation, including those relating to, among others, public health and safety, zoning and fire codes, and franchising. Failure to obtain or retain food or other licenses and registrations or exemptions would adversely affect the operations of our Shacks. Although we have not experienced and do not anticipate any significant problems in obtaining required licenses, permits or approvals, any difficulties, delays or failures in obtaining such licenses, permits, registrations, exemptions or approvals could delay or prevent the opening of, or adversely impact the viability of, a Shack in a particular area. The development and construction of additional Shacks will be subject to compliance with applicable zoning, land use and environmental regulations. We believe federal and state environmental regulations have not had a material effect on operations, but more stringent and varied requirements of local government bodies with respect to zoning, land use and environmental factors could delay construction and increase development costs for new Shacks.

        We are also subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and various federal and state laws governing such matters as minimum wages, overtime, unemployment tax rates, workers' compensation rates, citizenship requirements and other working conditions. We are also subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations and employment, which may require us to design or modify our Shacks to make reasonable accommodations for disabled persons.

        Approximately 3% of revenues from our domestic company-operated Shacks is attributable to the sale of alcoholic beverages, namely beer and wine. Alcoholic beverage control regulations require each of our Shacks to apply to a state authority and, in certain locations, county or municipal authorities for a license that must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate to numerous aspects of daily operations of our Shacks, including the minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, trade practices, wholesale purchasing, other relationships with alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors,

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inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. We are also subject in certain states to "dram shop" statutes, which generally provide a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. We carry liquor liability coverage as part of our existing comprehensive general liability insurance. One of our domestic company-operated Shacks does not have a liquor license because of the high cost of a liquor license in that jurisdiction, which has a liquor license quota. We may decide not to obtain liquor licenses in certain jurisdictions due to the high costs associated with obtaining liquor licenses in such jurisdictions.

        Our licensing activities are subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and various state laws regulating the offer and sale of licenses. Substantive state laws that regulate the licensor-licensee relationship exist in a substantial number of states, and bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of the licensor-licensee relationship. The state laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions, the ability of a licensor to terminate or refuse to renew a license and the ability of a licensor to designate sources of supply. We believe that our licensing procedures comply in all material respects with both the FTC license rule and all applicable state laws regulating franchising in those states in which we have offered licenses.

        For a discussion of the various risks we face from regulation and compliance matters, see "Risk Factors."

Employees

        Currently, Shake Shack has approximately 1,680 employees, of whom approximately 1,450 are hourly team members, 160 are Shack-level managers and 70 are home office personnel.

Legal Proceedings

        We are involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources.

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MANAGEMENT

        Below is a list of the names and ages, as of December 29, 2014, of our directors and executive officers and a description of the business experience of each of them.

Name
  Age   Position

Daniel Meyer

    56  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Randy Garutti

    39  

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Jeff Uttz

    45  

Chief Financial Officer

Peggy Rubenzer

    51  

Vice President, People Resources

Jeff Flug

    52  

Director

Evan Guillemin

    49  

Director

Jenna Lyons

    46  

Director

Jonathan D. Sokoloff

    57  

Director

Robert Vivian

    56  

Director

Executive Officers and Directors

         Daniel Meyer has served as the Chairman of the board of directors of Shake Shack since its formation and as the Chairman of the board of directors of SSE Holdings since January 2010. Mr. Meyer is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of USHG, which owns and operates the following restaurants: Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Blue Smoke, Jazz Standard, The Modern, Maialino, Untitled, North End Grill and Marta; its event services business, Union Square Events; and its learning and consulting business, Hospitality Quotient. The restaurants have earned 25 James Beard Awards among them. Mr. Meyer previously served as a member of the board of directors of OpenTable.com from 2000 through 2014. Mr. Meyer co-authored the best-selling Union Square Cafe Cookbook and authored the New York Times bestseller Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business . Mr. Meyer is currently a member of the board of directors of The Container Store Group, Inc. and Sotheby's, as well as the following not-for-profit organizations: Share Our Strength and the Irving Harris Foundation. Mr. Meyer has also served as a board member of City Harvest, New Yorkers for Parks, Madison Square Park Conservancy, Union Square Partnership and NYC & Co. Mr. Meyer was selected to our board of directors because of his role in our founding and long career in hospitality and because he possesses particular knowledge and experience in strategic planning and leadership of complex organizations, hospitality businesses and board practices of other major corporations.

         Randy Garutti has served as Shake Shack's Chief Executive Officer and on the board of directors since its formation and as the Chief Executive Officer and on the board of directors of SSE Holdings since April 2012. Prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Garutti served as Chief Operating Officer of SSE Holdings since January 2010. Mr. Garutti has worked with USHG and Mr. Meyer for 15 years. Prior to leading Shake Shack, Mr. Garutti was the Director of Operations, overseeing the operations for all USHG restaurants. In addition, Mr. Garutti served as General Manager of Union Square Cafe and Tabla, both of which won numerous accolades in the hospitality industry. Mr. Garutti graduated from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration in 1997. Mr. Garutti was selected to our board of directors because of his leadership role in our development and growth and because he possesses particular knowledge and experience in strategic planning and leadership in the hospitality business.

         Jeff Uttz has served as Shake Shack's Chief Financial Officer since its formation and as Chief Financial Officer of SSE Holdings since September 2013. Mr. Uttz has over 22 years of restaurant finance experience. Prior to joining Shake Shack, Mr. Uttz was the Chief Financial Officer of Yard House, where he led the expansion of Yard House from three units when he began to over 40 units when Yard House was acquired by Darden Restaurants, Inc. Prior to Yard House, Mr. Uttz held a number of

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positions at CKE Restaurants, Inc., working his way up from Manager of Corporate Banking to Vice President of Finance. During his tenure, Mr. Uttz participated in two major acquisitions, when CKE purchased the Hardee's chain as well as the units owned by Hardee's largest franchisee. Mr. Uttz began his career at KPMG where he served a number of clients within the restaurant and hospitality sector and attained his C.P.A. Mr. Uttz attended California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Accounting Concentration.

         Peggy Rubenzer has served as our Vice President, People Resources since our formation and as Vice President, People Resources of SSE Holdings since November 2013. Ms. Rubenzer has over 23 years of human resources and training expertise. As Vice President, People Resources at Shake Shack, Ms. Rubenzer leads the company's training, leadership development and human resources functions and supports the success of the teams through training, tools and resources. Prior to joining us in December 2011, Ms. Rubenzer spent 10 years at P.F. Chang's China Bistro in VP roles in both HR and Training. During her tenure at P.F. Chang's, Ms. Rubenzer was instrumental in growing the full and quick service concepts unit count from 82 to 360, supporting a head count of 30,000 employees. Prior to that, Ms. Rubenzer spent 10 years at Southwest Airlines, during which time she oversaw the recruiting and human resources functions for the Mid West region supporting the operation in 15 cities, as well as the company's growth and expansion to the North East.

         Jeff Flug has served on the board of directors of Shake Shack since its formation and on the board of directors of SSE Holdings since January 2010. Mr. Flug has served as the President of USHG since January 2011 and, prior to that, as USHG's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer since December 2009. Mr. Flug has over 25 years of leadership and management experience primarily in the financial industry, as well as in the non-profit sector. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst in 1984, with a B.B.A. in Accounting, summa cum laude, Mr. Flug began his career as an accountant at Pricewaterhouse Coopers where he attained his C.P.A. in 1986. Mr. Flug attended Columbia Business School, where he received his M.B.A. in Finance in 1988. In 1988, Mr. Flug joined Goldman, Sachs & Co., and ultimately served as a Managing Director and Head of Fixed Income Financial Futures and Options Sales. In 2000, Mr. Flug became the Head of North America Fixed Income Institutional Sales for JPMorgan Chase & Co. In 2006, Mr. Flug served as CEO and Executive Director for Millennium Promise, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to end extreme poverty and Malaria in Africa. Mr. Flug currently serves as a board director of Pennant Park Investment Corporation, Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores and The Mountain School of Milton Academy. Mr. Flug was selected to our board of directors because he brings financial experience and possesses particular knowledge and experience in strategic planning and leadership of complex organizations.

         Evan Guillemin has served on the board of directors of Shake Shack since its formation and on the board of directors of SSE Holdings since April 2013. Mr. Guillemin joined Select Equity Group in April 2004 as the firm's Chief Financial Officer and has managed the firm's finance and operations groups. He is now a Senior Analyst/Associate Portfolio Manager with the firm, focusing on private company investments, as well as public company analysis. Mr. Guillemin is a member of the firm's Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm, he was Chief Financial Officer and then Chief Operating Officer of Delia*s Inc., a publicly-traded retailing company. He also served as Director of Acquisitions at Primedia, and he was a founding editor of SDC Publishing, a financial publishing division of the Thomson Corp. Mr. Guillemin currently serves on the board of directors of Mesa Labs Inc., where he chairs the audit and compensation committees. He also serves on the advisory board of several start-up and non-profit organizations. Mr. Guillemin received a B.A. from Yale University and an M.B.A. with distinction from Harvard Business School. Mr. Guillemin was selected to our board of directors because he brings financial experience and possesses particular knowledge and experience in strategic planning and leadership of complex organizations.

         Jenna Lyons has served on the board of directors of Shake Shack since December 2014. Ms. Lyons has been the President, Executive Creative Director of J.Crew Group, Inc. since July 2010, and before

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that served as Executive Creative Director since April 2010. Prior to that, she was Creative Director since 2007 and, before that, was Senior Vice President of Women's Design since 2005. Ms. Lyons joined J.Crew Group, Inc. in 1990 as an Assistant Designer and has held a variety of positions within J.Crew Group, Inc., including Designer from 1994 to 1995, Design Director from 1996 to 1998, Senior Design Director in 1999, and Vice President of Women's Design from 1999 to 2005. Ms. Lyons was selected to our board of directors because she possesses particular knowledge and experience in strategic planning and leadership of complex organizations and retail businesses.

         Jonathan D. Sokoloff has served on the board of directors of Shake Shack since its formation and on the board of directors of SSE Holdings since December 2012. Mr. Sokoloff is currently a Managing Partner with LGP, one of our significant stockholders, and joined in 1990. Before joining LGP, he was a Managing Director in Investment Banking at Drexel Burnham Lambert. Mr. Sokoloff serves on the board of the parent holding companies of BJ's Wholesale Club, Advantage Sales & Marketing and Jetro Cash & Carry and serves on the board of The Container Store Group Inc., USHG, Whole Foods Market, Inc., J.Crew Group, Inc., The Sports Authority, Inc., Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., The Tire Rack, Inc. and Top Shop/Top Man Limited. He co-chairs the Endowment Committee for Private Equity at his alma mater, Williams College. Mr. Sokoloff was selected to our board of directors because he possesses particular knowledge and experience in accounting, finance and capital structure, strategic planning and leadership of complex organizations, retail businesses and board practices of other major corporations.

         Robert Vivian has served on the board of directors of Shake Shack since its formation and on the board of directors of SSE Holdings since June 2010. Mr. Vivian served as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of P.F. Chang's China Bistro from January 2009 through December 2011. Prior to that time, he served as P.F. Chang's President from December 2000 through January 2009 and as its Chief Financial Officer from 1996 through December 2000. He also served as a director of P.F. Chang's China Bistro from January 2009 through April 2011 when he retired. Before joining P.F. Chang's, Mr. Vivian served in a variety of positions with Brinker International, Inc. Mr. Vivian was selected to our board of directors because he possesses particular knowledge and experience in strategic planning and leadership of complex organizations, hospitality businesses and board practices of other major corporations.

Corporate Governance

Composition of our Board of Directors

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws will provide for the division of our board of directors into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, with the directors in each class serving for a three-year term, and one class being elected each year by our stockholders.

        When considering whether directors and nominees 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 focuses 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.

        Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement described under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement," members of the Voting Group will be entitled to designate individuals to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by our board of directors for election to our board of directors as follows:

    so long as the Meyer Group owns, in the aggregate, (i) at least 50% of the total outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B common stock owned by it immediately following the consummation of this offering, the Meyer Group will be entitled to nominate five directors, (ii) less than 50%, but at least 25% of the total outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B

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      common stock owned by it immediately following the consummation of this offering, it will be entitled to nominate four directors, (iii) less than 25% but at least 10% of the total outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B common stock owned by it immediately following the consummation of this offering, it will be entitled to nominate two directors and (iv) less than 10% but at least 5% of the total outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B common stock owned by it immediately following the consummation of this offering, it will be entitled to nominate one director;

    so long as LGP owns, in the aggregate, at least 50% of the total outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock owned by it immediately following the consummation of this offering, LGP will be entitled to designate one individual to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by our board of directors for election to the board of directors; and

    so long as SEG owns, in the aggregate, at least 50% of the total outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock owned by it immediately following the consummation of this offering, SEG will be entitled to designate one individual to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by our board of directors for election to the board of directors.

        The members of the Voting Group will agree to vote their shares in favor of the directors nominated as set forth above.

        The Meyer Group has been deemed to have nominated Mr. Meyer, Mr. Garutti, Mr. Flug, Ms. Lyons and Mr. Vivian for election to our board of directors, LGP has been deemed to have nominated Mr. Sokoloff for election to our board of directors and SEG has been deemed to have nominated Mr. Guillemin for election to our board of directors.

        In accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the Stockholders Agreement, each of which will be in effect upon the closing of this offering, our board of directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three year terms. At each annual meeting of stockholders after the initial classification, the successors to the directors whose terms will then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following their election. Our directors will be divided among the three classes as follows:

    the Class I directors will be Messrs. Meyer, Flug and Guillemin, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2016;

    the Class II directors will be Messrs. Garutti and Sokoloff, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2017; and

    the Class III directors will be Ms. Lyons and Mr. Vivian and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2018.

        Any increase or decrease in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This classification of our board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control of our Company.

        Pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, directors nominated by the Meyer Group, LGP or SEG may only be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the party entitled to nominate such director. In all other cases and at any other time, directors may only be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the combined voting power of our Class A and Class B common stock.

Director Independence

        Prior to the consummation of this offering, our board of directors undertook a review of the independence of our directors and considered whether any director has a material relationship with us

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that could compromise that director's ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out that director's responsibilities. Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that Mr. Guillemin, Ms. Lyons, Mr. Sokoloff and Mr. Vivian are each an "independent director," as defined under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

Board Committees

        Our board has established three standing committees—audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance—each of which operates under a charter that has been approved by our board of directors. Current copies of each committee's charter are posted on our website, www.shakeshack.com . The information on any of our websites is deemed not to be incorporated in this prospectus or to be part of this prospectus.

        Prior to the consummation of this offering, the Voting Group, which will hold Class A common stock and Class B common stock collectively representing a majority of the combined voting power of our total common stock outstanding, will enter into the Stockholders Agreement with us, pursuant to which it will among other things, elect the nominees of certain members of the Voting Group to our board of directors. See "—Composition of our Board of Directors." As a result, we will be a "controlled company" under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. As a controlled company, exemptions under the standards will mean that we are not required to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the following requirements:

    that a majority of our board of directors consists of "independent directors," as defined under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange;

    that we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities;

    that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities; and

    for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and governance committee and compensation committee.

        These exemptions do not modify the independence requirements for our audit committee, and we intend to comply with the applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and rules with respect to our audit committee within the applicable time frame.

        Pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, the Meyer Group will have the right to designate a majority of the members of each committee of the board of directors for so long as the Meyer Group has the ability to designate at least four individuals for nomination to the board of directors. At all other times that the Meyer Group has the ability to designate at least one individual for nomination to the Board of Directors, the Meyer Group will have the ability to designate at least one-third, but in no event fewer than one, of the members of each committee.

Audit Committee

        The audit committee will be responsible for, among other matters:

    appointing, compensating, retaining, evaluating, terminating and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm;

    discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management;

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    reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of their audit;

    approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm;

    overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC;

    reviewing and monitoring our accounting principles, accounting policies, financial and accounting controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and

    establishing procedures for the confidential anonymous submission of concerns regarding questionable accounting, internal controls or auditing matters.

        Upon the closing of this offering, our audit committee will consist of Messrs. Vivian, Flug and Guillemin with Mr. Vivian serving as chair. Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the New York Stock Exchange rules require us to have one independent audit committee member upon the listing of our common stock, a majority of independent directors on our audit committee within 90 days of the date of this prospectus and an audit committee composed entirely of independent directors within one year of the date of this prospectus. Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that Messrs. Vivian and Guillemin meet the definition of "independent director" for purposes of serving on an audit committee under Rule 10A-3 and the New York Stock Exchange rules, and we intend to comply with the other independence requirements within the time periods specified. In addition, our board of directors has determined that Mr. Vivian will qualify as an "audit committee financial expert," as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.

Compensation Committee

        The compensation committee's responsibilities include:

    reviewing and approving the compensation of our directors, Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; and

    appointing and overseeing any compensation consultants.

        Upon the closing of this offering, our compensation committee will consist of Mr. Guillemin, Ms. Lyons and Mr. Sokoloff with Mr. Guillemin serving as chair. As a controlled company, we will rely upon the exemption from the requirement that we have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

        The nominating and corporate governance committee's responsibilities include:

    identifying individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors, consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors and in accordance with the terms of the Stockholders Agreement; and

    developing and recommending to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines and principles.

        The members of our nominating and corporate governance committee are Messrs. Meyer, Garutti and Flug with Mr. Flug serving as chair. As a controlled company, we will rely upon the exemption from the requirement that we have a nominating and corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors.

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Risk Oversight

        Our board of directors is responsible for overseeing our risk management process. Our board of directors focuses on our general risk management strategy, the most significant risks facing us, and oversees the implementation of risk mitigation strategies by management. Our board of directors is also apprised of particular risk management matters in connection with its general oversight and approval of corporate matters and significant transactions.

Risk Considerations in our Compensation Program

        We conducted an assessment of our compensation policies and practices for our employees and concluded that these policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Company.

Director Compensation

        None of our directors received compensation as a director during fiscal 2013. We intend to approve and implement a compensation policy that, effective upon the closing of this offering, will be applicable to all of our non-employee directors.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        During fiscal 2013, the members of SSE Holdings' compensation committee were Mr. Flug, Mr. Vivian and Mr. Guillemin. No member of our compensation committee is or has been a current or former officer or employee of Shake Shack or had any related person transaction involving Shake Shack. None of our executive officers served as a director or a member of a compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director or member of SSE Holdings' compensation committee during fiscal 2013.

Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

        We have adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. We have posted a current copy of the code on our website, www.shakeshack.com . In addition, we intend to post on our website all disclosures that are required by law or the New York Stock Exchange listing standards concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the code.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        This section discusses the material components of the executive compensation program for our executive officers who are named in the "2013 Summary Compensation Table" below. In fiscal 2013, our "named executive officers" and their positions were as follows:

    Randy Garutti, Chief Executive Officer;

    Jeff Uttz, Chief Financial Officer; and

    Peggy Rubenzer, Vice President, People Resources.

        This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are based on our current plans, considerations, expectations and determinations regarding future compensation programs. Actual compensation programs that we adopt following the completion of this offering may differ materially from the currently planned programs summarized in this discussion. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."


2013 Summary Compensation Table

        The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our named executive officers for the year ended December 25, 2013.

Name and Principal Position
  Year   Salary
($)
  Stock Awards
($)
  Option Awards
($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
  All Other
Compensation
($)
  Total
($)
 

Randy Garutti

    2013     312,450             70,545         382,995  

Chief Executive Officer

                                           

Jeff Uttz(1)

    2013     93,462     825,635 (2)       42,997         962,094  

Chief Financial Officer

                                           

Peggy Rubenzer

    2013     188,062         (3)   56,617         244,679  

Vice President, People Resources

                                           

(1)
Mr. Uttz commenced employment with the Company on September 3, 2013. The amount reflected in the "Salary" column represents the pro-rated amount of his annual base salary earned following commencement of employment.

(2)
Amount reflects the full grant date fair value of the Class B Units in SSE Holdings granted during 2013 computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718, rather than the amounts paid to or realized by the named individual. The assumptions used in the valuation of the Class B Unit awards are set forth in Note 12 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus.

(3)
Ms. Rubenzer was granted 350 unit appreciation rights on February 11, 2013. Such award was not accounted for under ASC Topic 718 and no accounting expense was recorded in respect of such award.

Narrative to Summary Compensation Table

Employment Agreements

        During 2013, we did not have employment agreements with any of our named executive officers. However, in 2014 in connection with this offering, we entered into employment agreements with Mr. Garutti and Mr. Uttz. For a description of the terms and conditions of such employment agreements, please see the section entitled "—New Employment Agreements and Incentive Plans" below.

2013 Salaries

        The named executive officers receive a base salary to compensate them for services rendered to our Company. The base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive's skill set, experience, role and responsibilities.

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2013 Bonuses

        In fiscal 2013, each of our named executive officers was eligible to earn an annual performance-based cash bonus from the Company. This 2013 bonus for each of our named executive officers was based upon the achievement of Company adjusted EBITDA and total revenue targets. Mr. Garutti was eligible to receive a target bonus in the amount of 15% of his annual base salary, Mr. Uttz was eligible to receive a target bonus in the amount of 30% of his annual base salary (as pro-rated for his partial year of service in fiscal 2013), and Ms. Rubenzer was eligible to receive a target bonus in the amount of 20% of her annual base salary upon the achievement of the applicable objectives. In fiscal 2013, our Company adjusted EBITDA was 158% of the target amount and our total revenue was 106% of the target amount, resulting in a payment to Mr. Garutti of 153% of his target bonus, to Mr. Uttz of 153% of his target bonus and to Ms. Rubenzer of 153% of her target bonus. The actual amount of the performance-based cash bonuses paid to each named executive officer for fiscal 2013 performance are set forth above in the Summary Compensation Table in the column entitled "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation."

Equity-Based Compensation

    Class B Units

        Certain of our named executive officers currently hold Class B Units in SSE Holdings. Specifically, in 2013, Mr. Uttz was granted 9,034 Class B Units in SSE Holdings as set forth below. The Class B Units generally vest annually over five years from the applicable grant date, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of a change in control or an initial public offering. The vesting of Mr. Uttz's Class B Units will accelerate in connection with this offering.

        The following table sets forth the Class B Units granted to our named executive officers in fiscal 2013.

Named Executive Officer
  2013 Class B
Units Granted
 

Randy Garutti

     

Jeff Uttz

    9,034 (1)

Peggy Rubenzer

     

(1)
As of December 25, 2013, all Class B Units held by Mr. Uttz were unvested. Subject to Mr. Uttz's continued employment, all of his unvested Class B Units will vest ratably over five years, subject to acceleration upon a change in control or an initial public offering.

        In connection with the offering, each Class B Unit will be exchanged for LLC Interests.

    Unit Appreciation Rights

        SSE Holdings currently maintains a phantom equity plan, which we call the Unit Appreciation Rights Plan, or "UAR Plan." The UAR Plan was adopted in order to foster and promote our long-term success by helping attract and maintain a superior management team and to motivate superior performance by employees selected to participate in the UAR Plan. Ms. Rubenzer is our only named executive officer who participates in the UAR Plan and, in 2013, Ms. Rubenzer was granted 350 unit appreciation rights. Under the UAR Plan, participants have the right to receive a payment in the form of securities of SSE Holdings or one of its affiliates upon a change in control or an initial public offering, subject to the participant's continued employment through the date of the change in control or initial public offering. The amount of the payment is equal to the number of unit appreciation rights held by the participant multiplied by the excess of the transaction price of a Class B Unit over a "base price" per unit specified in each participant's award agreement. Individual participants in the UAR Plan are selected by, and the UAR Plan is administered by, the SSE Holdings board of directors or the compensation committee of the board.

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        The following table sets forth the unit appreciation rights granted to our named executive officers in the 2013 fiscal year.

Named Executive Officer
  2013 Unit Appreciation
Rights Granted
 

Randy Garutti

     

Jeff Uttz

     

Peggy Rubenzer

    350 (1)

(1)
As of December 25, 2013, all unit appreciation rights held by Ms. Rubenzer were unvested. Subject to Ms. Rubenzer's continued employment, she will be entitled to payment in respect of her unit appreciation rights upon a change in control or an initial public offering.

        All obligations of SSE Holdings under the UAR Plan and awards thereunder will be assigned from SSE Holdings to the Company, effective following this offering, and all unit appreciation rights outstanding under the UAR Plan will be paid out in connection with this offering in the form of shares of our Class A common stock and that, on and after the completion of this offering and following the effectiveness of the 2015 Incentive Award Plan (as described below), no further grants will be made under the UAR Plan.

    New Equity-Based Compensation

        We intend to adopt a 2015 Incentive Award Plan in order to facilitate the grant of cash and equity incentives to directors, employees (including our named executive officers) and consultants of our Company and certain of its affiliates and to enable our Company and certain of its affiliates to obtain and retain services of these individuals, which is essential to our long-term success. We expect that the 2015 Incentive Award Plan will be effective on the date on which it is adopted by our board of directors, subject to approval of such plan by our stockholders prior to the consummation of this offering. In connection with this offering, we intend to grant options to purchase shares of Class A common stock under the 2015 Incentive Award Plan to certain of our employees, including the named executive officers. For additional information about the 2015 Incentive Award Plan and the intended grants to be made under this plan in connection with this offering, please see the section titled "—New Employment Agreements and Incentive Plans" below.

        In addition, we intend to adopt an executive stock ownership policy encouraging Mr. Garutti and Mr. Uttz to hold shares of our common stock with a value equal to two and one times each of their annual base salaries, respectively.

Retirement Plans

        USHG currently maintains a 401(k) retirement savings plan, the "401(k) plan," in which our employees, including our named executive officers, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements may participate. The Internal Revenue Code allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation, within prescribed limits, on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the 401(k) plan. USHG does not currently match contributions made under the 401(k) plan by our named executive officers and other highly compensated employees. We believe that providing a vehicle for tax-deferred retirement savings though the 401(k) plan adds to the overall desirability of our executive compensation package and further incentivizes our employees, including our named executive officers, in accordance with our compensation policies. Following the consummation of this offering, we anticipate that Company employees will continue to be eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan maintained by USHG or the Company.

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Employee Benefits

        All of our full-time employees, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in health and welfare plans maintained by USHG, including:

    medical, dental and vision benefits;

    medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; and

    short-term and long-term disability insurance.

        Our named executive officers participate in these plans on the same basis as other eligible employees. We do not maintain any supplemental health and welfare plans for our named executive officers. We believe the benefits described above are necessary and appropriate to provide a competitive compensation package to our named executive officers.

No Tax Gross-Ups

        We do not make gross-up payments to cover our named executive officers' personal income taxes that may pertain to any of the compensation or perquisites paid or provided by our Company.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

        The following table summarizes the number of Class B Units and unit appreciation rights underlying outstanding equity incentive plan awards for our named executive officers as of December 25, 2013.

 
  Unit Appreciation Rights   Class B Unit Awards  
Name
  Number of
Class B Unit
Underlying
Unit
Appreciation
Rights (#)
Vested
  Number of
Class B Unit
Underlying
Unit
Appreciation
Rights (#)
Unvested
  Unit
Appreciation
Right Base
Amount ($)
  Unit
Appreciation
Right
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Class B Units
That Have Not
Vested (#)
  Market Value
of Class B
Units That
Have Not
Vested ($)
 

Randy Garutti

                    (1)    

Jeff Uttz

                    9,034 (2)   626,500 (3)

Peggy Rubenzer

        626 (4)   122.99     2/1/2022          

        350 (4)   183.00     2/11/2023          

(1)
As of December 25, 2013, Mr. Garutti held 31,303 Class B Units and 4,277 membership interests in SSE Holdings, all of which were vested.

(2)
As of December 25, 2013, all Class B Units held by Mr. Uttz were unvested. Subject to Mr. Uttz's continued employment, all of his unvested Class B Units will vest ratably over five years, subject to acceleration upon a change in control or an initial public offering.

(3)
There is no public market for the Class B Units. We valued the Class B Units with the assistance of a third-party valuation expert for purposes of this disclosure. The amount reported above under the heading "Market Value of Class B Units That Have Not Vested" reflects the intrinsic value of the Class B Units as of December 25, 2013. In connection with the offering, the Class B Units will be exchanged for LLC Interests.

(4)
Ms. Rubenzer was granted 626 unit appreciation rights on February 1, 2012 and 350 unit appreciation rights on February 11, 2013. As of December 25, 2013, all unit appreciation rights held by Ms. Rubenzer were unvested. Subject to Ms. Rubenzer's continued employment, she will be entitled to payment in respect of her unit appreciation rights upon a change in control or an initial public offering.

Director Compensation

        Members of the SSE Holdings board of directors have not historically received compensation for their services as board members. In connection with this offering, we have approved and intend to implement a compensation policy that, effective upon the closing of this offering, will be applicable to all of our non-employee directors. Under the compensation policy, no non-employee director shall be

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entitled to a cash retainer or other cash compensation in consideration for his service on our board of directors or a committee thereof. Each non-employee director will, however, be entitled to certain equity-based compensation as described below.

        Each non-employee director who, as of the date of this offering, is serving on our board of directors and is expected to continue his or her service following this offering will be granted an option to purchase shares of our Class A common stock with a grant date fair value of $50,000 (or, if such director is unaffiliated with any significant stockholder of the Company, $75,000) on the date the shares subject to this offering are priced.

        Commencing with fiscal 2016, each non-employee director will be entitled to an annual option grant which shall consist of the following: (a) an option to purchase shares of our Class A common stock with a grant date fair value of $50,000 (or, if such director is unaffiliated with any significant stockholder of the Company, $75,000) and (b) to the extent the chairman of any committee of our board of directors, an additional option to purchase shares of our Class A common stock with a fair value of $10,000 with respect to each such chairmanship.

        The terms of each award described above will be set forth in a written award agreement between the applicable non-employee director and us, which will generally provide for vesting after one year of continued service as a director subject to acceleration upon a change of control.

        The non-employee director compensation policy (including the compensation described above) may be amended, modified or terminated by our board of directors at any time in its sole discretion.

        In addition to the non-employee director compensation policy, we intend to adopt a director stock ownership policy encouraging non-employee directors to hold shares of our Class A common stock with a value equal to at least one times the fair value of the director's annual equity award.

Special Bonus Agreements

        In March 2011, Mr. Garutti entered into a Special Bonus Agreement (as amended, the "Special Bonus Agreement") with USHG with respect to Mr. Garutti's services to SSE Holdings. This Special Bonus Agreement provides for the payment of a special bonus in the amount of $2.45 million by USHG to Mr. Garutti in the event of a change in control or an initial public offering of SSE Holdings prior to March 11, 2018, which will be payable to him in March 2018. On October 30, 2014, USHG, Mr. Garutti and SSE Holdings entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, pursuant to which USHG assigned this obligation to SSE Holdings. The Special Bonus Agreement contains restrictive covenants prohibiting Mr. Garutti from competing with us and from soliciting any of our or of USHG's employees or contractors for one year following his termination of employment. The restrictive covenants also prohibit the unauthorized use of confidential information.

        In addition to the Special Bonus Agreement, Mr. Garutti entered into two other bonus arrangements in July 2013 with SSE Holdings (the "Incentive Bonus Agreement") and USHG (the "Supplemental Bonus Agreement"), respectively. Such agreements provide for a bonus payment equal to the value of the special bonus under the Special Bonus Agreement and may become payable in the event a change in control or an initial public offering does not occur on or before March 11, 2018, subject to and conditioned upon certain other conditions specified in the Supplemental Bonus Agreement and Incentive Bonus Agreement, as applicable.

        Mr. Garutti will only be entitled to receive payment under one of the Special Bonus Agreement, the Incentive Bonus Agreement or the Supplemental Bonus Agreement. Any such payment will have a value equal to $2.45 million and paid in cash and/or equity pursuant to the terms of the applicable agreement.

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New Employment Agreements and Incentive Plans

New Employment Agreements

        In connection with this offering, we entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Garutti and Uttz. The material terms of such agreements are summarized below.

    Employment Term and Position

        The term of employment of each of Messrs. Garutti and Uttz will be three years from the date of this offering, subject to automatic one-year extensions provided that neither party provides written notice of non-extension within ninety days of the expiration of the then-current term. During their respective terms of employment, Mr. Garutti will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and SSE Holdings and Mr. Uttz will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and SSE Holdings. Further, Mr. Garutti will be appointed to our board of directors and will be proposed for re-election during his term of employment.

    Base Salary, Annual Bonus and Equity Compensation

        Pursuant to their employment agreements, Messrs. Garutti and Uttz will be entitled to initial base salaries of $400,000 and $330,000, respectively.

        In addition, Messrs. Garutti and Uttz will be eligible to receive annual performance-based cash bonuses upon the attainment of individual and Company performance goals established by our board of directors or the compensation committee. The amount of the annual performance-based cash bonus that may be received by Messrs. Garutti and Uttz upon attainment of target performance for any fiscal year will be 50% of base salary and 35% of base salary, respectively, and the maximum amount of the annual performance-based cash bonus that may be received by Messrs. Garutti and Uttz for any fiscal year will be 100% of base salary and 70% of base salary, respectively.

        Under the employment agreements, Messrs. Garutti and Uttz will also be eligible for annual equity awards, the form and terms of which will be determined by our board of directors or the compensation committee in its discretion.

    Severance

        Each employment agreement will provide for severance upon a termination by us without cause or by Messrs. Garutti or Uttz for good reason, in each case, subject to the execution and non-revocation of a waiver and release of claims by Messrs. Garutti or Uttz, as applicable.

        Upon a termination of employment by us without cause or by Messrs. Garutti or Uttz for good reason, Messrs. Garutti or Uttz, as applicable, will be entitled to severance consisting of (a) continued base salary through the first anniversary of the termination of his employment, (b) a prorated annual cash bonus for the year of termination based on actual individual and Company performance, (c) accelerated vesting of a prorated portion of the annual equity awards that would have vested at the end of the year of termination absent such termination, such portion to be based on the number of full fiscal months elapsed during such fiscal year, and (d) reimbursement of COBRA premiums such that the cost of coverage is equal to the cost for then current employees for a period of up to 12 months.

        For purposes of the employment agreements, the Company will have "cause" to terminate Messrs. Garutti or Uttz's employment upon (a) his willful misconduct, gross negligence or act of dishonesty with regard to the Company or any of its affiliates, which in either case, results in or could reasonably be expected to result in material harm to the Company or such affiliate, (b) his willful and continued failure to attempt to perform his duties with the Company or any of its affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from disability), which failure is not remedied within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof, (c) his conviction of (or his plea of guilty or nolo contendere to) any felony involving moral turpitude (other than traffic related offenses or as a result of vicarious liability), or

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(d) his material breach of any material provision of the employment agreement, which breach is not remedied within 10 days after receiving written notice thereof.

        For purposes of the employment agreements, each of Messrs. Garutti and Uttz will have "good reason" to terminate his employment after the occurrence, without his consent, of (a) any material adverse change in base salary, position, duties, responsibilities, authority, title or reporting obligations, or the assignment of duties that are materially inconsistent with his position, (b) a relocation of principal business location by more than 50 miles from its then current location, or (c) any other material breach by the Company of the employment agreement or any other agreement with him. However, no termination for good reason will be effective unless (i) Messrs. Garutti or Uttz, as applicable, provides the Company with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of his intent to resign for good reason (which notice must be provided within sixty (60) days following the occurrence of the event(s) purported to constitute good reason); (ii) the Company has not remedied the alleged violation(s) within the thirty (30) day period; and (iii) Messrs. Garutti or Uttz's resignation, as applicable, becomes effective no later than thirty (30) days after the Company has either failed to cure such event or indicated that it will not cure such event.

    Restrictive Covenants

        Pursuant to their respective employment agreements, Messrs. Garutti and Uttz will be subject to certain non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions for a twelve-month period after termination of employment. During the restricted period, Messrs. Garutti and Uttz may not compete, directly or indirectly, with the Company in the business of developing, managing, and/or operating of (a) "better burger" restaurants, (b) "quick service" or "fast food" restaurants with an emphasis on hamburgers, or (c) "fast casual" restaurants. No severance payments or benefits described above shall be paid following the first date that Messrs. Garutti or Uttz, as applicable, violates his restrictive covenants; provided that, if employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by Messrs. Garutti or Uttz for good reason, Messrs. Garutti or Uttz, as applicable, may compete in the "fast casual" restaurant business during the restricted period without violating his employment agreement but he will not receive any severance after the date that he began to compete in the "fast casual" restaurant business.

2015 Incentive Award Plan

        We intend to adopt the 2015 Incentive Award Plan, or the "Plan," subject to approval by our stockholders prior to the consummation of this offering, under which we may grant cash and equity incentive awards to eligible service providers in order to attract, motivate and retain the talent for which we compete. The material terms of the Plan, as it is currently contemplated, are summarized below. Our board of directors is still in the process of developing, approving and implementing the Plan and, accordingly, this summary is subject to change.

        Eligibility and Administration.     Our employees, consultants and directors, and employees, consultants and directors of our affiliates will be eligible to receive awards under the Plan. Following our initial public offering, the Plan will be administered by our board of directors with respect to awards to non-employee directors and by our compensation committee with respect to other participants, each of which may delegate its duties and responsibilities to committees of our directors and/or officers (referred to collectively as the plan administrator below), subject to certain limitations that may be imposed under Section 162(m) of the Code, Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and/or stock exchange rules, as applicable. The plan administrator will have the authority to make all determinations and interpretations under, prescribe all forms for use with, and adopt rules for the administration of, the Plan, subject to its express terms and conditions. The plan administrator will also set the terms and conditions of all awards under the Plan, including any vesting and vesting acceleration conditions.

        Limitation on Awards and Shares Available.     An aggregate of            shares of our Class A common stock will be available for issuance under awards granted pursuant to the Plan, which shares

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may be authorized but unissued shares, or shares purchased in the open market. If an award under the Plan is forfeited, expires or is settled for cash, any shares subject to such award may, to the extent of such forfeiture, expiration or cash settlement, be used again for new grants under the Plan. However, the following shares may not be used again for grants under the Plan: (1) shares tendered or withheld to satisfy grant or exercise price or tax withholding obligations associated with an option or stock appreciation right, or "SAR;" (2) shares subject to an SAR that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the SAR on its exercise; and (3) shares purchased on the open market with the cash proceeds from the exercise of options.

        Awards granted under the Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, awards authorized or outstanding under a qualifying equity plan maintained by an entity with which we enter into a merger or similar corporate transaction will not reduce the shares available for grant under the Plan. The maximum number of shares of our Class A common stock that may be subject to one or more awards granted to any person pursuant to the Plan during any calendar year will be                        and the maximum amount that may be paid in cash under an award pursuant to the Plan to any one participant during any calendar year period will be $5,000,000. Further, the maximum aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted to any non-employee director during any calendar year will be $500,000.

        Awards.     The Plan provides for the grant of stock options, including incentive stock options, or "ISOs," and nonqualified stock options, or "NSOs," restricted stock, dividend equivalents, stock payments, restricted stock units, or "RSUs," deferred stock, deferred stock units, performance awards and SARs. No determination has been made as to the types or amounts of awards that will be granted to specific individuals pursuant to the Plan. Certain awards under the Plan may constitute or provide for a deferral of compensation, subject to Section 409A of the Code, which may impose additional requirements on the terms and conditions of such awards. All awards under the Plan will be set forth in award agreements, which will detail all terms and conditions of the awards, including any applicable vesting and payment terms and post-termination exercise limitations. Awards generally will be settled in shares of our Class A common stock, but the plan administrator may provide for cash settlement of any award. A brief description of each award type follows.

    Stock Options.   Stock options provide for the right to purchase shares of our Class A common stock in the future at an exercise price set on the grant date. ISOs, by contrast to NSOs, may provide tax deferral beyond exercise and favorable capital gains tax treatment to their holders if certain holding period and other requirements of the Code are satisfied. The exercise price of a stock option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying share on the date of grant (or 110% in the case of ISOs granted to certain significant stockholders), except with respect to certain substitute options granted in connection with a corporate transaction. The term of a stock option may not be longer than ten years (or five years in the case of ISOs granted to certain significant stockholders). Vesting conditions determined by the plan administrator may apply to stock options and may include continued service, performance and/or other conditions.

    SARs.   SARs entitle their holder, upon exercise, to receive from us an amount equal to the appreciation of the shares subject to the award between the grant date and the exercise date. 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 (except with respect to certain substitute SARs granted in connection with a corporate transaction) and the term of a SAR may not be longer than ten years. Vesting conditions determined by the plan administrator may apply to SARs and may include continued service, performance and/or other conditions.

    Restricted Stock and RSUs.   Restricted stock is an award of nontransferable shares of our Class A common stock that remain forfeitable unless and until specified conditions are met, and which may be subject to a purchase price. RSUs are contractual promises to deliver shares of our Class A common stock in the future, which may also remain forfeitable unless and until

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      specified conditions are met. Delivery of the shares underlying RSUs may be deferred under the terms of the award or at the election of the participant, if the plan administrator permits such a deferral. Conditions applicable to restricted stock and RSUs may be based on continuing service, the attainment of performance goals and/or such other conditions as the plan administrator may determine.

    Stock Payments.   Stock payments are awards of fully vested shares of our Class A common stock that may, but need not, be made in lieu of base salary, bonus, fees or other cash compensation otherwise payable to any individual who is eligible to receive awards. Other incentive awards are awards other than those enumerated in this summary that are denominated in, linked to or derived from shares of our Class A common stock or value metrics related to our shares, and may remain forfeitable unless and until specified conditions are met.

    Dividend Equivalents.   Dividend equivalents represent the right to receive the equivalent value of dividends paid on shares of our Class A common stock and may be granted alone or in tandem with awards other than stock options or SARs. Dividend equivalents are credited as of dividend record dates occurring during the period between the date an award is granted and the date such award vests, is exercised, is distributed or expires, as determined by the plan administrator. Dividend equivalents may not be paid on awards granted under the Plan subject to performance based vesting unless and until such awards have vested.

    Deferred Stock Awards:   Deferred stock awards represent the right to receive shares of our Class A common stock on a future date. The Plan provides that deferred stock may not be sold or otherwise hypothecated or transferred until issued. Deferred stock will not be issued until the deferred stock award has vested, and recipients of deferred stock generally will have no voting or dividend rights prior to the time when the vesting conditions are satisfied and the shares are issued. Deferred stock awards generally will be forfeited, and the underlying shares of deferred stock will not be issued, if the applicable vesting conditions and other restrictions are not met.

    Deferred Stock Units:   Deferred stock units will be awarded to any eligible individual selected by the administrator, typically without payment of consideration, but may be subject to vesting conditions based on continued employment or service or on performance criteria established by the administrator. Each deferred stock unit shall entitle the holder thereof to receive one share of Class A common stock on the date the deferred stock unit becomes vested or upon a specified settlement date thereafter. The Plan provides that, like deferred stock, deferred stock units may not be sold, or otherwise transferred or hypothecated, until vesting conditions are removed or expire. Unlike deferred stock, deferred stock units may provide that shares of stock underlying the deferred stock units will not be issued until a specified date or event following the vesting date. Recipients of deferred stock units generally will have no voting or dividend rights prior to the time when vesting conditions are satisfied and the shares underlying the award have been issued to the holder.

    Performance Awards.   Performance Awards will be granted by the administrator in its discretion on an individual or group basis. Generally, these awards will be based upon specific performance targets and will be paid in cash or in Class A common stock or in a combination of both. The Plan provides that performance awards may include "phantom" stock awards that provide for payments based upon the value of our Class A common stock and that performance awards may also include bonuses that may be granted by the administrator on an individual or group basis and which may be payable in cash or in Class A common stock or in a combination of both.

        Section 162(m).     Section 162(m) of the Code imposes a $1.0 million cap on the compensation deduction that a public company may take in respect of compensation paid to our "covered employees" (which includes our Chief Executive Officer and our next three most highly compensated employees other than our Chief Financial Officer), but excludes from the calculation of amounts subject to this limitation any amounts that constitute "qualified performance-based compensation," or "QPBC," within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. Under current tax law, we do not expect Section 162(m)

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of the Code to apply to certain awards under the Plan until the earliest to occur of (1) our annual stockholders' meeting at which members of our board of directors are to be elected that occurs after the close of the third calendar year following the calendar year in which occurred the first registration of our equity securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act; (2) a material modification of the Plan; (3) an exhaustion of the share supply under the Plan; or (4) the expiration of the Plan. However, QPBC performance criteria may be used with respect to performance awards that are not intended to constitute QPBC. In addition, the Company may issue awards that are not intended to constitute QPBC even if such awards might be non-deductible as a result of Section 162(m) of the Code.

        In order to constitute QPBC under Section 162(m) of the Code, in addition to certain other requirements, the relevant amounts must be payable only upon the attainment of pre-established, objective performance goals set by our compensation committee and linked to stockholder-approved performance criteria. For purposes of the Plan, one or more of the following performance criteria will be used in setting performance goals applicable to QPBC, and may be used in setting performance goals applicable to other performance awards: (i) net earnings or losses (either before or after one or more of the following: (A) interest, (B) taxes, (C) depreciation and (D) amortization); (ii) gross or net sales or revenue; (iii) revenue growth or product revenue growth; (iv) net income (either before or after taxes); (v) adjusted net income; (vi) operating earnings or profit (either before or after taxes); (vii) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow); (viii) return on assets or net assets; (ix) return on capital and cost of capital; (x) return on stockholders' equity; (xi) total stockholder return; (xii) return on sales; (xiii) gross or net profit or operating margin; (xiv) costs, reductions in costs and cost control measures; (xv) funds from operations or funds available for distributions; (xvi) expenses; (xvii) working capital; (xviii) earnings or loss per share; (xix) adjusted earnings per share; (xx) price per share of common stock or appreciation in and/or maintenance of such price; (xxi) economic value added models or similar metrics; (xxii) regulatory achievements or compliance (including, without limitation, regulatory body approval for commercialization of a product); (xxiii) implementation or completion of critical projects or processes; (xxiv) sales or market share; (xxv) licensing revenue; (xxvi) brand recognition/acceptance; (xxvii) inventory turns or cycle time and supply chain achievements (including, without limitation, establishing relationships with manufacturers or suppliers of component materials and manufacturers of the Company's products); (xxviii) strategic initiatives (including, without limitation, with respect to market penetration, geographic business expansion, manufacturing, commercialization, production and productivity, guest satisfaction and growth, employee satisfaction, recruitment and maintenance of personnel, human resources management, supervision of litigation and other legal matters, information technology, strategic partnerships and transactions (including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property, and establishment of relationships with commercial entities with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of Company products, and factoring transactions, research and development and related activity, and financial or other capital raising transactions); (xxix) new or existing store results and operations and new store openings; and (xxx) financial ratios (including, without limitation, those measuring liquidity, activity, profitability or leverage), any of which may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or decrease or as compared to results of a peer group or to market performance indicators or indices. The Plan also permits the plan administrator to provide for objectively determinable adjustments to the applicable performance criteria in setting performance goals for QPBC awards.

        Certain Transactions.     The plan administrator has broad discretion to take action under the Plan, as well as make adjustments to the terms and conditions of existing and future awards, to prevent the dilution or enlargement of intended benefits and facilitate necessary or desirable changes in the event of certain transactions and events affecting our common stock, such as stock dividends, stock splits, mergers, acquisitions, consolidations and other corporate transactions. In addition, in the event of certain non-reciprocal transactions with our stockholders known as "equity restructurings," the plan administrator will make equitable adjustments to the Plan and outstanding awards. In the event of a change in control of our Company (as defined in the Plan), to the extent that the surviving entity

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declines to continue, convert, assume or replace outstanding awards, then the administrator may cause any or all of such awards to become fully vested and exercisable in connection with the transaction. Upon or in anticipation of a change of control, the plan administrator may cause any outstanding awards to terminate at a specified time in the future and give the participant the right to exercise such awards during a period of time determined by the plan administrator in its sole discretion. Individual award agreements may provide for additional accelerated vesting and payment provisions.

        Foreign Participants, Claw-Back Provisions, Transferability, and Participant Payments.     The plan administrator may modify award terms, establish subplans and/or adjust other terms and conditions of awards, subject to the share limits described above, in order to facilitate grants of awards subject to the laws and/or stock exchange rules of countries outside of the United States. All awards will be subject to the provisions of any claw-back policy implemented by our Company to the extent set forth in such claw-back policy and/or in the applicable award agreement. With limited exceptions for estate planning, domestic relations orders, certain beneficiary designations and the laws of descent and distribution, awards under the Plan are generally non-transferable prior to vesting, and are exercisable only by the participant. With regard to tax withholding, exercise price and purchase price obligations arising in connection with awards under the Plan, the plan administrator may, in its discretion, accept cash or check, shares of our Class A common stock that meet specified conditions, a "market sell order" or such other consideration as it deems suitable.

        Plan Amendment and Termination.     Our board of directors may amend or terminate the Plan at any time; however, except in connection with certain changes in our capital structure, stockholder approval will be required for any amendment that increases the number of shares available under the Plan, "reprices" any stock option or SAR, or cancels any stock option or SAR in exchange for cash or another award when the option or SAR price per share exceeds the fair market value of the underlying shares. No award may be granted pursuant to the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date on which our board of directors adopts the Plan.

New Equity Awards

        In connection with this offering, we intend to grant options to purchase              shares of Class A common stock under the Plan to certain of our employees, including the named executive officers (the "offering grants"). The offering grants are expected to vest in substantially equal installments over time, subject to continued employment.

2015 Senior Executive Bonus Plan

        We intend to adopt the 2015 Senior Executive Incentive Bonus Plan (the "Executive Bonus Plan"), to be effective as of the day immediately prior to this offering. The Executive Bonus Plan is intended to provide an incentive for superior work and to motivate covered key executives toward even greater achievement and business results, to tie their goals and interests to those of us and our stockholders and to enable us to attract and retain highly qualified executives. The principal features of the Executive Bonus Plan are summarized below.

        The Executive Bonus Plan is an incentive bonus plan under which certain key executives, including our named executive officers, will be eligible to receive bonus payments. Bonuses will generally be payable under the Executive Bonus Plan upon the attainment of pre-established performance goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may pay bonuses (including, without limitation, discretionary bonuses) to participants under the Executive Bonus Plan based upon such other terms and conditions as our compensation committee may in its sole discretion determine. The payment of a bonus under the Executive Bonus Plan to a participant with respect to a performance period will generally be conditioned on such participant's continued employment on the last day of such performance period, provided that our compensation committee may make exceptions to this requirement in its sole discretion.

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        The performance goals under the Executive Bonus Plan will relate to one or more financial, operational or other metrics with respect to individual or company performance with respect to us or any of our affiliates, including but not limited to the following possible performance goals: (i) net earnings or losses (either before or after one or more of the following: (A) interest, (B) taxes, (C) depreciation and (D) amortization); (ii) gross or net sales or revenue; (iii) revenue growth or product revenue growth; (iv) net income (either before or after taxes); (v) adjusted net income; (vi) operating earnings or profit (either before or after taxes); (vii) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow); (viii) return on assets or net assets; (ix) return on capital and cost of capital; (x) return on stockholders' equity; (xi) total stockholder return; (xii) return on sales; (xiii) gross or net profit or operating margin; (xiv) costs, reductions in costs and cost control measures; (xv) funds from operations or funds available for distributions; (xvi) expenses; (xvii) working capital; (xviii) earnings or loss per share; (xix) adjusted earnings per share; (xx) price per share of common stock of the Company or appreciation in and/or maintenance of such price; (xxi) economic value added models or similar metrics; (xxii) regulatory achievements or compliance (including, without limitation, regulatory body approval for commercialization of a product); (xxiii) implementation or completion of critical projects or processes; (xxiv) sales or market share; (xxv) licensing revenue; (xxvi) brand recognition/acceptance; (xxvii) inventory turns or cycle time and supply chain achievements (including, without limitation, establishing relationships with manufacturers or suppliers of component materials and manufacturers of the Company's products); (xxviii) strategic initiatives (including, without limitation, with respect to market penetration, geographic business expansion, manufacturing, commercialization, production and productivity, guest satisfaction and growth, employee satisfaction, recruitment and maintenance of personnel, human resources management, supervision of litigation and other legal matters, information technology, strategic partnerships and transactions (including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property, and establishment of relationships with commercial entities with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of Company products, and factoring transactions, research and development and related activity, and financial or other capital raising transactions); (xxix) new or existing store results and operations and new store openings; and (xxx) financial ratios (including, without limitation, those measuring liquidity, activity, profitability or leverage), any of which may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or decrease or as compared to results of a peer group or to market performance indicators or indices. The Plan also permits the plan administrator to provide for objectively determinable adjustments to the applicable performance criteria in setting performance goals for Executive Bonus Plan awards.

        The Executive Bonus Plan is administered by our compensation committee. Our compensation committee will select the participants in the Executive Bonus Plan and any performance goals to be utilized with respect to the participants, establish the bonus formulas for each participant's annual bonus, and certify whether any applicable performance goals have been met with respect to a given performance period. The Executive Bonus Plan provides that we may amend or terminate the Executive Bonus Plan at any time in our sole discretion. Any amendments to the Executive Bonus Plan will require stockholder approval only to the extent required by applicable law, rule or regulation. The Executive Bonus Plan will expire on the earliest of:

    the first material modification of the Executive Bonus Plan;

    the first stockholders meeting at which members of our board of directors are elected during 2019; or

    such other date required by Section 162(m) of the Code.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        Since December 26, 2012, we or SSE Holdings have engaged in certain transactions with our directors and executive officers and holders of more than 5% of our voting securities and affiliates of our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 5% of our voting securities.

        The following are summaries of certain provisions of our related party agreements and are qualified in their entirety by reference to all of the provisions of such agreements. Because these descriptions are only summaries of the applicable agreements, they do not necessarily contain all of the information that you may find useful. We therefore urge you to review the agreements in their entirety. Copies of the agreements (or forms of the agreements) have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and are available electronically on the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov .

Related Party Agreements in Effect Prior to this Offering

Revolving Credit Facility

        SSE Holdings is a party to the Revolving Credit Facility, which provides for a revolving total commitment of $50.0 million. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of SSE Holdings and the guarantors (excluding stock in foreign subsidiaries in excess of 65% and assets of non-guarantors and subject to certain other exceptions). Obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by USHG and each of SSE Holdings' wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Special Bonus Agreements

        In March 2011, Mr. Garutti entered into a Special Bonus Agreement, with USHG with respect to Mr. Garutti's services to SSE Holdings (as amended, the "Special Bonus Agreement"). This Special Bonus Agreement provides for the payment of a special bonus in the amount of $2.45 million by USHG to Mr. Garutti in the event of a change in control or an initial public offering of SSE Holdings prior to March 11, 2018, which will be payable to him in March 2018. On October 30, 2014, USHG, Mr. Garutti and SSE Holdings entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, pursuant to which USHG assigned this obligation to SSE Holdings. The Special Bonus Agreement contains restrictive covenants prohibiting Mr. Garutti from competing with us and from soliciting any of our or of USHG's employees or contractors for one year following his termination of employment. The restrictive covenants also prohibit the unauthorized use of confidential information.

        In addition to the Special Bonus Agreement, Mr. Garutti entered into two other bonus arrangements in July 2013 with SSE Holdings (the "Incentive Bonus Agreement") and USHG (the "Supplemental Bonus Agreement"), respectively. Such agreements provide for a bonus payment equal to the value of the special bonus under the Special Bonus Agreement and may become payable in the event a change in control or an initial public offering does not occur on or before March 11, 2018, subject to and conditioned upon certain other conditions specified in the Supplemental Bonus Agreement and Incentive Bonus Agreement, as applicable.

        Mr. Garutti will only be entitled to receive payment under one of the Special Bonus Agreement, the Incentive Bonus Agreement or the Supplemental Bonus Agreement. Any such payment will be in an amount equal to $2.45 million and paid in cash and/or equity pursuant to the terms of the applicable agreement.

Management Services Agreement

        On October 16, 2009, we entered into a Management Services Agreement with USHG, LLC, another subsidiary of USHG (the "Management Company"), pursuant to which the Management Company has provided management services to SSE Holdings, including executive leadership, strategic development, real estate, financial, legal, administrative, operations and human resources services. In

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exchange for those services, we have paid the Management Company a monthly fee based on our sales for such period. In fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 and the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, we paid $1.7 million, $2.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, in management services under the Management Services Agreement. In addition, we indemnified the Management Company to the fullest extent permitted by law from and against all losses arising from its performance under the Management Services Agreement.

        We will enter into an Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement with the Management Company, effective January 2015, pursuant to which the Management Company will provide reduced management services to SSE Holdings comprised of executive leadership from USHG's Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Meyer, and other members of USHG's senior management; menu innovation advisory services by Mr. Meyer; strategic development advisory services by Mr. Meyer; leadership development services; and limited human resources services. There will be no fees payable by us to the Management Company in connection with these services. The initial term of the Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement will be through December 31, 2019, with renewal periods. We will also indemnify the Management Company to the fullest extent permitted by law from and against all losses arising from its performance under the Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement.

Master License Agreement with Union Square Events

        HYSE doing business as Union Square Events, another subsidiary of USHG, operates our three domestic licensed Shacks located in sporting venues pursuant to a Master License Agreement (the "Master License Agreement"), which grants Union Square Events the exclusive right to open Shake Shack-branded limited menu concession stands in sports and entertainment venues in the United States. In each of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013, Union Square Events paid $0.2 million in license fees pursuant to the Master License Agreement.

The Transactions

        In connection with the Transactions, we will engage in certain transactions with certain of our directors, executive officers and other persons and entities which are or will become holders of 5% or more of our voting securities upon the consummation of the Transactions, including the exchange of their indirect ownership interest in LLC Interests by Former SSE Equity Owners for shares of our Class A common stock in connection with this offering and entering into the Tax Receivable Agreement, the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement. These transactions are described in "The Transactions."

        The exchange of their indirect ownership interest in LLC Interests by Former SSE Equity Owners will occur as a result of two mergers, whereby, in each case, a newly formed subsidiary of Shake Shack will merge into an entity that holds LLC Interests (and of which the Former SSE Equity Owners are owners) with each entity becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Shake Shack and the Former SSE Equity Owners receiving Class A common stock. Each Former SSE Equity Owner and/or one or more its affiliates will agree, pursuant to their respective merger agreement, to indemnify us against all historic liabilities of the entity transferred in the applicable merger. Subsequent to these mergers, each such entity will merge into Shake Shack resulting in Shake Shack owning directly the LLC Interests exchanged by the Former SSE Equity Owners pursuant to the initial mergers.

Tax Receivable Agreement

        We expect to obtain an increase in our share of the tax basis of the assets of SSE Holdings when a Continuing SSE Equity Owner receives shares of our Class A common stock or cash at our election in connection with an exercise of such Continuing SSE Equity Owner's right to have LLC Interests held by such Continuing SSE Equity Owner redeemed by SSE Holdings or, at the election of Shake Shack, exchanged (such basis increase, the "Basis Adjustments"). We intend to treat such acquisition of LLC

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Interests as our direct purchase of LLC Interests from a Continuing SSE Equity Owner for U.S. federal income and other applicable tax purposes, regardless of whether such LLC Interests are surrendered by a Continuing SSE Equity Owner to SSE Holdings for redemption or sold to us upon the exercise of our election to acquire such LLC Interests directly. A Basis Adjustment may have the effect of reducing the amounts that we would otherwise pay in the future to various tax authorities. The Basis Adjustments may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those capital assets.

        In connection with the transactions described above, we will enter into the Tax Receivable Agreement (the "TRA") with the Continuing SSE Equity Owners. The TRA will provide for the payment by us to such persons of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that we actually realize, or in some circumstances are deemed to realize, as a result of the transactions described above, including increases in the tax basis of the assets of SSE Holdings attributable to payments made under the TRA and deductions attributable to imputed interest and other payments of interest pursuant to the TRA. SSE Holdings will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code effective for each taxable year in which a redemption or exchange of LLC Interests for shares of our Class A common stock or cash occurs. These TRA payments are not conditioned upon any continued ownership interest in either SSE Holdings or us by any Continuing SSE Equity Owner. The rights of each Continuing SSE Equity Owner under the TRA are assignable to transferees of its LLC Interests (other than Shake Shack as transferee pursuant to subsequent redemptions (or exchanges) of the transferred LLC Interests). We expect to benefit from the remaining 15% of tax benefits, if any, that we may actually realize.

        The actual Basis Adjustments, as well as any amounts paid to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners under the TRA, will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

    the timing of any subsequent redemptions or exchanges —for instance, the increase in any tax deductions will vary depending on the fair value, which may fluctuate over time, of the depreciable or amortizable assets of SSE Holdings at the time of each redemption or exchange;

    the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of redemptions or exchanges —the Basis Adjustments, as well as any related increase in any tax deductions, is directly related to the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of each redemption or exchange;

    the extent to which such redemptions or exchanges are taxable —if a redemption or exchange is not taxable for any reason, increased tax deductions will not be available; and

    the amount and timing of our income —the TRA generally will require Shake Shack to pay 85% of the tax benefits as and when those benefits are treated as realized under the terms of the TRA. If Shake Shack does not have taxable income, it generally will not be required (absent a change of control or other circumstances requiring an early termination payment) to make payments under the TRA for that taxable year because no tax benefits will have been actually realized. However, any tax benefits that do not result in realized tax benefits in a given taxable year will likely generate tax attributes that may be utilized to generate tax benefits in previous or future taxable years. The utilization of any such tax attributes will result in payments under the TRA.

        For purposes of the TRA, cash savings in income and franchise tax will be computed by comparing our actual income and franchise tax liability to the amount of such taxes that we would have been required to pay (with an assumed tax rate for state tax purposes) had there been no Basis Adjustments and had the TRA not been entered into. The TRA will generally apply to each of our taxable years, beginning with the first taxable year ending after the consummation of the offering. There is no maximum term for the TRA; however, the TRA may be terminated by us pursuant to an early termination procedure that requires us to pay the Continuing SSE Equity Owners an agreed upon amount equal to the estimated present value of the remaining payments to be made under the agreement (calculated based on certain assumptions, including regarding tax rates and utilization of the Basis Adjustments).

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        The payment obligations under the TRA are obligations of Shake Shack and not of SSE Holdings. Although the actual timing and amount of any payments that may be made under the TRA will vary, we expect that the payments that we may be required to make to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners could be substantial. Any payments made by us to Continuing SSE Equity Owners under the TRA will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us or to SSE Holdings and, to the extent that we are unable to make payments under the TRA for any reason, the unpaid amounts generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid by us.

        Decisions made by us in the course of running our business, such as with respect to mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes in control, may influence the timing and amount of payments that are received by a Continuing SSE Equity Owner under the TRA. For example, the earlier disposition of assets following a transaction that results in a Basis Adjustment will generally accelerate payments under the TRA and increase the present value of such payments.

        The TRA provides that if (i) we materially breach any of our material obligations under the TRA, (ii) certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combination, or other changes of control were to occur, or (iii) we elect an early termination of the TRA, then our obligations, or our successor's obligations, under the TRA would accelerate and become due and payable, based on certain assumptions, including an assumption that we would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize all potential future tax benefits that are subject to the TRA.

        As a result, (i) we could be required to make cash payments to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners that are greater than the specified percentage of the actual benefits we ultimately realize in respect of the tax benefits that are subject to the TRA, and (ii) if we elect to terminate the TRA early, we would be required to make an immediate cash payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future tax benefits that are the subject of the TRA, which payment may be made significantly in advance of the actual realization, if any, of such future tax benefits. In these situations, our obligations under the TRA could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combination, or other changes of control. There can be no assurance that we will be able to finance our obligations under the TRA.

        Payments under the TRA will be based on the tax reporting positions that we determine. We will not be reimbursed for any cash payments previously made to any Continuing SSE Equity Owner pursuant to the TRA if any tax benefits initially claimed by us are subsequently challenged by a taxing authority and ultimately disallowed. Instead, in such circumstances, any excess cash payments made by us to a Continuing SSE Equity Owner will be netted against any future cash payments that we might otherwise be required to make under the terms of the TRA. However, we might not determine that we have effectively made an excess cash payment to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners for a number of years following the initial time of such payment. As a result, it is possible that we could make cash payments under the TRA that are substantially greater than our actual cash tax savings.

        Payments are generally due under the TRA within a specified period of time following the filing of our tax return for the taxable year with respect to which the payment obligation arises, although interest on such payments will begin to accrue at a rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points from the due date (without extensions) of such tax return. Any late payments that may be made under the TRA will continue to accrue interest at LIBOR plus 500 basis points until such payments are made, including any late payments that we may subsequently make because we did not have enough available cash to satisfy our payment obligations at the time at which they originally arose.

SSE Holdings LLC Agreement

        We will operate our business through SSE Holdings and its subsidiaries. In connection with the completion of this offering, we and the Original SSE Equity Owners will enter into SSE Holdings' third amended and restated limited liability company agreement, which we refer to as the "SSE

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Holdings LLC Agreement." The operations of SSE Holdings, and the rights and obligations of the holders of LLC Interests, will be set forth in the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement.

        Appointment as Manager.     Under the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement, we will become a member and the sole manager of SSE Holdings. As the sole manager, we will be able to control all of the day-to-day business affairs and decision-making of SSE Holdings without the approval of any other member. As such, we, through our officers and directors, will be responsible for all operational and administrative decisions of SSE Holdings and the day-to-day management of SSE Holdings' business. Pursuant to the terms of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement, we cannot, under any circumstances, be removed as the sole manager of SSE Holdings except by our election.

        Compensation.     We will not be entitled to compensation for our services as manager. We will be entitled to reimbursement by SSE Holdings for fees and expenses incurred on behalf of SSE Holdings, including all expenses associated with this offering and maintaining our corporate existence.

        Recapitalization.     The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement recapitalizes the units currently held by the existing members of SSE Holdings into a new single class of common membership units, which we refer to as the "LLC Interests." The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement will also reflect a split of LLC Interests such that one LLC Interest can be acquired with the net proceeds received in the initial offering from the sale of one share of our Class A common stock, after the deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions. Each LLC Interest will entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the net profits and net losses and distributions of SSE Holdings.

        Distributions.     The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement will require "tax distributions," as that term is defined in the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement, to be made by SSE Holdings to its "members," as that term is defined in the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement. Tax distributions will be made as and when members are required to make estimated payments or file tax returns, which we expect will be approximately on a quarterly basis, to each member of SSE Holdings, including us, based on such member's allocable share of the taxable income of SSE Holdings and at a tax rate that will be determined by us. For this purpose, the taxable income of SSE Holdings, and Shake Shack's allocable share of such taxable income, shall be determined without regard to any tax basis adjustments that result from our deemed or actual purchase of LLC Interests from the Continuing SSE Equity Owners (as described above under "—Tax Receivable Agreement"). For tax distributions made in the 2015 fiscal year, the tax rate that we expect to use for purposes of determining tax distributions from SSE Holdings to its members will equal the combined federal, state, and local statutory tax rate applicable to us for the 2015 fiscal year (taking into account the deductibility of state and local taxes for federal purposes). For each subsequent fiscal year, the tax rate applicable to us for the 2015 fiscal year will apply with respect to tax distributions made during such fiscal year unless we determine (through our board of directors) otherwise. The tax rate used to determine tax distributions will apply regardless of the actual final tax liability of any such member. Tax distributions will also be made only to the extent all distributions from SSE Holdings for the relevant period were otherwise insufficient to enable each member to cover its tax liabilities as calculated in the manner described above. The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement will also allow for distributions to be made by SSE Holdings to its members on a pro rata basis out of "distributable cash," as that term is defined in the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement. We expect SSE Holdings may make distributions out of distributable cash periodically to the extent permitted by our agreements governing our indebtedness and necessary to enable us to cover our operating expenses and other obligations, including our tax liability and obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement, as well as to make dividend payments, if any, to the holders of our Class A common stock.

        LLC Interest Redemption Right.     The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement provides a redemption right to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners which entitles them to have their LLC Interests redeemed, at the election of each such person, for, at our option, as determined by or at the direction of our board of directors, which will include directors who hold LLC Interests or are affiliated with holders of LLC

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Interests and may include such directors in the future, newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock for each LLC Interest redeemed (subject to customary adjustments, including for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications). If we decide to make a cash payment, the Continuing SSE Equity Owner has the option to rescind its redemption request within a specified time period. Upon the exercise of the redemption right, the redeeming member will surrender its LLC Interests to SSE Holdings for cancellation. The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement requires that we contribute cash or shares of our Class A common stock to SSE Holdings in exchange for an amount of newly-issued LLC Interests in SSE Holdings that will be issued to us equal to the number of LLC Interests redeemed from the Continuing SSE Equity Owner. SSE Holdings will then distribute the cash or shares of our Class A common stock to such Continuing SSE Equity Owner to complete the redemption. In the event of such election by a Continuing SSE Equity Owner, we may, at our option, effect a direct exchange of cash or our Class A common stock for such LLC Interests in lieu of such a redemption. Whether by redemption or exchange, we are obligated to ensure that at all times the number of LLC Interests that we own equals the number of shares of Class A common stock issued by us (subject to certain exceptions for treasury shares and shares underlying certain convertible or exchangeable securities).

        Issuance of LLC Interests Upon Exercise of Options or Issuance of Other Equity Compensation.     Upon the exercise of options issued by us, or the issuance of other types of equity compensation by us (such as the issuance of restricted or non-restricted stock, payment of bonuses in stock or settlement of stock appreciation rights in stock), we will be required to acquire from SSE Holdings a number of LLC Interests equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock being issued in connection with the exercise of such options or issuance of other types of equity compensation. When we issue shares of Class A common stock in settlement of stock options granted to persons that are not officers or employees of SSE Holdings or its subsidiaries, we will make, or be deemed to make, a capital contribution to SSE Holdings equal to the aggregate value of such shares of Class A common stock, and SSE Holdings will issue to us a number of LLC Interests equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock we issued. When we issue shares of Class A common stock in settlement of stock options granted to persons that are officers or employees of SSE Holdings or its subsidiaries, we will be deemed to have sold directly to the person exercising such award a portion of the value of each share of Class A common stock equal to the exercise price per share, and we will be deemed to have sold directly to SSE Holdings (or the applicable subsidiary of SSE Holdings) the difference between the exercise price and market price per share for each such share of Class A common stock. In cases where we grant other types of equity compensation to employees of SSE Holdings or its subsidiaries, on each applicable vesting date we will be deemed to have sold to SSE Holdings (or such subsidiary) the number of vested shares at a price equal to the market price per share, SSE Holdings (or such subsidiary) will deliver the shares to the applicable person, and we will be deemed to have made a capital contribution in SSE Holdings equal to the purchase price for such shares in exchange for an equal number of LLC Interests.

        Maintenance of one-to-one ratio of shares of Class A common stock and LLC Interests owned by Shake Shack.     Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement will require that (i) we at all times maintain a ratio of one LLC Interest owned by us for each share of Class A common stock issued by us (subject to certain exceptions for treasury shares and shares underlying certain convertible or exchangeable securities), and (ii) SSE Holdings at all times maintain (x) a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class A common stock issued by us and the number of LLC Interests owned by us and (y) a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class B common stock owned by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners and the number of LLC Interests owned by the Continuing SSE Equity Owners. This construct is intended to result in the Continuing SSE Equity Owners having a voting interest in Shake Shack that is identical to the Continuing SSE Equity Owners' percentage economic interest in SSE Holdings.

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        Transfer Restrictions.     The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement generally does not permit transfers of LLC Interests by members, subject to limited exceptions. Any transferee of LLC Interests must assume, by operation of law or written agreement, all of the obligations of a transferring member with respect to the transferred units, even if the transferee is not admitted as a member of SSE Holdings.

        Dissolution.     The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement will provide that the unanimous consent of all members holding voting units will be required to voluntarily dissolve SSE Holdings. In addition to a voluntary dissolution, SSE Holdings will be dissolved upon a change of control transaction under certain circumstances, as well as upon the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution or other circumstances in accordance with Delaware law. Upon a dissolution event, the proceeds of a liquidation will be distributed in the following order: (i) first, to pay the expenses of winding up SSE Holdings; (ii) second, to pay debts and liabilities owed to creditors of SSE Holdings, other than members; (iii) third, to pay debts and liabilities owed to members; and (iv) fourth, to the members pro-rata in accordance with their respective percentage ownership interests in SSE Holdings (as determined based on the number of LLC Interests held by a member relative to the aggregate number of all outstanding LLC Interests).

        Confidentiality.     Each member will agree to maintain the confidentiality of SSE Holdings' confidential information. This obligation excludes information independently obtained or developed by the members, information that is in the public domain or otherwise disclosed to a member, in either such case not in violation of a confidentiality obligation or disclosures required by law or judicial process or approved by our chief executive officer.

        Indemnification and Exculpation.     The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement provides for indemnification of the manager, members and officers of SSE Holdings and their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. To the extent permitted by applicable law, SSE Holdings will indemnify us, as its managing member, its authorized officers, its other employees and agents from and against any losses, liabilities, damages, costs, expenses, fees or penalties incurred by any acts or omissions of these persons, provided that the acts or omissions of these indemnified persons are not the result of fraud, intentional misconduct or a violation of the implied contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing, or any lesser standard of conduct permitted under applicable law.

        We, as the managing member, and the authorized officers and other employees and agents of SSE Holdings will not be liable to SSE Holdings, its members or their affiliates for damages incurred by any acts or omissions of these persons, provided that the acts or omissions of these exculpated persons are not the result of fraud, or intentional misconduct.

        Amendments.     The SSE Holdings LLC Agreement may be amended with the consent of the managing member and the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding LLC Interests not held by the managing member. In addition, the managing member may, without the consent of any Continuing SSE Equity Owner, make certain amendments that, generally, are not expected to adversely affect Continuing SSE Equity Owners. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment to the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement will be effective with respect to a Continuing SSE Equity Owner that does not vote in favor thereof if such amendment would adversely affect such Continuing SSE Equity Owner in any material respect in a manner that is disproportionately adverse to such Continuing SSE Equity Owner.

Stockholders Agreement

        Prior to the consummation of this offering, we will enter into a Stockholders Agreement with each member of the Voting Group. The Stockholders Agreement, as further described below, will contain specific rights, obligations and agreements of these parties as owners of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock.

        Voting Agreement.     Under the Stockholders Agreement, the members of the Voting Group will agree to take all necessary action, including casting all votes to which such members are entitled to cast

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at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, so as to ensure that the composition of our board of directors and its committees complies with the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement related to the composition of our board of directors and its committees, which are discussed under "Management—Corporate Governance—Composition of our Board of Directors" and "Management—Corporate Governance—Board Committees."

        Meyer Group Approvals.     Under the Stockholders Agreement the actions listed below by us or any of our subsidiaries will require the approval of the Meyer Group for so long as the Meyer Group collectively owns at least 10% of the total shares of Class A and Class B common stock owned by it immediately following the consummation of this offering. The actions include:

    change in control transactions;

    the sale, lease or exchange of all or a substantial amount of the property and assets of Shake Shack, SSE holdings or any of SSE Holdings' subsidiaries, taken as a whole

    initiating any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding involving Shake Shack, SSE Holdings or any of their respective subsidiaries;

    terminating the employment of our Chief Executive Officer or hiring a new Chief Executive Officer;

    any authorization or issuance of equity securities of Shake Shack or its subsidiaries other than (i) pursuant to any equity incentive plans or arrangements approved by our Board of Directors or (ii) upon an exchange of shares of Class B Common Stock together with SSE Holdings Units for Shares of Class A Common Stock;

    increasing or decreasing the size of our board of directors; and

    any amendment or amendments to the organizational documents of Shake Shack or SSE Holdings.

Registration Rights Agreement

        We intend to enter into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Original SSE Equity Owners in connection with this offering. The Registration Rights Agreement will provide the Original SSE Equity Owners certain registration rights whereby, at any time following our initial public offering and the expiration of any related lock-up period, the Continuing SSE Equity Owners can require us to register under the Securities Act shares of Class A common stock issuable to them, at our election, upon redemption or exchange of their LLC Interests and the Former SSE Equity Owners can require us to register under the Securities Act the shares of Class A common stock issued to them in connection with the Transactions. The Registration Rights Agreement will also provide for piggyback registration rights for the Original SSE Equity Owners.

Indemnification Agreements

        Our bylaws, as will be in effect prior to the closing of this offering, provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, subject to certain exceptions contained in our bylaws. In addition, our certificate of incorporation, as will be in effect prior to the closing of this offering, will provide that our directors will not be liable for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty.

        Prior to the closing of this offering, we will enter into indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors. The indemnification agreements will provide the executive officers and directors with contractual rights to indemnification, and expense advancement and reimbursement, to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL, subject to certain exceptions contained in those agreements.

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        There is no pending litigation or proceeding naming any of our directors or officers to which indemnification is being sought, and we are not aware of any pending litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by any director or officer.

Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions

        Our board of directors recognizes the fact that transactions with related persons present a heightened risk of conflicts of interests and/or improper valuation (or the perception thereof). Prior to the closing of this offering, our board of directors will adopt a written policy on transactions with related persons that is in conformity with the requirements for issuers having publicly-held common stock that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Under the new policy:

    any related person transaction, and any material amendment or modification to a related person transaction, must be reviewed and approved or ratified by a committee of the board of directors composed solely of independent directors who are disinterested or by the disinterested members of the board of directors; and

    any employment relationship or transaction involving an executive officer and any related compensation must be approved by the compensation committee of the board of directors or recommended by the compensation committee to the board of directors for its approval.

        In connection with the review and approval or ratification of a related person transaction:

    management must disclose to the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, the name of the related person and the basis on which the person is a related person, the material terms of the related person transaction, including the approximate dollar value of the amount involved in the transaction, and all the material facts as to the related person's direct or indirect interest in, or relationship to, the related person transaction;

    management must advise the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, as to whether the related person transaction complies with the terms of our agreements governing our material outstanding indebtedness that limit or restrict our ability to enter into a related person transaction;

    management must advise the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, as to whether the related person transaction will be required to be disclosed in our applicable filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, and related rules, and, to the extent required to be disclosed, management must ensure that the related person transaction is disclosed in accordance with such Acts and related rules; and

    management must advise the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, as to whether the related person transaction constitutes a "personal loan" for purposes of Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

        In addition, the related person transaction policy provides that the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, in connection with any approval or ratification of a related person transaction involving a non-employee director or director nominee, should consider whether such transaction would compromise the director or director nominee's status as an "independent," "outside," or "non-employee" director, as applicable, under the rules and regulations of the SEC, the New York Stock Exchange and the Code.

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

        The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock, after the consummation of the Transactions, including this offering, for:

    each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Class A common stock or our Class B common stock;

    each of our directors;

    each of our named executive officers; and

    all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

        As described in "The Transactions" and "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions," each Continuing SSE Equity Owner will be entitled to have their LLC Interests redeemed for Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, or, at the option of Shake Shack, cash equal to the market value of the applicable number of our shares of Class A common stock. In addition, at Shake Shack's election, Shake Shack may effect a direct exchange of such Class A common stock or such cash for such LLC Interests. In connection with this offering, we will issue to each Continuing SSE Equity Owner for nominal consideration one share of Class B common stock for each LLC Interest it owns. As a result, the number of shares of Class B common stock listed in the table below correlates to the number of LLC Interests each such Continuing SSE Equity Owner will own immediately prior to and after this offering (but after giving effect to the Transactions other than this offering). See "The Transactions."

        The number of shares beneficially owned by each stockholder is determined under rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission and includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by an individual or entity and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options, or other rights, including the redemption right described above, held by such person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of            , are considered outstanding, although these shares are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all listed stockholders is c/o Shake Shack Inc.; 24 Union Square East, 5 th  Floor; New York, NY 10003. Each of the stockholders listed has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by the stockholder unless noted otherwise, subject to community property laws where applicable.

 
  Shares of Class A
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
  Shares of Class B
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
  Total
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned
 
Name of beneficial owner
  Number   Percentage   Number   Percentage   Percentage  

5% Stockholders

                               

Green Equity Investors VI, L.P., Green Equity Investors Side VI, L.P., and LGP Malted Coinvest LLC(1)(2)

            %           %     %

Daniel Meyer(2)

            %           %     %

SEG Partners, L.P., SEG Partners II, L.P. and SEG Partners Offshore Master Fund, Ltd.(2)(3)

            %           %     %

ACG Shack LLC(2)(4)

            %           %     %

Jeff Flug(2)

            %           %     %

Named Executive Officers and Directors

                               

Randy Garutti

            %           %     %

Jeff Uttz

            %           %     %

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  Shares of Class A
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
  Shares of Class B
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
  Total
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned
 
Name of beneficial owner
  Number   Percentage   Number   Percentage   Percentage  

Peggy Rubenzer(5)

            %           %     %

Evan Guillemin

            %           %     %

Jenna Lyons

            %           %     %

Jonathan D. Sokoloff(1)

            %           %     %

Robert Vivian

            %           %     %

All directors, director designees and executive officers as a group (nine persons)

            %           %     %

*
Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.

(1)
Voting and investment power with respect to the shares of our common stock held by Green Equity Investors VI, L.P. and Green Equity Investors Side VI, L.P. (collectively, the "Green Funds") and LGP Malted Coinvest LLC ("Malted"), may be deemed to be shared by certain affiliated entities. GEI Capital VI, LLC ("GEIC"), is the general partner of the Green Funds. Green VI Holdings, LLC ("Holdings") is a limited partner of the Green Funds. Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. ("LGP") is the management company of the Green Funds and Holdings. Peridot LLC ("Peridot"), an affiliate of LGP, is the Manager of Malted. Each of the Green Funds, Holdings, Malted, LGP, and Peridot disclaims such shared beneficial ownership of our common stock. Jonathan D. Sokoloff may also be deemed to share voting and investment power with respect to such shares due to his position with LGP and Peridot, and he disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. Each of Messrs. John G. Danhakl, Peter J. Nolan, Jonathan D. Sokoloff, Jonathan A. Seiffer, John M. Baumer, Timothy J. Flynn, James D. Halper, Todd M. Purdy, Michael S. Solomon, and W. Christian McCollum either directly (whether through ownership interest or position) or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, may be deemed to control GEIC, LGP and Peridot. As such, these individuals may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned by Green Funds, Holdings, Malted, LGP, and Peridot. These individuals each disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities held by Green Funds, Holdings, Malted, LGP, and Peridot. Each of the foregoing individual's address is c/o Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 2000, Los Angeles, California 90025.

(2)
As discussed in "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement," prior to the closing of this offering, the members of the Voting Group intend to enter into a Stockholders Agreement with us, pursuant to which the Voting Group will agree to vote their shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock in favor of the election of the nominees of certain members of the Voting Group to our board of directors upon their nomination by the nominating and corporate governance committee of our board of directors.

(3)
Select Equity Group, L.P. ("Select Equity"), a limited partnership controlled by George S. Loening, has the power to vote or direct the vote of, and dispose or direct the disposition of, the shares beneficially owned by SEG Partners L.P., SEG Partners II, L.P. and SEG Partners Offshore Master Fund, Ltd. Select Equity is an investment adviser and possesses sole power to vote or direct the vote of, and dispose or direct the disposition of,                         shares. George S. Loening is a control person and possesses sole power to vote or direct the vote of, and dispose or direct the disposition of,                        shares. The address for Select Equity is Select Equity Group, L.P., 380 Lafayette Street New York, New York 10003.

(4)
ACG Shack LLC is managed by Alliance Consumer Growth LLC, the investment manager for Alliance Consumer Growth Fund, LP. Each of Josh Goldin, Julian Steinberg and Trevor Nelson may be deemed to control Alliance Consumer Growth LLC. As such, these individuals may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned by ACG Shack LLC. The address for each of ACG Shake Shack LLC, Alliance Consumer Growth LLC and Alliance Consumer Growth Fund, LP. is c/o Alliance Consumer Growth LLC 655 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor New York, New York 10065.

(5)
Ms. Rubenzer currently holds 350 unit appreciation rights which are expected to be settled in exchange for            shares of Class A common stock within 10 days following the offering.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        The following descriptions of our capital stock and provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, and our bylaws, each of which will be in effect prior to the completion of this offering, are summaries and are qualified by reference to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

        Our current authorized capital stock consists of 100 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of the consummation of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of            shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share,            shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and            shares of blank check preferred stock.

Common Stock

        As of the consummation of this offering, there were            shares of our Class A common stock issued and outstanding and            shares of our Class B common stock issued and outstanding.

Class A Common Stock

    Voting Rights

        Holders of our Class A common stock will be entitled to cast one vote per share. Holders of our Class A common stock will not be entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority (or, in the case of election of directors, by a plurality) of the votes entitled to be cast by all holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock present in person or represented by proxy, voting together as a single class. Except as otherwise provided by law, amendments to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation must be approved by a majority or, in some cases, a super-majority of the combined voting power of all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, voting together as a single class.

    Dividend Rights

        Holders of Class A common stock will share ratably (based on the number of shares of Class A common stock held) if and when any dividend is declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, subject to any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred stock.

    Liquidation Rights

        On our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each holder of Class A common stock will be entitled to a pro rata distribution of any assets available for distribution to common stockholders.

    Other Matters

        No shares of Class A common stock will be subject to redemption or have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock do not have subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock. Upon consummation of this offering, all the outstanding shares of Class A common stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

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Class B Common Stock

    Issuance of Class B common stock with LLC Interests

        Shares of Class B common stock will only be issued in the future to the extent necessary to maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of LLC Interests held by Continuing SSE Equity Owners and the number of shares of Class B common stock issued to Continuing SSE Equity Owners. Shares of Class B common stock are transferable only together with an equal number of LLC Interests. Shares of Class B common stock will be cancelled on a one-for-one basis if we, at the election of a Continuing SSE Equity Owner, redeem or exchange LLC Interests of such Continuing SSE Equity Owners pursuant to the terms of the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement.

    Voting Rights

        Holders of Class B common stock will be entitled to cast one vote per share, with the number of shares of Class B common stock held by each Continuing SSE Equity Owner being equivalent to the number of LLC Interests held by such Continuing SSE Equity Owner. Holders of our Class B common stock will not be entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.

        Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority (or, in the case of election of directors, by a plurality) of the votes entitled to be cast by all holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock present in person or represented by proxy, voting together as a single class. Except as otherwise provided by law, amendments to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation must be approved by a majority or, in some cases, a super-majority of the combined voting power of all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, voting together as a single class.

    Dividend Rights

        Holders of our Class B common stock will not participate in any dividend declared by the board of directors.

    Liquidation Rights

        On our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of Class B common stock will not be entitled to receive any distribution of our assets.

    Transfers

        Pursuant to the SSE Holdings LLC Agreement, each holder of Class B common stock agrees that:

    the holder will not transfer any shares of Class B common stock to any person unless the holder transfers an equal number of LLC Interests to the same person; and

    in the event the holder transfers any LLC Interests to any person, the holder will transfer an equal number of shares of Class B common stock to the same person.

    Other Matters

        No shares of Class B common stock will be subject to redemption rights or have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of Class B common stock. Holders of shares of our Class B common stock do not have subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class B common stock. Upon consummation of this offering, all outstanding shares of Class B common stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

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Preferred Stock

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors has the authority, without action by the stockholders, to designate and issue up to                        shares of preferred stock in one or more classes or series and to fix the powers, rights, preferences, and privileges of each class or series of preferred stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any class or series, which may be greater than the rights of the holders of the common stock. There will be no shares of preferred stock outstanding immediately after this offering.

        The purpose of authorizing our board of directors to issue preferred stock and determine its rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions, future financings and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, a majority of our outstanding voting stock. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the holders of our Class A common stock by restricting dividends on the Class A common stock, diluting the voting power of the Class A common stock or subordinating the liquidation rights of the Class A common stock. As a result of these or other factors, the issuance of preferred stock could have an adverse impact on the market price of our Class A common stock.

Exclusive Venue

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as it will be in effect upon the closing of this offering, will require, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or the bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us governed by the internal affairs doctrine will have to be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware. Although we believe this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Bylaws and Delaware Law

        Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as they will be in effect upon completion of this offering, also contain provisions that may delay, defer or discourage another party from acquiring control of us. We expect that these provisions, which are summarized below, will discourage coercive takeover practices or inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors, which we believe may result in an improvement of the terms of any such acquisition in favor of our stockholders. However, they also give our board of directors the power to discourage acquisitions that some stockholders may favor.

    Classified Board of Directors

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our board of directors will be divided into three classes, with the classes as nearly equal in number as possible and each class serving three-year staggered terms. Pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, directors designated by the Meyer Group, LGP or SEG may only be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the party entitled to designate such director. In all other cases and at any other time, directors may only be removed from our board of directors for cause by the affirmative vote of at

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least a majority of the confirmed voting power of our Class A and Class B common stock. See "Management—Corporate Governance—Composition of our Board of Directors." These provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control of us or our management.

    Authorized but Unissued Shares

        The authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval, subject to any limitations imposed by the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate finance transactions, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could make more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

    Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Meetings, Nominations and Proposals

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our board of directors or by a qualified stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to our secretary of the stockholder's intention to bring such business before the meeting. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, subject to applicable law, special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of the majority of the directors then in office. Our bylaws will prohibit the conduct of any business at a special meeting other than as specified in the notice for such meeting. In addition, any stockholder who wishes to bring business before an annual meeting or nominate directors must comply with the advance notice and duration of ownership requirements set forth in our bylaws and provide us with certain information. These provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers or changes in control of us or our management.

    Stockholder Action by Written Consent

        Pursuant to Section 228 of the DGCL, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of our stock entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, unless our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that stockholder action by written consent will be permitted only if the action to be effected by such written consent and the taking of such action by such written consent have been previously approved by the board of directors.

    Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws

        The DGCL provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a corporation's certificate of incorporation or bylaws, unless a corporation's certificate of incorporation or bylaws, as the case may be, requires a greater percentage. Upon completion of this offering, our bylaws may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of our board of directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66- 2 / 3 % of the votes which all our stockholders would be entitled to cast in any annual election of directors. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66- 2 / 3 % of the votes which all our stockholders would be entitled to cast in any election of directors will be required to amend or repeal or to adopt any provisions inconsistent with any of the provisions of our certificate described above.

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        The foregoing provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors and in the policies formulated by our board of directors and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our shares of Class A common stock that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management or delaying or preventing a transaction that might benefit you or other minority stockholders.

        In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. Subject to certain exceptions, Section 203 prevents a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with any "interested stockholder" for three years following the date that the person became an interested stockholder, unless the interested stockholder attained such status with the approval of our board of directors or unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A "business combination" includes, among other things, a merger or consolidation involving us and the "interested stockholder" and the sale of more than 10% of our assets. In general, an "interested stockholder" is any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide indemnification for our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Prior to the completion of this offering, we intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors that may, in some cases, be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained under Delaware law. In addition, as permitted by Delaware law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation includes provisions that eliminate the personal liability of our directors for monetary damages resulting from breaches of certain fiduciary duties as a director. The effect of this provision is to restrict our rights and the rights of our stockholders in derivative suits to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of fiduciary duties as a director, except that a director will be personally liable for:

    any breach of his duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;

    acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

    any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit; or

    improper distributions to stockholders.

        These provisions may be held not to be enforceable for violations of the federal securities laws of the United States.

Corporate Opportunities

        In recognition that partners, principals, directors, officers, members, managers and/or employees of the Original SSE Equity Owners and their affiliates and investment funds, which we refer to as the Corporate Opportunity Entities, may serve as our directors and/or officers, and that the Corporate Opportunity Entities may engage in activities or lines of business similar to those in which we engage, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides for the allocation of certain corporate opportunities between us and the Corporate Opportunity Entities. Specifically, none of the Corporate Opportunity Entities has any duty to refrain from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the same or similar

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business activities or lines of business that we do. In the event that any Corporate Opportunity Entity acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for itself and us, we will not have any expectancy in such corporate opportunity, and the Corporate Opportunity Entity will not have any duty to communicate or offer such corporate opportunity to us and may pursue or acquire such corporate opportunity for itself or direct such opportunity to another person. In addition, if a director of our Company who is also a partner, principal, director, officer, member, manager or employee of any Corporate Opportunity Entity acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for us and a Corporate Opportunity Entity, we will not have any expectancy in such corporate opportunity. In the event that any other director of ours acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for us we will not have any expectancy in such corporate opportunity unless such potential transaction or matter was presented to such director expressly in his or her capacity as such.

        By becoming a stockholder in our Company, you will be deemed to have notice of and consented to these provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Any amendment to the foregoing provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of at least 66 2 / 3 % of the votes which all our stockholders would be entitled to cast in any annual election of directors.

Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal and Payment

        Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, our stockholders will have appraisal rights in connection with a merger or consolidation of Shake Shack. Pursuant to the DGCL, stockholders who properly request and perfect appraisal rights in connection with such merger or consolidation will have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.

Stockholders' Derivative Actions

        Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of our shares at the time of the transaction to which the action relates or such stockholder's stock thereafter devolved by operation of law and such suit is brought in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware. See "—Exclusive Venue" above.

Stockholders Agreement

        In connection with this offering, the Company will enter into the Stockholders Agreement with the Voting Group pursuant to which the Voting Group will have specified board representation rights, governance rights and other rights. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement."

Registration Rights Agreement

        In connection with this offering, the Company will enter into the Registration Rights Agreement with the Original SSE Equity Owners pursuant to which the Original SSE Equity Owners will have specified rights to require the Company to register all or any portion of their shares under the Securities Act. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement."

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our Class A common stock will be            .

The New York Stock Exchange

        We have applied to have our Class A common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SHAK."

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DESCRIPTION OF INDEBTEDNESS

Revolving Credit Facility

        On December 30, 2013, SSE Holdings entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, which became effective in April 2014 (such date, the "Effective Date") and was subsequently amended on December 28, 2014 (the "Revolving Credit Facility").

        The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a revolving total commitment of $50.0 million and bears interest, at our option, at either the prime rate or LIBOR plus, in each case, an applicable margin determined according to a grid based on a net funded debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable five years from the Effective Date. The Revolving Credit Facility permits the issuance of letters of credit upon our request of up to $10.0 million. As of September 24, 2014, we had $5.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and $24.9 million of availability, after giving effect to $0.1 million in letters of credit outstanding.

        The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of SSE Holdings and the guarantors (excluding stock in foreign subsidiaries in excess of 65% and assets of non-guarantors and subject to certain other exceptions). Obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by USHG and each of SSE Holdings' wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.

        The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict SSE Holdings' ability to, subject to specified exceptions, incur additional debt; incur additional liens and contingent liabilities; sell or dispose of assets; merge with or acquire other companies; liquidate or dissolve itself, engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; make loans, advances or guarantees; pay dividends or make other distributions (with an exception so long as no event of default (as such term is defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) exists and subject to pro forma compliance with a funded net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio); engage in transactions with affiliates; and make investments. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility contains certain cross-default provisions. SSE Holdings is required to maintain a specified consolidated fixed-charge coverage ratio and a specified funded net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio. As of September 24, 2014, SSE Holdings was in compliance with all covenants and no event of default (as such term is defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) had occurred.

        Events of default under the Revolving Credit Facility include, but are not limited to: (i) nonpayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts, including a mandatory prepayment of at least $15.0 million by April 30, 2015; (ii) failure to perform or observe covenants; (iii) cross-defaults to certain material indebtedness; (iv) bankruptcy or insolvency of borrowers, guarantors or subsidiaries; (v) inability of the borrowers, guarantors, or their material subsidiaries to pay debts; (vi) certain monetary judgments against borrowers, guarantors or their material subsidiaries and material non-monetary judgments; and (vii) and any change of control occurrence.

New Credit Facility

        In connection with this offering, we anticipate that SSE Holdings will enter into an amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility or obtain a new credit facility, which we refer to as the "New Credit Facility." We are still in preliminary discussions with potential arrangers and lenders with respect to the terms of the New Credit Facility. The actual terms of the New Credit Facility will depend on the results of negotiations with lenders. We expect that affiliates of certain of the underwriters will participate as arrangers and/or lenders under the New Credit Facility.

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        The New Credit Facility is expected to provide for a revolving line of credit of $30.0 million. The New Credit Facility is expected to allow for incremental commitments not to exceed $20.0 million, which may be obtained with the consent of the lenders. We anticipate that borrowings under the New Credit Facility will bear interest, at our option, at either the prime rate or LIBOR plus, in each case, an applicable margin determined according to a grid based on a net funded debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio. We anticipate that the New Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable five years from the effective date of the New Credit Facility (the "New Credit Facility Effective Date"). We anticipate that the New Credit Facility will permit the issuance of letters of credit upon our request of up to $10.0 million.

        The New Credit Facility will be secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of SSE Holdings and the guarantors (excluding stock in foreign subsidiaries in excess of 65% and assets of non-guarantors and subject to certain other exceptions). It is anticipated that obligations under the New Credit Facility will be guaranteed by each of SSE Holdings' wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (with certain exceptions).

        We expect that the New Credit Facility will contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict SSE Holdings' ability to, subject to specified exceptions, incur additional debt; incur additional liens and contingent liabilities; sell or dispose of assets; merge with or acquire other companies; liquidate or dissolve itself, engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; make loans, advances or guarantees; pay dividends or make other distributions (with certain exceptions, including tax distributions and repurchases of management equity); engage in transactions with affiliates; and make investments. In addition, the New Credit Facility will contain certain cross-default provisions. We anticipate that SSE Holdings will be required to maintain a specified consolidated fixed-charge coverage ratio and a specified funded net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio.

        We expect that events of default under the New Credit Facility will include, but not be limited to: (i) nonpayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts; (ii) failure to perform or observe covenants; (iii) cross-defaults to certain material indebtedness; (iv) bankruptcy or insolvency of borrowers, guarantors or subsidiaries; (v) inability of the borrowers, guarantors, or their material subsidiaries to pay debts; (vi) certain monetary judgments against borrowers, guarantors or their material subsidiaries and material non-monetary judgments; and (vii) any change of control occurrence.

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

        Immediately prior to this offering, there was no public market for our Class A common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of Class A common stock in the public market (including shares of Class A common stock issuable upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests), or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock. Although we have applied to have our Class A common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we cannot assure you that there will be an active public market for our Class A common stock.

        Upon the closing of this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of            shares of Class A common stock, assuming the issuance of            shares of Class A common stock offered by us in this offering and the issuance of            shares of Class A common stock to the Former SSE Equity Owners and the Former UAR Plan Participants in the Transactions. Of these shares, all shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any shares purchased by our "affiliates," as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, whose sales would be subject to the Rule 144 resale restrictions described below, other than the holding period requirement.

        The remaining            shares of Class A common stock (or            shares of Class A common stock, including             shares of Class A common stock issuable upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests) will be "restricted securities," as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. These restricted securities are eligible for public sale only if they are registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rules 144 or 701 under the Securities Act, which are summarized below.

        Subject to the lock-up agreements described below and the provisions of Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act, these restricted securities (including shares of Class A common stock issuable upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests) will be available for sale in the public market as follows:

Date
  Number of Shares  

On the date of this prospectus

       

90 days after the date of this prospectus

       

180 days after the date of this prospectus

       

        In addition, of the            shares of our Class A common stock that will be subject to stock options outstanding immediately after this offering, options to purchase             shares of Class A common stock will be vested immediately after this offering and, upon exercise, these shares will be eligible for sale subject to the lock-up agreements described below and the holding requirements of Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act.

Lock-Up Agreements

        We and each of our directors, executive officers and holders of substantially all of our outstanding common stock (including securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of our common stock), have agreed that, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC on behalf of the underwriters, we and they will not, subject to limited exceptions, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to extension in specified circumstances:

    offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or, in the case of the Company, file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our

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      common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of common stock;

    enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, all or a portion of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of common stock; or

    in the case of our directors, executive officers and holders of substantially all of our common stock (including securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock), make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any shares of our common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock,

whether any transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of our Class A common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

        Upon the expiration of the applicable lock-up periods, substantially all of the shares subject to such lock-up restrictions will become eligible for sale, subject to the limitations discussed above.

Rule 144

Affiliate Resales of Restricted Securities

        In general, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, a person who is an affiliate of ours, or who was an affiliate at any time during the 90 days before a sale, who has beneficially owned shares of our Class A common stock for at least 180 days would be entitled to sell in "broker's transactions" or certain "riskless principal transactions" or to market makers, a number of shares within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of:

    1% of the number of shares of our Class A common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately             shares immediately after this offering; or

    the average weekly trading volume in our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale.

        Affiliate resales under Rule 144 are also subject to the availability of current public information about us. In addition, if the number of shares being sold under Rule 144 by an affiliate during any three-month period exceeds 5,000 shares or has an aggregate sale price in excess of $50,000, the seller must file a notice on Form 144 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange concurrently with either the placing of a sale order with the broker or the execution directly with a market maker.

Non-Affiliate Resales of Restricted Securities

        In general, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, a person who is not an affiliate of ours at the time of sale, and has not been an affiliate at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned shares of our Class A common stock for at least six months but less than a year, is entitled to sell such shares subject only to the availability of current public information about us. If such person has held our shares for at least one year, such person can resell under Rule 144(b)(1) without regard to any Rule 144 restrictions, including the 90-day public company requirement and the current public information requirement.

        Non-affiliate resales are not subject to the manner of sale, volume limitation or notice filing provisions of Rule 144.

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Rule 701

        In general, under Rule 701, any of an issuer's employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors who purchases shares from the issuer in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement before the effective date of a registration statement under the Securities Act is entitled to sell such shares 90 days after such effective date in reliance on Rule 144. An affiliate of the issuer can resell shares in reliance on Rule 144 without having to comply with the holding period requirement, and non-affiliates of the issuer can resell shares in reliance on Rule 144 without having to comply with the current public information and holding period requirements.

        The Securities and Exchange Commission has indicated that Rule 701 will apply to typical stock options granted by an issuer before it becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, along with the shares acquired upon exercise of such options, including exercises after an issuer becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

Equity Plans

        We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all shares of Class A common stock subject to outstanding stock options and Class A common stock issued or issuable under our stock plans. We expect to file the registration statement covering shares offered pursuant to our stock plans shortly after the date of this prospectus, permitting the resale of such shares by nonaffiliates in the public market without restriction under the Securities Act and the sale by affiliates in the public market subject to compliance with the resale provisions of Rule 144.

Registration Rights

        Upon the closing of this offering, the holders of             shares of Class A common stock or              shares of Class A common stock, including             shares of Class A common stock issuable upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests, (including the holders of LLC Interests redeemable or exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock) or their transferees will be entitled to various rights with respect to the registration of these shares under the Securities Act. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in these shares becoming fully tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement" for additional information. Shares covered by a registration statement will be eligible for sale in the public market upon the expiration or release from the terms of the lock-up agreement.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

        The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock issued pursuant to this offering, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential tax effects. The effects of other U.S. federal tax laws, such as estate and gift tax laws, and any applicable state, local or non-U.S. tax laws are not discussed. This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), in each case in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a Non-U.S. Holder of our Class A common stock. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock.

        This discussion is limited to Non-U.S. Holders that hold our Class A common stock as a "capital asset" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a Non-U.S. Holder's particular circumstances, including the impact of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income. In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to Non-U.S. Holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation:

    U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;

    persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

    persons holding our Class A common stock as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment;

    banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions;

    brokers, dealers or traders in securities;

    "controlled foreign corporations," "passive foreign investment companies," and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

    partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein);

    tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;

    persons deemed to sell our Class A common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;

    persons who hold or receive our Class A common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; and

    tax-qualified retirement plans.

        If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our Class A common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partnerships holding our Class A common stock and the partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.

THIS DISCUSSION IS NOT TAX ADVICE. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS

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TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.

Definition of a Non-U.S. Holder

        For purposes of this discussion, a "Non-U.S. Holder" is any beneficial owner of our Class A common stock that is neither a "U.S. person" nor an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. person is any person that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as any of the following:

    an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

    a corporation 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 "United States persons" (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Distributions

        As described in the section entitled "Dividend Policy," we do not currently expect to make any cash distributions to holders of our Class A common stock. However, if we do make distributions of cash or property on our Class A common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts of distributions not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will first constitute a return of capital and be applied against and reduce a Non-U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in its Class A common stock, but not below zero. Any excess will be treated as capital gain and will be treated as described below under "—Sale or Other Taxable Disposition."

        Subject to the discussion below regarding effectively connected income, backup withholding and payments made to certain foreign accounts, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder of our Class A common stock will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends, or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty, provided the Non-U.S. Holder furnishes a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) certifying qualification for the lower treaty rate. A Non-U.S. Holder that does not timely furnish the required documentation, but that qualifies for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under any applicable income tax treaty.

        If dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable), the Non-U.S. Holder will be exempt from the U.S. federal withholding tax described above. To claim the exemption, the Non-U.S. Holder must furnish to the applicable withholding agent a valid IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Any such

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effectively connected dividends will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated rates. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year that are attributable to such dividends, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules or rates.

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition

        Subject to the discussions below regarding backup withholding and payments made to certain foreign accounts, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock unless:

    the gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable);

    the Non-U.S. Holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other requirements are met; or

    our Class A common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest ("USRPI") by reason of our status as a U.S. real property holding corporation ("USRPHC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated rates. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on a portion of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year that are attributable to such gain, as adjusted for certain items.

        Gain described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the Non-U.S. Holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the Non-U.S. Holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.

        With respect to the third bullet point above, we believe we currently are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a USRPHC. Because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends, however, on the fair market value of our USRPIs relative to the fair market value of our non-U.S. real property interests and our other business assets, there can be no assurance we currently are not a USRPHC or will not become one in the future. Even if we are or were to become a USRPHC, gain arising from the sale or other taxable disposition by a Non-U.S. Holder of our Class A common stock will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if our Class A common stock is "regularly traded," as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market, and such Non-U.S. Holder owned, actually or constructively, 5% or less of our Class A common stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or other taxable disposition or the Non-U.S. Holder's holding period.

        Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding potentially applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

        Subject to the discussion below regarding payments made to certain foreign accounts, payments of dividends on our Class A common stock to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to backup

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withholding, provided the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person and such holder either certifies its non-U.S. status, such as by furnishing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI, or otherwise establishes an exemption. However, information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with any dividends on our Class A common stock paid to the Non-U.S. Holder, regardless of whether any tax was actually withheld. In addition, proceeds of the sale or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related brokers generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting, if the applicable withholding agent receives the certification described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person, or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Proceeds of a disposition of our Class A common stock conducted through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting.

        Copies of information returns that are filed with the IRS may also be made available under the provisions of an applicable treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides or is established.

        Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund, or a credit against a Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Additional Withholding Tax on Payments Made to Foreign Accounts

        Withholding taxes may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated hereunder and other official guidance (commonly referred to as "FATCA") on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on, or gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our Class A common stock paid to a "foreign financial institution" or a "non-financial foreign entity" (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence, reporting and withholding obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any "substantial United States owners" (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence, reporting and withholding requirements in (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain "specified United States persons" or "United States-owned foreign entities" (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Accordingly, the entity through which our Class A common stock is held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules. Future Treasury Regulations or other official guidance may modify these requirements.

        Under the applicable Treasury Regulations, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on our Class A common stock and will apply to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such stock on or after January 1, 2017. The FATCA withholding tax will apply to all withholdable payments without regard to whether the beneficial owner of the payment would otherwise be entitled to an exemption from imposition of withholding tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty with the United States or U.S. domestic law. We will not pay additional amounts to holders of our Class A common stock in respect of amounts withheld.

        Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to their investment in our Class A common stock.

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UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

        We are offering the shares of Class A common stock described in this prospectus through a number of underwriters. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering and as representatives of the underwriters. We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has severally and not jointly agreed to purchase, at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of shares of Class A common stock listed next to its name in the following table:

Name
  Number of
shares
 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

       

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

       

Barclays Capital Inc. 

       

Goldman, Sachs & Co. 

       

Jefferies LLC

       

William Blair & Company, L.L.C. 

       

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

       
       

Total

       
       
       

        The underwriters are committed to purchase all the shares of Class A common stock offered by us if they purchase any shares. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may also be increased or the offering may be terminated.

        The underwriters propose to offer the shares of Class A common stock directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $            per share. After the initial public offering of the shares, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriters.

        We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and their controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

        The underwriters have an option to buy up to            additional shares of Class A common stock from us. The underwriters have 30 days from the date of this prospectus to exercise this option to purchase additional shares. If any shares are purchased with this option, the underwriters will purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as shown in the table above. If any additional shares of Class A common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as those on which the shares are being offered.

Directed Share Program

        At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale at the initial public offering price up to            shares of our Class A common stock being offered for sale to our directors, officers, certain employees and other parties with a connection to the Company. We will offer these shares to the extent permitted under applicable regulations in the United States and in various countries. Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, the sales will be made by the representatives through a directed share program. The number of shares of common stock available for sale to the general public will be

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reduced to the extent that such persons purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered hereby. We have agreed to indemnify the representatives in connection with the directed share program, including for the failure of any participant to pay for its shares. Other than the underwriting discount described on the front cover of this prospectus, the underwriters will not be entitled to any commission with respect to shares of Class A common stock sold pursuant to the directed share program. Shares offered in the directed share program will not be subject to lock-up agreements, with the exception of the shares to be issued to directors, officers, certain employees and certain existing stockholders who are already subject to lock-up agreements, as described below.

Underwriting Discounts and Expenses

        The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per share of Class A common stock. The underwriting fee is $            per share. The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares.

 
  Without option
exercise
  With full option
exercise
 

Per share

  $     $    

Total

  $     $    

        We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding the underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $            . We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses, including up to an aggregate of $            in connection with the clearance of this offering with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA"). Such reimbursement is deemed to be underwriting compensation by FINRA.

        The underwriters have agreed to reimburse us for certain expenses related to the offering.

Lock-up

        We have agreed that we will not:

    offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly (regardless of whether any such transaction is to be settled by the delivery of shares of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise), or file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing; or

    enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of any shares of our common stock or any such other securities (regardless of whether any such transaction is to be settled by the delivery of shares of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise),

in each case without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, other than the shares of our Class A common stock to be sold hereunder and any shares of our Class A common stock issued upon the exercise of options granted under our equity incentive plans.

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        Our directors, executive officers and holders of substantially all of our common stock and securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable into our common stock have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters prior to the commencement of this offering pursuant to which each of these persons or entities, with limited exceptions, for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, may not, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC:

    offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly (regardless of whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise), any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any shares of our common stock (including, without limitation, our common stock or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such directors, executive officers and shareholders in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant), or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition;

    enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences associated with ownership of any shares of our common stock or such other securities, regardless of whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise; or

    make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of our common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock.

Listing

        We have applied to have our Class A common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SHAK."

Price Stabilization and Short Positions

        In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, which involves making bids for, purchasing and selling shares of Class A common stock in the open market for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the Class A common stock while this offering is in progress. These stabilizing transactions may include making short sales of the Class A common stock, which involves the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares of Class A common stock than they are required to purchase in this offering, and purchasing shares of Class A common stock on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales may be "covered" shorts, which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares referred to above, or may be "naked" shorts, which are short positions in excess of that amount. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their option to purchase additional shares, in whole or in part, or by purchasing shares in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market compared to the price at which the underwriters may purchase shares through the option to purchase additional shares. 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 Class A common stock in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. To the extent that the underwriters create a naked short position, they will purchase shares in the open market to cover the position.

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        The underwriters have advised us that, pursuant to Regulation M of the Securities Act, they may also engage in other activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Class A common stock, including the imposition of penalty bids. This means that if the representatives of the underwriters purchase Class A common stock in the open market in stabilizing transactions or to cover short sales, the representatives can require the underwriters that sold those shares as part of this offering to repay the underwriting discount received by them.

        These activities may have the effect of increasing or maintaining the market price of the Class A common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the Class A common stock, and, as a result, the price of the Class A common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If the underwriters commence these activities, they may discontinue them at any time. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

New Issue of Securities

        Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters. In determining the initial public offering price, we and the representatives of the underwriters expect to consider a number of factors including:

    the information set forth in this prospectus and otherwise available to the representatives;

    our prospects for future earnings and the history and prospects for the industry in which we compete;

    an assessment of our management;

    the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering;

    the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded common stock of generally comparable companies; and

    other factors deemed relevant by the underwriters and us.

        Neither we nor the underwriters can assure investors that an active trading market will develop for our Class A common stock, or that the shares will trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

        A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in the offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

        Sales of shares made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters. The representatives have advised us that the underwriters do not intend to confirm discretionary sales in excess of 5% of the shares offered in this offering.

        Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves

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about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

        This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling with Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

        In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), from and including the date on which the EU Prospectus Directive (as defined below) was implemented in that Relevant Member State (the "Relevant Implementation Date") an offer of securities described in this prospectus may not be made to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares that 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 EU Prospectus Directive, except that, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, an offer of securities described in this prospectus may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

    to any legal entity that is a qualified investor as defined under the EU Prospectus Directive;

    to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the EU Prospectus Directive); or

    in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the EU Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of securities described in this prospectus shall result in a requirement for the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the EU Prospectus Directive.

        For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of securities to the public" in relation to any securities 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 securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the EU Prospectus Directive in that Member State. The expression "EU Prospectus Directive" means European Union Prospectus Directive 2003/71/EC (and any amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State, and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.

Notice to Prospective Investors in 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

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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 securities 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 securities without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

        The securities 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 Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring securities 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 those matters.

Notice to Prospective Investors in 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 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 securities to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

        The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the securities has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, 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 of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Notice to Prospective Investors in 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

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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.

Notice to Prospective Investors in 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, or 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.

        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.

Notice to Prospective Investors in 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,

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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.

Conflicts of Interest

        J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and/or certain of its affiliates are lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility. As described in "Use of Proceeds," a portion of the net proceeds from this offering will be used to repay outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and/or certain affiliates will receive more than 5% of the net proceeds of this offering due to the repayment of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. Therefore, such underwriter is deemed to have a conflict of interest within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121. Accordingly, this offering is being conducted in accordance with Rule 5121, which requires, among other things, that a "qualified independent underwriter" participate in the preparation of, and exercise the usual standards of "due diligence" with respect to, the registration statement and this prospectus. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC has agreed to act as a qualified independent underwriter for this offering and to undertake the legal responsibilities and liabilities of an underwriter under the Securities Act, specifically including those inherent in Section 11 thereof. We have agreed to indemnify Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC against liabilities incurred in connection with acting as a qualified independent underwriter, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

        Pursuant to Rule 5121, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC will not confirm any sales to any account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the specific written approval of the account holder. See "Use of Proceeds" for additional information.

Other Relationships

        The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full-service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing, and brokerage activities. Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past to us and our affiliates and may provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, from time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and/or certain of its affiliates are lenders, and act as Administrative Agent, under our Revolving Credit Facility. Affiliates of certain of the underwriters will participate as arrangers and/or lenders under the New Credit Facility.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, New York, New York. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, New York, New York, has acted as counsel for the underwriters in connection with certain legal matters related to this offering.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries at December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012 and for the years ended December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012 and the balance sheet of Shake Shack Inc. at September 23, 2014, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst and 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 Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. For further information about us and the Class A common stock offered hereby, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed thereto. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not necessarily complete, and each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Upon the closing of this offering, we will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You may read and copy this information at the Public Reference Room of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference rooms by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about registrants, like us, that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The address of that site is www.sec.gov .

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page

Contents

Shake Shack Inc.

   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  F-2

Balance Sheets as of September 23, 2014 and September 24, 2014 (unaudited)

  F-3

Notes to Balance Sheets

  F-4

SSE HOLDING, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
 

Consolidated Financial Statements

   

Fiscal Years Ended December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  F-5

Consolidated Balance Sheets

  F-6

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  F-7

Consolidated Statements of Members' Equity

  F-8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  F-9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-10

Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   

Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

  F-23

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

  F-24

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Members' Equity

  F-25

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  F-26

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-27

F-1


Table of Contents


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Management of
Shake Shack Inc.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Shake Shack Inc. (the Company) as of September 23, 2014. The balance sheet is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the balance sheet based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit 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 statement is free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Shake Shack Inc. at September 23, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

September 30, 2014

F-2


Table of Contents


Shake Shack Inc.

Balance Sheets

September 23, 2014 and September 24, 2014 (unaudited)

 
  September 23,
2014
  September 24,
2014
 
 
   
  (unaudited)
 

Assets

  $   $  

Commitments and Contingencies

   
 
   
 
 

Stockholder's Equity

   
 
   
 
 

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 100 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

         

Total Stockholder's Equity

  $   $  

F-3


Table of Contents


Notes to Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)

1.     ORGANIZATION

        Shake Shack Inc. (the "Corporation") was formed as a Delaware corporation on September 23, 2014. The Corporation was formed for the purpose of completing a public offering and related transactions in order to carry on the business of SSE Holdings, LLC. The Corporation will be the sole managing member of SSE Holdings, LLC and will operate and control all of the businesses and affairs of SSE Holdings, LLC and, through SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries, continue to conduct the business now conducted by these subsidiaries.

2.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Basis of Accounting —The Balance Sheets are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Separate statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholder's equity, and cash flows have not been presented in the financial statements because there have been no activities in this entity.

3.     STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

        The Corporation is authorized to issue 100 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, none of which have been issued or are outstanding.

F-4


Table of Contents


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Members of
SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in members' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries at December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


 

 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

New York, New York
September 30, 2014

F-5


Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands)
  2013   2012  

Assets

             

Current assets:

   
 
   
 
 

Cash

  $ 13,076   $ 16,033  

Accounts receivable

    1,527     1,553  

Inventories

    331     243  

Prepaid expenses

    273     155  
           

Total current assets

    15,207     17,984  

Property and equipment, net

   
37,938
   
25,075
 

Deferred financing costs

    209     246  

Security deposits

    891     624  

Deferred income taxes

    67     74  

Other assets

    907     65  
           

Total assets

  $ 55,219   $ 44,068  
           
           

Liabilities and Members' Equity

   
 
   
 
 

Current liabilities:

             

Accounts payable

  $ 2,393   $ 1,174  

Accrued expenses

    1,489     1,967  

Accrued wages and related liabilities

    1,994     1,128  

Sales tax payable

    399     436  

Due to affiliate

    300     234  

Deferred revenue

    630     628  
           

Total current liabilities

    7,205     5,567  

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

   
1,575
   
1,725
 

Promissory note

    313      

Deferred compensation

    2,054      

Deferred rent

    6,647     4,905  

Other long term liabilities

    38      
           

Total liabilities

    17,832     12,197  

Commitments and contingencies

   
 
   
 
 

Members' equity

   
37,387
   
31,871
 
           

Total liabilities and members' equity

  $ 55,219   $ 44,068  
           
           

   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-6


Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years Ended December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands)
  2013   2012  

Revenues

             

Shack sales

  $ 78,587   $ 55,591  

Licensing revenue

    3,869     1,447  
           

Total revenue

    82,456     57,038  

Expenses

             

Operating expenses

             

Food and paper costs

    23,865     16,774  

Labor and related expenses

    20,096     14,436  

Other operating expenses

    7,315     5,081  

Occupancy and related expenses

    6,892     5,053  

General and administrative expenses

    12,453     6,988  

Depreciation expense

    3,541     2,162  

Pre-opening costs

    2,334     1,858  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

    25      
           

Total expenses

    76,521     52,352  
           

Income from operations

    5,935     4,686  

Interest expense, net

    52     156  
           

Income before income taxes

    5,883     4,530  

Income tax expense

    460     397  
           

Net income

  $ 5,423   $ 4,133  
           
           

Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding (Note 13, unaudited)

             

Basic

                        

Diluted

             

Pro forma net income available to Class A common stock per share (Note 13, unaudited)

   
 
   
 
 

Basic

  $                     

Diluted

  $                     

   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-7


Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Equity

Years Ended December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands)
   
 

Members' equity, December 28, 2011

  $ 27,288  

Net income

    4,133  

Equity-based compensation

    450  
       

Members' equity, December 26, 2012

    31,871  

Net income

    5,423  

Equity-based compensation

    93  
       

Members' equity, December 25, 2013

  $ 37,387  
       
       

   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands)
  2013   2012  

Operating activities:

             

Net income

  $ 5,423   $ 4,133  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

             

Depreciation expense

    3,541     2,162  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

    37     96  

Loss on disposal of assets

    25      

Equity-based compensation

    93     450  

Deferred income taxes

    7     (34 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

             

Accounts receivable

    26     (1,076 )

Inventories

    (88 )   (35 )

Prepaid expenses

    (118 )   (93 )

Security deposits

    (267 )   (16 )

Other assets

    (842 )   (65 )

Accounts payable

    1,219     (210 )

Accrued expenses

    (713 )   1,032  

Accrued wages and related liabilities

    866     557  

Sales tax payable

    (37 )   182  

Due to affiliate

    66     30  

Deferred rent

    1,742     2,409  

Other long term liabilities

    38      

Deferred compensation

    2,054      

Deferred revenue

    (148 )   2,156  
           

Net cash provided by operating activities

    12,924     11,678  
           

Investing activities:

             

Purchases of property and equipment

    (16,194 )   (11,036 )
           

Net cash used in investing activities

    (16,194 )   (11,036 )
           

Financing activities:

             

Promissory note

    313      

Payments on credit facility

        (1,925 )

Deferred financing costs

        (246 )
           

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    313     (2,171 )
           

Net decrease in cash

    (2,957 )   (1,529 )

Cash, beginning of year

    16,033     17,562  
           

Cash, end of year

  $ 13,076   $ 16,033  
           
           

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow data:

             

Interest paid

  $ 19   $ 59  
           
           

Income taxes paid

  $ 639   $ 198  
           
           

   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-9


Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 1—Business

        SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries (referred to herein as the "Company") operates and licenses restaurants in the global restaurant industry, serving hamburgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer and wine. The Company owns and operates Shake Shack restaurants ("Shacks") in six states and the District of Columbia. As of December 25, 2013, the Company had 21 company-operated Shacks in operation in the United States. The Company also has license agreements with affiliated and unaffiliated operators to develop and operate Shacks. As of December 25, 2013, 19 licensed Shacks were in operation under license agreements in North America, Europe and Asia.

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries include the accounts of SSE Holdings, LLC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, SSE IP, LLC, Shake Shack Domestic Licensing LLC, Shake Shack Enterprises International, LLC and its subsidiaries and Shake Shack Enterprises, LLC and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions for the periods presented have been eliminated in consolidation.

        The Company does not have any components of other comprehensive income recorded within its consolidated financial statements, and, therefore, does not separately present a statement of comprehensive income in its consolidated financial statements.

Fiscal Year

        The Company uses a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the last Wednesday in December. The 52-weeks ended December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012 are referred to in these consolidated financial statements as "fiscal 2013" and "fiscal 2012," respectively.

Segment Reporting

        The Company owns and operates Shacks in the United States. The Company also has domestic and international licensed operations. The Company's chief operating decision maker (the "CODM") is its Chief Executive Officer. As the CODM reviews financial performance and allocates resources at a consolidated level on a recurring basis, the Company has one operating segment and one reportable segment.

Use of Estimates

        The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"), which requires it to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value Measurements

        The Company applies fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a

F-10


Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value, the Company assumes the highest and best use of the asset by market participants in which the Company would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and credit risk.

        The Company applies the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels, and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:

    Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

    Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

    Level 3—Inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurements reflecting an entity's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Financial Instruments

        The Company records all financial instruments at cost, which is the fair value at the date of transaction. The amounts reported on the consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        The Company considers all highly liquid investment instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits; however, the Company has not experienced any losses in these accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk. The Company's money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor from an actively traded exchange. These are included within cash equivalents as Level 1 measurements.

Accounts Receivable

        Accounts receivable consists primarily of receivables for licensing revenue, tenant improvement allowances and credit card receivables.

Inventories

        The Company's inventories consist of food, beer, wine, other beverages and retail merchandise and are valued at the lower of cost, on a first-in, first-out basis, or market.

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Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment acquired is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment is depreciated based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, generally ranging from five to seven years for furniture and fixtures, computer equipment, computer software, and machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related lease life.

        The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets, which includes property and equipment, whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. There were no impairment charges recorded in fiscal years 2013 and 2012.

Deferred Financing Costs

        Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt and establishing credit facilities are capitalized and amortized to interest expense based on the related debt agreements.

Other Assets

        Other assets consist primarily of transferable liquor licenses and amounts expended for the design and build of future units, including fixed assets.

        The costs of obtaining non-transferable liquor licenses that are directly issued by local government agencies for nominal fees are expensed as incurred. The costs of purchasing transferable liquor licenses through open markets in jurisdictions with a limited number of authorized liquor licenses are capitalized as indefinite-lived intangible assets. Liquor licenses are tested annually and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Annual liquor license renewal fees are expensed over the renewal term.

Equity-based Compensation

        Equity-based compensation expense is measured based on fair value. The Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For awards with graded-vesting features and service conditions only, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the total requisite service period for the entire award. Equity-based compensation expense is included within general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

Leases

        The Company currently leases all of its domestic company-operated Shacks and the home office under operating leases. Rent expense for the Company's leases, which generally include rent escalations over the term of the lease, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease term

F-12


Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

begins when the Company has the right to control the use of the property, which is typically before rent payments are due under the lease. The difference between the rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent on the consolidated balance sheets. Pre-opening rent is included in pre-opening costs on the consolidated statements of operations.

        Additionally, certain of the Company's operating leases contain clauses that provide additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. The Company recognizes contingent rent expense provided the achievement of that target is considered probable.

        The Company expends cash for leasehold improvements and to build out and equip the Company's leased premises. The Company may also expend cash for structural additions that the Company makes to leased premises. Generally, a portion of the leasehold improvements and building costs are reimbursed to the Company by the Company's landlords as construction contributions pursuant to agreed-upon terms in the Company's leases. If obtained, landlord construction contributions usually take the form of up-front cash, full or partial credits against the Company's future minimum or contingent rents otherwise payable by the Company, or a combination thereof. When contractually due to the Company, the Company classifies tenant improvement allowances as deferred rent on the consolidated balance sheets and amortizes the tenant improvement allowances on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction of occupancy costs and related expenses or pre-opening costs.

Revenue Recognition

        Revenue consists of Shack sales and licensing revenues. Revenue from Shack sales are presented net of discounts and recognized when food and beverage products are sold. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenues and the obligation is included in sales tax payable until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. Revenues from the Company's gift cards are deferred and recognized upon redemption. Licensing revenues include initial territory fees and ongoing licensing fees from all licensed Shacks. Initial territory fees are recorded as deferred revenue when received and proportionate amounts are recognized as revenue when a licensed Shack is opened and all material services and conditions related to the fee have been substantially performed. Ongoing licensing fees from these Shacks are based on a percentage of sales and are recognized as revenue as the fees are earned and become receivable from the licensee.

Income Taxes

        The Company is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, the Company's taxable income or loss is passed through to and included in the taxable income of its members. Accordingly, no income tax expense has been recorded for federal and most state and local jurisdictions. The Company is also subject to tax withholding in other foreign jurisdictions but does not have additional filing requirements.

        The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method which requires deferred income tax assets and liabilities to be computed for temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in

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Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

which the temporary differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized if the Company determines it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be recognized. No valuation allowance was recorded against deferred tax assets during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.

        The Company has no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 25, 2013. The Company's local income tax returns prior to fiscal 2010 are closed and management continually evaluates expiring statutes of limitations, audits, proposed settlements, changes in tax law and new authoritative rulings.

Pre-Opening Costs

        Pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of legal fees, occupancy, manager and employee wages, travel and related training costs incurred prior to the opening of a Shack.

Advertising

        The Company expenses the cost of advertising and promotions as incurred. Advertising costs included in other operating expenses amounted to $794 and $564 in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance in GAAP about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the existing revenue recognition guidance and clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 is effective, on a retrospective basis, for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 for public entities and for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 for non-public entities. Early adoption is permitted, subject to certain conditions. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

        In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and enhances disclosures. ASU 2014-08 is effective

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Table of Contents


SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 is not expected to affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

        In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-03, Clarifying the Scope and Applicability of a Particular Disclosure to Nonpublic Entities ("ASU 2013-03"). ASU 2013-03 clarifies that the requirement to disclose the "level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurements are categorized in their entirety (Level 1, 2 or 3)" does not apply to nonpublic entities for items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which fair value is disclosed. The Company adopted ASU 2013-03 upon issuance. The adoption did not impact the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs ("ASU 2011-04"). ASU 2011-04 amended the existing fair value guidance to improve consistency in the application and disclosure of fair value measurements under U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 provided certain clarifications to the existing guidance, changed certain fair value principles, and enhanced disclosure requirements. Effective December 29, 2011, the Company adopted ASU 2011-04. The adoption did not affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 3—Inventories

        Inventories consist of the following:

 
  2013   2012  

Food

  $ 181   $ 147  

Wine

    23     28  

Beer

    21     18  

Beverage

    27     19  

Retail merchandise

    79     31  
           

Total

  $ 331   $ 243  
           
           

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 4—Property and equipment

        Property and equipment consist of the following:

 
  2013   2012  

Leasehold improvements

  $ 32,403   $ 20,856  

Equipment

    7,781     5,121  

Furniture and fixtures

    1,859     1,118  

Computer equipment and software

    1,951     1,133  

Construction-in-progress

    2,277     1,663  
           

    46,271     29,891  

Less accumulated depreciation

    (8,333 )   (4,816 )
           

Total

  $ 37,938   $ 25,075  
           
           

        Depreciation expense amounted to $3,541 and $2,162 in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Note 5—Related Party Transactions

        Included in due to affiliate are management fees, health costs and amounts advanced for other general operating expenses by USHG, LLC, another subsidiary of USHG and a related party under common control (the "Management Company"). The amounts are temporary and non-interest bearing in nature.

        Under the terms of the management agreement with the Management Company, as amended, in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, the Company paid a 3% management fee to the Management Company based on sales. In addition, in fiscal 2013, there was an additional $5 management fee per month between April-August, for a total of $25 in additional management fee expense. Management fees on sales, which are included in general and administrative expenses, amounted to $2,383 and $1,670 in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. In fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, the Company also paid a 3% management fee to the Management Company based on licensing net income generated from the license agreements with unaffiliated entities. Management fees on licensing net income, included in general and administrative expenses, amounted to $72 and $22 in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. Commencing in fiscal 2014, management fees were reduced to 2.5%. Amounts payable to the Management Company at December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012 were $300 and $234, respectively.

        The Company sub-leased office space from the Management Company on a month-to-month basis. The sub-lease covered certain of the Management Company's leased office space on the 6 th  floor of 24 Union Square East, New York, New York. Included in occupancy and related expenses is rent paid to the Management Company that amounted to $236 and $60 in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.

        The Company is included in the Management Company's self-insurance health plan and pays its portion of the plan costs on a monthly basis. In fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, the amounts paid to the Management Company for these health costs were $865 and $546, respectively.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 5—Related Party Transactions (Continued)

        In fiscal 2009, the Company began leasing space from Hudson Yards Catering LLC ("HYC"), a related party, on a month-to-month basis, which terminated on October 31, 2012. Included in occupancy and related expenses is rent paid to HYC that amounted to $49 in fiscal 2012.

        In fiscal 2011, the Company entered into a Master License Agreement (an "MLA") with Hudson Yards Sports and Entertainment LLC ("HYSE"), a related party, to operate Shake Shack branded limited menu concession stands in certain sports and entertainment venues within the United States. The agreement is through December 31, 2027, with five consecutive 5-year renewal options at HYSE's option. In consideration of the rights, HYSE shall pay the Company an annual license fee based on a percentage of net food sales, as defined in the MLA. HYSE also shall pay the Company a percentage of profits on sales of branded beverages, as defined in the MLA. Included in licensing revenue is concession income from HYSE in the amount of $215 and $213 in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Note 6—Long-term Debt

        On December 28, 2011, the Company entered into a credit agreement, consisting of a term loan and a revolving credit facility. The term loan was repaid on December 17, 2012. On November 29, 2012, the Company executed the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement that became effective March 28, 2013 ("Revolving Credit Facility"). The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a revolving total commitment of $20,000 of which $15,000 was available immediately and can be increased to $20,000 on or after the first anniversary of the effective date upon the Company's election and satisfaction of certain conditions. Three years after the effective date of the agreement, the outstanding revolving amounts will be converted to term loans with an amortization period of 60 months. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at the prime rate plus 0.75% or the one-month LIBOR plus 3.75%. As of December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.

        The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and is guaranteed by Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC ("USHG").

        The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company's ability to, subject to specified exceptions, incur additional debt; incur additional liens and contingent liabilities; sell or dispose of assets; merge with or acquire other companies; liquidate or dissolve itself, engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; make loans, advances or guarantees; pay dividends or make other distributions (with an exception so long as no event of default (as such term is defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) exists and subject to pro forma compliance with a funded net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio); engage in transactions with affiliates; and make investments. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility contains certain cross-default provisions. The Company is required to maintain a specified consolidated fixed-charge coverage ratio and a specified funded net debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio. As of December 25, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.

        On March 20, 2013, the Company entered into a promissory note in the amount of $313 in connection with the purchase of a liquor license. Interest on the outstanding principal balance of this note is due and payable on a monthly basis from the effective date at a rate of 5.0% per year

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 6—Long-term Debt (Continued)

commencing on April 1, 2013. The entire principal balance and interest is due and payable on the earlier of the maturity date, which is the expiration of the lease on June 16, 2023, or date of the sale of the license. As of December 25, 2013, $313 remains outstanding.

Note 7—Retirement Plan

        The Company maintains a profit-sharing plan covering all eligible employees in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan is funded by employee and employer contributions. Employer contributions to the plan are at the discretion of the Company. There were no employer contributions in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.

Note 8—Income Taxes

        The provision for income taxes consist of the following:

 
  2013   2012  

Current:

             

State and local

  $ 266   $ 308  

Foreign

    187     123  
           

    453     431  

Deferred—state and local

    7     (34 )
           

Total

  $ 460   $ 397  
           
           

        A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:

 
  2013   2012  

Statutory rate

    35.0 %   35.0 %

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

    3.0 %   3.9 %

Foreign withholding tax

    3.2 %   2.7 %

LLC flow-through structure

    (33.4) %   (32.8) %
           

Effective tax rate

    7.8 %   8.8 %
           
           

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 8—Income Taxes (Continued)

        The components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows:

 
  2013   2012  

Deferred tax assets:

             

Deferred rent

  $ 100   $ 94  

Deferred revenue

    33     50  

Accrued expenses

    14      

Other assets

    21     25  
           

Total deferred tax assets

  $ 168   $ 169  
           

Deferred tax liabilities:

             

Property and equipment

  $ (100 ) $ (92 )

Other liabilities

    (1 )   (3 )
           

Total deferred tax liabilities

  $ (101 ) $ (95 )
           

Total net deferred tax asset

  $ 67   $ 74  
           
           

Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies

        The Company is obligated under several operating leases for the Shacks and office space, expiring in various years through June 2031. Under certain of these leases, the Company is liable for additional rent based on a percentage of sales in excess of a base amount and is responsible for its proportionate share of real estate taxes and utilities.

        As security under the terms of several of the leases, the Company is obligated under letters of credit totaling approximately $160 at December 25, 2013. The letters of credit expire April 23, 2014 and February 28, 2026. In addition, in December 2013, the Company entered into an irrevocable standby letter of credit in conjunction with its office lease in the amount of $80. The letter of credit expires in September 2014 and renews automatically for one-year periods through September 30, 2019.

        Rent expense (including contingent rent of $1,626 and $1,299) amounted to $6,349 and $4,540 in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively, included in occupancy and related expenses, pre-opening costs and general and administrative expenses.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

        Minimum future rental commitments under the lease in each of the five years subsequent to December 25, 2013 and thereafter are as follows:

Fiscal Year
Ending
  Amount  

2014

  $ 6,464  

2015

    10,349  

2016

    12,729  

2017

    13,595  

2018

    13,973  

Thereafter

    109,105  
       

Total

  $ 166,215  
       
       

        The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities, such as employment-related claims and slip and fall cases, which arise in the ordinary course of business and are generally covered by insurance. As of December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to those actions was not material.

Note 10—Deferred Compensation

        During fiscal 2013, the Company entered into an Incentive Bonus Agreement with an executive, whereby the executive is entitled to receive a deferred compensation award by the Company in the amount of $2,450. The bonus is payable by the Company in March 2018. A compensation charge of $2,054 was recorded in fiscal 2013 to approximate the present value of the Incentive Bonus Agreement.

Note 11—Members' Equity

        The Company created a Unit Appreciation Rights Plan (the "Plan"), effective in 2012, and as amended, whereby the Company may grant up to 31,303 unit appreciation rights ("UARs") to employees. The UARs granted are subject to continued employment and are only exercisable upon a qualifying transaction, which is either a change of control or an initial public offering, each as defined in the Plan. Upon the occurrence of a qualifying transaction, each UAR entitles the holder to receive a payment from the Company with such payment, and related compensation expense, would be determined by multiplying (i) the excess, if any, of the qualifying transaction price over the base amount of the UAR, by (ii) the stated number of Class B units deemed covered by the UAR. The UARs terminate on the tenth anniversary of the grant date or upon termination of employment, if earlier. During fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, 7,530 and 6,153 UARs, respectively, were granted. The planned public offering constitutes a qualifying transaction under the terms of the Plan and would result in the recognition of compensation expense. The Company would recognize such compensation expense in the period in which the planned public offering is consummated. During the fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, 412 and 0 UARs, respectively, were forfeited. No compensation expense has been recorded in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 related to the outstanding UARs as the Company determined it is not probable that a qualifying transaction would occur. As of December 25, 2013, there were 13,379 UARs outstanding with a weighted average base amount of $156.10.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 12—Equity-based Compensation

        In December 2010, the Company granted an executive of the Company 31,303.32 restricted Class B units as profits interests, which represent a 3.5% interest in the Company. These units vested in equal installments on February 1, 2011, February 1, 2012 and February 1, 2013. In August 2013, the Company granted 9,034.1479 restricted Class B units as profits interests to another executive of the Company, which represent a 1% interest in the Company. These units will vest in equal installments on August 21, 2014, August 27, 2015, August 25, 2016, August 24, 2017 and August 23, 2018. If not already 100% vested, these units shall become fully vested (i) upon the occurrence of a change in control event or (ii) upon the occurrence of an initial public offering, each as defined in the grant agreement, and any unrecognized compensation expense related to these non-vested units would be subject to acceleration. The planned public offering constitutes a transaction under the terms of the restricted Class B units that would result in the acceleration of the unrecognized compensation expense.

        A summary of equity award activity for fiscal 2013 is as follow:

 
  2013  

Outstanding at beginning of year

    31,303.3200  

Granted

    9,034.1479  

Repurchased

     

Forfeited

     
       

Outstanding at the end of the year

    40,337.4679  
       
       

Units vested

    31,303.3200  

Units expected to vest

    9,034.1479  
       

    40,337.4679  
       
       

        The Company is unable to calculate specific stock price volatility as a private company, and as such, the Company used a blended volatility rate for comparable publicly traded companies.

        In fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, the Company recognized equity-based compensation of $93 and $450, respectively, related to the restricted Class B units.

        The weighted-average grant date fair value of units granted in fiscal 2013 was $92.31 per unit. No units were granted, repurchased or forfeited in fiscal 2012. The total fair value of units that vested during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 was $450 and $450, respectively. As of December 25, 2013, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards was $771, which is expected to be recognized over weighted-average period of 4.7 years, or upon the occurrence of a change in control or an initial public offering.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 25, 2013 and December 26, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 12—Equity-based Compensation (Continued)

        The fair value of the Company's equity awards were based on a valuation prepared by a third-party and was based on contemporaneous information using the Black-Scholes formula. Key assumptions used during fiscal 2013 to estimate the fair value of the awards are as follow:

 
  2013  

Expected volatility

    40.1 %

Expected dividend yield

    0.0 %

Expected term (in years)

    4.5  

Risk-free interest rate

    1.3 %

Note 13—Pro Forma Net Income Per Share (unaudited)

        Unaudited pro forma net income per share has been computed to give effect to the number of shares whose proceeds would be necessary to pay the distribution to its members totaling $21,851, along with the $5,219 distribution made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, as if such distributions occurred on December 27, 2012 to the extent they are in excess of the Company's earnings of $5,403 for the twelve-month period ended December 25, 2013. The supplemental pro forma information has been computed, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, to give effect to the number of shares whose proceeds would be necessary to pay (i) the $21,851 distribution to its members and (ii) the $5,219 distribution made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, but only to the extent the aggregate amount of these distributions exceeded the Company's earnings for the preceding twelve-month period. The Company has assumed that the initial public offering price is $            , the midpoint in the estimated price range set forth on the cover of the prospectus included in the Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement. The computations assume there will be no additional distribution in the event the gross proceeds from the offering exceed the anticipated gross proceeds (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

Note 14—Subsequent Events

        The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. For purposes of these financial statements, the Company has not evaluated any subsequent events after this date.

        On December 30, 2013, the Company executed the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which became effective in April 2014. The amendment provides for an increase in the revolving total commitment amount to $50,000 of which $30,000 was available immediately and can be increased to the full amount on or after the first anniversary of the effective date of the agreement upon the Company's election and satisfaction of certain conditions.

        On September 12, 2014, the Company borrowed $5,000 in principal amount under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and new Shack openings. Subsequent to the borrowing, the remaining credit available under the credit facility was $24,920.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 24, 2014 and December 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)
  Pro Forma
2014
(Note 12)
  2014   2013  

Assets

                   

Current assets:

                   

Cash

  $               $ 6,107   $ 13,076  

Accounts receivable

          2,313     1,527  

Inventories

          357     331  

Prepaid expenses

          311     273  
               

Total current assets

          9,088     15,207  

Property and equipment, net

         
53,041
   
37,938
 

Deferred financing costs

          432     209  

Security deposits

          970     891  

Deferred income taxes

          67     67  

Other assets

          1,939     907  
               

Total assets

  $     $ 65,537   $ 55,219  
               
               

Liabilities and Members' Equity

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Current liabilities:

                   

Short-term debt

  $     $ 5,000   $  

Accounts payable

          3,493     2,393  

Accrued expenses

          3,556     1,489  

Accrued wages and related liabilities

          1,947     1,994  

Sales tax payable

          383     399  

Distributions payable

               

Due to affiliates

          359     300  

Deferred revenue

          517     630  
               

Total current liabilities

          15,255     7,205  

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

         
1,500
   
1,575
 

Promissory note

          313     313  

Deferred compensation

          2,119     2,054  

Deferred rent

          10,482     6,647  

Other long-term liabilities

          31     38  
               

Total liabilities

          29,700     17,832  

Commitments and contingencies

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Members' equity

         
35,837
   
37,387
 
               

Total liabilities and members' equity

  $     $ 65,537   $ 55,219  
               
               

   

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)
  2014   2013  

Revenues

             

Shack sales

  $ 78,988   $ 56,783  

Licensing revenue

    4,770     2,721  
           

Total revenue

    83,758     59,504  

Expenses

             

Operating expenses

             

Food and paper costs

    24,248     17,211  

Labor and related expenses

    20,605     14,161  

Other operating expenses

    7,866     5,072  

Occupancy and related expenses

    6,794     4,871  

General and administrative expenses

    12,192     9,164  

Depreciation expense

    4,067     2,472  

Pre-opening costs

    3,828     1,705  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

    28     17  
           

Total expenses

    79,628     54,673  
           

Income from operations

    4,130     4,831  

Interest expense, net

    219     31  
           

Income before income taxes

    3,911     4,800  

Income tax expense

    366     374  
           

Net income

  $ 3,545   $ 4,426  
           
           

Pro forma weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding (Note 12)

             

Basic

                       

Diluted

             

Pro forma net income available to Class A common stock per share (Note 12)

   
 
   
 
 

Basic

  $          

Diluted

  $          

   

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Equity

For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)
   
 

Members' equity, December 26, 2012

  $ 31,871  

Net income

    4,426  

Equity-based compensation

    51  
       

Members' equity, September 25, 2013

  $ 36,348  
       
       

Members' equity, December 25, 2013

  $ 37,387  

Net income

    3,545  

Equity-based compensation

    124  

Members' distributions

    (5,219 )
       

Members' equity, September 24, 2014

  $ 35,837  
       
       

   

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)
  2014   2013  

Operating activities:

             

Net income

  $ 3,545   $ 4,426  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

             

Depreciation expense

    4,067     2,472  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

    75     25  

Loss on disposal of assets

    28     17  

Equity-based compensation

    124     51  

Deferred income taxes

        15  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

             

Accounts receivable

    (786 )   126  

Inventories

    (26 )   (21 )

Prepaid expenses

    (38 )   (29 )

Security deposits

    (79 )   (58 )

Other assets

    (1,041 )   (108 )

Accounts payable

    (204 )   (6 )

Accrued expenses

    2,067     (524 )

Accrued wages and related liabilities

    (47 )   464  

Sales tax payable

    (16 )   (34 )

Due to affiliates

    59     83  

Deferred rent

    3,835     1,354  

Other long term liabilities

    (7 )    

Deferred compensation

    65     2,032  

Deferred revenue

    (188 )   (296 )
           

Net cash provided by operating activities

    11,433     9,989  
           

Investing activities:

             

Purchase of property and equipment

    (17,885 )   (10,359 )
           

Net cash used in investing activities

    (17,885 )   (10,359 )
           

Financing activities:

             

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

    5,000      

Members' distributions

    (5,219 )    

Deferred financing costs

    (298 )    
           

Net cash used in financing activities

    (517 )    
           

Net decrease in cash

    (6,969 )   (370 )

Cash, beginning of year

    13,076     16,033  
           

Cash, end of period

  $ 6,107   $ 15,663  
           
           

   

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 1—Business

        SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries (referred to herein as the "Company") operates and licenses restaurants in the global restaurant industry, serving hamburgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer and wine. The Company owns and operates Shake Shack restaurants ("Shacks") in eight states and the District of Columbia. As of September 24, 2014, the Company had 26 company-operated Shacks in operation in the United States. The Company also has license arrangements with affiliated and unaffiliated operators to develop and operate Shacks. As of September 24, 2014, 27 licensed Shacks were in operation under license agreements in North America, Europe and Asia.

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented have been included.

        The condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013 are unaudited. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 25, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 25, 2013 and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year.

        The Company does not have any components of other comprehensive income recorded within its condensed consolidated financial statements, and, therefore, does not separately present a statement of comprehensive income in its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

        The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries include the accounts of SSE Holdings, LLC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, SSE IP, LLC, Shake Shack Domestic Licensing LLC, Shake Shack Enterprises International, LLC and its subsidiaries and Shake Shack Enterprises, LLC and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions for the periods presented have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

        The Company uses a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the last Wednesday in December.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance in GAAP about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the existing revenue recognition guidance and clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 is effective, on a retrospective basis, for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 for public entities and for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 for non-public entities. Early adoption is permitted, subject to certain conditions. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

        In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and enhances disclosures. ASU 2014-08 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 is not expected to affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 3—Fair Value Measurements

        The Company records all financial instruments at cost, which is the fair value at the date of transaction. The amounts reported on the consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivable, short-term debt, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 4—Inventories

        Inventories consisted of the following:

 
  September 24,
2014
  December 25,
2013
 

Food

  $ 211   $ 181  

Wine

    22     23  

Beer

    25     21  

Beverage

    36     27  

Retail merchandise

    63     79  
           

Total

  $ 357   $ 331  
           
           

Note 5—Related Party Transactions

        Included in due to affiliates at September 24, 2014 and December 25, 2013 are management fees, health costs and amounts advanced for other general operating expenses by USHG, LLC another subsidiary of USHG (the "Management Company"), of $454 and $300 respectively, less licensing revenue and amounts advanced for other general operating expenses to Hudson Yards Sports and Entertainment LLC ("HYSE"), a related party, of $95 and $0, respectively. Both entities are related parties under common control and the amounts are temporary and non-interest bearing in nature.

        Under the terms of the management agreement with the Management Company, as amended, in fiscal year 2014, the Company paid a 2.5% management fee to the Management Company based on sales. Under the terms of the agreement, as amended, in fiscal year 2013, the Company paid a 3.0% management fee to the Management Company based on sales. In addition, in fiscal year 2013, there was an additional $5 management fee per month between April and August, for a total of $25 in additional management fee expense. Management fees on sales, which are included in general and administrative expenses, amounted to $1,975 and $1,728 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, respectively. In fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2013, the Company also paid a 2.5% and 3.0% management fee, respectively, to the Management Company based on net licensing revenue generated from their license agreements with unaffiliated entities. Management fees on net license income, included in general and administrative expenses amounted to $98 and $51 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, respectively.

        Previously, the Company sub-leased certain office space from the Management Company on a month-to-month basis. Amounts paid to the Management Company totaled $44 and $181 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, respectively. These amounts are included in occupancy and related expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

        The Company is included in the Management Company's self-insurance health plan and pays its portion of the plan costs on a monthly basis. Amounts expensed for these health costs were $913 and $587 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, respectively.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 5—Related Party Transactions (Continued)

        In fiscal 2011, the Company entered into a Master License Agreement (an "MLA") with HYSE to operate Shake Shack branded limited menu concession stands in certain sports and entertainment venues within the United States. The agreement is through December 31, 2027, with five consecutive 5-year renewal options at HYSE's option. In consideration of the rights, HYSE shall pay the Company an annual license fee based on percentage of net food sales, as defined in the MLA. HYSE also shall pay the Company a percentage of profits on sales of branded beverages, as defined in the MLA. Included in licensing revenue is concession income from HYSE in the amount of $206 and $195 during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, respectively.

Note 6—Long-term Debt

        On December 30, 2013, the Company executed an amendment to its existing revolving credit agreement, which became effective in April 2014 ("Revolving Credit Facility"). The amendment provides for a revolving total commitment amount of $50,000, of which $30,000 was available immediately and can be increased to the full amount on or after the first anniversary of the effective date of the agreement upon the Company's election and satisfaction of certain conditions, including compliance with a funded net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.0 to 1.0. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable five years from the effective date. The Revolving Credit Facility permits the issuance of letters of credit upon the Company's request of up to $10,000. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at either: (i) LIBOR plus a percentage ranging from 3.0% to 4.0%, or (ii) the prime rate plus a percentage ranging from 0.0% to 1.0%. As of September 24, 2014, the interest rate was 3.2%. As of December 25, 2013, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 24, 2014, the Company had $5,000 of borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, classified as short-term debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, and $24,920 of availability, after giving effect to $80 in letters of credit.

        The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and is guaranteed by Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC ("USHG").

        The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company's ability to, subject to, specified exceptions, incur additional debt; incur additional liens and contingent liabilities; sell or dispose of assets; merge with or acquire other companies; liquidate or dissolve itself; pay dividends or make distributions; engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; make loans, advances or guarantees; engage in transactions with affiliates; and make investments. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility contains certain cross-default provisions. The Company is required to maintain a specified consolidated fixed-charge coverage ratio and a specified funded net debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio. As of September 24, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.

        On March 20, 2013, the Company entered into a promissory note in the amount of $313 in connection with the purchase of a liquor license. Interest on the outstanding principal balance of this note will be due and payable on a monthly basis from the effective date at a rate of 5.00% per year

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 6—Long-term Debt (Continued)

commencing on April 1, 2013. The entire principal balance and interest is due and payable on the earlier of the maturity date, which is the expiration of the lease on June 16, 2023, or date of the sale of the license. As of September 24, 2014 and December 25, 2013, the outstanding balance of the promissory note was $313.

Note 7—Income Taxes

        A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:

 
  Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
 
  September 24,
2014
  September 25,
2013
 

Statutory rate

    35.0 %   35.0 %

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

    3.3 %   3.0 %

Non-deductible expenses

    0.9 %   0.0 %

Foreign withholding tax

    6.1 %   3.2 %

LLC flow-through structure

    -35.9 %   -33.4 %
           

Effective tax rate

    9.4 %   7.8 %
           
           

Note 8—Commitments and Contingencies

        The Company is obligated under several operating leases for the Shacks and office space, expiring in various years through June 2031. Under certain of these leases, the Company is liable for additional rent based on a percentage of sales in excess of a base amount and is responsible for its proportionate share of real estate taxes and utilities.

        As security under the terms of several of the leases, the Company is obligated under letters of credit totaling $160 at December 25, 2013. The letters of credit expire on April 23, 2015 and February 28, 2026. In addition, in December 2013, the Company entered into an irrevocable standby letter of credit in conjunction with its office lease in the amount of $80. The letter of credit expires in September 2015 and renews automatically for one-year periods through September 30, 2019.

        The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities, such as employment-related claims and slip and fall cases, which arise in the ordinary course of business and are generally covered by insurance. As of September 24, 2014, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to those actions was not material.

Note 9—Deferred Compensation

        During fiscal year 2013, the Company entered into an Incentive Bonus Agreement with an executive, whereby the executive is entitled to receive a deferred compensation award in the amount of $2,450. The bonus is payable by the Company in March 2018. Deferred compensation expense of $2,032 was recognized during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2013 and is included within

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 9—Deferred Compensation (Continued)

general and administrative expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. No such expense was recognized during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014.

Note 10—Member's Equity

        The Company created a Unit Appreciation Rights Plan (the "Plan"), effective in fiscal year 2012, and as amended, whereby the Company may grant up to 31,303 unit appreciation rights ("UARs") to employees. The UARs granted are subject to continued employment and are only exercisable upon a qualifying transaction, which is either a change of control or an initial public offering, each as defined in the Plan. Upon the occurrence of a qualifying transaction, each UAR entitles the holder to receive a payment from the Company with such payment, and related compensation expense, determined by multiplying (i) the excess, if any, of the qualifying transaction price over the base amount of the UAR, by (ii) the stated number of Class B units deemed covered by the UAR. Effective October 30, 2014, the Plan was amended to provide that the payment to which UAR holders are entitled upon the occurrence of a qualifying transaction will be in the form of securities of the Company or one of its affiliates or such other form of payment as the Company may determine in its sole discretion. The UARs terminate on the tenth anniversary of the grant date or upon termination of employment, if earlier. The planned public offering constitutes a qualifying transaction under the terms of the Plan and would result in the recognition of compensation expense. The Company would recognize such compensation expense in the period in which the planned public offering is consummated. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, 10,260 and 7,530 UARs, respectively, were granted. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, 1,425 and 327 UARs, respectively, were forfeited. No compensation expense has been recorded in fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2013 related to the outstanding UARs as the Company determined it is not probable that a qualifying transaction would occur. As of September 24, 2014, there were 22,214 UARs outstanding with a weighted average base amount of $192.44.

Note 11—Equity-based Compensation

        In December 2010, the Company granted an executive of the Company 31,303.32 restricted Class B units as profits interests, which represented a 3.5% interest in the Company. These units vested in equal installments on February 1, 2011, February 1, 2012 and February 1, 2013. In August 2013, the Company granted 9,034.1479 restricted Class B units as profits interests to another executive of the Company, which represent a 1% interest in the Company. These units will vest in equal installments on August 21, 2014, August 25, 2016, August 24, 2017 and August 23, 2018. If not already 100% vested, these units shall become fully vested (i) upon the occurrence of a change in control event, or (ii) upon the occurrence of an initial public offering, each as defined in the grant agreement, and any unrecognized compensation expense related to these non-vested units would be subject to acceleration. The planned public offering constitutes a transaction under the terms of the restricted Class B units that would result in the acceleration of the unrecognized compensation expense.

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 11—Equity-based Compensation (Continued)

        A summary of equity award activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 is as follows:

 
  September 24,
2014
 

Outstanding at beginning of the period

    40,337.4679  

Granted

     

Repurchased

     

Forfeited

     
       

Outstanding at the end of the period

    40,337.4679  
       
       

Units vested

   
33,110.1496
 

Units expected to vest

    7,227.3183  
       

    40,337.4679  
       
       

        During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, the Company recognized equity-based compensation of $124 and $51, respectively, related to the restricted Class B units.

        No units were granted, repurchased or forfeited during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014. As of September 24, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards was $647, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.9 years, or upon the occurrence of a change in control or an initial public offering. The fair value of the Company's equity awards were based on a valuation prepared by a third party and was based on contemporaneous information using the Black-Scholes formula.

Note 12—Pro Forma Information (Unaudited)

Balance Sheet

        In connection with this offering and subsequent to September 24, 2014, SSE Holdings will make a distribution to its members in the amount of $21,851. The distribution is expected to be funded with borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, which will be repaid with a portion of the proceeds from this offering. The unaudited pro forma balance sheet as of September 24, 2014 reflects the recognition of the distribution and related borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility as if such distribution were declared and paid on September 24, 2014. The adjustment assumes there will be no additional distribution in the event the gross proceeds from the offering exceed the anticipated gross proceeds (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

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SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

Note 12—Pro Forma Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

Statement of Operations

        Unaudited pro forma net income per share has been computed to give effect to the number of shares whose proceeds would be necessary to pay the distribution to its members totaling $21,851, along with the $5,219 distribution made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, as if such distributions occurred on December 26, 2013 to the extent they are in excess of the Company's earnings of $4,542 for the twelve-month period ended September 24, 2014. The supplemental pro forma information has been computed, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, to give effect to the number of shares whose proceeds would be necessary to pay (i) the $21,851 distribution to its members and (ii) $5,219 distribution made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2014, but only to the extent the aggregate amount of these distributions exceeded the Company's earnings for the preceding twelve-month period. The Company has assumed that the initial public offering price is $            , the midpoint in the estimated price range set forth on the cover of the prospectus included in the Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement. The computations assume there will be no additional distribution in the event the gross proceeds from the offering exceed the anticipated gross proceeds (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

Note 13—Subsequent Events

        The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the condensed consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. For purposes of these financial statements, the Company has not evaluated any subsequent events after this date.

        On November 20, 2014, the Company borrowed $5,000 in principal amount under the Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and new Shack openings. Subsequent to the borrowing, the remaining credit available under the Revolving Credit Facility was $19,920.

        On December 15, 2014, the Company's board of directors approved a distribution to its members in the amount of approximately $21.9 million to be paid prior to the Company's planned initial public offering. The Company's board of directors also approved an additional distribution to its members, to the extent the gross proceeds of the Company's planned initial public offering exceed the anticipated gross proceeds (including as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), in an amount equal to the product of (A) the increased gross proceeds and (B) 0.273, to be paid from the proceeds of the Company's planned initial public offering.

        On December 28, 2014 the Company executed an amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility, which became effective immediately. The amendment provides for, among other things, the acceleration of the delayed total commitment effective date, resulting in an immediate increase in the total commitment amount to $50,000. The amendment also provides for a mandatory prepayment of at least $15,000 by April 30, 2015. Additionally, on December 29, 2014 the Company borrowed $22,000 in principal amount under the amended Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds will be used to pay the aforementioned distribution to its members. Subsequent to the borrowing, the remaining credit available under the Revolving Credit Facility was $17,920.

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GRAPHIC


         Through and including                        , 2015 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade shares of our Class A common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to the obligation of dealers 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 13.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

        The following table indicates the expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this registration statement, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, all of which will be paid by us. All amounts are estimated except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and the New York Stock Exchange listing fee.

 
  Amount  

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

  $ 11,620.00  

FINRA filing fee

    14,580.00  

New York Stock Exchange listing fee

      *

Accountants' fees and expenses

      *

Legal fees and expenses

      *

Blue Sky fees and expenses

      *

Transfer agent's fees and expenses

      *

Printing and engraving expenses

      *

Miscellaneous

      *
       

Total expenses

  $   *
       
       

*
To be filed by amendment.

Item 14.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

        Section 102 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware permits a corporation to eliminate the personal liability of directors of a corporation to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached his duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of Delaware corporate law or obtained an improper personal benefit. Our certificate of incorporation provides that no director of the Registrant shall be personally liable to it or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability, except to the extent that the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware prohibits the elimination or limitation of liability of directors for breaches of fiduciary duty.

        Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or a person serving at the request of the corporation for another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise in related capacities against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with an action, suit or proceeding to which he was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, ending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of such position, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, except that, in the case of actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or other adjudicating court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability

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but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

        Upon completion of this offering, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws will provide indemnification for our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. We will indemnify each person who was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of us) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at our request as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (all such persons being referred to as an "Indemnitee"), or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if such Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws will provide that we will indemnify any Indemnitee who was or is a party to an action or suit by or in the right of us to procure a judgment in our favor by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at our request as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including attorneys' fees) and, to the extent permitted by law, amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal therefrom, if the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, except that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to us, unless a court determines that, despite such adjudication but in view of all of the circumstances, he or she is entitled to indemnification of such expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any Indemnitee has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, he or she will be indemnified by us against all expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Expenses must be advanced to an Indemnitee under certain circumstances.

        Prior to the completion of this offering, we intend to enter into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and certain officers. Each indemnification agreement will provide, among other things, for indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws against any and all expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement of any claim. The indemnification agreements will provide for the advancement or payment of all expenses to the indemnitee and for the reimbursement to us if it is found that such indemnitee is not entitled to such indemnification under applicable law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

        We maintain a general liability insurance policy that covers certain liabilities of directors and officers of our corporation arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers.

        In any underwriting agreement we enter into in connection with the sale of Class A common stock being registered hereby, the underwriters will agree to indemnify, under certain conditions, us, our directors, our officers and persons who control us within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), against certain liabilities.

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Item 15.    Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

        The registrant has not sold or granted unregistered securities in a transaction that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Item 16.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

        (a)   Exhibits.

        The exhibit index attached hereto is incorporated herein by reference.

        (b)   Financial Statement Schedules.

    All schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth in the schedules is either not applicable or is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

Item 17.    Undertakings.

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter, at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, 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 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 Securities 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, 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

        The undersigned hereby undertakes that:

        (1)   For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, 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, 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.

        (3)   For the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, 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

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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.

        (4)   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:

            (i)    Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

            (ii)   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;

            (iii)  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

            (iv)  Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on this 29th day of December, 2014.

    SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ RANDY GARUTTI

Randy Garutti
Chief Executive Officer


POWER OF ATTORNEY

        We, the undersigned officers and directors of Shake Shack Inc. hereby severally constitute and appoint Randy Garutti and Jeff Uttz, and each of them singly (with full power to each of them to act alone), our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution in each of them for him and in his name, place and stead, and in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement (or any other registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as full to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities held on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ RANDY GARUTTI

Randy Garutti
  Chief Executive Officer and Director
(principal executive officer)
  December 29, 2014

/s/ JEFF UTTZ

Jeff Uttz

 

Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

December 29, 2014

/s/ DANIEL MEYER

Daniel Meyer

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

December 29, 2014

/s/ JEFF FLUG

Jeff Flug

 

Director

 

December 29, 2014

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Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ EVAN GUILLEMIN

Evan Guillemin
  Director   December 29, 2014

/s/ JENNA LYONS

Jenna Lyons

 

Director

 

December 29, 2014

/s/ JONATHAN D. SOKOLOFF

Jonathan D. Sokoloff

 

Director

 

December 29, 2014

/s/ ROBERT VIVIAN

Robert Vivian

 

Director

 

December 29, 2014

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
number
  Description of exhibit
  1.1 * Form of Underwriting Agreement.

 

3.1

 

Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Shake Shack Inc., to be effective upon the closing of this offering.

 

3.2

 

Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Shake Shack Inc., to be effective upon the closing of this offering.

 

4.1

*

Specimen Stock Certificate evidencing the shares of Class A common stock.

 

5.1

 

Form of Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP.

 

10.1

 

Form of Tax Receivable Agreement, to be effective upon the closing of this offering.

 

10.2

 

Form of Registration Rights Agreement, to be effective upon the closing of this offering.

 

10.3

 

Form of Third Amended and Restated LLC Agreement of SSE Holdings, LLC, to be effective upon the closing of this offering.

 

10.4

*

Form of Stockholders Agreement, to be effective upon the closing of this offering.

 

10.5

*

Form of Credit Agreement, to be effective upon the closing of this offering.

 

10.6

*

Form of Security Agreement, to be effective upon the closing of this offering.

 

10.7


SSE Holdings, LLC Unit Appreciation Rights Plan

 

10.8


Amendment No. 1 to the SSE Holdings, LLC Unit Appreciation Rights Plan.

 

10.9


Amendment No. 2 to the SSE Holdings, LLC Unit Appreciation Rights Plan.

 

10.10


Form of Unit Appreciation Right Agreement.

 

10.11


2015 Incentive Award Plan.

 

10.12


2015 Senior Executive Bonus Plan.

 

10.13


Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement, to be effective as of January 1, 2015, by and between SSE Holdings, LLC and USHG, LLC.

 

10.14


Special Bonus Agreement by and between Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC and Randall Garutti, entered into on March 11, 2011.

 

10.15


Amendment to Special Bonus Agreement by and between Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC and Randall Garutti, entered into on March 11, 2011, effective as of July 25, 2013.

 

10.16


Assignment and Assumption Agreement, effective as of October 30, 2014, among Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC, Randall Garutti and SSE Holdings, LLC.

 

10.17


Employment Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2014, by and between Shake Shack Inc., SSE Holdings, LLC and Randall Garutti.

 

10.18


Employment Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2014, by and between Shake Shack Inc., SSE Holdings, LLC and Jeff Uttz.

 

10.19


Form of employee option agreement under the 2015 Incentive Award Plan.

 

10.20


Form of director option agreement under the 2015 Incentive Award Plan.

 

10.21

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement to be entered into between Shake Shack Inc. and certain of its directors and officers, to be effective upon the closing of this offering.

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Exhibit
number
  Description of exhibit
  21.1   List of Subsidiaries of Shake Shack Inc.

 

23.1

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP as to SSE Holdings LLC.

 

23.2

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP as to Shake Shack Inc.

 

23.3

 

Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).

 

23.4

 

Consent of eSite, Inc.

 

24.1

 

Power of Attorney (included on signature page).

*
To be filed by amendment.

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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Exhibit 3.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

Shake Shack Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Corporation ”) hereby certifies as follows:

 

1.                                       The name of the Corporation is Shake Shack Inc.  The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 23, 2014.  The name under which the Corporation was originally incorporated was Shake Shack Inc.

 

2.                                       This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was duly adopted by the stockholder of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

3.                                       Immediately prior to the effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Corporation has authorized 100 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Original Common Stock ”), and has issued one share of Original Common Stock.

 

4.                                       The text of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, is hereby amended and restated to read in full as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1.

 

The name of the corporation is Shake Shack Inc. (the “ Corporation ”).

 

ARTICLE 2.

 

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801.  The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

 

ARTICLE 3.

 

The nature of the business of the Corporation and the objects or purposes to be transacted, promoted or carried on by it are as follows: To engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”).

 

ARTICLE 4.

 

A.                                     The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is [ · ] million ([ · ],000,000), consisting of:

 

[ · ] million ([ · ],000,000) shares of Class A common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share (the “ Class A Common Stock ”);

 



 

[ · ] million ([ · ],000,000) shares of Class B common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share (the “ Class B Common Stock ”, and together with the Class A Common Stock, the “ Common Stock ”); and

 

[ · ] million ([ · ],000,000) shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.00 per share as of the effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and thereafter as may be established by the Board of Directors with respect to any series thereof in the applicable Preferred Stock Designation (the “ Preferred Stock ”).

 

Immediately prior to the effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, (i) no shares of Class A Common Stock were authorized, issued or outstanding, no shares of Class B Common Stock were authorized, issued or outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock were authorized, issued or outstanding and (ii) one share of Original Common Stock was authorized and outstanding, which share of Original Common Stock is being redeemed for the par value thereof upon the Effective Time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in accordance with Section 151(b) General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and immediately following the redemption of such share of Original Common Stock, shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be issued in accordance with Section 151(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

B.                                     The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”) is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law or that certain stockholders agreement, dated as of [  ·  ], 2015, by and among the Corporation, the LLC and the other persons party thereto (as it may be amended from time to time, the “ Stockholders Agreement ”), to provide for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware (such certificate being hereinafter referred to as a “ Preferred Stock Designation ”), to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the par value thereof and to fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation, the authority to fix or alter the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, exchange rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking and purchase fund provisions), the redemption price or prices, the dissolution preferences and the rights in respect to any distribution of assets of any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock and the number of shares constituting any such series, and the designation thereof, or any of them and to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series so created, subsequent to the issue of that series but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding.  In case the number of shares of any series shall be so decreased, the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status which they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.  There shall be no limitation or restriction on any variation between any of the different series of Preferred Stock as to the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof; and the several series of Preferred Stock may vary in any and all respects as fixed and determined by the resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors or by a committee of the Board of Directors, providing for the issuance of the various series of Preferred Stock.

 

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C.                                     The number of authorized shares of any of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of any holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, unless a separate vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any Preferred Stock Designation, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.

 

D.                                     Except as otherwise required by law,

 

1.                                       Each share of Class A Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof to one vote on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote.

 

2.                                       Each share of Class B Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof to one vote on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote.

 

3.                                       Except as otherwise required in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or by applicable law, the holders of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class on all matters (or, if any holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of Common Stock, as a single class with such holders of Preferred Stock).

 

4.                                       Except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or to a Preferred Stock Designation that alters or changes the powers, preferences, rights or other terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other series of Preferred Stock, to vote thereon as a separate class pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or a Preferred Stock Designation or pursuant to the DGCL as currently in effect or as the same may hereafter be amended.

 

E.                                      From and after the effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, additional shares of Class B Common Stock may be issued only to, and registered in the name of, the Existing Owners, their respective successors and assigns as well as their respective transferees permitted in accordance with Article 4.H (including all subsequent successors, assigns and permitted transferees) (the Existing Owners together with such persons, collectively, “ Permitted Class B Owners ”) in accordance with Article 6 and the aggregate number of shares of Class B Common Stock following any such issuance registered in the name of each such Permitted Class B Owner must be equal to the aggregate number of Common Units (as defined below) held of record by such Permitted Class B Owner under the LLC Agreement (as defined below).  As used in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (i) “ Existing Owner ” means each of the holders of Common Units of SSE Holdings LLC, a

 

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Delaware limited liability company, or any successor entities thereto (the “ LLC ”) as set forth on Schedule A hereto, (ii) “ Common Unit ” means a membership interest in the LLC, authorized and issued under its Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of [ · ], 2015, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”), and constituting a “Common Unit” as defined in the LLC Agreement as in effect as of the effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

 

F.                                       Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends, dividends may be declared and paid on the Class A Common Stock out of the assets of the Corporation that are by law available therefor, at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors in its discretion shall determine.  Dividends shall not be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock.

 

G.                                     Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and of the preferential and other amounts, if any, to which the holders of Preferred Stock shall be entitled, the holders of all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by each such stockholder.  The holders of shares of Class B Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to receive any assets of the Corporation in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation.  A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Corporation with any other person or persons, or a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, shall not be considered to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation within the meaning of this Article 4.G .

 

H.                                    Transfer of Class B Common Stock:

 

1.                                       A holder of Class B Common Stock may surrender shares of Class B Common Stock to the Corporation for no consideration at any time.  Following the surrender of any shares of Class B Common Stock to the Corporation, the Corporation will take all actions necessary to retire such shares and such shares shall not be re-issued by the Corporation.

 

2.                                       A holder of Class B Common Stock may transfer shares of Class B Common Stock to any transferee (other than the Corporation) only if, and only to the extent permitted by the LLC Agreement, such holder also simultaneously transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units (as such numbers may be adjusted to reflect equitably any stock split, subdivision, combination or similar change with respect to the Class B Common Stock or Common Units) to such transferee in compliance with the LLC Agreement.  The transfer restrictions described in this Article 4.H.2 are referred to as the “ Restrictions ”.

 

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3.                                       Any purported transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions shall be null and void.  If, notwithstanding the Restrictions, a person shall, voluntarily or involuntarily, purportedly become or attempt to become, the purported owner (“ Purported Owner ”) of shares of Class B Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions, then the Purported Owner shall not obtain any rights in and to such shares of Class B Common Stock (the “ Restricted Shares ”), and the purported transfer of the Restricted Shares to the Purported Owner shall not be recognized by the Corporation’s transfer agent (the “ Transfer Agent ”).

 

4.                                       Upon a determination by the Board of Directors that a person has attempted or may attempt to transfer or to acquire Restricted Shares in violation of the Restrictions, the Board of Directors may take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to such transfer or acquisition on the books and records of the Corporation, including without limitation to cause the Transfer Agent to record the Purported Owner’s transferor as the record owner of the Restricted Shares, and to institute proceedings to enjoin or rescind any such transfer or acquisition.

 

5.                                       The Board of Directors may, to the extent permitted by law, from time to time establish, modify, amend or rescind, by bylaw or otherwise, regulations and procedures that are consistent with the provisions of this Article 4.H for determining whether any transfer or acquisition of shares of Class B Common Stock would violate the Restrictions and for the orderly application, administration and implementation of the provisions of this Article 4.H .  Any such procedures and regulations shall be kept on file with the Secretary of the Corporation and with its Transfer Agent and shall be made available for inspection by any prospective transferee and, upon written request, shall be mailed to holders of shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

6.                                       The Board of Directors shall have all powers necessary to implement the Restrictions, including without limitation the power to prohibit the transfer of any shares of Class B Common Stock in violation thereof.

 

I.                                         To the extent that any Permitted Class B Owner exercises its right pursuant to the LLC Agreement to have its Common Units redeemed by the LLC in accordance with the LLC Agreement, then simultaneous with the payment of, at the Corporation’s election, cash or Class A Common Stock consideration to such Permitted Class B Owner by the LLC (in the case of a redemption) or the Corporation (in the case of an election by the Corporation pursuant to the LLC Agreement to effect a direct exchange with such Permitted Class B Owner), the Corporation shall cancel for no consideration a number of shares of Class B Common Stock registered in the name of the redeeming or exchanging Permitted Class B Owner equal to the number of Common Units held by such Permitted Class B Owner that are redeemed or exchanged in such redemption or exchange transaction.  Notwithstanding the Restrictions, (i) in the event that any outstanding share of Class B Common Stock shall cease to be held by a registered holder of Common Units, such share of Class B Common Stock shall automatically

 

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and without further action on the part of the Corporation or any holder of Class B Common Stock be cancelled for no consideration, and the Corporation will take all actions necessary to retire such share and such share shall not be re-issued by the Corporation, (ii) in the event that any registered holder of the Class B Common Stock no longer holds an interest in the Common Units, the shares of Class B Common Stock registered in the name of such holder shall automatically and without further action on the part of the Corporation or any holder of Class B Common Stock be cancelled for no consideration, and the Corporation will take all actions necessary to retire such shares and such shares shall not be re-issued by the Corporation and (iii) in the event that no Permitted Class B Owner owns any Common Units that are redeemable pursuant to the LLC Agreement, then all shares of Class B Common Stock will be cancelled for no consideration, and the Corporation will take all actions necessary to retire such shares and such shares shall not be re-issued by the Corporation.

 

J.                                         All certificates or book entries representing shares of Class B Common Stock, as the case may be, shall bear a legend substantially in the following form (or in such other form as the Board of Directors may determine):

 

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS [CERTIFICATE][BOOK ENTRY] ARE SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS (INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER) SET FORTH IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION (A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION AND SHALL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO ANY STOCKHOLDER MAKING A REQUEST THEREFOR).

 

K.                                     The Class B Common Stock may be issued and transferred in fractions of a share which shall entitle the holder to exercise voting rights and to have the benefit of all other rights of holders of Class B Common Stock.  Subject to the Restrictions, holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to transfer fractions thereof and the Corporation shall, and shall cause the Transfer Agent to, facilitate any such transfers, including by issuing certificates or making book entries representing any such fractional shares.  For all purposes of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, Article 4.D , Article 4.G , Article 4.H , Article 4.I , this Article 4.K , Article 6.D and Article 6.E hereof), all references to the Class B Common Stock or any share thereof (whether in the singular or plural) shall be deemed to include references to any fraction of a share of Class B Common Stock.

 

ARTICLE 5.

 

The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares or other securities the number of shares or securities required pursuant to the LLC Agreement; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of any such exchange by delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock which are held in the treasury of the Corporation.  The Corporation covenants that all shares of Class A Common Stock issued upon any such exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

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ARTICLE 6.

 

A.                                     The Corporation shall undertake all actions, including, without limitation, a reclassification, dividend, division or recapitalization, with respect to the shares of Class A Common Stock necessary to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, disregarding, for purposes of maintaining the one-to-one ratio, (i) shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to the Shake Shack Inc. 2014 Incentive Award Plan, and any other stock incentive plan adopted by the Corporation from time to time, that have not vested thereunder, (ii) treasury stock,  or (iii) Preferred Stock or other debt or equity securities (including without limitation warrants, options and rights) issued by the Corporation that are convertible or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock.

 

B.                                     The Corporation shall undertake all actions, including, without limitation, a reclassification, dividend, division or recapitalization, with respect to the shares of Class B Common Stock necessary to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by all Permitted Class B Owners and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock owned by all Permitted Class B Owners.

 

C.                                     The Corporation shall not undertake or authorize (i) any subdivision (by any stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or similar event) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or similar event) of the Class A Common Stock that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of the Common Units to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock; or (ii) any subdivision (by any stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or similar event) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or similar event) of the Class B Common Stock that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of the Common Units to maintain at all times, subject to the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Permitted Class B Owners and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, unless, in the case of clause (i)  or (ii)  of this Article 6.C , such action is necessary to maintain at all times both a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Permitted Class B Owners and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

D.                                     The Corporation shall not issue, transfer or deliver from treasury stock or repurchase shares of Class A Common Stock unless in connection with any such issuance, transfer, delivery or repurchase the Corporation takes or authorizes all requisite action such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries or repurchases, the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation will equal on a one-for-one basis the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, disregarding, for purposes of maintaining the one-to-one ratio, (i) shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to the Shake Shack Inc. 2014 Incentive Award Plan, and any other stock incentive plan adopted by the Corporation from time to time, that have not vested thereunder, (ii) treasury stock or (iii) Preferred Stock or other debt or equity securities (including without limitation warrants, options and rights) issued by the

 

7



 

Corporation that are convertible or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock (except to the extent the net proceeds from such other securities, including without limitation any exercise or purchase price payable upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof, has been contributed by the Corporation to the equity capital of the LLC).  The Corporation shall not issue, transfer or deliver from treasury stock or repurchase or redeem shares of Preferred Stock unless in connection with any such issuance, transfer, delivery, repurchase or redemption the Corporation takes all requisite action such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, repurchases or redemptions, the Corporation holds (in the case of any issuance, transfer or delivery) or ceases to hold (in the case of any repurchase or redemption) equity interests in the LLC which (in the good faith determination by the Board of Directors) are in the aggregate substantially equivalent in all respects to the outstanding Preferred Stock so issued, transferred, delivered, repurchased or redeemed.

 

E.                                      The Corporation shall not consolidate, merge, combine or consummate any other transaction (other than an action or transaction for which an adjustment is provided in one of the preceding paragraphs of this Article 6 or in Article 4 ) in which shares of Class A Common Stock are exchanged for or converted into other stock or securities, or the right to receive cash and/or any other property, unless in connection with any such consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction each Common Unit shall be entitled to be exchanged for or converted into (without duplication of any corresponding share of Class A common stock which the Corporation may elect to issue upon a redemption of such Common Unit by the holder thereof) the same kind and amount of stock or securities, cash and/or any other property, as the case may be, into which or for which each share of Class A Common Stock is exchanged or converted, in each case to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between (x) the stock or securities, or rights to receive cash and/or any other property issuable in such transaction in exchange for or conversion of one share of Class A common stock and (y) the stock or securities, or rights to receive cash and/or any other property issuable in such transaction in exchange for or conversion of one Common Unit.  The foregoing provisions of this Article 6.E shall not apply to any action or transaction (including any consolidation, merger or combination) approved by the holders of a majority of the voting power of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting as a separate class.

 

ARTICLE 7.

 

A.                                     Subject to the Stockholders Agreement, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend and repeal the bylaws of the Corporation (the “ Bylaws ”).

 

ARTICLE 8.

 

A.                                     Elections of the directors comprising the Board of Directors (each such director, in such capacity, a “ Director ”) need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws shall so provide.

 

B.                                     Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors which shall constitute the Board of Directors shall be fixed exclusively by resolutions adopted by a majority of the Whole Board.  For purposes of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the term

 

8


 

Whole Board ” shall mean the total number of authorized directors for the Board of Directors whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships.

 

C.                                     Except as otherwise required by law or the Stockholders Agreement and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, unless the Board of Directors otherwise determines, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from the death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled only by a majority vote of the Directors then in office and entitled to vote thereon, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining Director entitled to vote thereon, and not by the stockholders.  Subject to the Stockholders Agreement, any Director so chosen shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such Director shall have been chosen and until his successor shall be elected and qualified.

 

D.                                     Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding and subject to the Stockholders Agreement, any Director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office, but only for cause, at a meeting called for that purpose.

 

E.                                      The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in numbers as possible, designated Class I, Class II and Class III.  Upon the effectiveness of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation including this Article 8.E , each Director then in office shall be designated as a Class I Director, a Class II Director or a Class III Director.  The initial Class I Directors shall serve for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation following the effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation; the initial Class II Directors shall serve for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders following the effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation; and the initial Class III Directors shall serve for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.  At each annual meeting of stockholders beginning with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the successors of the class of Directors whose term expires at that meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders to be held following their election, with each Director in each such class to hold office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.  Subject the Stockholders Agreement, the Board of Directors is authorized to assign Directors already in office at the effectiveness of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to Class I, Class II and Class III.  The provisions of this Article 8.E are subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock to elect directors.

 

F.                                       Advance notice of stockholder nominations for election of Directors and other business to be brought by stockholders before a meeting of stockholders shall be given in the manner provided by the Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE 9.

 

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken upon the vote of stockholders at an annual or special meeting duly

 

9



 

noticed and called in accordance with the DGCL, as amended from time to time, and may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, are signed by the holders of outstanding shares of the relevant class(es) or series of stock of the Corporation representing not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of stock of the Corporation then issued and outstanding (other than treasury stock) entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in Delaware, its principal place of business, or to an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded; provided, however , that, subject to the rights of any series of Preferred Stock, no action by stockholders may be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting of stockholders unless such written consent and the taking of the action specified therein have been previously approved by the affirmative vote of Directors constituting a majority of the Whole Board.  Special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of Directors constituting a majority of the Whole Board.

 

ARTICLE 10.

 

Subject to any limitations prescribed by the Stockholders Agreement, the Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation; provided that any amendment to Article 9 shall be effective only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of Common Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding representing 66 2 / 3 % or more of the votes eligible to be cast in an election of Directors.

 

If any provision or provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

ARTICLE 11.

 

The Corporation is authorized to indemnify, and to advance expenses to, each current, former or prospective Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL.  To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, no Director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.  No amendment to, or modification or repeal of, this Article 11 shall adversely affect any right or protection of a Director or of any officer, employee or agent of the Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment, modification or repeal.

 

10



 

ARTICLE 12.

 

To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, (a) the Corporation hereby renounces all interest and expectancy that it otherwise would be entitled to have in, and all rights to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity that from time to time may be presented to (i) the Board of Directors or any Director, (ii) any stockholder, officer or agent of the Corporation, or (iii) any affiliate of any person or entity identified in the preceding clause (i) or (ii), but in each case excluding any such person in its capacity as an employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries; (b) no holder of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock and no Director that is not an employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries will have any duty to refrain from (i) engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar lines of business in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries from time to time is engaged or proposes to engage or (ii) otherwise competing, directly or indirectly, with the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; and (c) if any holder of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or any Director that is not an employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity both for such holder of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or such Director or any of their respective affiliates, on the one hand, and for the Corporation or its subsidiaries, on the other hand, such holder of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or Director shall have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to the Corporation or its subsidiaries and such holder of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or Director may take any and all such transactions or opportunities for itself or offer such transactions or opportunities to any other person or entity.  The preceding sentence of this Article 12 shall not apply to any potential transaction or business opportunity that is expressly offered to a Director, who is not an employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, solely in his or her capacity as a Director.

 

To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, no potential transaction or business opportunity may be deemed to be a potential corporate opportunity of the Corporation or its subsidiaries unless (a) the Corporation and its subsidiaries would be permitted to undertake such transaction or opportunity in accordance with this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, (b) the Corporation and its subsidiaries at such time have sufficient financial resources to undertake such transaction or opportunity and (c) such transaction or opportunity would be in the same or similar line of business in which the Corporation and its subsidiaries are then engaged or a line of business that is reasonably related to, or a reasonable extension of, such line of business.

 

No holder of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock and no Director will be liable to the Corporation or its subsidiaries or stockholders for breach of any duty (contractual or otherwise) by reason of any activities or omissions of the types referred to in this Article 12 , except to the extent such actions or omissions are in breach of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE 13.

 

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “ Court of Chancery ”) shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative

 

11



 

action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any Director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, any Director or the Corporation’s officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, any Director or the Corporation’s officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except, as to each of clauses (i) through (iv) above, for any claim as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten (10) days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction.

 

ARTICLE 14.

 

The Corporation expressly elects to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.

 

ARTICLE 15.

 

The effective time of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be the date and time that this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

 

12



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which has been duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL, to be signed by [ · ], its [ · ], on this [ · ] day of [ · ], 2015.

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

Randy Garutti

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

13



 

SCHEDULE A

 

Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC

Union Square Cafe Corp.

Gramercy Tavern Corp.

Daniel H. Meyer

Daniel H. Meyer 2012 Gift Trust U/A/D 10/31/12

Jeff Flug

Flug 2012 GS Trust U/A/D 9/14/12

Gulf Five LLC

Richard Coraine

The Richard D. Coraine 2012 Family Trust

David A. Swinghamer

The David A. Swinghamer Grat

Karen Kochevar

Walter Robb

Erin Moran

Ashley Campbell

Randall Garutti

The Randall J. Garutti 2014 GST Trust

Jeff Uttz

Roxanne H. Frank Revocable Trust Dated 9/30/75

RHF-NM 1999 Descendants Trust Dated 1/1/2006

Marc Weiss Revocable Trust U/A/D 8/11/2003

RHF-TM 1999 Descendants Trust Dated 1/1/2006

VHP Special Trust For Jack Dated 12/31/12

Jean Polsky Investment Trust Dated 3/21/97

Joan W. Harris Revocable Trust Dated 4/1/93

Benjamin Harris Family Trust Dated 12/23/92

David Harris Family Trust Dated 12/23/92

Amy Weiss-Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 12/22/05

Isaac Weiss-Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 12/22/05

Hallie Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

Gretchen Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

Charles Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

Peyton Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust  Dated 11/23/05

Beth Stephens

Orrin Devinsky

Laura Sloate

Bert Vivian

Jamie Welch and Fiona Angelini

Granite Point Capital

Thomas O’Neal Ryder Family Trust

ACG Shack LLC

[Malted Holdings II Entities]

SEG Partners, L.P.

 



 

SEG Partners II, L.P.

SEG Partners Offshore Master Fund Ltd.

SEGPO Investment Corp. LLC

 

15




Exhibit 3.2

 

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

 

OF

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

Dated as of [ · ], 2015

 

 

 



 

CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

Article I. Meetings of Stockholders

1

 

 

 

Section 1.01

Place of Meetings

1

Section 1.02

Annual Meetings

1

Section 1.03

Special Meetings

1

Section 1.04

Notice of Meetings

1

Section 1.05

Adjournments

1

Section 1.06

Quorum

2

Section 1.07

Organization

2

Section 1.08

Voting; Proxies

2

Section 1.09

Fixing Date for Determination of Stockholders of Record

3

Section 1.10

List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote

4

Section 1.11

Action by Written Consent of Stockholders

4

Section 1.12

Inspectors of Election

4

Section 1.13

Conduct of Meetings

5

Section 1.14

Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations

5

Section 1.15

Submission of Questionnaire, Representation and Agreement

9

 

 

 

Article II. Board of Directors

10

 

 

 

Section 2.01

Number; Qualifications

10

Section 2.02

Election; Resignation; Vacancies

10

Section 2.03

Regular Meetings

11

Section 2.04

Special Meetings

11

Section 2.05

Telephonic Meetings Permitted

11

Section 2.06

Quorum; Vote Required for Action

11

Section 2.07

Organization

11

Section 2.08

Action by Unanimous Consent of Directors

11

Section 2.09

Compensation of Directors

11

 

 

 

Article III. Committees

12

 

 

 

Section 3.01

Committees

12

Section 3.02

Committee Rules

12

 

 

 

Article IV. Officers

12

 

 

 

Section 4.01

Officers

12

Section 4.02

Removal, Resignation and Vacancies

13

Section 4.03

Chairperson

13

Section 4.04

Chief Executive Officer

13

Section 4.05

Chief Financial Officer

13

Section 4.06

President

13

Section 4.07

Vice Presidents

13

 



 

Section 4.08

Treasurer

13

Section 4.09

Controller

14

Section 4.10

Secretary

14

Section 4.11

Appointing Attorneys and Agents; Voting Securities of Other Entities

14

Section 4.12

Additional Matters

15

 

 

 

Article V. Stock

15

 

 

 

Section 5.01

Certificates

15

Section 5.02

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Stock Certificates; Issuance of New Certificates

15

 

 

 

Article VI. Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses

16

 

 

 

Section 6.01

Right to Indemnification

16

Section 6.02

Advancement of Expenses

16

Section 6.03

Claims

16

Section 6.04

Non-exclusivity of Rights

16

Section 6.05

Other Sources

17

Section 6.06

Amendment or Repeal

17

Section 6.07

Other Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses

17

 

 

 

Article VII. Miscellaneous

17

 

 

 

Section 7.01

Fiscal Year

17

Section 7.02

Seal

17

Section 7.03

Manner of Notice

17

Section 7.04

Waiver of Notice of Meetings of Stockholders, Directors and Committees

17

Section 7.05

Form of Records

18

Section 7.06

Amendment of Bylaws

18

 

ii



 

ARTICLE I.
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1.01          Place of Meetings .  Meetings of Stockholders of Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”; and such Stockholders, the “ Stockholders ”), may be held at any place, within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated by the board of directors of the Corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”).  In the absence of such designation, meetings of Stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation.  The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of Stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication authorized by and in accordance with Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

Section 1.02          Annual Meetings .  If required by applicable law, an annual meeting of Stockholders shall be held for the election of directors at such date and time as may be designated by resolution of the Board of Directors from time to time.  Any other proper business may be transacted at the annual meeting.  The Corporation may postpone, reschedule or cancel any annual meeting of Stockholders previously scheduled by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 1.03          Special Meetings .  Special meetings of Stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called only in the manner provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation dated as of [ · ], 2015 (as the same may be further amended, restated, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”).  Special meetings validly called in accordance with Article 9 of the Certificate of Incorporation may be held at such date and time as specified in the applicable notice.  Business transacted at any special meeting of Stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice.  The Corporation may postpone, reschedule or cancel any special meeting of Stockholders previously scheduled by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 1.04          Notice of Meetings .  Whenever Stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a notice of the meeting shall be given that shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which Stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for Stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.  Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these amended and restated bylaws adopted by the Board of Directors as of [ · ], 2015 (as the same may be further amended, restated, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time, these “ Bylaws ”), the notice of any meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each Stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting as of the record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting.  If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the Stockholder at such Stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.

 

Section 1.05          Adjournments .  Any meeting of Stockholders, annual or special, may adjourn from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, if any, and notice need

 



 

not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.  At the adjourned meeting the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.  If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.  If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of Stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board of Directors shall fix the record date for determining Stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting as provided in Section 1.09(a)  of these Bylaws, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each Stockholder of record as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.  If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the Stockholder at such Stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.

 

Section 1.06          Quorum .  Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at each meeting of Stockholders the presence or participation in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation (“ Stock ”) entitled to vote at the meeting shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum.  In the absence of a quorum, the Stockholders so present may, by a majority in voting power thereof, adjourn the meeting from time to time in the manner provided in Section 1.05 of these Bylaws until a quorum shall attend or participate.  Shares of Stock belonging to the Corporation or to another corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors of such other corporation is held, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation, shall neither be entitled to vote nor be counted for quorum purposes; provided, however , that the foregoing shall not limit the right of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation to vote shares of Stock held by it in a fiduciary capacity.

 

Section 1.07          Organization .  Meetings of Stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairperson, or in his or her absence by any Vice Chairperson, if any, or in his or her absence by the Chief Executive Officer, or in his or her absence by a Vice President, or in the absence of the foregoing persons by a chairperson designated by the Board of Directors, or in the absence of such designation by a chairperson chosen at the meeting by vote of a majority of the Stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting.  The Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting, but in his or her absence the chairperson of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

 

Section 1.08          Voting; Proxies .  Except as otherwise provided by or pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, each Stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of Stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Stock held by such Stockholder which has voting power upon the matter in question.  Each Stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of Stockholders or express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting (if permitted by the Certificate of Incorporation) may authorize another person or persons to act for such Stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.  A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power.  A Stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering to the Secretary a revocation of the proxy or a new proxy bearing a later date.  Voting at meetings of Stockholders need not be by

 

2



 

written ballot.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, at all meetings of Stockholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present a plurality of the votes cast shall be sufficient to elect directors.  All other elections and questions presented to the Stockholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall, unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, or applicable law or pursuant to any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, be decided by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of Stock which are present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereon.

 

Section 1.09          Fixing Date for Determination of Stockholders of Record .

 

(a)           In order that the Corporation may determine the Stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of Stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting.  If the Board of Directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination.  If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining Stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.  A determination of Stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however , that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for determination of Stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for Stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of Stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

 

(b)           In order that the Corporation may determine the Stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of Stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to such action.  If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining Stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

(c)           Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, in order that the Corporation may determine the Stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors.  If no record date for

 

3



 

determining Stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting is fixed by the Board of Directors, (i) when no prior action of the Board of Directors is required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the record date for such purpose shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law, and (ii) if prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the record date for such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

Section 1.10          List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote .  The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of Stockholders, a complete list of the Stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting ( provided, however , if the record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the Stockholders entitled to vote as of a date that is no more than 10 days before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each Stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each Stockholder as of the record date (or such other date).  Such list shall be open to the examination of any Stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of meeting or (ii) during ordinary business hours at the principal place of business of the Corporation.  If the meeting is to be held at a place, then a list of Stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be examined by any Stockholder who is present.  If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any Stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.  Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the Stockholders entitled to examine the list of Stockholders required by this Section 1.10 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of Stockholders.

 

Section 1.11          Action by Written Consent of Stockholders .  Except as provided by, and in accordance with, the Certificate of Incorporation, no action that is required or permitted to be taken by the Stockholders at any annual or special meeting of Stockholders may be effected by written consent of Stockholders in lieu of a meeting of Stockholders.

 

Section 1.12          Inspectors of Election .  The Corporation may, and shall if required by law, in advance of any meeting of Stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of election, who may be employees of the Corporation, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof and to make a written report thereof.  The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act.  In the event that no inspector so appointed or designated is able to act at a meeting of Stockholders, the person presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting.  Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability.  The inspector or inspectors so appointed or designated shall (i) ascertain the number of shares of Stock outstanding and the voting power of each such share, (ii) determine the shares of Stock

 

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represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots, (iii) count all votes and ballots, (iv) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors, and (v) certify their determination of the number of shares of Stock represented at the meeting and such inspectors’ count of all votes and ballots. Such certification and report shall specify such other information as may be required by law.  In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots cast at any meeting of Stockholders, the inspectors may consider such information as is permitted by applicable law.  No person who is a candidate for an office at an election may serve as an inspector at such election.

 

Section 1.13          Conduct of Meetings .  The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the Stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the person presiding over the meeting.  The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of Stockholders as it shall deem appropriate.  Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the person presiding over any meeting of Stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such presiding person, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting.  Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the presiding person of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to Stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the presiding person of the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants.  The presiding person at any meeting of Stockholders, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a matter or business was not properly brought before the meeting and if such presiding person should so determine, such presiding person shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered.  Unless and to the extent determined by the Board of Directors or the person presiding over the meeting, meetings of Stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

Section 1.14          Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations .

 

(a)           Annual Meetings of Stockholders .

 

(i)            Nominations of persons 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 only (A) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto), (B) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or the nominating and corporate governance committee thereof or (C) by any Stockholder who was a Stockholder of record at the time the notice provided for in this Section 1.14 is delivered to the Secretary, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 1.14 .

 

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(ii)           For any nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a Stockholder pursuant to Section 1.14(a)(i)(C)  of these Bylaws, the Stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary and any such proposed business (other than the nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors) must constitute a proper matter for Stockholder action.  To be timely, a Stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day, nor earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day, prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting ( provided, however , that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or more than seventy (70) days after such anniversary date, notice by the Stockholder must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation).  In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a Stockholder’s notice as described above.  To be in proper form, such Stockholder’s notice must:

 

(A)        as to each person whom the Stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director of the Corporation, set forth (I) all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and (II) such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director of the Corporation if elected;

 

(B)        with respect to each nominee for election or reelection to the Board of Directors, include the completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 1.15 of these Bylaws;

 

(C)        as to any other business that the Stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, set forth a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend these Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such Stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and

 

(D)        as to the Stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, set forth (I) the name and address of such Stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s

 

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books, and of such beneficial owner, (II) the class or series and number of shares of Stock which are owned beneficially and of record by such Stockholder and such beneficial owner, (III) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the nomination or proposal between or among such Stockholder and/or such beneficial owner, any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any others acting in concert with any of the foregoing, including, in the case of a nomination, the nominee, (IV) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into as of the date of the Stockholder’s notice by, or on behalf of, such Stockholder and such beneficial owners, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in underlying shares of Stock, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Stockholder or such beneficial owner, with respect to securities of the Corporation, (V) a representation that the Stockholder is a holder of record of Stock entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination, (VI) a representation whether the Stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, intends or is part of a group which intends (x) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of outstanding Stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee and/or (y) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from Stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination, and (VII) any other information relating to such Stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in an election contest pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

The foregoing notice requirements of this Section 1.14(a)  shall be deemed satisfied by a Stockholder with respect to business other than a nomination for election as a director of the Corporation if the Stockholder has notified the Corporation of his, her or its intention to present a proposal at an annual meeting in compliance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and such Stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting.  The Corporation may require any proposed nominee for election as a director of the Corporation to furnish such other information as the Corporation may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation.

 

(iii)          Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of Section 1.14(a)(ii)  of these Bylaws to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting is increased effective after the time period for

 

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which nominations would otherwise be due under Section 1.14(a)(ii)  of these Bylaws and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships at least one hundred (100) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a Stockholder’s notice required by this Section 1.14 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

 

(b)           Special Meetings of Stockholders .  Except to the extent required by law, special meetings of Stockholders may be called only in accordance with Article 9 of the Certificate of Incorporation.  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 persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of Stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (1) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or the nominating and corporate governance committee thereof or (2) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any Stockholder who is a Stockholder of record at the time the notice provided for in this Section 1.14 is delivered to the Secretary, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and upon such election and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 1.14 .  In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of Stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such Stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the Stockholder’s notice required by Section 1.14(a)(ii)  of these Bylaws (including the completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 1.15 of these Bylaws and any other information, documents, affidavits, or certifications required by the Corporation) shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting or the tenth (10th) 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.  In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a Stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

(c)           General .

 

(i)            Except as otherwise expressly provided in any applicable rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act, only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.14 shall be eligible to be elected at an annual or special meeting of Stockholders to serve 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 the procedures set forth in this Section 1.14 .  Except as otherwise provided by law, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power and duty (A) to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the

 

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procedures set forth in this Section 1.14 (including whether the Stockholder or beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made or solicited (or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies or votes in support of such Stockholder’s nominee or proposal in compliance with such Stockholder’s representation as required by Section 1.14(a)(ii)(D)(VI)  of these Bylaws) and (B) if any proposed nomination or business was not made or proposed in compliance with this Section 1.14 , to declare that such nomination shall be disregarded or that such proposed business shall not be transacted.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.14 , unless otherwise required by law, if the Stockholder (or a qualified representative of the Stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of Stockholders to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation.  For purposes of this Section 1.14 , to be considered a qualified representative of the Stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such Stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such Stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such Stockholder to act for such Stockholder as proxy at the meeting of Stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of Stockholders.

 

(ii)           For purposes of this Section 1.14 , “ public announcement ” shall include disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or other national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(iii)          Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.14 , a Stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 1.14 ; provided, however , that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit any requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this Section 1.14 (including clause (a)(i)(C)  hereof and clause (b)  hereof), and compliance with clauses (a)(i)(C)  and (b)  of this Section 1.14 shall be the exclusive means for a Stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than, as provided in the penultimate sentence of clause (a)(ii)  hereof, business other than nominations brought properly under and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as may be amended from time to time).  Nothing in this Section 1.14 shall be deemed to affect any rights (x) of Stockholders to request inclusion of proposals or nominations in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act or (y) of the holders of any series of preferred Stock of the Corporation (“ Preferred Stock ”) to elect directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Section 1.15          Submission of Questionnaire, Representation and Agreement . To be eligible to be a nominee for election or reelection as a director of the Corporation, the candidate

 

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for nomination must have previously delivered (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under Section 1.14 of these Bylaws), to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (a) a completed written questionnaire (in a form provided by the Corporation) with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such proposed nominee and (b) a written representation and agreement (in form provided by the Corporation) that such candidate for nomination (i) is not and, if elected as a director during his or her term of office, will not become a party to (A) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given and will not give any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such proposed nominee, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “ Voting Commitment ”) or (B) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such proposed nominee’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such proposed nominee’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (ii) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation or reimbursement for service as a director and (iii) if elected as a director of the Corporation, will comply with all applicable corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality, stock ownership and trading and other policies and guidelines of the Corporation applicable to directors and in effect during such person’s term in office as a director of the Corporation (and, if requested by any candidate for nomination, the Secretary shall provide to such candidate for nomination all such policies and guidelines then in effect).

 

ARTICLE II.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 2.01          Number; Qualifications .  Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall be fixed from time to time solely by resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board.  For purposes of these Bylaws the term “ Whole Board ” shall mean the total number of authorized directors for the Board of Directors whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships.  Directors need not be Stockholders.

 

Section 2.02          Election; Resignation; Vacancies .  The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, designated Class I, Class II and Class III.  Commencing with the first annual meeting of Stockholders following the original effectiveness of Article 8.E of the Certificate of Incorporation, directors of each class the term of which shall then expire shall be elected to hold office for a three-year term and until the election and qualification of their respective successors in office.  Any director may resign at any time upon notice to the Corporation.  Except as otherwise required by law or that certain stockholders agreement, dated as of [  ·  ], 2015, by and among the Corporation, the LLC and the other persons party thereto (as it may be amended from time to time, the “ Stockholders Agreement ”) and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, unless the Board of Directors otherwise determines, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from the death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office and entitled to vote thereon, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director entitled to vote thereon, and not by the Stockholders.  Subject to the Stockholders Agreement, any director so chosen shall

 

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hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his successor shall be elected and qualified.

 

Section 2.03          Regular Meetings .  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such places, if any, within or without the State of Delaware and at such times as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

Section 2.04          Special Meetings .  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time or place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware whenever called by the Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, the Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary, or by any two members of the Board of Directors.  Notice of a special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given by the person or persons calling the meeting at least twenty-four hours before the special meeting.

 

Section 2.05          Telephonic Meetings Permitted .  Members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting thereof by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 2.05 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

Section 2.06          Quorum; Vote Required for Action .  At all meetings of the Board of Directors the directors entitled to cast a majority of the votes of the Whole Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; provided that, solely for the purposes of filling vacancies pursuant to Section 2.02 of these Bylaws, a meeting of the Board of Directors may be held if a majority of the directors then in office participate in such meeting.  Except in cases in which the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or applicable law otherwise provides, a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2.07          Organization .  Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the Chairperson, or in his or her absence by any Vice Chairperson, if any, or in his or her absence by the Chief Executive Officer, or in his or her absence the Chief Executive Officer, or in his or her absence by a Vice President or by a chairperson chosen at the meeting by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at the meeting.  The Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting, but in his or her absence the chairperson of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

 

Section 2.08          Action by Unanimous Consent of Directors .  Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and the writing or writings or electronic transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or such committee in accordance with applicable law.

 

Section 2.09          Compensation of Directors .  Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the

 

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compensation of directors.  The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary or other compensation as a director.  No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.  Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.  Any director of the Corporation may decline any or all such compensation payable to such director in his or her discretion.

 

ARTICLE III.
COMMITTEES

 

Section 3.01          Committees .  The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation.  Subject to the Stockholders Agreement, the Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of such committee.  In the absence or disqualification of a member of any committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in place of any such absent or disqualified member.  Any such committee, to the extent permitted by law and to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.

 

Section 3.02          Committee Rules .  Unless the Board of Directors otherwise provides, each committee designated by the Board of Directors may make, alter and repeal rules for the conduct of its business.  In the absence of such rules each committee shall conduct its business in the same manner as the Board of Directors conducts its business pursuant to Article II of these Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE IV.
OFFICERS

 

Section 4.01          Officers .  The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a chairperson of the Board of Directors (the “ Chairperson ”), a chief executive officer (the “ Chief Executive Officer ”), a chief financial officer (the “ Chief Financial Officer ”), one or more vice presidents (each, a “ Vice President ”), a Secretary (the “ Secretary ”), a treasurer (the “ Treasurer ”), a controller (the “ Controller ”) and such other officers as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, each of whom shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, each to have such authority, functions or duties as set forth in these Bylaws or as determined by the Board of Directors.  Subject to the Stockholders Agreement, each officer shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall hold office for such term as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors and until such person’s successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified, or until such person’s earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal.  The Board of Directors, in its discretion, from time to time may determine not to appoint one or more of the officers identified in the first sentence of this Section 4.01 or to leave such officer position vacant.

 

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Section 4.02          Removal, Resignation and Vacancies .  Subject to the Stockholders Agreement, any officer of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors, without prejudice to the rights, if any, of such officer under any contract to which it is a party.  Any officer may resign at any time upon written or electronic notice to the Corporation, without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which such officer is a party.  If any vacancy occurs in any office of the Corporation, subject to the Stockholders Agreement, the Board of Directors may appoint a successor to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term and until a successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified.

 

Section 4.03          Chairperson .  The Chairperson shall be deemed an officer of the Corporation, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, and shall report directly to the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, from time to time appoint one or more vice chairpersons (each, a “ Vice Chairperson ”) each of whom shall be deemed an officer of the Corporation, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, and shall report directly to the Chairperson.

 

Section 4.04          Chief Executive Officer .  The Chief Executive Officer shall have general supervision and direction of the business and affairs of the Corporation, shall be responsible for corporate policy and strategy, and shall report directly to the Chairperson.  Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, all other officers of the Corporation shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer or as otherwise determined by the Chief Executive Officer.  The Chief Executive Officer shall, if present and in the absence of the Chairperson or any Vice Chairperson, preside at meetings of the Stockholders and of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4.05          Chief Financial Officer .  The Chief Financial Officer shall exercise all the powers and perform the duties of the office of the chief financial officer and in general have overall supervision of the financial operations of the Corporation.  The Chief Financial Officer shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

Section 4.06          Vice Presidents .  The Vice President shall have such powers and duties as shall be prescribed by his or her superior officer or the Chief Executive Officer.  A Vice President shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.  In accordance with Sections 4.01 and 4.11 of these Bylaws, the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Chief Financial Officer may, in his, her or their discretion, from time to time appoint one or more executive vice presidents of the Corporation (each, an “ Executive Vice President ”) and/or assistant vice presidents of the Corporation (each, an “ Assistant Vice President ”).

 

Section 4.07          Treasurer .  The Treasurer shall supervise and be responsible for all the funds and securities of the Corporation, the deposit of all moneys and other valuables to the credit of the Corporation in depositories of the Corporation, borrowings and compliance with the provisions of all indentures, agreements and instruments governing such borrowings to which the Corporation is a party, the disbursement of funds of the Corporation and the investment of its

 

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funds, and in general shall perform all of the duties incident to the office of the Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall report to the Chief Financial Officer and, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. In accordance with Sections 4.01 and 4.11 of these Bylaws, the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Chief Financial Officer may, in his, her or their discretion, from time to time appoint one or more assistant treasurers of the Corporation (each, an “ Assistant Treasurer ”).

 

Section 4.08          Controller .  The Controller shall be the chief accounting officer of the Corporation.  The Controller shall report to the Chief Financial Officer and, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

Section 4.09          Secretary .  The powers and duties of the Secretary are:  (i) to act as Secretary at all meetings of the Board of Directors, of the committees of the Board of Directors and of the Stockholders and to record the proceedings of such meetings in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; (ii) to see that all notices required to be given by the Corporation are duly given and served; (iii) to act as custodian of the seal of the Corporation and affix the seal or cause it to be affixed to all certificates of Stock and to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws; (iv) to have charge of the books, records and papers of the Corporation and see that the reports, statements and other documents required by law to be kept and filed are properly kept and filed; and (v) to perform all of the duties incident to the office of Secretary.  The Secretary shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.  In accordance with Sections 4.01 and 4.11 of these Bylaws, the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Chief Financial Officer may, in his, her or their discretion, from time to time appoint one or more assistant secretaries of the Corporation (each, an “ Assistant Secretary ”).

 

Section 4.10          Appointing Attorneys and Agents; Voting Securities of Other Entities .  Unless otherwise provided by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson, any Vice Chairperson, the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer may from time to time appoint an attorney or attorneys or agent or agents of the Corporation, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to (a) cast the votes which the Corporation may be entitled to cast as the holder of stock or other securities in any other corporation or other entity, any of whose stock or other securities may be held by the Corporation, at meetings of the holders of the stock or other securities of such other corporation or other entity, or to consent in writing, in the name of the Corporation as such holder, to any action by such other corporation or other entity, and may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the manner of casting such votes or giving such consents, and may execute or cause to be executed in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and under its corporate seal or otherwise, all such written proxies or other instruments as he or she may deem necessary or proper and (b) exercise the rights of the Corporation in its capacity as a general partner of a partnership or in its capacity as a managing member of a limited liability company as to which the Corporation, in such capacity, is entitled to exercise pursuant to the

 

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applicable partnership agreement or limited liability company operating agreement, including without limitation to take or refrain from taking any action, or to consent in writing, in each case in the name of the Corporation as such general partner or managing member, to any action by such partnership or limited liability company, and may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the manner of taking such actions or giving such consents, and may execute or cause to be executed in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and under its corporate seal or otherwise, all such written proxies or other instruments as he or she may deem necessary or proper.  Unless otherwise provided by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, any of the rights set forth in this Section 4.10 which may be delegated to an attorney or agent may also be exercised directly by the Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer.

 

Section 4.11          Additional Matters .  The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer shall have the authority to designate employees of the Corporation to have the title of Executive Vice President, Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Assistant Treasurer or Assistant Secretary.  Any employee so designated shall have the powers and duties determined by the officer making such designation.  A person designated as an Executive Vice President, Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Assistant Treasurer or Assistant Secretary shall not be deemed to be an officer of the Corporation unless the Board of Directors has adopted a resolution approving such person in such capacity as an officer of the Corporation (including by means of direct appointment by the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 4.01 of these Bylaws).

 

ARTICLE V.
STOCK

 

Section 5.01          Certificates .  The shares of Stock shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of Stock shall be uncertificated shares.  Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation.  Every holder of Stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Corporation by (a) any one officer of the Corporation who is the Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, the Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President, and (b) by any one officer of the Corporation who is the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, with such signatories certifying the number of shares of the applicable class or series of Stock owned by such holder in the Corporation.  Any of or all the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile.  In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.

 

Section 5.02          Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Stock Certificates; Issuance of New Certificates .  The Corporation may issue a new certificate for shares of Stock in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made

 

15



 

against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

 

ARTICLE VI.
INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES

 

Section 6.01          Right to Indemnification .  The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law (including  as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended), any person (a “ Covered Person ”) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (any such action, suit or proceeding, a “ proceeding ”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by such Covered Person.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 6.03 of these Bylaws, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify a Covered Person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such Covered Person only if the commencement of such proceeding (or part thereof) by the Covered Person was authorized in the specific case by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6.02          Advancement of Expenses .  The Corporation shall to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a Covered Person in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however , that, to the extent required by law, such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Covered Person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article VI or otherwise.

 

Section 6.03          Claims .  If a claim for indemnification under this Article VI (following the final disposition of such proceeding) is not paid in full within sixty (60) days after the Corporation has received a claim therefor by the Covered Person, or if a claim for any advancement of expenses under this Article VI is not paid in full within thirty (30) days after the Corporation has received a statement or statements requesting such amounts to be advanced, the Covered Person shall thereupon (but not before) be entitled to file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim.  If successful in whole or in part, the Covered Person shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim to the fullest extent permitted by law.  In any such action, the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the Covered Person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable law.

 

Section 6.04          Non-exclusivity of Rights .  The rights conferred on any Covered Person by this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such Covered Person may have or hereafter acquires under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, agreement, vote of Stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

 

16



 

Section 6.05          Other Sources .  The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify or to advance expenses to any Covered Person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any amount such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.

 

Section 6.06          Amendment or Repeal .  Any right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses of any Covered Person arising hereunder shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to or repeal of these Bylaws after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought.

 

Section 6.07          Other Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses .  This Article VI shall not limit the right of the Corporation, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than Covered Persons when and as authorized by appropriate corporate action.

 

ARTICLE VII.
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 7.01          Fiscal Year .  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the last Wednesday of each December, unless otherwise determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 7.02          Seal .  The corporate seal shall have the name of the Corporation inscribed thereon and shall be in such form as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 7.03          Manner of Notice .  Except as otherwise provided herein or permitted by applicable law, notices to directors and Stockholders shall be in writing and delivered personally or mailed to the directors or Stockholders at their addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation.  Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to Stockholders, and except as prohibited by applicable law, any notice to Stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws shall be effective if given by a single written notice to Stockholders who share an address if consented to by the Stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given.  Any such consent shall be revocable by the Stockholder by written notice to the Corporation.  Any Stockholder who fails to object in writing to the Corporation, within sixty (60) days of having been given written notice by the Corporation of its intention to send the single notice permitted under this Section 7.03 , shall be deemed to have consented to receiving such single written notice.  Notice to directors may be given in person, by mail or by e-mail, telephone, telecopier or other means of electronic transmission.

 

Section 7.04          Waiver of Notice of Meetings of Stockholders, Directors and Committees .  Any waiver of notice, given by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice.  Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the

 

17



 

express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Stockholders, Board of Directors, or members of a committee of the Board of Directors need be specified in a waiver of notice.

 

Section 7.05          Form of Records .  Any records maintained by the Corporation in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account, and minute books, may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device or method, provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time.

 

Section 7.06          Amendment of Bylaws .  Subject to the Stockholders Agreement, these Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, and new bylaws made, only by the affirmative vote of (a) a majority of the Board of Directors or (b) Stockholders representing at least 66- 2 / 3 % of the votes eligible to be cast in an election of directors of the Corporation.

 

*            *            *

 

18




Exhibit 5.1

 

 

 

53rd at Third

 

 

885 Third Avenue

 

 

New York, New York 10022-4834

 

 

Tel: +1.212.906.1200 Fax: +1.212.751.4864

GRAPHIC

 

www.lw.com

 

 

 

FIRM / AFFILIATE OFFICES

 

 

 

 

 

Abu Dhabi

Milan

 

 

Barcelona

Moscow

 

 

Beijing

Munich

 

 

Boston

New Jersey

 

 

Brussels

New York

, 2015

 

Chicago

Orange County

 

 

Doha

Paris

 

 

Dubai

Riyadh

 

 

Düsseldorf

Rome

 

 

Frankfurt

San Diego

 

 

Hamburg

San Francisco

 

 

Hong Kong

Shanghai

 

 

Houston

Silicon Valley

 

 

London

Singapore

Shake Shack Inc.

 

Los Angeles

Tokyo

24 Union Square East

 

Madrid

Washington, D.C.

5th Floor

New York, NY 10003

 

Re:  Registration Statement No. 333-        ;          shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share of Shake Shack Inc.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as special counsel to Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), in connection with the proposed issuance of up to          shares (the “ Shares ”) of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “ Common Stock ”).  The Shares are included in a registration statement on Form S—1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) on December 29, 2014 (Registration No. 333—        ) (as amended, the “ Registration Statement ”).  The term “Shares” shall include any additional shares of Common Stock registered by the Company pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Act in connection with the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement.  This opinion is being furnished in connection with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act, and no opinion is expressed herein as to any matter pertaining to the contents of the Registration Statement or related Prospectus, other than as expressly stated herein with respect to the issue of the Shares.

 

As such counsel, we have examined such matters of fact and questions of law as we have considered appropriate for purposes of this letter.  With your consent, we have relied upon certificates and other assurances of officers of the Company and others as to factual matters without having independently verified such factual matters.  We are opining herein as to General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and we express no opinion with respect to any other laws.

 

Subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth herein, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, when the Board of Directors of the Company has taken all necessary

 



 

corporate action to authorize and approve the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company in the form most recently filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (the “ Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation ”), when the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company has been duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and when the Shares shall have been duly registered on the books of the transfer agent and registrar therefor in the name or on behalf of the purchasers, and have been issued by the Company against payment therefor (not less than par value) in the circumstances contemplated by the form of underwriting agreement most recently filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, the issue and sale of the Shares will have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, and the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.  In rendering the foregoing opinion, we have assumed that the Company will comply with all applicable notice requirements regarding uncertificated shares provided in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

This opinion is for your benefit in connection with the Registration Statement and may be relied upon by you and by persons entitled to rely upon it pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act.  We consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm in the Prospectus under the heading “Legal Matters.”  We further consent to the incorporation by reference of this letter and consent into any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) with respect to the Shares.  In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

2




Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

 

TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

 

 

by and among

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

THE MEMBERS OF SSE HOLDINGS, LLC
FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO

 

 

Dated as of [ · ], 2015

 

 

 

 



 

CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

Article I. DEFINITIONS

2

 

 

 

Section 1.1

Definitions

2

Section 1.2

Rules of Construction

10

 

 

 

Article II. DETERMINATION OF REALIZED TAX BENEFIT

11

 

 

 

Section 2.1

Basis Adjustments; SSE Holdings 754 Election

11

Section 2.2

Basis Schedules

11

Section 2.3

Tax Benefit Schedules

12

Section 2.4

Procedures; Amendments

12

 

 

 

Article III. TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS

14

 

 

 

Section 3.1

Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments

14

Section 3.2

No Duplicative Payments

16

Section 3.3

Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the Members

16

 

 

 

Article IV. TERMINATION

17

 

 

 

Section 4.1

Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement

17

Section 4.2

Early Termination Notice

18

Section 4.3

Payment Upon Early Termination

19

 

 

 

Article V. SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS

20

 

 

 

Section 5.1

Subordination

20

Section 5.2

Late Payments by the Corporation

20

 

 

 

Article VI. TAX MATTERS; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION

20

 

 

 

Section 6.1

Participation in the Corporation’s and SSE Holdings’ Tax Matters

20

Section 6.2

Consistency

20

Section 6.3

Cooperation

21

 

 

 

Article VII. MISCELLANEOUS

21

 

 

 

Section 7.1

Notices

21

Section 7.2

Counterparts

22

Section 7.3

Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries

22

Section 7.4

Governing Law

22

Section 7.5

Severability

22

Section 7.6

Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver

23

Section 7.7

Titles and Subtitles

24

 

i



 

Section 7.8

Resolution of Disputes

24

Section 7.9

Reconciliation

25

Section 7.10

Withholding

26

Section 7.11

Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets

26

Section 7.12

Confidentiality

26

Section 7.13

Change in Law

27

Section 7.14

Interest Rate Limitation

27

Section 7.15

Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations

28

 

Exhibits

 

Exhibit A

-

Form of Joinder Agreement

 

ii



 

TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

 

This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ · ], 2015, is hereby entered into by and among Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ SSE Holdings ”) and each of the Members from time to time party hereto.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in Section 1.1.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, SSE Holdings is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

WHEREAS, each of the members of SSE Holdings other than the Corporation (such members, together with each other Person who becomes party hereto by satisfying the Joinder Requirement, the “ Members ”) owns (or, in the case of such other Persons, will own or formerly owned, in each case, directly or indirectly) common limited liability company interests in SSE Holdings (the “ Units ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation is the managing member of SSE Holdings, and will be the registered owner of Units;

 

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Corporation issued shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class A Common Stock ”) to certain purchasers in an initial public offering of its Class A Common Stock (the “ IPO ”);

 

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Corporation acquired newly-issued Units directly from SSE Holdings using proceeds from the IPO;

 

WHEREAS, on and after the date hereof, pursuant to Article XI of the LLC Agreement, each Member has the right, in its sole discretion, from time to time to have all or a portion its Units redeemed by SSE Holdings for, at the Corporation’s election, cash or Class A Common Stock (a “ Redemption ”); provided that, at the election of the Corporation in its sole discretion, the Corporation may effect a direct exchange of such cash or shares of Class A Common Stock for such Units (a “ Direct Exchange ”);

 

WHEREAS, SSE Holdings and any direct or indirect subsidiary (owned through a chain of pass-through entities) of SSE Holdings that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (together with SSE Holdings and any direct or indirect subsidiary (owned through a chain of pass-through entities) of SSE Holdings that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the “ SSE Holdings Group ”) will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (as defined herein) as provided under Section 2.1(b) for the Taxable Year (as defined herein) in which any Exchange (as defined below) occurs, which election will result in an adjustment to the Corporation’s share of the tax basis of the assets owned by the SSE Holdings Group as of the date of the Exchange, with a consequent result on the taxable income subsequently derived therefrom; and

 



 

WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to provide for certain payments and make certain arrangements with respect to any tax benefits to be derived by the Corporation as the result of Exchanges and making payments under this Agreement, and to ease administrative burdens, an assumed tax rate shall be used to approximate the Corporation’s state, local and foreign liabilities for Covered Taxes (as defined herein) without regard to such tax benefits for each Taxable Year.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1            Definitions .  As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both (i) the singular and plural and (ii) the active and passive forms of the terms defined).

 

Actual Interest Amount ” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(vii) of this Agreement.

 

Actual Tax Liability ” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the liability for Covered Taxes of the Corporation (a) appearing on Tax Returns of the Corporation for such Taxable Year and (b) if applicable, determined in accordance with a Determination (including interest imposed in respect thereof under applicable law).

 

Advisory Firm ” means an accounting firm that is nationally recognized as being expert in Covered Tax matters, selected by the Corporation.

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person.

 

Agreed Rate ” means LIBOR plus 100 basis points.

 

Agreement ” is defined in the preamble.

 

Amended Schedule ” is defined in Section 2.4(b) of this Agreement.

 

Attributable ” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(i) of this Agreement.

 

Audit Committee ” means the audit committee of the Board.

 

Basis Adjustment ” means the increase or decrease to, or the Corporation’s share of, the tax basis of the Reference Assets (i) under Section 734(b), 743(b), 754 and 755 of the Code and, in each case, the comparable sections of U.S. state and local tax law (in situations where, following an Exchange, SSE Holdings remains in existence as an entity for tax purposes) and (ii) under Sections 732 and 1012 of the Code and, in each case, the comparable sections of U.S. state and local tax law (in situations where, as a result of one or more Exchanges, SSE Holdings

 

2



 

becomes an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for tax purposes), in each case, as a result of any Exchange and any payments made under this Agreement.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the amount of any Basis Adjustment resulting from an Exchange of one or more Units shall be determined without regard to any Pre-Exchange Transfer of such Units and as if any such Pre-Exchange Transfer had not occurred to the extent that such Pre-Exchange Transfer resulted in the partial or complete elimination of a future Basis Adjustment that the Corporation would have otherwise obtained pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

Basis Schedule ” is defined in Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

 

Beneficial Owner ” means, with respect to any security, a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, with respect to such security and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security.

 

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

Business Day ” means any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day that is a legal holiday under the laws of the State of New York or is a day on which banking institutions located in New York are closed.

 

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(1) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding any “person” or “group” who, on the date of the consummation of the IPO, is the Beneficial Owner of securities of the Corporation representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities)) becomes the Beneficial Owner of securities of the Corporation representing  more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities;

 

(2) the shareholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale or other disposition, directly, or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of assets of SSE Holdings), other than such sale or other disposition by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets to an entity at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Corporation immediately prior to such sale;

 

(3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Corporation (including SSE Holdings) with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, either (x) the board of directors of the Corporation immediately prior to the merger or consolidation does not constitute at least a majority of the board of

 

3



 

directors of the company surviving the merger or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (y) all of the Persons who were the respective Beneficial Owners of the voting securities of the Corporation immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation;

 

(4) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Corporation then serving: individuals who were directors of the Corporation on the date of the consummation of the IPO and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Corporation) whose appointment or election by the board of directors of the Corporation or nomination for election by the Corporation’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors of the Corporation on the date of the consummation of the IPO or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause 4; or

 

(5) a “change of control” or similar defined term in any agreement governing indebtedness of SSE Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries with aggregate principal amount or aggregate commitments outstanding in excess of $[25,000,000].

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class B common stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.

 

Code ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Corporation Letter ” means a letter prepared by the Corporation in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, which states that the relevant Schedules, notices or other information to be provided by the Corporation to the Members, along with all supporting schedules and work papers, were prepared in a manner that is consistent with the terms of this Agreement and, to the extent not expressly provided in this Agreement, on a reasonable basis in light of the facts and law in existence on the date such Schedules, notices or other information were delivered by the Corporation to the Members.

 

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, 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.

 

4



 

Corporation ” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Covered Taxes ” means any and all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits, whether as an exclusive or an alternative basis (including for the avoidance of doubt, franchise taxes), and any interest imposed in respect thereof under applicable law.

 

Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit ” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iii) of this Agreement.

 

Default Rate ” means LIBOR plus 500 basis points.

 

Default Rate Interest ” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(ix) of this Agreement.

 

Determination ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or similar provision of U.S. state tax law, as applicable, or any other event (including the execution of IRS Form 870-AD) that finally and conclusively establishes the amount of any liability for tax.

 

Direct Exchange ” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Dispute ” is defined in Section 7.8(a) of this Agreement.

 

Early Termination Effective Date ” means the date of an Early Termination Notice for purposes of determining the Early Termination Payment.

 

Early Termination Notice ” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

 

Early Termination Payment ” is defined in Section 4.3(b) of this Agreement.

 

Early Termination Rate ” means the Agreed Rate.

 

Early Termination Reference Date ” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

 

Early Termination Schedule ” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

 

Exchange ” means any (i) Direct Exchange, (ii) Redemption or (iii) any transaction using proceeds of the IPO or any distribution by SSE Holdings that in either case results in an adjustment under Section 743(b) of the Code with respect to the SSE Holdings Group.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provisions thereto.

 

Exchange Date ” means the date of any Exchange.

 

Expert ” is defined in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.

 

Extension Rate Interest ” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(viii) of this Agreement.

 

5


 

Final Payment Date ” means any date on which a payment is required to be made pursuant to this Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Final Payment Date in respect of a Tax Benefit Payment is determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) of this Agreement.

 

Hypothetical Federal Tax Liability ” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the hypothetical liability of the Corporation that would arise in respect of U.S. federal Covered Taxes, using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used on the actual relevant U.S. federal Tax Returns of the Corporation but (i) calculating depreciation, amortization, or other similar deductions, or otherwise calculating any items of income, gain, or loss, using the Non-Adjusted Tax Basis as reflected on the Basis Schedule, including amendments thereto for such Taxable Year, (ii) excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest for such Taxable Year and (iii) deducting actual state, local and foreign tax liabilities for such Taxable Year for purposes of determining U.S. federal taxable income.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Hypothetical Federal Tax Liability shall be determined without taking into account the carryover or carryback of any tax item (or portions thereof) that is attributable to any of the items described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of the previous sentence.

 

Hypothetical Other Tax Liability ” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, U.S. federal taxable income determined in connection with calculating the Hypothetical Federal Tax Liability for such Taxable Year, plus the amount used for purposes of clause (iii) of the definition of Hypothetical Federal Tax Liability” with respect to such Taxable Year, the sum of which is multiplied by six percent (6%).

 

Hypothetical Tax Liability ” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the Hypothetical Federal Tax Liability for such Taxable Year, plus the Hypothetical Other Tax Liability for such Taxable Year.

 

Imputed Interest ” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(vi) of this Agreement.

 

Independent Directors ” means the members of the Board who are “independent” under the standards set forth in Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and the corresponding rules of the applicable exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is traded or quoted.

 

IPO ” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

IRS ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

 

Joinder ” means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.

 

Joinder Requirement ” is defined in Section 7.6(a) of this Agreement.

 

LIBOR ” means during any period, a rate per annum equal to the ICE LIBOR rate for a period of one month (“ ICE LIBOR ”), as published on the applicable Bloomberg screen page (or such other commercially available source providing quotations of ICE LIBOR as may be designated by the Corporation from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two

 

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(2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such period) with a term equivalent to such period.

 

LLC Agreement ” means that certain Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of SSE Holdings, LLC, dated as of the date hereof, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Market Value ” shall mean the Common Unit Redemption Price, as defined in the LLC Agreement.

 

Member Advisory Firm ” means an accounting firm that is nationally recognized as being expert in Covered Tax matters, selected by the applicable Member; provided that such accounting firm shall be different from the accounting firm serving as the Advisory Firm.

 

Members ” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Net Tax Benefit ” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(ii) of this Agreement.

 

Non-Adjusted Tax Basis ” means, with respect to any Reference Asset at any time, the tax basis that such asset would have had at such time if no Basis Adjustments had been made.

 

Objection Notice ” is defined in Section 2.4(a)(i) of this Agreement.

 

Parties ” means the parties named on the signature pages to this agreement and each additional party that satisfies the Joinder Requirement, in each case with their respective successors and assigns.

 

Person ” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.

 

Pre-Exchange Transfer ” means any transfer of one or more Units (including upon the death of a Member or upon the issuance of Units(1) resulting from the exercise of an option to acquire such Units) (i) that occurs prior to an Exchange of such Units and (ii) to which Section 743(b) of the Code applies.

 

Realized Tax Benefit ” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iv) of this Agreement.

 

Realized Tax Detriment ” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(v) of this Agreement.

 

Reconciliation Dispute ” is defined in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.

 

Reconciliation Procedures ” is defined in Section 2.4(a) of this Agreement.

 

Redemption ” has the meaning in the recitals to this Agreement.

 


(1)          Note to Draft: Subject to further discussion regarding transfers occurring prior to the IPO.

 

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Reference Asset ” means any asset of SSE Holdings or any of its successors or assigns, and whether held directly by SSE Holdings or indirectly by SSE Holdings through a member of the SSE Holdings Group, at the time of an Exchange.  A Reference Asset also includes any asset the tax basis of which is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the tax basis of an asset that is described in the preceding sentence, including “substituted basis property” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code.

 

Schedule ” means any of the following: (i) a Basis Schedule, (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule, or (iii) the Early Termination Schedule, and, in each case, any amendments thereto.

 

Senior Obligations ” is defined in Section 5.1 of this Agreement.

 

SSE Holdings ” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

SSE Holdings Group ” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person and as of any determination date, any other Person as to which such first Person (i) owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls, more than 50% of the voting power or other similar interests of such other Person or (ii) is the sole general partner interest, or managing member or similar interest, of such Person.

 

Subsidiary Stock ” means any stock or other equity interest in any subsidiary entity of the Corporation that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Tax Benefit Payment ” is defined in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.

 

Tax Benefit Schedule ” is defined in Section 2.3(a) of this Agreement.

 

Tax Return ” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement required to be filed with respect to taxes (including any attached schedules), including, without limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated tax.

 

Taxable Year ” means a taxable year of the Corporation as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable section of U.S. state or local tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than 12 months for which a Tax Return is made), ending on or after the closing date of the IPO.

 

Taxing Authority ” shall mean any national, federal, state, county, municipal, or local government, or any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body, or any other authority of any kind, exercising regulatory or other authority in relation to tax matters.

 

Termination Objection Notice ” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

 

Treasury Regulations ” means the final, temporary, and (to the extent they can be relied upon) proposed regulations under the Code, as promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.

 

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Two-Thirds Member Approval ” means written approval by Members whose rights under this Agreement are attributable to at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Units outstanding (and not held by the Corporation) immediately after the IPO.

 

U.S. ” means the United States of America.

 

Units ” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Valuation Assumptions ” shall mean, as of an Early Termination Effective Date, the assumptions that:

 

(1)                                  in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Effective Date, the Corporation will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the deductions arising from the Basis Adjustments and the Imputed Interest during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future Tax Benefit Payments that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available;

 

(2)                                  the U.S. federal income tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other law as in effect on the Early Termination Effective Date, except to the extent any change to such tax rates for such Taxable Year have already been enacted into law;

 

(3)                                  all taxable income of the Corporation will be subject to the maximum applicable tax rates for each Covered Tax throughout the relevant period;

 

(4)                                  any loss carryovers or carrybacks generated by any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest (including such Basis Adjustment and Imputed Interest generated as a result of payments under this Agreement) and available as of the date of the Early Termination Schedule will be used by the Corporation ratably in each Taxable Year from the date of the Early Termination Schedule through the scheduled expiration date of such loss carryovers or carrybacks;  by way of example, if on the date of the Early Termination Schedule the Corporation had $100 of net operating losses with a carryforward period of ten (10) years, $10 of such net operating losses would be used in each of the ten (10) consecutive Taxable Years beginning in the Taxable Year of such Early Termination Schedule;

 

(5)                                  any non-amortizable assets (other than Subsidiary Stock) will be disposed of on the earlier of (i) the fifteenth anniversary of the applicable Basis Adjustment and (ii) the Early Termination Effective Date;

 

(6)                                  any Subsidiary Stock will be deemed never to be disposed of;

 

(7)                                  if, on the Early Termination Effective Date, any Member has Units that have not been Exchanged, then such Units shall be deemed to be Exchanged for the Market Value of the shares of Class A Common Stock that would be received by such Member if such Units had been Exchanged on the Early Termination Effective Date, and

 

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such Member shall be deemed to receive the amount of cash such Member would have been entitled to pursuant to Section 4.3(a) had such Units actually been Exchanged on the Early Termination Effective Date and

 

(8)                                  any payment obligations pursuant to this Agreement will be satisfied on the date that any Tax Return to which such payment obligation relates is required to be filed excluding any extensions.

 

Section 1.2                                     Rules of Construction .  Unless otherwise specified herein:

 

(a)                                  The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

(b)                                  For purposes of interpretation of this Agreement:

 

(i)                                      The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” 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 thereof.

 

(ii)                                   References in this Agreement to a Schedule, Article, Section, clause or sub-clause refer to the appropriate Schedule to, or Article, Section, clause or subclause in, this Agreement.

 

(iii)                                References in this Agreement to dollars or “$” refer to the lawful currency of the United States of America.

 

(iv)                               The term “including” is by way of example and not limitation.

 

(v)                                  The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.

 

(c)                                   In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

 

(d)                                  Section headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

(e)                                   Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to organization documents (including the LLC Agreement), agreements (including this Agreement) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted hereby; and (b) references to any law (including the Code and the Treasury Regulations) shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.

 

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ARTICLE II.
DETERMINATION OF REALIZED TAX BENEFIT

 

Section 2.1                                     Basis Adjustments; SSE Holdings 754 Election .

 

(a)                                  Basis Adjustments .  The Parties acknowledge and agree that (A) each Redemption shall be treated as a direct purchase of Units by the Corporation from the applicable Member pursuant to Section 707(a)(2)(B) of the Code and (B) each Exchange will give rise to Basis Adjustments.  In connection with any Exchange, the Parties acknowledge and agree that pursuant to applicable law the Corporation’s share of the basis in the Reference Assets shall be increased (or decreased) by the excess (or deficiency), if any, of (A) the sum of (x) the Market Value of Class A Common Stock or the cash transferred to a Member pursuant to an Exchange as payment for the Units, (y) the amount of payments made pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Exchange and (z) the amount of liabilities allocated to the Units acquired pursuant to the Exchange, over (B) the Corporation’s proportionate share of the basis of the Reference Assets immediately after the Exchange attributable to the Units exchanged, determined as if each member of the SSE Holdings Group (including, for the avoidance of doubt, SSE Holdings) remains in existence as an entity for tax purposes and no member of the SSE Holdings Group (including, for the avoidance of doubt, SSE Holdings) made the election provided by Section 754 of the Code.  For the avoidance of doubt, payments made under this Agreement shall not be treated as resulting in a Basis Adjustment to the extent such payments are treated as Imputed Interest or are Actual Interest Amounts.  Further, the Parties intend that Basis Adjustments be calculated in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.743-1.

 

(b)                                  SSE Holdings Section 754 Election .  In its capacity as the sole managing member of SSE Holdings, the Corporation will ensure that, on and after the date hereof and continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, SSE Holdings and each of its direct and indirect Subsidiaries (including any successors to SSE Holdings and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries arising as a result of terminations occurring pursuant to Section 708(b)(1)(B) of the Code) that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (and under any similar provisions of applicable U.S. state or local law) for each Taxable Year.

 

Section 2.2                                     Basis Schedules .  Within one hundred fifty (150) calendar days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for each relevant Taxable Year, the Corporation shall deliver to the Members a schedule (the “ Basis Schedule ”) that shows, in reasonable detail as necessary in order to understand the calculations performed under this Agreement: (a) the Non-Adjusted Tax Basis of the Reference Assets as of each applicable Exchange Date; (b) the Basis Adjustments with respect to the Reference Assets as a result of the relevant Exchanges effected in such Taxable Year, calculated (I) in the aggregate (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Exchanges by all Members) and (II) solely with respect to Exchanges by the applicable Member; (c) the period (or periods) over which the Reference Assets are amortizable and/or depreciable; and (d) the period (or periods) over which each Basis Adjustment is amortizable and/or depreciable.  The Basis Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a) and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(b).

 

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Section 2.3                                     Tax Benefit Schedules.

 

(a)                                  Tax Benefit Schedule .  Within one hundred fifty (150) calendar days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment, the Corporation shall provide to the Members a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year (a “ Tax Benefit Schedule ”).  The Tax Benefit Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a), and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(b).

 

(b)                                  Applicable Principles .  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year is intended to measure the decrease or increase in the Actual Tax Liability of the Corporation for such Taxable Year attributable to the Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest, as determined using a “with and without” methodology described in Section 2.4(a).  Carryovers or carrybacks of any tax item attributable to any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations or the appropriate provisions of U.S. state and local tax law, as applicable, governing the use, limitation and expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type.  If a carryover or carryback of any tax item includes a portion that is attributable to a Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest (a “ TRA Portion ”) and another portion that is not (a “ Non-TRA Portion ”), such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with the “with and without” methodology so that: (i) the amount of any Non-TRA Portion is deemed utilized first, followed by the amount of any TRA Portion (with the TRA Portion being applied on a proportionate basis consistent with the provisions of Section 3.3(a)); and (ii) in the case of a carryback of a Non-TRA Portion, such carryback shall not affect the original “with and without” calculation made in the prior Taxable Year.  The Parties agree that, subject to the second to last sentence of Section 2.1(a), all Tax Benefit Payments attributable to an Exchange will be treated as subsequent upward purchase price adjustments that give rise to further Basis Adjustments for the Corporation beginning in the Taxable Year of payment, and as a result, such additional Basis Adjustments will be incorporated into such Taxable Year continuing for future Taxable Years until any incremental Basis Adjustment benefits with respect to a Tax Benefit Payment equals an immaterial amount.

 

Section 2.4                                     Procedures; Amendments .

 

(a)                                  Procedures .  Each time the Corporation delivers an applicable Schedule to the Members under this Agreement, including any Amended Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 2.4(b), but excluding any Early Termination Schedule or amended Early Termination Schedule delivered pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 4.2, the Corporation shall also: (x) deliver supporting schedules and work papers, as determined by the Corporation or as reasonably requested by any Member, that provide a reasonable level of detail regarding the data and calculations that were relevant for purposes of preparing the Schedule; (y) deliver a Corporation Letter supporting such Schedule; and (z) allow the Members and their advisors to have reasonable access to the appropriate representatives, as determined by the Corporation or as reasonably requested by the Members, at the Corporation and the Advisory Firm in connection with a review of such Schedule.  Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the

 

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Corporation shall ensure that any Tax Benefit Schedule that is delivered to the Members, along with any supporting schedules and work papers, provides a reasonably detailed presentation of the calculation of the Actual Tax Liability of the Corporation for the relevant Taxable Year (the “with” calculation) and the Hypothetical Tax Liability of the Corporation for such Taxable Year (the “without” calculation), and identifies any material assumptions or operating procedures or principles that were used for purposes of such calculations.  An applicable Schedule or amendment thereto shall become final and binding on the Parties thirty (30) calendar days from the date on which the Members first received the applicable Schedule or amendment thereto unless:

 

(i)                                      a Member within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the applicable Schedule or amendment thereto, provides the Corporation with (A) written notice of a material objection to such Schedule that is made in good faith and that sets forth in reasonable detail such Member’s material objection (an “ Objection Notice ”) and (B) a letter from a Member Advisory Firm in support of such Objection Notice; or

 

(ii)                                   each Member provides a written waiver of its right to deliver an Objection Notice within the time period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Schedule or amendment thereto becomes binding on the date the waiver from all Members is received by the Corporation.

 

In the event that a Member timely delivers an Objection Notice pursuant to clause (i) above, and if the Parties, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in the Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporation of the Objection Notice, the Corporation and the Member shall employ the reconciliation procedures as described in Section 7.9 of this Agreement (the “ Reconciliation Procedures ”).  For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the expense of preparing and obtaining the letter from an Advisory Firm referenced in clause (i) above shall be borne solely by the relevant Member and the Corporation shall have no liability with respect to such letter or any of the expenses associated with its preparation and delivery.

 

(b)                                  Amended Schedule .  The applicable Schedule for any Taxable Year may be amended from time to time by the Corporation: (i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule; (ii) to correct inaccuracies in the Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date the Schedule was originally provided to the Member; (iii) to comply with an Expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures applicable to this Agreement; (iv) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to a carryback or carryforward of a loss or other Tax item to such Taxable Year; (v) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year; or (vi) to adjust a Basis Schedule to take into account any Tax Benefit Payments made pursuant to this Agreement (any such Schedule, an “ Amended Schedule ”).

 

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ARTICLE III.
TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS

 

Section 3.1                                     Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments .

 

(a)                                  Timing of Payments .  Subject to Sections 3.2 and 3.3, within three (3) Business Days following the date on which each Tax Benefit Schedule that is required to be delivered by the Corporation to the Members pursuant to Section 2.3(a) of this Agreement becomes final in accordance with Section 2.4(a) of this Agreement (such date, the “ Final Payment Date ” in respect of any Tax Benefit Payment), the Corporation shall pay to each relevant Member the Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b).  Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the bank account previously designated by such Members or as otherwise agreed by the Corporation and such Members.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Members shall not be required under any circumstances to return any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment previously paid by the Corporation to the Members (including any portion of any Early Termination Payment).

 

(b)                                  Amount of Payments .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “ Tax Benefit Payment ” with respect to any Member means an amount, not less than zero, equal to the sum of: (i) the Net Tax Benefit that is Attributable to such Member and (ii) the Actual Interest Amount.

 

(i)                                      Attributable .  A Net Tax Benefit is “ Attributable ” to a Member to the extent that it is derived from any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest that is attributable to an Exchange undertaken by or with respect to such Member.

 

(ii)                                   Net Tax Benefit .  The “ Net Tax Benefit ” for a Taxable Year equals the amount of the excess, if any, of (x) 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit Attributable to such Member as of the end of such Taxable Year over (y) the aggregate amount of all Tax Benefit Payments previously made to such Member under this Section 3.1.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit as of the end of any Taxable Year is less than the aggregate amount of all Tax Benefit Payments previously made to a Member, such Member shall not be required to return any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment previously made by the Corporation to such Member.

 

(iii)                                Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit .  The “ Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit ” for a Taxable Year equals the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits for all Taxable Years of the Corporation, up to and including such Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Detriments for the same period.  The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedule or Amended Schedule, if any, in existence at the time of such determination.

 

(iv)                               Realized Tax Benefit .  The “ Realized Tax Benefit ” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability over the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year.  If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit or similar proceeding by a Taxing Authority of any

 

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Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.

 

(v)                                  Realized Tax Detriment .  The “ Realized Tax Detriment ” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of the Actual Tax Liability over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Taxable Year.  If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit or similar proceeding by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.

 

(vi)                               Imputed Interest .  The principles of Sections 1272, 1274, or 483 of the Code, as applicable, and the principles of any similar provision of U.S. state and local law, will apply to cause a portion of any Net Tax Benefit payable by the Corporation to a Member under this Agreement to be treated as imputed interest (“ Imputed Interest ”).  For the avoidance of doubt, the deduction for the amount of Imputed Interest as determined with respect to any Net Tax Benefit payable by the Corporation to a Member shall be excluded in determining the Hypothetical Tax Liability of the Corporation for purposes of calculating Realized Tax Benefits and Realized Tax Detriments pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(vii)                            Actual Interest Amount .  The “ Actual Interest Amount ” calculated in respect of the Net Tax Benefit for a Taxable Year will equal the amount of any Extension Rate Interest.

 

(viii)                         Extension Rate Interest .  The amount of “ Extension Rate Interest ” calculated in respect of the Net Tax Benefit (including previously accrued Imputed Interest) for a Taxable Year will equal interest calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year until the date on which the Corporation makes a timely Tax Benefit Payment to the Member on or before the Final Payment Date as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a).

 

(ix)                               Default Rate Interest .  In the event that the Corporation does not make timely payment of all or any portion of a Tax Benefit Payment to a Member on or before the Final Payment Date as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a), the amount of “ Default Rate Interest ” calculated in respect of the Net Tax Benefit (including previously accrued Imputed Interest and Extension Rate Interest) for a Taxable Year will equal interest calculated at the Default Rate from the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) until the date on which the Corporation makes such Tax Benefit Payment to such Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, the amount of any Default Rate Interest as determined with respect to any Net Tax Benefit payable by the Corporation to a Member shall be included in the Hypothetical Tax Liability of the Corporation for purposes of calculating Realized Tax Benefits and Realized Tax Detriments pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(x)                                  The Corporation and the Members hereby acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the date of any future Exchange that may be

 

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subject to this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot be reasonably ascertained for U.S. federal income or other applicable tax purposes.

 

(c)           Interest .  The provisions of Section 3.1(b) are intended to operate so that interest will effectively accrue in respect of the Net Tax Benefit for any Taxable Year as follows:

 

(i)            first, at the applicable rate used to determine the amount of Imputed Interest under the Code (from the relevant Exchange Date until the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year);

 

(ii)           second, at the Agreed Rate in respect of any Extension Rate Interest (from the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year until the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a)); and

 

(iii)          third, at the Default Rate in respect of any Default Rate Interest (from the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) until the date on which the Corporation makes the relevant Tax Benefit Payment to a Member).

 

Section 3.2            No Duplicative Payments .  It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement will not result in the duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) that may be required under this Agreement, and the provisions of this Agreement shall be consistently interpreted and applied in accordance with that intent.  For purposes of this Agreement, and also for the avoidance of doubt, no Tax Benefit Payment shall be calculated or made in respect of any estimated tax payments, including, without limitation, any estimated U.S. federal income tax payments.

 

Section 3.3            Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the Members .

 

(a)           Insufficient Taxable Income .  Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1(b) to the contrary, if the aggregate potential Covered Tax benefit of the Corporation as calculated with respect to the Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest (in each case, without regard to the Taxable Year of origination) is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporation does not have sufficient actual taxable income, then the available Covered Tax benefit for the Corporation shall be allocated among the Members in proportion to the respective Tax Benefit Payment that would have been payable if the Corporation had in fact had sufficient taxable income so that there had been no such limitation.  As an illustration of the intended operation of this Section 3.3(a), if the Corporation had $200 of aggregate potential Covered Tax benefits with respect to the Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest in a particular Taxable Year (with $50 of such Covered Tax benefits being attributable to Member 1 and $150 of such Covered Tax benefits being attributable to Member 2), such that Member 1 would have potentially been entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment of $42.50 and Member 2 would have been entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment of $127.50 if the Corporation had $200 of taxable income, and if at the same time the Corporation only had $100 of actual taxable income in such Taxable Year, then $25 of the aggregate $100 actual Covered Tax benefit for the Corporation for such Taxable Year would

 

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be allocated to Member 1 and $75 of the aggregate $100 actual Covered Tax benefit for the Corporation would be allocated to Member 2, such that Member 1 would receive a Tax Benefit Payment of $21.25 and Member 2 would receive a Tax Benefit Payment of $63.75.

 

(b)           Late Payments .  If for any reason the Corporation is not able to timely and fully satisfy its payment obligations under this Agreement in respect of a particular Taxable Year, then Default Rate Interest will begin to accrue pursuant to Section 5.2 and the Corporation and other Parties agree that (i) the Corporation shall pay the Tax Benefit Payments due in respect of such Taxable Year to each Member pro rata in accordance with the principles of Section 3.3(a) and (ii) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments to all Members in respect of all prior Taxable Years have been made in full.

 

ARTICLE IV.
TERMINATION

 

Section 4.1            Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement .

 

(a)           Corporation’s Early Termination Right .  With the written approval of a majority of the Independent Directors, the Corporation may completely terminate this Agreement, as and to the extent provided herein, with respect to all amounts payable to the Members pursuant to this Agreement by paying to the Members the Early Termination Payment; provided that Early Termination Payments may be made pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) only if made to all Members that are entitled to such a payment simultaneously, and provided further , that the Corporation may withdraw any notice to execute its termination rights under this Section 4.1(a) prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment has been paid.  Upon the Corporation’ payment of the Early Termination Payment, the Corporation shall not have any further payment obligations under this Agreement, other than with respect to any: (i) prior Tax Benefit Payments that are due and payable under this Agreement but that still remain unpaid as of the date of the Early Termination Notice; and (ii) current Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending on or including the date of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that the amount described in clause (ii) is included in the calculation of the Early Termination Payment).  If an Exchange subsequently occurs with respect to Units for which the Corporation has exercised its termination rights under this Section 4.1(a), the Corporation shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange.

 

(b)           Acceleration Upon Change of Control .  In the event of a Change of Control, all obligations hereunder shall be accelerated and such obligations shall be calculated pursuant to this Article IV as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the closing date of the Change of Control and utilizing the Valuation Assumptions by substituting the phrase “the closing date of a Change of Control” in each place where the phrase “Early Termination Effective Date” appears.  Such obligations shall include, but not be limited to, (1) the Early Termination Payment calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the closing date of the Change of Control, (2) any Tax Benefit Payments agreed to by the Corporation and the Members as due and payable but unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice and (3) any Tax Benefit Payments due for any Taxable Year ending prior to, with or including the closing date of a Change of Control (except to the extent that any amounts described in

 

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clauses (2) or (3) are included in the Early Termination Payment).  For the avoidance of doubt, Sections 4.2 and 4.3 shall apply to a Change of Control, mutadis mutandi.

 

(c)           Acceleration Upon Breach of Agreement .  In the event that the Corporation materially breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement, whether as a result of failure to make any payment when due, failure to honor any other material obligation required hereunder, or by operation of law as a result of the rejection of this Agreement in a case commenced under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise, then all obligations hereunder shall be accelerated and become immediately due and payable upon notice of acceleration from such Member (provided that in the case of any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or other insolvency statute, such acceleration shall be automatic without any such notice), and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such notice of acceleration (or, in the case of any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or other insolvency statute, on the date of such breach) and shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the Early Termination Payment calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such acceleration; (ii) any prior Tax Benefit Payments that are due and payable under this Agreement but that still remain unpaid as of the date of such acceleration; and (iii) any current Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of such acceleration.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Corporation breaches this Agreement and such breach is not a material breach of a material obligation, a Member shall still be entitled to enforce all of its rights otherwise available under this Agreement, including potentially seeking an acceleration of amounts payable under this Agreement.  For purposes of this Section 4.1(c), and subject to the following sentence, the Parties agree that the failure to make any payment due pursuant to this Agreement within thirty (30) days of the relevant Final Payment Date shall be deemed to be a material breach of a material obligation under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, and that it will not be considered to be a material breach of a material obligation under this Agreement to make a payment due pursuant to this Agreement within thirty (30) days of the relevant Final Payment Date.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it shall not be a material breach of a material obligation of this Agreement if the Corporation fails to make any Tax Benefit Payment within thirty (30) days of the relevant Final Payment Date to the extent that the Corporation has insufficient funds, or cannot take commercially reasonable actions to obtain sufficient funds, to make such payment; provided that the interest provisions of Section 5.2 shall apply to such late payment (unless the Corporation does not have sufficient funds to make such payment as a result of limitations imposed by any Senior Obligations, in which case Section 5.2 shall apply, but the Default Rate shall be replaced by the Agreed Rate).

 

Section 4.2            Early Termination Notice .  If the Corporation chooses to exercise its right of early termination under Section 4.1 above, the Corporation shall deliver to the Members a notice of the Corporation’s decision to exercise such right (an “ Early Termination Notice ”) and a schedule (the “ Early Termination Schedule ”) showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment.  The Corporation shall also (x) deliver supporting schedules and work papers, as determined by the Corporation or as reasonably requested by a Member, that provide a reasonable level of detail regarding the data and calculations that were relevant for purposes of preparing the Early Termination Schedule; (y) deliver a Corporation Letter supporting such Early Termination Schedule; and (z) allow the Members and their advisors to have reasonable access to the appropriate representatives, as determined by the Corporation or as

 

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reasonably requested by the Members, at the Corporation and the Advisory Firm in connection with a review of such Early Termination Schedule.  The Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on each Party thirty (30) calendar days from the first date on which the Members received such Early Termination Schedule unless:

 

(i)            a Member within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the Early Termination Schedule, provides the Corporation with (A) notice of a material objection to such Early Termination Schedule made in good faith and setting forth in reasonable detail such Member’s material objection (a “ Termination Objection Notice ”) and (B) a letter from a Member Advisory Firm in support of such Termination Objection Notice; or

 

(ii)           each Member provides a written waiver of such right of a Termination Objection Notice within the period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Early Termination Schedule becomes binding on the date the waiver from all Members is received by the Corporation.

 

In the event that a Member timely delivers a Termination Objection Notice pursuant to clause (i) above, and if the Parties, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in the Termination Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporation of the Termination Objection Notice, the Corporation and such Member shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures.  For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the expense of preparing and obtaining the letter from an Advisory Firm referenced in clause (i) above shall be borne solely by such Member and the Corporation shall have no liability with respect to such letter or any of the expenses associated with its preparation and delivery.  The date on which the Early Termination Schedule becomes final in accordance with this Section 4.2 shall be the “ Early Termination Reference Date .”

 

Section 4.3            Payment Upon Early Termination .

 

(a)           Timing of Payment .  Within three (3) Business Days after the Early Termination Reference Date, the Corporation shall pay to each Member an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment for such Member.  Such Early Termination Payment shall be made by the Corporation by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account or accounts designated by the Members or as otherwise agreed by the Corporation and the Members.

 

(b)           Amount of Payment .  The “ Early Termination Payment ” payable to a Member pursuant to Section 4.3(a) shall equal the present value, discounted at the Early Termination Rate as determined as of the Early Termination Reference Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments that would be required to be paid by the Corporation to such Member, whether payable with respect to Units that were Exchanged prior to the Early Termination Effective Date or on or after the Early Termination Effective Date, beginning from the Early Termination Effective Date and using the Valuation Assumptions.  For the avoidance of doubt, an Early Termination Payment shall be made to each Member, regardless of whether such Member has Exchanged all of its Units as of the Early Termination Effective Date.

 

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ARTICLE V.
SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS

 

Section 5.1            Subordination .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment required to be made by the Corporation to the Members under this Agreement shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest, or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations owed in respect of secured indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (“ Senior Obligations ”) and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with all current or future unsecured obligations of the Corporation that are not Senior Obligations.  To the extent that any payment under this Agreement is not permitted to be made at the time payment is due as a result of this Section 5.1 and the terms of the agreements governing Senior Obligations, such payment obligation nevertheless shall accrue for the benefit of the Members and the Corporation shall make such payments at the first opportunity that such payments are permitted to be made in accordance with the terms of the Senior Obligations.

 

Section 5.2            Late Payments by the Corporation .  The amount of all or any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment not made to the Members when due under the terms of this Agreement, whether as a result of Section 5.1 and the terms of the Senior Obligations or otherwise, shall be payable together with Default Rate Interest, which shall accrue beginning on the Final Payment Date and be computed as provided in Section 3.1(b)(ix).

 

ARTICLE VI.
TAX MATTERS; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION

 

Section 6.1            Participation in the Corporation’s and SSE Holdings’ Tax Matters .  Except as otherwise provided herein, and except as provided in Article IX of the LLC Agreement, the Corporation shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all tax matters concerning the Corporation and SSE Holdings, including without limitation the preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to taxes.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall notify the Members of, and keep them reasonably informed with respect to, the portion of any tax audit of the Corporation or SSE Holdings, or any of SSE Holdings’ Subsidiaries, the outcome of which is reasonably expected to materially affect the Tax Benefit Payments payable to such Members under this Agreement, and any Member holding directly and/or indirectly at least ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Units, provided that SSE Holdings has knowledge that such Member holds directly and/or indirectly, 10% of the outstanding Units, (a “10% Member”) shall have the right to participate in and to monitor at their own expense (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not to control) any such portion of any such Tax audit; provided that the Corporation shall not settle or fail to contest any issue pertaining to Covered Taxes that is reasonably expected to materially adversely affect the Members’ rights and obligations under this Agreement without the consent of each 10% Member, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

Section 6.2            Consistency .  All calculations and determinations made hereunder, including, without limitation, any Basis Adjustments, the Schedules, and the determination of any Realized Tax Benefits or Realized Tax Detriments, shall be made in accordance with the elections, methodologies or positions taken by the Corporation and SSE Holdings on their

 

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respective Tax Returns.  Each Member shall prepare its Tax Returns in a manner that is consistent with the terms of this Agreement, and any related calculations or determinations that are made hereunder, including, without limitation, the terms of Section 2.1 of this Agreement and the Schedules provided to the Members under this Agreement.  In the event that an Advisory Firm is replaced with another Advisory Firm acceptable to the Audit Committee, such replacement Advisory Firm shall perform its services under this Agreement using procedures and methodologies consistent with the previous Advisory Firm, unless otherwise required by law or unless the Corporation and all of the Members agree to the use of other procedures and methodologies.

 

Section 6.3            Cooperation .

 

(a)           Each Member shall (i) furnish to the Corporation in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as the Corporation may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or contesting or defending any audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (ii) make itself available to the Corporation and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as the Corporation or its representatives may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (i) above, and (iii) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter.

 

(b)           The Corporation shall reimburse the Members for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred pursuant to Section 6.3(a).

 

ARTICLE VII.
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 7.1            Notices .  All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax, by electronic mail (delivery receipt requested) or by certified or registered mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be as specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 7.1).  All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the Party to receive such notice:

 

If to the Corporation, to:

 

Shake Shack Inc.
24 Union Square East

5 th  Floor

New York, New York 10003

 

Attn: Jeff, Uttz, Chief Financial Officer
Facsimile: (212) 533-2442
E-mail: juttz@shakeshack.com

 

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with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Corporation) to:

 

Latham & Watkins LLP
885 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attn: Howard Sobel, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 751-4684
E-mail: howard.sobel@lw.com

 

Latham & Watkins LLP
330 N. Wabash Avenue, Suite 2800
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Attn: Joseph Kronsnoble, Esq.
Facsimile: (312) 993-9767
E-mail: joseph.kronsnoble@lw.com

 

If to a Member, the address, facsimile number and e-mail address specified on such Member’s signature page to this Agreement

 

Any Party may change its address, fax number or e-mail address by giving each of the other Parties written notice thereof in the manner set forth above.

 

Section 7.2            Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the same counterpart.  Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.3            Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries .  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.4            Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof that would mandate the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

 

Section 7.5            Severability .  If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party.  Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this

 

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Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

 

Section 7.6            Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver .

 

(a)           Assignment .  No Member may assign, sell, pledge, or otherwise alienate or transfer any interest in this Agreement, including the right to receive any Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement, to any Person without the prior written consent of the Corporation, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, and without such Person executing and delivering a Joinder agreeing to succeed to the applicable portion of such Member’s interest in this Agreement and to become a Party for all purposes of this Agreement (the “ Joinder Requirement ”); provided, however , that to the extent any Member sells, exchanges, distributes, or otherwise transfers Units to any Person (other than the Corporation or SSE Holdings) in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement, the Members shall have the option to assign to the transferee of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units, provided that such transferee has satisfied the Joinder Requirement.  For the avoidance of doubt, if a Member transfers Units in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement but does not assign to the transferee of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units, such Member shall continue to be entitled to receive the Tax Benefit Payments arising in respect of a subsequent Exchange of such Units.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Union Square Café Corp. and Gramercy Tavern Corp. may assign any portion of their respective interests in this Agreement, including the right to receive any Tax Benefit Payments, to any of their respective shareholders, provided that each such transferee has satisfied the Joinder Requirement.  The Corporation may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any Person without Two-Thirds Member Approval (and any purported assignment without such consent shall be null and void).

 

(b)           Amendments .  No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by the Corporation and made with Two-Thirds Member Approval; provided that amendment of the definition of Change of Control will also require the written approval of a majority of the Independent Directors.  No provision of this Agreement may be waived unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective.

 

(c)           Successors .  All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by, the Parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives.  The Corporation shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

 

(d)           Waiver .  No failure by any Party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement, or condition of this Agreement, or to exercise any right or remedy

 

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consequent upon a breach thereof, shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement, or condition.

 

Section 7.7            Titles and Subtitles .  The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.

 

Section 7.8            Resolution of Disputes .

 

(a)           Except for Reconciliation Disputes subject to Section 7.9, any and all disputes which cannot be settled after substantial good-faith negotiation, including any ancillary claims of any Party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) (each a “ Dispute ”) shall be finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators, of which the Corporation shall designate one arbitrator and the Members party to such Dispute shall designate one arbitrator in accordance with the “screened” appointment procedure provided in Resolution Rule 5.4.  The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C.  §§ 1 et seq. , and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof.  The place of the arbitration shall be Miami, Florida.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), any Party may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling another Party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Party (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 7.8 to any such action or proceeding, and (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate.  For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.8 shall not apply to Reconciliation Disputes to be settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 7.9.

 

(c)           Each Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware or, if such Court declines jurisdiction, the courts of the State of Delaware sitting in Wilmington, Delaware, and of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware sitting in Wilmington, Delaware, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the Parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such Delaware State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such U.S. District Court.  Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(d)           Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in Section

 

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7.8(c).  Each Party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(e)           Each Party irrevocably consents to service of process by means of notice in the manner provided for in Section 7.1.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the right of any Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

(f)            WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).

 

(g)           Any dispute as to whether a dispute is a Reconciliation Dispute within the meaning of Section 7.9, or a Dispute within the meaning of this Section 7.8, shall be decided and resolved as a Dispute subject to the procedures set forth in this Section 7.8.

 

Section 7.9            Reconciliation .  In the event that the Corporation and any Member are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to a Schedule (other than an Early Termination Schedule) prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.4, or with respect to an Early Termination Schedule prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 4.2, within the relevant time period designated in this Agreement (a “ Reconciliation Dispute ”), the Reconciliation Dispute shall be submitted for determination to a nationally recognized expert (the “ Expert ”) in the particular area of disagreement mutually acceptable to both Parties.  The Expert shall be a partner or principal in a nationally recognized accounting firm, and unless the Corporation and such Member agree otherwise, the Expert shall not, and the firm that employs the Expert shall not, have any material relationship with the Corporation or such Member or other actual or potential conflict of interest.  If the Parties are unable to agree on an Expert within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt by the respondent(s) of written notice of a Reconciliation Dispute, the selection of an Expert shall be treated as a Dispute subject to Section 7.8 and an arbitration panel shall pick an Expert from a nationally recognized accounting firm that does not have any material relationship with the Corporation or such Member or other actual or potential conflict of interest.  The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to the Basis Schedule or an amendment thereto, or the Early Termination Schedule or an amendment thereto within thirty (30) calendar days and shall resolve any matter relating to a Tax Benefit Schedule or an amendment thereto within fifteen (15) calendar days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in each case after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid on the date prescribed by this Agreement and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporation, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution.  The costs and expenses relating to the engagement of such Expert or amending any Tax Return shall be borne by the Corporation except as provided in the next sentence.  The Corporation and the Members shall bear their own costs and expenses of such proceeding, unless (i) the Expert adopts the Member’s position, in which case the Corporation shall reimburse the Member for any reasonable and

 

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documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding, or (ii) the Expert adopts the Corporation’s position, in which case the Member shall reimburse the Corporation for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding.  The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute and the determinations of the Expert pursuant to this Section 7.9 shall be binding on the Corporation and the Members and may be entered and enforced in any court having competent jurisdiction.

 

Section 7.10          Withholding .  The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment that is payable to any Member pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of U.S. state, local or foreign tax law.  To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporation, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid by the Corporation to the relevant Member.  Each Member shall promptly provide the Corporation with any applicable tax forms and certifications reasonably requested by the Corporation in connection with determining whether any such deductions and withholdings are required under the Code or any provision of U.S. state, local or foreign tax law.

 

Section 7.11          Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets .

 

(a)           If the Corporation is or becomes a member of an affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a consolidated income Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 or other applicable Sections of the Code governing affiliated or consolidated groups, or any corresponding provisions of U.S. state or local law, then: (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole; and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments, and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated taxable income of the group as a whole.

 

(b)           If any entity that is obligated to make a Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment hereunder transfers one or more assets to a corporation (or a Person classified as a corporation for U.S. income tax purposes) with which such entity does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code, such entity, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such asset in a fully taxable transaction on the date of such contribution.  The consideration deemed to be received by such entity shall be equal to the fair market value of the contributed asset.  For purposes of this Section 7.11, a transfer of a partnership interest shall be treated as a transfer of the transferring partner’s share of each of the assets and liabilities of that partnership.

 

Section 7.12          Confidentiality .  Each Member and its assignees acknowledges and agrees that the information of the Corporation is confidential and, except in the course of performing any duties as necessary for the Corporation and its Affiliates, as required by law or legal process or to enforce the terms of this Agreement, such Person shall keep and retain in the strictest confidence and not disclose to any Person any confidential matters, acquired pursuant to this Agreement, of the Corporation and its Affiliates and successors, learned by any Member heretofore or hereafter.  This Section 7.12 shall not apply to (i) any information that has been

 

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made publicly available by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, becomes public knowledge (except as a result of an act of any Member in violation of this Agreement) or is generally known to the business community, (ii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for a Member to prosecute or defend claims arising under or relating to this Agreement, and (iii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for a Member to prepare and file its Tax Returns, to respond to any inquiries regarding the same from any Taxing Authority or to prosecute or defend any action, proceeding or audit by any Taxing Authority with respect to such Tax Returns.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Members and each of their assignees (and each employee, representative or other agent of the Members or their assignees, as applicable) may disclose at their discretion to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Corporation, the Members and any of their transactions, and all materials of any kind (including tax opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the Members relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.  If a Member or an assignee commits a breach, or threatens to commit a breach, of any of the provisions of this Section 7.12, the Corporation shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of this Section 7.12 specifically enforced by injunctive relief or otherwise by any court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post any bond or other security, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach shall cause irreparable injury to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries and that money damages alone shall not provide an adequate remedy to such Persons.  Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.

 

Section 7.13          Change in Law .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if, in connection with an actual or proposed change in law, a Member reasonably believes that the existence of this Agreement could cause income (other than income arising from receipt of a payment under this Agreement) recognized by such Member (or direct or indirect equity holders in such Member) in connection with any Exchange to be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain (or otherwise taxed at ordinary income rates) for U.S. federal income tax purposes or would have other material adverse tax consequences to such Member or any direct or indirect owner of such Member, then at the written election of such Member in its sole discretion (in an instrument signed by such Member and delivered to the Corporation) and to the extent specified therein by such Member, this Agreement shall cease to have further effect and shall not apply to an Exchange occurring after a date specified by such Member, or may be amended by in a manner reasonably determined by such Member, provided that such amendment shall not result in an increase in any payments owed by the Corporation under this Agreement at any time as compared to the amounts and times of payments that would have been due in the absence of such amendment.

 

Section 7.14          Interest Rate Limitation .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the interest paid or agreed to be paid hereunder with respect to amounts due to any Member hereunder shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “ Maximum Rate ”).  If any Member shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment, as applicable (but in each case exclusive of any component thereof comprising interest) or, if it exceeds such unpaid non-interest amount, refunded to the Corporation.  In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by any Member exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Member may, to the extent permitted by applicable

 

27



 

Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the payment obligations owed by the Corporation to such Member hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is the intention of the Parties to conform strictly to any applicable usury laws.

 

Section 7.15          Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations .  The rights and obligations of each Member hereunder are several and not joint with the rights and obligations of any other Person.  A Member shall not be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Person hereunder, nor shall a Member have the right to enforce the rights or obligations of any other Person hereunder (other than the Corporation).  The obligations of a Member hereunder are solely for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable solely by, the Corporation.  Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document delivered at any closing, and no action taken by any Member pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Members acting as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Members are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such rights or obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby, and the Corporation acknowledges that the Members are not acting in concert or as a group and will not assert any such claim with respect to such rights or obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

[ Signature Page Follows This Page ]

 

28


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

 

CORPORATION:

 

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Randy Garutti

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS:

 

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Randy Garutti

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

MEMBERS:

 

 

 

UNION SQUARE HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jeff Flug

 

Title: President

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 



 

 

UNION SQUARE CAFE CORP.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Daniel H. Meyer

 

Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

GRAMERCY TAVERN CORP.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Daniel H. Meyer

 

Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel H. Meyer

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

 

 

 

 

DANIEL H. MEYER 2012 GIFT TRUST U/A/D 10/31/12

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack R. Polsky, not individually but solely as Co-Trustee

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

Jeffrey Flug

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

 

 

 

 

FLUG 2012 GS TRUST U/A/D 9/14/12

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Sheryl Flug, not individually but solely as Co-Trustee

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Kenneth Flug, not individually but solely as Co-Trustee

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

 

 

 

 

GULF FIVE LLC

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jeff Flug

 

Title: Manager

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

Richard Coraine

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

 

 

 

 

THE RICHARD D. CORAINE 2012 FAMILY TRUST

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Toni Haida

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

David Swinghamer

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

 

 

THE DAVID A. SWINGHAMER GRAT

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: David Swinghamer

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

Karen Kochevar

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 


 

 

 

 

Walter Robb

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Erin Moran

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Ashley Campbell

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Randy Garutti

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

 

 

 

 

THE RANDALL J. GARUTTI 2014 GST TRUST

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Maria L. Garutti, Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Ronald Garutti, Jr., Trustee

 

 

 

By: J.P. Morgan Trust Company of Delaware, Administrative Trustee

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Jeff Uttz

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 


 

 

ROXANNE H. FRANK REVOCABLE TRUST DATED 9/30/75

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

RHF-NM 1999 DESCENDANTS TRUST DATED 1/1/2006

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Michael McQuinn

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

MARC WEISS REVOCABLE TRUST U/A/D 8/11/2003

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Marc Weiss

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

RHF-TM 1999 DESCENDANTS TRUST DATED 1/1/2006

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Michael McQuinn

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

VHP SPECIAL TRUST FOR JACK DATED 12/31/12

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

JEAN POLSKY INVESTMENT TRUST DATED 3/21/97

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

JOAN W. HARRIS REVOCABLE TRUST DATED 4/1/93

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Joan Harris

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

BENJAMIN HARRIS FAMILY TRUST DATED 12/23/92

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:  Boardman Lloyd

 

Title:  Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

DAVID HARRIS FAMILY TRUST DATED 12/23/92

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:  Boardman Lloyd

 

Title:  Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

AMY WEISS-MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 12/22/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:  Jack Polsky

 

Title:  Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

ISAAC WEISS-MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 12/22/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

HALLIE MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:  Jack Polsky

 

Title:  Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

GRETCHEN MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:  Jack Polsky

 

Title:  Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

CHARLES MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

PEYTON MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:  Jack Polsky

 

Title:  Trustee

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:  Beth Stephens

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 


 

 

 

Name: Orrin Devinsky

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

Name: Laura Sloate

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

Name: Bert Vivian

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

Name: Jamie Welch and Fiona Angelini

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

GRANITE POINT CAPITAL

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: C. David Bushley

 

Title: Chief Operating Officer,

 

Granite Point Capital Management,

 

The Investment Manager

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

THOMAS O’NEAL RYDER FAMILY TRUST

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Darlene Ryder

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 


 

 

ACG SHACK LLC

 

 

 

By: Alliance Consumer Growth LLC, Its Manager

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Joshua N. Goldin

 

Title: Managing Member

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

[MALTED HOLDINGS II NON-BLOCKER ENTITIES]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

 

SEG PARTNERS, L.P.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

 

 

SEG PARTNERS II, L.P.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

 

 

 

 

SEG PARTNERS OFFSHORE MASTER FUND LTD.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

Address:

 

Email address:

 

[ Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement ]

 



 

Exhibit A

 

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of                  , 20    (this “ Joinder ”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of [ · ], 2015 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Tax Receivable Agreement ”) by and among Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ SSE Holdings ”), and each of the Members from time to time party thereto.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

1.               Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement .  The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Corporation that, as of the date hereof, the undersigned has been assigned an interest in the Tax Receivable Agreement from a Member and [ · ](2).

 

2.               Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement .  Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Corporation, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a Member under the Tax Receivable Agreement and a Party thereto, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Member thereunder.  The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof.

 

3.               Incorporation by Reference .  All terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full.

 

4.               Address .  All notices under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to:

 

[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Attn:
Facsimile:
E-mail:

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.

 


(2)          Note to Draft: Language to be added as applicable.

 



 

 

[NAME OF NEW PARTY]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Acknowledged and agreed

 

as of the date first set forth above:

 

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

[Exhibit A]

 




Exhibit 10.2

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of [•], 2015 by and among Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), and each Person identified on the Schedule of Investors attached hereto as of the date hereof (such Persons, collectively, the “ Original SSE Equity Owners ”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation is contemplating an offer and sale of its shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class A Common Stock ” and such shares, the “ Shares ”), to the public in an underwritten initial public offering (the “ IPO ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to use a portion of the net proceeds from the IPO to purchase Common Units (as defined below) of SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and the Company desires to issue its Common Units to the Corporation in exchange for such portion of the net proceeds from the IPO;

 

WHEREAS, immediately prior to the consummation of the issuance of Common Units by the Company to the Corporation, the Original SSE Equity Owners are the sole members of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, immediately prior to or simultaneous with the purchase by the Corporation of the Common Units, the Corporation, the Company and the Original SSE Equity Owners will enter into that certain Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company (such agreement, as it may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified form time to time, the “ LLC Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the closing of the IPO, the Corporation will become the sole managing member of the Company, (i) under the LLC Agreement the units of the Original SSE Equity Owners will be converted from “Common Units” or “Class B Common Units” to Common Units and be subjected to a split), (ii) each Person identified on the Schedule of Investors attached hereto as a “Former SSE Equity Owner” (such Persons, collectively, the “ Former SSE Equity Owners ”) will exchange their indirect interest in the Common Units for shares of Class A Common Stock, (iii) each Person identified on the Schedule of Investors attached hereto as a “Continuing SSE Equity Owner” (such Persons, collectively, the “ Continuing SSE Equity Owners ”) will become a non-managing member of the Company but otherwise retain their Common Units in the Company, and (iv) in consideration of the Corporation acquiring the Common Units and becoming the managing member of the Company, among other things, the Company has provided the Continuing SSE Equity Owners with a redemption right pursuant to which the Continuing SSE Equity Owners may be able, at the Corporation’s option, to redeem or exchange their Common Units for shares of Class A Common Stock on the terms set forth in the LLC Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO and the transactions described above, the Corporation has agreed to grant to the Holders (as defined below) certain rights with respect to the registration of the Registrable Securities (as defined below) on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 



 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.              Definitions .  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified in this Section 1 :

 

Acquired Common ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9 .

 

Additional Investor ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9 , and shall be deemed to include each such Person’s Affiliates, immediate family members, heirs, successors and assigns who may succeed to such Person as a Holder hereunder.

 

Affiliate ” of any Person means any other Person controlled by, controlling or under common control with such Person; provided that the Corporation and its Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of any Holder.  As used in this definition, “control” (including, with its correlative meanings, “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) shall mean possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities, by contract or otherwise).

 

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

Automatic Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .

 

Business Day ” means any day of the year on which national banking institutions in New York are open to the public for conducting business and are not required or authorized to close.

 

Capital Stock ” means (i) with respect to any Person that is a corporation, any and all shares, interests or equivalents in capital stock of such corporation (whether voting or nonvoting and whether common or preferred), (ii) with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, individual or governmental entity, any and all partnership, membership, limited liability company or other equity interests of such Person that confer on the holder thereof the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or the distribution of assets of the issuing Person, and (iii) any and all warrants, rights (including conversion and exchange rights) and options to purchase any security described in the clause (i)  or (ii)  above.

 

Class A Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Class B Common Stock ” means the Corporation’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

 

Common Units ” means the “Common Units” of the Company as defined in the LLC Agreement.

 

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

2



 

Continuing SSE Equity Owners ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals, and shall be deemed to include their respective Affiliates, immediate family members, heirs, successors and assigns who may succeed to such Person as a Holder hereunder.

 

Controlling Holder ” means each of (i) the Meyer Stockholders, (ii) the LGP Stockholders and (iii) the SEG Stockholders (in each case, as identified on the Schedule of Investors), so long as such Holders continue to hold Registrable Securities.

 

Corporation ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

Demand Registrations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .

 

End of Suspension Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(f)(ii) .

 

Exchange Act ” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor federal law then in force, together with all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

 

Follow-On Holdback Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(ii) .

 

Former SSE Equity Owners ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals, and shall be deemed to include their respective Affiliates, immediate family members, heirs, successors and assigns who may succeed to such Person as a Holder hereunder.

 

Free Writing Prospectus ” means a free-writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 405.

 

Holdback Extension ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(iii) .

 

Holdback Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(i) .

 

Holder ” means any Person who is the registered holder of Registrable Securities.

 

Holder Indemnified Parties ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(a) .

 

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Joinder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9 .

 

LLC Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Long-Form Registrations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .

 

MNPI ” means material non-public information within the meaning of Regulation FD promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

3



 

Original SSE Equity Owners ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, and shall be deemed to include their respective Affiliates, immediate family members, heirs, successors and assigns who may succeed to such Person as a Holder hereunder.

 

Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Piggyback Registrations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) .

 

Public Offering ” means any sale or distribution to the public of Capital Stock of the Corporation pursuant to an offering registered under the Securities Act, whether by the Corporation, by Holders and/or by any other holders of the Corporation’s Capital Stock.

 

Registrable Securities ” means (i) any Class A Common Stock (A) issued by the Corporation in connection with the IPO in exchange for the Common Units of the Former SSE Equity Owners or (B) issued by the Corporation in a Share Settlement in connection with (x) the redemption by the Company of Common Units owned by any Continuing SSE Equity Owner or (y) at the election of the Corporation, in a direct exchange for Common Units owned by any Continuing SSE Equity Owner, in each case in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement, (ii) any common Capital Stock of the Corporation or of any Subsidiary of the Corporation issued or issuable with respect to the securities referred to in clause (i)  above by way of dividend, distribution, split or combination of securities, or any recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization, and (iii) any other Shares owned by Persons that are the registered holders of securities described in clauses (i)  or (ii)  above.  As to any particular Registrable Securities owned by any Person, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities on the date such securities have been (a) sold or distributed pursuant to a Public Offering, (b) sold in compliance with Rule 144 following the consummation of the IPO or (c) repurchased by the Corporation or a Subsidiary of the Corporation.  For purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to be a Holder, and the Registrable Securities shall be deemed to be in existence, whenever such Person has the right to acquire, directly or indirectly, such Registrable Securities (upon conversion or exercise in connection with a transfer of securities or otherwise, but disregarding any restrictions or limitations upon the exercise of such right), whether or not such acquisition has actually been effected, and such Person shall be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of Registrable Securities hereunder; provided a holder of Registrable Securities may only request that Registrable Securities in the form of Capital Stock of the Corporation that is registered or to be registered as a class under Section 12 of the Exchange Act be registered pursuant to this Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, while Common Units and/or shares of Class B Common Stock may constitute Registrable Securities, under no circumstances shall the Corporation be obligated to register Common Units or shares of Class B Common Stock, and only Shares issuable upon redemption or exchange of such Common Units and/or Class B Common Stock will be registered.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, with the consent of the Corporation and the Controlling Holders, any Registrable Securities held by any Person that may be sold under Rule 144(b)(1)(i) without limitation under any other of the requirements of Rule 144 shall not be deemed to be Registrable Securities upon notice from the Corporation to such Person and the Corporation shall, at such Person’s request, remove the legend provided for in Section 12 .

 

4



 

Registration Expenses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) .

 

Rule 144 ,” “ Rule 158 ,” “ Rule 405 ” and “ Rule 415 ” mean, in each case, such rule promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor provision) by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the same shall be amended from time to time, or any successor rule then in force.

 

Sale Transaction ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(i) .

 

Schedule of Investors ” means the schedule attached to this Agreement entitled “Schedule of Investors”, which shall reflect each Holder from time to time party to this Agreement.

 

Securities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)(i) .

 

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor federal law then in force, together with all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Share Settlement ” means “Share Settlement” as defined in the LLC Agreement.

 

Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Shelf Offering ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(ii) .

 

Shelf Offering Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(ii) .

 

Shelf Offering Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(ii) .

 

Shelf Registrable Securities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(ii) .

 

Shelf Registration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .

 

Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(i) .

 

Short-Form Registrations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .

 

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to the Corporation, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of Capital Stock of such Person entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation, or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity, either (x) a majority of the Capital Stock of such Person entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of managers, general partners or other oversight board vested with the authority to direct management of such Person is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation or (y) the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries is the sole manager or general partner of such Person.

 

5


 

Suspension Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(f)(ii) .

 

Suspension Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(f)(ii) .

 

Suspension Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(f)(i) .

 

Underwritten Takedown ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(ii) .

 

Violation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(a) .

 

WKSI ” means a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined under Rule 405.

 

Section 2.              Demand Registrations .

 

(a)           Requests for Registration .  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Controlling Holder may request registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of their Registrable Securities on Form S-1 or any similar long-form registration (“ Long-Form Registrations ”), and each Controlling Holder may request registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of their Registrable Securities on Form S-3 or any similar short-form registration (“ Short-Form Registrations ”) if available.  All registrations requested pursuant to this Section 2(a)  are referred to herein as “ Demand Registrations .”  The Controlling Holder making a Demand Registration may request that the registration be made pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (a “ Shelf Registration ”) and, if the Corporation is a WKSI at the time any request for a Demand Registration is submitted to the Corporation, that such Shelf Registration be an automatic shelf registration statement (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) (an “ Automatic Shelf Registration Statement ”).  Except to the extent that Section 2(d)  applies, within ten days after the filing of the registration statement relating to the Demand Registration, the Corporation shall give written notice of the Demand Registration to all other Holders and, subject to the terms of Section 2(e) , shall include in such Demand Registration (and in all related registrations and qualifications under state blue sky laws and in any related underwriting) all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Corporation has received written requests for inclusion therein within 15 days after the receipt of the Corporation’s notice; provided that the Corporation shall provide notice of the Demand Registration to all other Holders prior to the non-confidential filing of the registration statement with respect to the Demand Registration.  Each Holder agrees that (1) such notice constitutes MNPI and that it will not engage in any transaction in any securities of the Corporation until such notice and the information contained therein ceases to constitute MNPI and (2) such Holder shall treat as confidential the receipt of the notice of Demand Registration and shall not disclose or use the information contained in such notice of Demand Registration without the prior written consent of the Corporation until such time as the information contained therein is or becomes available to the public generally, other than as a result of disclosure by the Holder in breach of the terms of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not be required to take any action that would otherwise be required under this Section 2 if such action would violate Section 4(a)  hereof or any similar provision contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with any underwritten Public Offering.

 

(b)           Long-Form Registrations .  Each Controlling Holder shall be entitled to request an unlimited number of Long-Form Registrations in which the Corporation shall pay all

 

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Registration Expenses, regardless of whether any registration statement is filed or any such Demand Registration is consummated.  All Long-Form Registrations shall be underwritten registrations unless otherwise approved by the applicable Controlling Holder.

 

(c)           Short-Form Registrations .  In addition to the Long-Form Registrations described in Section 2(b) , each Controlling Holder shall be entitled to request an unlimited number of Short-Form Registrations in which the Corporation shall pay all Registration Expenses, regardless of whether any registration statement is filed or any such Demand Registration is consummated.  Demand Registrations shall be Short-Form Registrations whenever the Corporation is permitted to use any applicable short form and if the managing underwriters (if any) agree to the use of a Short-Form Registration.  After the Corporation has become subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Corporation shall use its reasonable efforts to make Short-Form Registrations available for the sale of Registrable Securities.

 

(d)           Shelf Registrations .

 

(i)            Subject to the availability of required financial information, as promptly as practicable after the Corporation receives written notice of a request for a Shelf Registration, the Corporation shall file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act for the Shelf Registration (a “ Shelf Registration Statement ”).  The Corporation shall use its reasonable efforts to cause any Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as soon as practicable after the initial filing of such Shelf Registration Statement, and once effective, the Corporation shall cause such Shelf Registration Statement to remain continuously effective for such time period as is specified in the request by the Holders, but for no time period longer than the period ending on the earliest of (A) the third anniversary of the initial effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement, (B) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, and (C) the date as of which there are no longer any Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement in existence.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Corporation shall use its reasonable efforts to prepare a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to all of the Registrable Securities owned by or issuable to the Original SSE Equity Owners in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement (or such other number of Registrable Securities specified in writing by the Holder with respect to the Registrable Securities owned by or issuable to such Holder) to enable and cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be filed and maintained with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable after the later to occur of (i) the expiration of the Holdback Period and (ii) the Corporation becoming eligible to file a Shelf Registration Statement for a Short-Form Registration; provided that any of the Original SSE Equity Owners may, with respect to itself, instruct the Corporation in writing not to include in such Shelf Registration Statement the Registrable Securities owned by or issuable to such Holder. In order for any of the Original SSE Equity Owners to be named as a selling securityholder in such Shelf Registration Statement, the Corporation may require such Holder to deliver all information about such Holder that is required to be included in such Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with applicable law, including Item 507 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended from time to time, or

 

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any similar successor rule thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2(d)(ii) , any Holder that is named as a selling securityholder in such Shelf Registration Statement may make a secondary resale under such Shelf Registration Statement without the consent of the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities or any other Holder if such resale does not require a supplement to the Shelf Registration Statement.

 

(ii)           In the event that a Shelf Registration Statement is effective, Holders representing the Registrable Securities with a market value of at least $50 million shall have the right at any time or from time to time to elect to sell pursuant to an offering (including an underwritten offering (an “ Underwritten Takedown ”)) Registrable Securities available for sale pursuant to such registration statement (“ Shelf Registrable Securities ”), so long as the Shelf Registration Statement remains in effect, and the Corporation shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection therewith; provided that each Controlling Holder shall have the right at any time and from time to time to elect to sell pursuant to an offering (including an Underwritten Takedown) pursuant to a Shelf Offering Request (as defined below) made by such Controlling Holder so long as the amount of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Shelf Offering Request (including any Registrable Securities included pursuant to the third succeeding sentence) is reasonably expected to result in aggregate gross proceeds in excess of $5.0 million.  The applicable Holders shall make such election by delivering to the Corporation a written request (a “ Shelf Offering Request ”) for such offering specifying the number of Shelf Registrable Securities that such Holders desire to sell pursuant to such offering (the “ Shelf Offering ”).  As promptly as practicable, but no later than two Business Days after receipt of a Shelf Offering Request, the Corporation shall give written notice (the “ Shelf Offering Notice ”) of such Shelf Offering Request to all other holders of Shelf Registrable Securities.  The Corporation, subject to Sections 2(e)  and 8 hereof, shall include in such Shelf Offering the Shelf Registrable Securities of any other Holder that shall have made a written request to the Corporation for inclusion in such Shelf Offering (which request shall specify the maximum number of Shelf Registrable Securities intended to be sold by such Holder) within seven days after the receipt of the Shelf Offering Notice.  The Corporation shall, as expeditiously as possible (and in any event within 20 days after the receipt of a Shelf Offering Request, unless a longer period is agreed to by the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities that made the Shelf Offering Request), use its reasonable efforts to facilitate such Shelf Offering.  Each Holder agrees that (1) such notice constitutes MNPI and that it will not engage in any transaction in any securities of the Corporation until such notice and the information contained therein ceases to constitute MNPI and (2) such Holder shall treat as confidential the receipt of the Shelf Offering Notice and shall not disclose or use the information contained in such Shelf Offering Notice without the prior written consent of the Corporation until such time as the information contained therein is or becomes available to the public generally, other than as a result of disclosure by the Holder in breach of the terms of this Agreement.

 

(iii)          Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Controlling Holder wishes to engage in an underwritten block trade off of a Shelf Registration Statement (either through filing an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement or through a take-down from an existing Shelf Registration Statement), then notwithstanding the foregoing time periods, such Holders

 

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only need to notify the Corporation of the block trade Shelf Offering two Business Days prior to the day such offering is to commence (unless a longer period is agreed to by Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities wishing to engage in the underwritten block trade) and the Corporation shall promptly notify other Holders and such other Holders must elect whether or not to participate by the next Business Day ( i.e. , one Business Day prior to the day such offering is to commence) (unless a longer period is agreed to by Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities wishing to engage in the underwritten block trade) and the Corporation shall as expeditiously as possible use its reasonable efforts to facilitate such offering (which may close as early as three Business Days after the date it commences); provided that Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities wishing to engage in the underwritten block trade shall use commercially reasonable efforts to work with the Corporation and the underwriters prior to making such request in order to facilitate preparation of the registration statement, prospectus and other offering documentation related to the underwritten block trade.

 

(iv)          The Corporation shall, at the request of Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, file any prospectus supplement or, if the applicable Shelf Registration Statement is an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement, any post-effective amendments and otherwise take any action necessary to include therein all disclosure and language deemed necessary or advisable by such Holders to effect such Shelf Offering.

 

(e)           Priority on Demand Registrations and Shelf Offerings .  The Corporation shall not include in any Demand Registration or Shelf Offering any securities that are not Registrable Securities without the prior written consent of Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such registration or offering.  If a Demand Registration or a Shelf Offering is an underwritten offering and the managing underwriters advise the Corporation in writing that in their opinion the number of Registrable Securities and, if permitted hereunder, other securities requested to be included in such offering exceeds the number of Registrable Securities and other securities, if any, that can be sold therein without adversely affecting the marketability, proposed offering price, timing or method of distribution of the offering, the Corporation shall include in such registration or offering, as applicable, prior to the inclusion of any securities which are not Registrable Securities the number of Registrable Securities requested by Holders to be included that, in the opinion of such underwriters, can be sold, without any such adverse effect, pro rata among the respective Holders thereof on the basis of the amount of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder that such Holder of Registrable Securities shall have requested to be included therein.  Alternatively, if the number of Registrable Securities which can be included on a Shelf Registration Statement is otherwise limited by Instruction I.B.6 to Form S-3 (or any successor provision thereto), the Corporation shall include in such registration or offering prior to the inclusion of any securities which are not Registrable Securities the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included which can be included on such Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the requirements of Form S-3, pro rata among the respective Holders thereof on the basis of the amount of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder that such Holder of Registrable Securities shall have requested to be included therein.

 

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(f)            Restrictions on Demand Registration and Shelf Offerings .

 

(i)            The Corporation shall not be obligated to effect any Demand Registration within 90 days after the effective date of a previous Demand Registration or a previous registration in which Registrable Securities were included pursuant to Section 3 and in which there was no reduction in the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included.  The Corporation may postpone, for up to 60 days from the date of the request, the filing or the effectiveness of a registration statement for a Demand Registration or suspend the use of a prospectus that is part of a Shelf Registration Statement for up to 60 days from the date of the Suspension Notice (as defined below) and therefore suspend sales of the Shelf Registrable Securities (such period, the “ Suspension Period ”) by providing written notice to the Holders if (A) the Corporation’s board of directors determines in its reasonable good faith judgment that the offer or sale of Registrable Securities would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on any proposal or plan by the Corporation or any Subsidiary to engage in any material acquisition of assets or stock (other than in the ordinary course of business) or any material merger, consolidation, tender offer, recapitalization, reorganization or other transaction involving the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (B) upon advice of counsel, the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement would require disclosure of MNPI not otherwise required to be disclosed under applicable law, and (C) either (x) the Corporation has a bona fide business purpose for preserving the confidentiality of such transaction or (y) disclosure of such MNPI would have a material adverse effect on the Corporation or the Corporation’s ability to consummate such transaction; provided that in such event, the Holders shall be entitled to withdraw such request for a Demand Registration or underwritten Shelf Offering and the Corporation shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with such Demand Registration or Shelf Offering.  The Corporation may delay a Demand Registration hereunder only once in any twelve-month period, except with the consent of the applicable Controlling Holder.  The Corporation also may extend the Suspension Period with the consent of the applicable Controlling Holder, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

(ii)           In the case of an event that causes the Corporation to suspend the use of a Shelf Registration Statement as set forth in paragraph (f)(i) above or pursuant to applicable subsections of Section 5(a)(vi)  (a “ Suspension Event ”), the Corporation shall give a notice to the Holders of Registrable Securities registered pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement (a “ Suspension Notice ”) to suspend sales of the Registrable Securities and such notice shall state generally the basis for the notice and that such suspension shall continue only for so long as the Suspension Event or its effect is continuing.  If the basis of such suspension is nondisclosure of MNPI, the Corporation shall not be required to disclose the subject matter of such MNPI to Holders.  A Holder shall not effect any sales of the Registrable Securities pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement (or such filings) at any time after it has received a Suspension Notice from the Corporation and prior to receipt of an End of Suspension Notice (as defined below).  Each Holder agrees that (1) such notice constitutes MNPI and that it will not engage in any transaction in any securities of the Corporation until such notice and the information contained therein ceases to constitute MNPI and (2) such Holder shall treat as confidential the receipt of the Suspension Notice and shall not disclose or use the information contained in such Suspension Notice without the prior written consent of the Corporation until such time as the information contained therein is or becomes available

 

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to the public generally, other than as a result of disclosure by the Holder in breach of the terms of this Agreement.  Holders may recommence effecting sales of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement (or such filings) following further written notice to such effect (an “ End of Suspension Notice ”) from the Corporation, which End of Suspension Notice shall be given by the Corporation to the Holders and their counsel, if any, promptly following the conclusion of any Suspension Event.

 

(iii)          Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, if the Corporation gives a Suspension Notice with respect to any Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to this Section 2(f) , the Corporation agrees that it shall (A) extend the period of time during which such Shelf Registration Statement shall be maintained effective pursuant to this Agreement by the number of days during the period from the date of receipt by the Holders of the Suspension Notice to and including the date of receipt by the Holders of the End of Suspension Notice, and (B) provide copies of any supplemented or amended prospectus necessary to resume sales, with respect to each Suspension Event; provided that such period of time shall not be extended beyond the date that there are no longer Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement.

 

(g)           Selection of Underwriters .  Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities included in any Demand Registration shall have the right to select the investment banker(s) and manager(s) to administer the offering (including assignment of titles), subject to the Corporation’s approval not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  If any Shelf Offering is an Underwritten Takedown, the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities participating in such Underwritten Takedown shall have the right to select the investment banker(s) and manager(s) to administer the offering relating to such Shelf Offering (including assignment of titles), subject to the Corporation’s approval not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

(h)           Other Registration Rights .  The Corporation represents and warrants that it is not a party to, or otherwise subject to, any other agreement granting registration rights to any other Person with respect to any securities of the Corporation.  Except as provided in this Agreement, the Corporation shall not grant to any Persons the right to request the Corporation or any Subsidiary to register any Capital Stock of the Corporation or of any Subsidiary, or any securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for such securities, without the prior written consent of the applicable Controlling Holder.

 

Section 3.              Piggyback Registrations .

 

(a)           Right to Piggyback .  Following the IPO, whenever the Corporation proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities Act (other than (i) pursuant to a Demand Registration, (ii) in connection with registrations on Form S-4 or S-8 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor or similar forms or (iii) a registration on any form that does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a registration statement covering the sale of Registrable Securities) and the registration form to be used may be used for the registration of Registrable Securities (a “ Piggyback Registration ”), the Corporation shall give prompt written notice (in any event within three Business Days after its receipt of notice of any request for registration on behalf of holders of the Company’s securities (other

 

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than under the Holders) to all Holders of its intention to effect such Piggyback Registration and, subject to the terms of Section 3(c)  and Section 3(d) , shall include in such Piggyback Registration (and in all related registrations or qualifications under blue sky laws and in any related underwriting) all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Corporation has received written requests for inclusion therein within 20 days after delivery of the Corporation’s notice.

 

(b)           Piggyback Expenses .  The Registration Expenses of the Holders shall be paid by the Corporation in all Piggyback Registrations, whether or not any such registration became effective.

 

(c)           Priority on Primary Registrations .  If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten primary registration on behalf of the Corporation, and the managing underwriters advise the Corporation in writing that in their opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the marketability, proposed offering price, timing or method of distribution of the offering, the Corporation shall include in such registration (i) first, the securities the Corporation proposes to sell, (ii) second, the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration which, in the opinion of the underwriters, can be sold without any such adverse effect, pro rata among the Holders on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder that such Holder of Registrable Securities shall have requested to be included therein, and (iii) third, other securities requested to be included in such registration which, in the opinion of the underwriters, can be sold without any such adverse effect.

 

(d)           Priority on Secondary Registrations .  If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten secondary registration on behalf of holders of the Corporation’s securities (other than the Holders), and the managing underwriters advise the Corporation in writing that in their opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the marketability, proposed offering price, timing or method of distribution of the offering, the Corporation shall include in such registration (i) first, the securities requested to be included therein by the initial holders requesting such registration which, in the opinion of the underwriters, can be sold without any such adverse effect, (ii) second, the Registrable Securities of Holders requested to be included in such registration which, in the opinion of the underwriters, can be sold without any such adverse effect, pro rata among the such Holders on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder that such Holder of Registrable Securities shall have requested to be included therein and (iii) third, other securities requested to be included in such registration which, in the opinion of the underwriters, can be sold without any such adverse effect.

 

(e)           Selection of Underwriters .  If any Piggyback Registration is an underwritten offering, the selection of investment banker(s) and manager(s) for the offering shall be at the election of the Corporation (in the case of a primary registration) or at the election of the holders of other Corporation securities requesting such registration (in the case of a secondary registration); provided that Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such Piggyback Registration may request that one or more investment banker(s) or manager(s)

 

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be included in such offering (such request not to be binding on the Corporation or such other initiating holders of Corporation securities).

 

(f)            Right to Terminate Registration .  The Corporation shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 3 whether or not any Holder has elected to include securities in such registration.  The Registration Expenses of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Corporation in accordance with Section 6 .

 

Section 4.              Holdback Agreements .

 

(a)           Holders of Registrable Securities .  If requested by the Corporation or the managing underwriter(s), each Holder participating in an underwritten Public Offering shall enter into customary lock-up agreements with the managing underwriter(s) of such Public Offering.  In the absence of any such lock-up agreement, each Holder agrees as follows:

 

(i)            in connection with the IPO, such Holder shall not (A) offer, sell, pledge, contract to sell or grant any option to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of (including sales pursuant to Rule 144), directly or indirectly, any shares of Capital Stock of the Corporation (including Capital Stock of the Corporation that may be deemed to be owned beneficially by such Holder in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission) (collectively, “ Securities ”), (B) enter into a transaction which would have the same effect as described in clause (A)  above, (C) enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Securities, whether such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such Securities, in cash or otherwise (each of (A), (B) and (C) above, a “ Sale Transaction ”), or (D) publicly disclose the intention to enter into any Sale Transaction, commencing on the earlier of the date on which the Corporation gives notice to the Holders that a preliminary prospectus has been circulated for the IPO or the “pricing” of such offering and continuing to the date that is 180 days following the date of the final prospectus for the IPO (the “ Holdback Period ”), unless the underwriters managing the IPO otherwise agree in writing; provided, however , that if the Holdback Period is shortened or terminated early for any Holder that together with its Affiliates holds two percent (2%) or more of the outstanding Registrable Securities, the Holdback period for each other Holder also shall be shortened or terminated to the same extent;

 

(ii)           in connection with all underwritten Public Offerings (including the IPO), such Holder shall not effect any Sale Transaction commencing on the earlier of the date on which the Corporation gives notice to the Holders of the circulation of a preliminary or final prospectus for such Public Offering or the “pricing” of such offering and continuing to the date that is 90 days following the date of the final prospectus for such Public Offering (a “ Follow-On Holdback Period ”), unless, if an underwritten Public Offering, the underwriters managing the Public Offering otherwise agree in writing;

 

(iii)          in the event that (A) the Corporation issues an earnings release or discloses other material information or a material event relating to the Corporation and its Subsidiaries occurs during the last 17 days of the Holdback Period or any Follow-On Holdback Period (as applicable) or (B) prior to the expiration of the Holdback Period or

 

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any Follow-On Holdback Period (as applicable), the Corporation announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning upon the expiration of such period, then to the extent necessary for a managing or co-managing underwriter of a registered offering hereunder to comply with FINRA Rule 2711(f)(4), if agreed to by the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such Underwritten Takedown, the Holdback Period or the Follow-On Holdback Period (as applicable) shall be extended until 18 days after the earnings release or disclosure of other material information or the occurrence of the material event, as the case may be (a “ Holdback Extension ”); and

 

(iv)          The foregoing clauses (i)  through (iii)  shall not apply to (A) the sale of Capital Stock pursuant to the terms of the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with such underwritten Public Offering, or (B) transactions relating to shares of Capital Stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the Public Offering, provided that no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with transfers or dispositions of such shares of Capital Stock or other securities acquired in such open market transactions (other than a filing on Form 5 made after the expiration of the Holdback Period), or (C) transfers of Capital Stock or any security convertible into Capital Stock to the spouse, domestic partner, parent, sibling, child or grandchild (each an “ immediate family member ”) of such holder or to a trust formed for the benefit of such holder or of an immediate family member of the undersigned, or (D) transfers of Capital Stock or any security convertible into Capital Stock as a bona fide gift, or (E) distributions of shares of Capital Stock or any security convertible into Capital Stock to limited partners, members, stockholders or affiliates of the undersigned or to any investment fund or other entity controlled or managed by, or under common control or management with, such holder, or (F) as a distribution by a trust to its beneficiaries, provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (C) , (D) , (E)  or (F) , (1) each donee or distributee shall sign and deliver a lock-up agreement substantially in the form of the lock-up agreement entered into by such holder and (2) no such transfer or distribution in (C), (D), (E) or (F) shall be permitted if it shall require a filing under Section 16(a) or Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Capital Stock, and no such filing under Section 16(a) or Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act shall be voluntarily made during the Holdback Period, or (G) the receipt by the undersigned from the Corporation of Capital Stock upon a vesting event of Capital Stock or rights to acquire Capital stock pursuant to the Corporation’s equity incentive plans or the exercise by such holder of options to purchase Capital Stock issued pursuant to the Corporation’s equity incentive plans (including, in each case, by way of net exercise, but for the avoidance of doubt, excluding all manners of exercise that would involve a sale of any securities relating to such options, whether to cover the applicable aggregate exercise price, withholding tax obligations or otherwise), provided that (1) any securities received upon such vesting event or exercise will also be subject to the terms of such holder’s lock-up agreement and (2) no such vesting event or exercise shall be permitted if it shall require a filing under Section 16(a) or Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Capital Stock, and no such filing under Section 16(a) or Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act shall be voluntarily made during the Holdback Period in connection with such vesting event or

 

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exercise, or (H) transfers of Capital Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Capital Stock to the Corporation, pursuant to agreements under which the Corporation has the option to repurchase such shares or securities or a right of first refusal with respect to transfers of such shares or securities, provided that unless such transfers are pursuant to the Corporation’s option to repurchase in the event such holder is terminated or resigns as an employee of the Corporation, no transfer shall be permitted if it shall require a filing under Section 16(a) or Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Capital Stock, and no such filing under Section 16(a) or Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act shall be voluntarily made during the Holdback Period in connection with such transfer (other than a filing on Form 5 pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Capital Stock, provided that (1) such plan does not provide for the transfer of Capital Stock during the Holdback Period and (2) to the extent a public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act, if any, is required of or voluntarily made by or on behalf of such holder or the Corporation regarding the establishment of such plan, such announcement or filing shall include a statement to the effect that no transfer of Capital Stock may be made under such plan during the Holdback Period).

 

The Corporation may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Capital Stock (or other securities) subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 4(a)  until the end of such period, including any Holdback Extension.

 

(b)           Exceptions .  The foregoing holdback agreements in Section 4(a)  shall not apply to a registration in connection with an employee benefit plan or in connection with any registration on form S-4 or similar form in connection with any type of acquisition transaction or exchange offer.

 

Section 5.              Registration Procedures .

 

(a)           Whenever the Holders have requested that any Registrable Securities be registered pursuant to this Agreement or have initiated a Shelf Offering, (i) such Holders shall, if applicable, cause such Registrable Securities to be exchanged into shares of Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement prior to sale of such Registrable Securities and (ii), the Corporation shall use its reasonable efforts to effect the registration and the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto the Corporation shall as expeditiously as possible:

 

(i)            in accordance with the Securities Act and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement, and all amendments and supplements thereto and related prospectuses, with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective (provided that before filing a registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, the Corporation shall furnish to the counsel selected by the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents shall be subject to the review and comment of such counsel);

 

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(ii)           notify each holder of Registrable Securities of (A) the issuance by the Securities and Exchange Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (B) the receipt by the Corporation or its counsel of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and (C) the effectiveness of each registration statement filed hereunder;

 

(iii)          prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective for a period ending when all of the securities covered by such registration statement have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such registration statement (but in any event not before the expiration of any longer period required under the Securities Act or, if such registration statement relates to an underwritten Public Offering, such longer period as in the opinion of counsel for the underwriters a prospectus is required by law to be delivered in connection with sale of Registrable Securities by an underwriter or dealer) and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such registration statement;

 

(iv)          furnish to each seller of Registrable Securities thereunder such number of copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, the prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus), each Free Writing Prospectus and such other documents as such seller may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such seller;

 

(v)           use its reasonable efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Securities under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any seller reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such seller to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such seller (provided that the Corporation shall not be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subparagraph, (B) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction or (C) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction);

 

(vi)          notify each seller of such Registrable Securities (A) promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the date and time when such registration statement and each post-effective amendment thereto has become effective or a prospectus or supplement to any prospectus relating to a registration statement has been filed and when any registration or qualification has become effective under a state securities or blue sky law or any exemption thereunder has been obtained, (B) promptly after receipt thereof, of any request by the Securities and Exchange Commission for the amendment or supplementing of such registration statement or prospectus or for additional information

 

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and (C) at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, subject to Section 2(f) , at the request of any such seller, the Corporation shall prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;

 

(vii)         use reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Corporation are then listed and, if not so listed, to be listed on a securities exchange and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to arrange for at least two market markers to register as such with respect to such Registrable Securities with FINRA;

 

(viii)        use reasonable efforts to provide a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable Securities not later than the effective date of such registration statement;

 

(ix)          enter into and perform such customary agreements (including underwriting agreements in customary form) and take all such other actions as the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold or the underwriters, if any, reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities (including, without limitation, effecting a stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization or reorganization);

 

(x)           make available for inspection by any seller of Registrable Securities, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such seller or underwriter, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate and business documents and properties of the Corporation as shall be necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Corporation’s officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives and independent accountants to supply all information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with such registration statement;

 

(xi)          take all reasonable actions to ensure that any Free-Writing Prospectus utilized in connection with any Demand Registration or Piggyback Registration hereunder 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, shall 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;

 

(xii)         otherwise use its reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the

 

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period of at least twelve months beginning with the first day of the Corporation’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the registration statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158;

 

(xiii)        to the extent that a Holder, in its sole and exclusive judgment, might be deemed to be an underwriter of any Registrable Securities or a controlling person of the Corporation, permit such Holder to participate in the preparation of such registration or comparable statement and allow such Holder to provide language for insertion therein, in form and substance satisfactory to the Corporation, which in the reasonable judgment of such Holder and its counsel should be included;

 

(xiv)        in the event of the issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement, or the issuance of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related prospectus or suspending the qualification of any Class A Common Stock included in such registration statement for sale in any jurisdiction use reasonable efforts promptly to obtain the withdrawal of such order;

 

(xv)         use its reasonable efforts to cause such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the sellers thereof to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

 

(xvi)        cooperate with the Holders of Registrable Securities covered by the registration statement and the managing underwriter or agent, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (not bearing any restrictive legends) representing securities to be sold under the registration statement and enable such securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriter, or agent, if any, or such Holders may request;

 

(xvii)       cooperate with each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by the registration statement and each underwriter or agent participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA;

 

(xviii)      use its reasonable efforts to make available the executive officers of the Corporation to participate with the Holders of Registrable Securities covered by the registration statement and any underwriters in any “road shows” or other selling efforts that may be reasonably requested by the Holders in connection with the methods of distribution for the Registrable Securities;

 

(xix)        in the case of any underwritten Public Offering, use its reasonable efforts to obtain one or more cold comfort letters from the Corporation’s independent public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by cold comfort letters as the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold reasonably request;

 

(xx)         in the case of any underwritten Public Offering, use its reasonable efforts to provide a legal opinion of the Corporation’s outside counsel, dated the effective date of

 

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such registration statement and the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement, the registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, the prospectus included therein (including the preliminary prospectus) and such other documents relating thereto in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by legal opinions of such nature, which opinion shall be addressed to the underwriters and the Holders of such Registrable Securities being sold;

 

(xxi)        if the Corporation files an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement covering any Registrable Securities, use its reasonable efforts to remain a WKSI (and not become an ineligible issuer (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act)) during the period during which such Automatic Shelf Registration Statement is required to remain effective;

 

(xxii)       if the Corporation does not pay the filing fee covering the Registrable Securities at the time an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement is filed, pay such fee at such time or times as the Registrable Securities are to be sold; and

 

(xxiii)      if the Automatic Shelf Registration Statement has been outstanding for at least three (3) years, at the end of the third year, file a new Automatic Shelf Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities, and, if at any time when the Corporation is required to re-evaluate its WKSI status the Corporation determines that it is not a WKSI, use its reasonable efforts to refile the Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 and, if such form is not available, Form S-1 and keep such registration statement effective during the period during which such registration statement is required to be kept effective.

 

(b)           Any officer of the Corporation who is a Holder agrees that if and for so long as he or she is employed by the Corporation or any Subsidiary thereof, he or she shall participate fully in the sale process in a manner customary and reasonable for persons in like positions and consistent with his or her other duties with the Corporation and in accordance with applicable law, including the preparation of the registration statement and the preparation and presentation of any road shows.

 

(c)           The Corporation may require each Holder requesting, or electing to participate in, any registration to furnish the Corporation such information regarding such Holder and the distribution of such Registrable Securities as the Corporation may from time to time reasonably request in writing.

 

(d)           If the Original SSE Equity Owners or any of their respective Affiliates seek to effectuate an in-kind distribution of all or part of their respective Registrable Securities to their respective direct or indirect equityholders, the Corporation shall, subject to any applicable lock-ups, work with the foregoing persons to facilitate such in-kind distribution in the manner reasonably requested.

 

Section 6.              Registration Expenses .

 

(a)           The Corporation’s Obligation .  All expenses incident to the Corporation’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement (including, without limitation, all

 

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registration, qualification and filing fees, fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws, printing expenses, messenger and delivery expenses, fees and disbursements of custodians, and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Corporation and all independent certified public accountants, underwriters (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions) and other Persons retained by the Corporation) (all such expenses being herein called “ Registration Expenses ”), shall be borne as provided in this Agreement, except that the Corporation shall, in any event, pay its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of any annual audit or quarterly review, the expense of any liability insurance and the expenses and fees for listing the securities to be registered on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Corporation are then listed.  Each Person that sells securities pursuant to a Demand Registration or Piggyback Registration hereunder shall bear and pay all underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the securities sold for such Person’s account.

 

(b)           Counsel Fees and Disbursements .  In connection with each Demand Registration, each Piggyback Registration and each Shelf Offering that is an underwritten Public Offering, the Corporation shall reimburse the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such registration for the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel chosen by the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such registration or participating in such Shelf Offering.

 

Section 7.              Indemnification and Contribution .

 

(a)           By the Corporation .  The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the extent permitted by law, each Holder, such Holder’s officers, directors, managers, employees, agents and representatives, and each Person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) (the “ Holder Indemnified Parties ”) against all losses, claims, actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (including with respect to actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, and including reasonable attorney fees and expenses) caused by, resulting from, arising out of, based upon or related to any of the following statements, omissions or violations (each a “ Violation ”) by the Corporation: (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in (A) any registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus or Free-Writing Prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or (B) any application or other document or communication (in this Section 7 , collectively called an “ application ”) executed by or on behalf of the Corporation or based upon written information furnished by or on behalf of the Corporation filed in any jurisdiction in order to qualify any securities covered by such registration under the securities laws thereof, (ii) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Corporation of the Securities Act or any other similar federal or state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder applicable to the Corporation and relating to action or inaction required of the Corporation in connection with any such registration, qualification or compliance.  In addition, the Corporation will reimburse such Holder Indemnified Party for any legal or any other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such losses.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such losses result from, arise out of, are based upon, or relate to an untrue statement or

 

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alleged untrue statement, or omission or alleged omission, made in such registration statement, any such prospectus, preliminary prospectus or Free-Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any application, in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information prepared and furnished in writing to the Corporation by such Holder Indemnified Party expressly for use therein or by such Holder Indemnified Party’s failure to deliver a copy of the registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto after the Corporation has furnished such Holder Indemnified Party with a sufficient number of copies of the same.  In connection with an underwritten offering, the Corporation shall indemnify such underwriters, their officers and directors, and each Person who controls such underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holder Indemnified Parties.

 

(b)           By Each Holder .  In connection with any registration statement in which a Holder is participating, each such Holder shall furnish to the Corporation in writing such information and affidavits as the Corporation reasonably requests for use in connection with any such registration statement or prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Corporation, its officers, directors, managers, employees, agents and representatives, and each Person who controls the Corporation (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by such Holder; provided that the obligation to indemnify shall be individual, not joint and several, for each Holder and shall be limited to the net amount of proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement.

 

(c)           Claim Procedure .  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 the failure to give prompt notice shall impair any Person’s right to indemnification hereunder only to the extent such failure has prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party.  If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).  An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim.  In such instance, the conflicted indemnified parties shall have a right to retain one separate counsel, chosen by the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities included in the registration if such Holders are indemnified parties, at the expense of the indemnifying party.

 

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(d)           Contribution .  If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to, or is insufficient to hold harmless, an indemnified party or is otherwise unenforceable with respect to any loss, claim, damage, liability or action referred to herein, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amounts paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage, liability or action in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified party on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided that the maximum amount of liability in respect of such contribution shall be limited, in the case of each seller of Registrable Securities, to an amount equal to the net proceeds actually received by such seller from the sale of Registrable Securities effected pursuant to such registration.  The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the 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 the contribution pursuant to this Section 7(d)  were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account such equitable considerations.  The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to herein shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending against any action or claim which is the subject hereof.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(t) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who is not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

(e)           Release .  No indemnifying party shall, except with the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7 , an indemnifying party shall not be liable for any amounts paid in settlement of any loss, claim, damage, liability, or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the indemnifying party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

(f)            Non-exclusive Remedy; Survival .  The indemnification and contribution provided for under this Agreement shall be in addition to any other rights to indemnification or contribution that any indemnified party may have pursuant to law or contract and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling Person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of Registrable Securities and the termination or expiration of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the provisions on indemnification and contribution contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering are in conflict with the foregoing provisions, the provisions in the underwriting agreement shall control.

 

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Section 8.              Underwritten Registrations .

 

(a)           Participation .  No Person may participate in any Public Offering hereunder which is underwritten unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Person or Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements (including, without limitation, pursuant to any over-allotment or “green shoe” option requested by the underwriters; provided that no Holder shall be required to sell more than the number of Registrable Securities such Holder has requested to include) and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.  Each Holder shall execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Corporation and the lead managing underwriter(s) that are consistent with such Holder’s obligations under Section 4 , Section 5 and this Section 8(a)  or that are necessary to give further effect thereto.  To the extent that any such agreement is entered into pursuant to, and consistent with, Section 4 and this Section 8(a) , the respective rights and obligations created under such agreement shall supersede the respective rights and obligations of the Holders, the Corporation and the underwriters created pursuant to this Section 8(a) .

 

(b)           Price and Underwriting Discounts .  In the case of an underwritten Demand Registration or Underwritten Takedown requested by Holders pursuant to this Agreement, the price, underwriting discount and other financial terms of the related underwriting agreement for the Registrable Securities shall be determined by the Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such underwritten offering.

 

(c)           Suspended Distributions .  Each Person that is participating in any registration under this Agreement, upon receipt of any notice from the Corporation of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 5(a)(vi)(B)  or (C) , shall immediately discontinue the disposition of its Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement until such Person’s receipt of the copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus as contemplated by Section 5(a)(vi) .  In the event the Corporation has given any such notice, the applicable time period set forth in Section 5(a)(iii)  during which a Registration Statement is to remain effective shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice pursuant to this Section 8(c)  to and including the date when each seller of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement shall have received the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 5(a)(vi) .

 

Section 9.              Additional Parties; Joinder .  Subject to the prior written consent of each Controlling Holder, the Corporation may make any Person who acquires Class A Common Stock or rights to acquire Class A Common Stock from the Corporation after the date hereof (including without limitation any Person who acquires Common Units) a party to this Agreement (each such Person, an “ Additional Investor ”) and to succeed to all of the rights and obligations of a Holder under this Agreement by obtaining an executed joinder to this Agreement from such Additional Investor in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (a “ Joinder ”).  Upon the execution and delivery of a Joinder by such Additional Investor, the Class A Common Stock of the Corporation acquired by such Additional Investor or issuable upon redemption or exchange of Common Units acquired by such Additional Investor (the “ Acquired Common ”) shall be Registrable Securities to the extent provided herein, such Additional Investor shall be a Holder under this Agreement with respect to the Acquired Common, and the Corporation shall add such

 

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Additional Investor’s name and address to the Schedule of Investors and circulate such information to the parties to this Agreement.

 

Section 10.            Current Public Information .  At all times after the Corporation has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the requirements of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, the Corporation shall file all reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and shall take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required to enable such Holders to sell Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144.  Upon request, the Corporation shall deliver to any Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

 

Section 11.            Subsidiary Public Offering .  If, after an initial Public Offering of the Capital Stock of one of its Subsidiaries (including the Company), the Corporation distributes securities of such Subsidiary to its equityholders, then the rights and obligations of the Corporation pursuant to this Agreement shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to such Subsidiary, and the Corporation shall cause such Subsidiary to comply with such Subsidiary’s obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 12.            Transfer of Registrable Securities .

 

(a)           Restrictions on Transfers .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, except in the case of (i) a transfer to the Corporation, (ii) a transfer by any Original SSE Equity Owners or any of its Affiliates to its respective equityholders, (iii) a Public Offering, (iv) a sale pursuant to Rule 144 after the completion of the IPO or (v) a transfer in connection with a sale of the Corporation, prior to transferring any Registrable Securities to any Person (including, without limitation, by operation of law), the transferring Holder shall cause the prospective transferee to execute and deliver to the Corporation a Joinder agreeing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.  Any transfer or attempted transfer of any Registrable Securities in violation of any provision of this Agreement shall be void, and the Corporation shall not record such transfer on its books or treat any purported transferee of such Registrable Securities as the owner thereof for any purpose.

 

(b)           Legend .  Each certificate evidencing any Registrable Securities and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the transfer of any Registrable Securities (unless such Registrable Securities would no longer be Registrable Securities after such transfer) shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OTHER PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN A REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT DATED AS OF [ · ], 2015, BY AND AMONG THE ISSUER OF SUCH SECURITIES (THE “CORPORATION”) AND CERTAIN OF THE CORPORATION’S STOCKHOLDERS, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME.  A COPY OF SUCH REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE BY THE CORPORATION TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST.”

 

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The Corporation shall imprint such legend on certificates evidencing Registrable Securities outstanding prior to the date hereof, and shall cause the Company to imprint such legend on certificates, if any, evidencing Common Units exchangeable for Registrable Securities outstanding prior to the date hereof.  The legend set forth above shall be removed from the certificates evidencing any securities that have ceased to be Registrable Securities.

 

Section 13.            MNPI Provisions .

 

(a)           Each Holder acknowledges that (i) the provisions of this Agreement that require communications by the Corporation or other Holders to such Holder may result in such Holder and its Representatives (as defined below) acquiring MNPI (which may include, solely by way of illustration, the fact that an offering of the Corporation’s securities is pending or the number of Corporation securities or the identity of the selling Holders), and (ii) there is no limitation on the duration of time that such Holder and its Representatives may be in possession of MNPI and no requirement that the Company or other Holders make any public disclosure to cause such information to cease to be MNPI; provided that the Corporation will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly notify each Holder if any proposed registration or offering for which a notice has been delivered pursuant to this Agreement has been terminated or aborted.

 

(b)           Each Holder agrees that it will maintain the confidentiality of such MNPI and, to the extent such Holder is not a natural person, such confidential treatment shall be in accordance with procedures adopted by it in good faith to protect confidential information of third parties delivered to such Holder (“ Policies ”); provided that a holder may deliver or disclose MNPI to (i) its directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, affiliates and financial and other advisors (collectively, the “ Representatives ”), but solely to the extent such disclosure reasonably relates to its evaluation of exercise of its rights under this Agreement and the sale of any Registrable Securities in connection with the subject of the notice, (ii) any federal or state regulatory authority having jurisdiction over such Holder, (iii) any Person if necessary to effect compliance with any law, rule, regulation or order applicable to such Holder, (iv) in response to any subpoena or other legal process, or (v) in connection with any litigation to which such Holder is a party; provided further , that in the case of clause (i) , the recipients of such MNPI are subject to the Policies or agree to hold confidential the MNPI in a manner substantially consistent with the terms of Section 13 and that in the case of clauses (ii)  through (v) , such disclosure is required by law and you promptly notify the Corporation of such disclosure to the extent such Holder is legally permitted to give such notice.

 

(c)           Each Holder, by its execution of a counterpart to this agreement or of a Joinder, hereby (i) acknowledges that it is aware that the U.S. securities laws prohibit any person who has MNPI about a company from purchasing or selling, directly or indirectly, securities of such company (including entering into hedge transactions involving such securities), or from communicating such information to any other person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person is likely to purchase or sell such securities, and (ii) agrees that it will not use or permit any third party to use, and that it will use its reasonable efforts to assure that none of its representatives will use or permit any third party to use, any MNPI the Corporation provides in contravention of the U.S. securities laws and you will cease trading in the Corporation’s and the Company’s securities while in possession of material non-public information.

 

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(d)           Each Holder shall have the right, at any time and from time to time (including after receiving information regarding any potential Public Offering), to elect to not receive any notice that the Corporation or any other Holders otherwise are required to deliver pursuant to this Agreement by delivering to the Corporation a written statement signed by such Holder that it does not want to receive any notices hereunder (an “ Opt-Out Request ”); in which case and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement the Corporation and other Holders shall not be required to, and shall not, deliver any notice or other information required to be provided to Holders hereunder to the extent that the Corporation or such other Holders reasonably expect would result in a Holder acquiring MNPI.  An Opt-Out Request may state a date on which it expires or, if no such date is specified, shall remain in effect indefinitely.  A Holder who previously has given the Corporation an Opt-Out Request may revoke such request at any time, and there shall be no limit on the ability of a Holder to issue and revoke subsequent Opt-Out Requests; provided that each Holder shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the administrative burden on the Corporation arising in connection with any such Opt-Out Requests.

 

Section 14.            General Provisions .

 

(a)           Amendments and Waivers .  Except as otherwise provided herein, the provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived only with the prior written consent of the Corporation and each Controlling Holder; provided that no such amendment, modification or waiver that would materially and adversely affect a Holder in a manner materially different than any other Holder ( provided that the accession by Additional Investors to this Agreement pursuant to Section 9 shall not be deemed to adversely affect any Holder), shall be effective against such Holder without the consent of such Holder that is materially and adversely affected thereby.  The failure or delay of any Person to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed as a waiver of such provisions and shall not affect the right of such Person thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.  A waiver or consent to or of any breach or default by any Person in the performance by that Person of his, her or its obligations under this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a consent or waiver to or of any other breach or default in the performance by that Person of the same or any other obligations of that Person under this Agreement.

 

(b)           Remedies .  The parties to this Agreement shall be entitled to enforce their rights under this Agreement specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages caused by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in their favor.  The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that a breach of this Agreement would cause irreparable harm and money damages would not be an adequate remedy for any such breach and that, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing hereunder, any party shall be entitled to specific performance and/or other injunctive relief from any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction (without posting any bond or other security) in order to enforce or prevent violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

(c)           Severability .  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited, invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or regulation in any jurisdiction, such prohibition, invalidity, illegality or

 

26



 

unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such prohibited, invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

(d)           Entire Agreement .  Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement contains the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

 

(e)           Successors and Assigns .  This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit and be enforceable by the Corporation and its successors and assigns and the Holders and their respective successors and assigns (whether so expressed or not).  In addition, whether or not any express assignment has been made, the provisions of this Agreement which are for the benefit Holders are also for the benefit of, and enforceable by, any subsequent or successor Holder.

 

(f)            Notices .  Any notice, demand or other communication to be given under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when delivered personally to the recipient, (ii) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient but; if not, then on the next Business Day, (iii) one Business Day after it is sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) or (iv) three Business Days after it is mailed to the recipient by first class mail, return receipt requested.  Such notices, demands and other communications shall be sent to the Corporation at the address specified below and to any Original SSE Equity Owner or to any other party subject to this Agreement at such address as indicated on the Schedule of Investors, or at such address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.  Any party may change such party’s address for receipt of notice by providing prior written notice of the change to the sending party as provided herein.  The Corporation’s address is:

 

Shake Shack Inc.
24 Union Square East, 5
th  Floor
New York, New York 10003
Attn: General Counsel

 

With a copy to:

 

Latham & Watkins LLP
885 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attn: Gregory P. Rodgers, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 751-4864

 

or to such other address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.

 

27



 

(g)           Business Days .  If any time period for giving notice or taking action hereunder expires on a day that is not a Business Day, the time period shall automatically be extended to the immediately following Business Day.

 

(h)           Governing Law .  The corporate law of the State of Delaware shall govern all issues and questions concerning the relative rights of the Corporation and its stockholders.  All other issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.

 

(i)            MUTUAL WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .  AS A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR INDUCEMENT FOR EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT (AFTER HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL), EACH PARTY HERETO EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

(j)            CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS .  EACH OF THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LOCATED IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, FOR THE PURPOSES OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY RELATED AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO FURTHER AGREES THAT SERVICE OF ANY PROCESS, SUMMONS, NOTICE OR DOCUMENT BY U.S. REGISTERED MAIL TO SUCH PARTY’S RESPECTIVE ADDRESS SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL BE EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTERS TO WHICH IT HAS SUBMITTED TO JURISDICTION IN THIS PARAGRAPH.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY RELATED DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE, AND HEREBY AND THEREBY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT THAT ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.

 

(k)           No Recourse .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Corporation and each Holder agrees and acknowledges 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, whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other applicable

 

28



 

law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability 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.

 

(l)            Descriptive Headings; Interpretation .  The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.  The use of the word “including” in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation.

 

(m)          No Strict Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

 

(n)           Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signature of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

(o)           Electronic Delivery .  This Agreement, the agreements referred to herein, and each other agreement or instrument entered into in connection herewith or therewith or contemplated hereby or thereby, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent executed and delivered by means of a photographic, photostatic, facsimile or similar reproduction of such signed writing using a facsimile machine or electronic mail shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person.  At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties.  No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of a facsimile machine or electronic mail to deliver a signature or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile machine or electronic mail as a defense to the formation or enforceability of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense.

 

(p)           Further Assurances .  In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Holder shall execute and deliver any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(q)           No Inconsistent Agreements .  The Corporation shall not hereafter enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which is inconsistent with or violates the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

 

* * * * *

 

29


 

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

 

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: Randy Garutti

 

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

UNION SQUARE HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: Jeff Flug

 

 

Title: President

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

UNION SQUARE CAFE CORP.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:  Daniel H. Meyer 

 

 

Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

GRAMERCY TAVERN CORP.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:  Daniel H. Meyer 

 

 

Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel H. Meyer

 

 

 

 

 

DANIEL H. MEYER 2012 GIFT TRUST U/A/D 10/31/12

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: Jack R. Polsky, not individually but solely as Co-Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Flug

 

 

 

 

 

FLUG 2012 GS TRUST U/A/D 9/14/12

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:  Sheryl Flug, not individually but solely as Co-Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:  Kenneth Flug, not individually but solely as Co-Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

GULF FIVE LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:  Jeff Flug

 

 

Title: Manager

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Coraine

 

 

 

 

 

THE RICHARD D. CORAINE 2012 FAMILY TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:  Toni Haida

 

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

David Swinghamer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE DAVID A. SWINGHAMER GRAT

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: David Swinghamer

 

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen Kochevar

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Walter Robb

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Erin Moran

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley Campbell

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 


 

 

NEW MALTED HOLDINGS II-A LLC

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jonathan Sokoloff

 

Title: Executive VP and Managing Partner of Leonard Green and Partners, L.P., the General Partner

 

 

 

GREEN EQUITY INVESTORS VI, LP

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jonathan Sokoloff

 

Title: Executive VP and Managing Partner of Leonard Green and Partners, L.P., the General Partner

 

 

 

GREEN EQUITY INVESTORS SIDE VI, LP

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jonathan Sokoloff

 

Title: Executive VP and Managing Partner of Leonard Green and Partners, L.P., the General Partner

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Randy Garutti

 

 

 

THE RANDALL J. GARUTTI 2014 GST TRUST

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Maria L. Garutti, Trustee

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Ronald Garutti, Jr., Trustee

 

 

 

By: J.P. Morgan Trust Company of Delaware, Administrative Trustee

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Jeff Uttz

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

SEG PARTNERS, L.P.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

SEG PARTNERS II, L.P.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

SEGPO INVESTMENT CORP. LLC

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

SEG PARTNERS OFFSHORE MASTER FUND LTD.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

ROXANNE H. FRANK REVOCABLE TRUST DATED 9/30/75

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

RHF-NM 1999 DESCENDANTS TRUST DATED 1/1/2006

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Michael McQuinn

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

MARC WEISS REVOCABLE TRUST U/A/D 8/11/2003

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Marc Weiss

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

RHF-TM 1999 DESCENDANTS TRUST DATED 1/1/2006

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Michael McQuinn

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

VHP SPECIAL TRUST FOR JACK DATED 12/31/12

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

JEAN POLSKY INVESTMENT TRUST DATED 3/21/97

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

JOAN W. HARRIS REVOCABLE TRUST DATED 4/1/93

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Joan Harris

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

BENJAMIN HARRIS FAMILY TRUST DATED 12/23/92

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Boardman Lloyd

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

DAVID HARRIS FAMILY TRUST DATED 12/23/92

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Boardman Lloyd

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

AMY WEISS-MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 12/22/05

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

ISAAC WEISS-MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 12/22/05

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

HALLIE MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

GRETCHEN MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

CHARLES MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

PEYTON MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

Beth Stephens

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Orrin Devinsky

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Laura Sloate

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Bert Vivian

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Jamie Welch and Fiona Angelini

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 


 

 

GRANITE POINT CAPITAL

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: C. David Bushley

 

Title: Chief Operating Officer,

 

Granite Point Capital Management,

 

The Investment Manager

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

THOMAS O’NEAL RYDER FAMILY TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Darlene Ryder

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

ACG SHACK LLC

 

 

 

By: Alliance Consumer Growth LLC, Its Manager

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Joshua N. Goldin

 

Title: Managing Member

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTORS

 

Holder

 

Controlling
Holder?

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner/
Former SSE Equity Owner

Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Union Square Cafe Corp.

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Gramercy Tavern Corp.

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Daniel H. Meyer

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Daniel H. Meyer 2012 Gift Trust U/A/D 10/31/12

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Jeffrey Flug

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Flug 2012 GS Trust U/A/D 9/14/12

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Gulf Five LLC

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Richard Coraine

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

The Richard D. Coraine 2012 Family Trust

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

David Swinghamer

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

The David A. Swinghamer GRAT

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Karen Kochevar

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Erin Moran

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Ashley Campbell

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Malted Holdings II-A LLC

 

LGP Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Green Equity Investors VI, LP

 

LGP Stockholder

 

Former SSE Equity Owner

Green Equity Investors Side VI, LP

 

LGP Stockholder

 

Former SSE Equity Owner

Randy Garutti

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

The Randall J. Garutti 2014 GST Trust

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Jeff Uttz

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

SEG Partners, L.P.

 

SEG Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

SEG Partners II, L.P.

 

SEG Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

[SEG Partners Offshore Master Fund Ltd.

 

SEG Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner]

[SEGPO Investment Corp. LLC]

 

SEG Stockholder

 

Former SSE Equity Owner

Roxanne H. Frank Revocable Trust Dated 9/30/75

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

RHF-NM 1999 Descendants Trust Dated 1/1/2006

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Marc Weiss Revocable Trust U/A/D 8/11/2003

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

RHF-TM 1999 Descendants Trust Dated 1/1/2006

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

VHP Special Trust For Jack Dated 12/31/12

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Jean Polsky Investment Trust Dated 3/21/97

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Joan W. Harris Revocable Trust Dated 4/1/93

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Benjamin Harris Family Trust Dated 12/23/92

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

David Harris Family Trust Dated 12/23/92

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Amy Weiss-Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 12/22/05

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Isaac Weiss-Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 12/22/05

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Hallie Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Gretchen Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Charles Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Peyton Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

 

Meyer Stockholder

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Beth Stephens

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Orrin Devinsky

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Laura Sloate

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

 



 

Holder

 

Controlling
Holder?

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner/
Former SSE Equity Owner

Bert Vivian

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Jamie Welch and Fiona Angelini

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Granite Point Capital

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

Thomas O’Neal Ryder Family Trust

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

ACG Shack LLC

 

No.

 

Continuing SSE Equity Owner

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT JOINDER

 

The undersigned is executing and delivering this Joinder pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of [ · ], 2015 (as the same may hereafter be amended, the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), among Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), and the other person named as parties therein.

 

By executing and delivering this Joinder to the Corporation, and upon acceptance hereof by the Corporation upon the execution of a counterpart hereof, the undersigned hereby agrees to become a party to, to be bound by, and to comply with the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement as a Holder of Registrable Securities in the same manner as if the undersigned were an original signatory to the Registration Rights Agreement, and the undersigned’s shares of Class A Common Stock shall be included as Registrable Securities under the Registration Rights Agreement to the extent provided therein.  The Corporation is directed to add the address below the undersigned’s signature on this Joinder to the Schedule of Investors attached to the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder as of the                  day of                     , 20  .

 

 

 

 

Signature of Stockholder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name of Stockholder

 

Its:

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

Agreed and Accepted as of

 

                    , 20   

 

 

 

 

 

Shake Shack Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Its:

 

 




Exhibit 10.3

 

 

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

 

Dated as of [•], 2015

 


 

THE COMPANY INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS. SUCH COMPANY INTERESTS MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF AT ANY TIME WITHOUT EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND LAWS OR EXEMPTION THEREFROM, AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY SET FORTH HEREIN.

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

Article I. DEFINITIONS

3

 

 

Article II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

13

 

 

 

Section 2.01

Formation of Company

13

Section 2.02

Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement

13

Section 2.03

Name

13

Section 2.04

Purpose

14

Section 2.05

Principal Office; Registered Office

14

Section 2.06

Term

14

Section 2.07

No State-Law Partnership

14

 

 

 

Article III. MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION

14

 

 

 

Section 3.01

Members

14

Section 3.02

Units

15

Section 3.03

Recapitalization and Split; the Corporation’s Capital Contribution; the Corporation’s Purchase of Common Units; Member Distribution

15

Section 3.04

Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units

16

Section 3.05

Repurchase or Redemption of shares of Class A Common Stock

17

Section 3.06

Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units

17

Section 3.07

Negative Capital Accounts

17

Section 3.08

No Withdrawal

18

Section 3.09

Loans From Members

18

Section 3.10

Corporate Stock Option Plans and Equity Plans

18

Section 3.11

Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan

20

 

 

 

Article IV. DISTRIBUTIONS

20

 

 

 

Section 4.01

Distributions

20

Section 4.02

Restricted Distributions

22

 

 

 

Article V. CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS

22

 

 

 

Section 5.01

Capital Accounts

22

Section 5.02

Allocations

23

Section 5.03

Regulatory Allocations

23

Section 5.04

Final Allocations

24

Section 5.05

Tax Allocations

24

Section 5.06

Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member

25

 



 

Article VI. MANAGEMENT

26

 

 

 

Section 6.01

Authority of Manager

26

Section 6.02

Actions of the Manager

26

Section 6.03

Resignation; No Removal

26

Section 6.04

Vacancies

27

Section 6.05

Transactions Between Company and Manager

27

Section 6.06

Reimbursement for Expenses

27

Section 6.07

Delegation of Authority

27

Section 6.08

Limitation of Liability of Manager

28

Section 6.09

Investment Company Act

29

Section 6.10

Outside Activities of the Manager

29

 

 

 

Article VII. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS

29

 

 

 

Section 7.01

Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members

29

Section 7.02

Lack of Authority

30

Section 7.03

No Right of Partition

30

Section 7.04

Indemnification

30

Section 7.05

Members Right to Act

32

Section 7.06

Inspection Rights

33

 

 

 

Article VIII. BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

33

 

 

 

Section 8.01

Records and Accounting

33

Section 8.02

Fiscal Year

33

Section 8.03

Reports

33

 

 

 

Article IX. TAX MATTERS

33

 

 

 

Section 9.01

Preparation of Tax Returns

33

Section 9.02

Tax Elections

34

Section 9.03

Tax Controversies

34

 

 

 

Article X. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS; PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

34

 

 

 

Section 10.01

Transfers by Members

34

Section 10.02

Permitted Transfers

35

Section 10.03

Restricted Units Legend

35

Section 10.04

Transfer

36

Section 10.05

Assignee’s Rights

36

Section 10.06

Assignor’s Rights and Obligations

36

Section 10.07

Overriding Provisions

37

 

 

 

Article XI. REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE RIGHTS

38

 

 

 

Section 11.01

Redemption Right of a Member

38

 

iii



 

Section 11.02

Election and Contribution of the Corporation

40

Section 11.03

Exchange Right of the Corporation

40

Section 11.04

Reservation of shares of Class A Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation

41

Section 11.05

Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Exchange Right

41

Section 11.06

Tax Treatment

41

 

 

 

Article XII. ADMISSION OF MEMBERS

42

 

 

 

Section 12.01

Substituted Members

42

Section 12.02

Additional Members

42

 

 

Article XIII. WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS

42

 

 

 

Section 13.01

Withdrawal and Resignation of Members

42

 

 

 

Article XIV. DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

42

 

 

 

Section 14.01

Dissolution

42

Section 14.02

Liquidation and Termination

43

Section 14.03

Deferment; Distribution in Kind

43

Section 14.04

Cancellation of Certificate

44

Section 14.05

Reasonable Time for Winding Up

44

Section 14.06

Return of Capital

44

 

 

 

Article XV. VALUATION

44

Section 15.01

Determination

44

Section 15.02

Dispute Resolution

44

 

 

 

Article XVI. GENERAL PROVISIONS

45

 

 

 

Section 16.01

Power of Attorney

45

Section 16.02

Confidentiality

46

Section 16.03

Amendments

46

Section 16.04

Title to Company Assets

46

Section 16.05

Addresses and Notices

47

Section 16.06

Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries

47

Section 16.07

Creditors

47

Section 16.08

Waiver

48

Section 16.09

Counterparts

48

Section 16.10

Applicable Law

48

Section 16.11

Severability

48

Section 16.12

Further Action

48

Section 16.13

Delivery by Electronic Transmission

48

Section 16.14

Right of Offset

48

Section 16.15

Effectiveness

49

 

iv



 

Section 16.16

Entire Agreement

49

Section 16.17

Remedies

49

Section 16.18

Descriptive Headings; Interpretation

49

 

Schedules

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule 1

Schedule of Original Members

 

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

Form of Joinder Agreement

 

v


 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

 

This THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ · ], 2015, is entered into by and among SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and its Members (as defined herein).

 

WHEREAS, the Company initially was formed as a limited liability company with the name “SSE Holdings, LLC”, pursuant to and in accordance with the Delaware Act (as defined herein) by the filing of the Certificate (as defined herein) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to Section 18-201 of the Delaware Act on October 16, 2009;

 

WHEREAS, the Company entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of October 16, 2009 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to but excluding November 25, 2009, together with all schedules, exhibits and annexes thereto, the “ Initial LLC Agreement ”), with the members of the Company party thereto;

 

WHEREAS, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2009 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to but excluding February 4, 2011, together with all schedules, exhibits and annexes thereto, the “ First A&R LLC Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of February 4, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to but excluding the date hereof, together with all schedules, exhibits and annexes thereto, the “ Second A&R LLC Agreement ”), which the parties listed on Schedule 1 hereto have executed in their capacity as members (including pursuant to consent and joinders thereto) (collectively, the “ Original Members ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Original Members hold Common Units and Class B Units (as defined in Section 1.2 of the Second A&R LLC Agreement, respectively, the “ Original Common Units ” and the “ Original Class B Units ”, and collectively, the “ Original Units ”) of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to have Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), effect an initial public offering (the “ IPO ”) of shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.01 (the “ Class A Common Stock ”), and in connection therewith, to amend and restate the Second A&R LLC Agreement as of the Effective Time (as defined herein) to reflect (a) a recapitalization of the Company and the associated split in the number of Units (as defined herein) then outstanding (the “ Recapitalization ”), (b) the addition of the Corporation as a Member (as defined herein) in the Company and its designation as sole Manager (as defined

 



 

herein) of the Company, and (c) the rights and obligations of the Members of the Company that are enumerated and agreed upon in the terms of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Time, at which time the Second A&R LLC Agreement shall be superseded entirely by this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Recapitalization and as of the Effective Time, the Original Units of each Original Member will be converted into Common Units (as defined herein);

 

WHEREAS, on December 31, 2014, certain of the Original Common Units held by Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC (“ USHG ”) were distributed to the members of USHG pro rata in accordance with the percentage ownership of each such member in USHG (the “ USHG Distribution ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Original Members are the members of the Company as of the Effective Time and after giving effect to the Recapitalization and the USHG Distribution;

 

WHEREAS, exclusive of the Over-Allotment Option (as defined below), the Corporation will sell shares of its Class A Common Stock to public investors in the IPO and will use the net proceeds received from the IPO (the “ IPO Net Proceeds ”) to purchase newly issued Common Units from the Company pursuant to that certain IPO Common Unit Purchase Agreement (as defined herein);

 

WHEREAS, as soon as practicable following the Effective Time, subsidiaries of the Corporation shall merge with and into LGP blocker corporation and SEG blocker corporation, each of which is an Original Member (collectively, the “ Blocker Corps ”), pursuant to which the Blocker Corps will survive and become subsidiaries of the Corporation, and the shareholders of the Blocker Corps will receive Class A Common Stock in exchange for all of their shares in the Blocker Corps;

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation may issue additional shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with the IPO as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option (the “ Over-Allotment Option ”) and, if the Over-Allotment Option is in fact exercised in whole or in part, any additional net proceeds (the “ Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds ”) shall be used by the Corporation to purchase newly issued Common Units from the Company pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Purchase Agreement;(1) and

 

WHEREAS, immediately following the receipt of the Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds, the Company will make a payment to certain of the Original Members (who were Members of the Company as of immediately prior to the USHG Distribution) equal to the product of (x) .273 multiplied by (y) (i) any gross proceeds received from the IPO on the IPO Closing Date in excess of $       million plus (ii) any gross proceeds as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of the Over-Allotment Option (the “ Special Payment ”);

 


(1)          NTD: This draft assumes that all Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds will be used to purchase newly issued Common Units from the Company.  To be revised to the extent these assumptions change.

 



 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Members, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS

 

The following definitions shall be applied to the terms used in this Agreement for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary.

 

10% Member ” means (i) a Member that holds a direct Percentage Interest of at least 10% or (ii) a Person that holds, directly and/or indirectly, a Percentage Interest of at least 10% provided that the Company has knowledge that such Person holds, directly and/or indirectly, a Percentage Interest of at least 10%.

 

Additional Member ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02 .

 

Adjusted Capital Account Deficit ” means with respect to the Capital Account of any Member as of the end of any Taxable Year, the amount by which the balance in such Capital Account is less than zero.  For this purpose, such Member’s Capital Account balance shall be:

 

(a)                                  reduced for any items described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704- 1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), and (6); and

 

(b)                                  increased for any amount such Member is obligated to contribute or is treated as being obligated to contribute to the Company pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (relating to partner liabilities to a partnership) or 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i) (relating to minimum gain).

 

Admission Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.06 .

 

Affiliate ” (and, with a correlative meaning, “ Affiliated ”) means, with respect to a specified Person, each other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified.  As used in this definition and the definition of Majority Member, “control” (including with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of voting securities or by contract or other agreement).

 

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Appraisers ” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.02 .

 

Assignee ” means a Person to whom a Company Interest has been transferred but who has not become a Member pursuant to Article XII .

 



 

Assumed Tax Liability ” means, with respect to a Member, an amount equal to the Distribution Tax Rate multiplied by the estimated or actual taxable income of the Company, as determined for federal income tax purposes, allocated to such Member pursuant to Section 5.05 for the period to which the Assumed Tax Liability relates as determined for federal income tax purposes, allocated to such Member pursuant to Section 5.05 to the extent not previously taken into account in determining the Assumed Tax Liability of such Member, as reasonably determined by the Manager; provided that, in the case of the Corporation, such Assumed Tax Liability (i) shall be computed without regard to any increases to the tax basis of the Company’s property pursuant to Section 743(b) of the Code and (ii) shall in no event be less than an amount that will enable the Corporation to meet its tax obligations, including its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement, for the relevant taxable year.

 

Base Rate ” means, on any date, a variable rate per annum equal to the rate of interest most recently published by The Wall Street Journal as the “prime rate” at large U.S. money center banks.

 

Black-Out Period ” means any “black-out” or similar period under the Corporation’s policies covering trading in the Corporation’s securities to which the applicable Redeeming Member is subject, which period restricts the ability of such Redeeming Member to immediately resell shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered to such Redeeming Member in connection with a Share Settlement.

 

Blocker Corps ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Book Value ” means, with respect to any Company property, the Company’s adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, adjusted from time to time to reflect the adjustments required or permitted by Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d)-(g).

 

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which banks located in New York City, New York generally are authorized or required by Law to close.

 

Capital Account ” means the capital account maintained for a Member in accordance with Section 5.01 .

 

Capital Contribution ” means, with respect to any Member, the amount of any cash, cash equivalents, promissory obligations or the Fair Market Value of other property that such Member contributes (or is deemed to contribute) to the Company pursuant to Article III hereof.

 

Cash Settlement ” means immediately available funds in U.S. dollars in an amount equal to the Redeemed Units Equivalent.

 

Certificate ” means the Company’s Certificate of Formation as filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware.

 

Change of Control Transaction ” means (a) a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets determined on a consolidated basis, (b) a sale of a majority of the Company’s outstanding Units (other than (i) to the Corporation or (ii) in connection with a Redemption or

 



 

Exchange in accordance with Article XI ) or (c) a sale of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of any Material Subsidiary of the Company; in any such case, whether by merger, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization, combination or otherwise; provided, however , that neither (x) a transaction solely for the purpose of changing the jurisdiction of domicile of the Company, nor (y) a transaction solely for the purpose of changing the form of entity of the Company, nor (z) a sale of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, whether by merger, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization, combination or otherwise, shall in each case of clauses (x), (y) and (z) constitute a Change of Control Transaction.

 

Class A Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Class B Common Stock ” means the Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation.

 

Code ” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Common Unit ” means a Unit representing a fractional part of the Company Interests of the Members and having the rights and obligations specified with respect to the Common Units in this Agreement.

 

Common Unit Redemption Price ” means the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average prices for a share of Class A Common Stock on the principal U.S. securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system on which the Class A Common Stock trades, as reported by Bloomberg, L.P., or its successor, for each of the five (5) consecutive full Trading Days ending on and including the last full Trading Day immediately prior to the Redemption Date, subject to appropriate and equitable adjustment for any stock splits, reverse splits, stock dividends or similar events affecting the Class A Common Stock.  If the Class A Common Stock no longer trades on a securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, then a majority of the Independent Directors shall determine the Common Unit Redemption Price in good faith.

 

Common Unitholder ” means a Member who is the registered holder of Common Units.

 

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Company Interest ” means the interest of a Member in Profits, Losses and Distributions.

 

Contribution Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(b) .

 

Corporate Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

Corporate Incentive Award Plan ” means the Shake Shack Inc. 2014 Incentive Award Plan, as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Corporation ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, together with its successors and assigns.

 



 

Credit Agreement ” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2014, by and among the Company, as borrower, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders, including all exhibits, schedules and attachments thereto as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and including any one or more refinancings or replacements thereof, in whole or in part, with any other debt facility or debt obligation.(2)

 

Delaware Act ” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del.L. § 18-101, et seq. , as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.

 

Direct Exchange ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(a) .

 

Distributable Cash ” shall mean, as of any relevant date on which a determination is being made by the Manager regarding a potential distribution pursuant to Section 4.01(a) , the amount of cash that could be distributed by the Company for such purposes in accordance with the Credit Agreement (and without otherwise violating any applicable provisions of the Credit Agreement).

 

Distribution ” (and, with a correlative meaning, “ Distribute ”) means each distribution made by the Company to a Member with respect to such Member’s Units, whether in cash, property or securities of the Company and whether by liquidating distribution or otherwise; provided, however , that none of the following shall be a Distribution: (a) any recapitalization that does not result in the distribution of cash or property to Members or any exchange of securities of the Company, and any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Units or (b) any other payment made by the Company to a Member that is not properly treated as a “distribution” for purposes of Sections 731, 732, or 733 or other applicable provisions of the Code.

 

Distribution Tax Rate ” shall mean (i) with respect to Tax Distributions made in the 2015 Fiscal Year, the Corporation’s combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate (taking into account the deductibility of state and local taxes for federal tax purposes) as reasonably determined by the Manager and (ii) with respect to Tax Distributions made in any other Fiscal Year, the tax rate determined in the sole discretion of the Manager.

 

Effective Time ” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.15 .

 

Equity Plan ” means any stock or equity purchase plan, restricted stock or equity plan or other similar equity compensation plan now or hereafter adopted by the Company or the Corporation.

 

Equity Securities ” means (a) Units or other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (including other classes or groups thereof having such relative rights, powers and duties as may from time to time be established by the Manager pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including rights, powers and/or duties senior to existing classes

 


(2)  NTD: Once the amendment is finalized, this will be updated accordingly.

 



 

and groups of Units and other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company), (b) obligations, evidences of indebtedness or other securities or interests convertible or exchangeable into Units or other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, and (c) warrants, options or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire Units or other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.

 

Event of Withdrawal ” means the expulsion, bankruptcy or dissolution of a Member or the occurrence of any other event that terminates the continued membership of a Member in the Company.  “Event of Withdrawal” shall not include an event that (a) terminates the existence of a Member for income tax purposes (including, without limitation, (i) a change in entity classification of a Member under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, (ii) termination of a partnership pursuant to Code Section 708(b)(1)(B), (iii) a sale of assets by, or liquidation of, a Member pursuant to an election under Code Sections 336 or 338, or (iv) merger, severance, or allocation within a trust or among sub-trusts of a trust that is a Member) but that (b) does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Company Interests of such trust that is a Member).

 

Exchange Election Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(b) .

 

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any asset, its fair market value determined according to Article XV .

 

First A&R LLC Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Fiscal Period ” means any interim accounting period within a Taxable Year established by the Company and which is permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code.

 

Fiscal Year ” means the Company’s annual accounting period established pursuant to Section 8.02 .

 

Governmental Entity ” means (a) the United States of America, (b) any other sovereign nation, (c) any state, province, district, territory or other political subdivision of (a) or (b) of this definition, including any county, municipal or other local subdivision of the foregoing, or (d) any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of government on behalf of (a), (b) or (c) of this definition.

 

Indemnified Person ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(a) .

 

Independent Directors ” means the members of the Corporate Board who are “independent” under the standards set forth in Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and the corresponding rules of the applicable exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is traded or quoted.

 

Initial LLC Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Investment Company Act ” means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.

 



 

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

IPO Closing Date ” means the closing date of the IPO, which for the avoidance of doubt means the date on which all IPO Net Proceeds required to be delivered pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement have been delivered to the Corporation in respect of its sale of Class A Common Stock excluding any proceeds from the Over-Allotment Option which may be delivered at a subsequent date following exercise of such option.

 

IPO Common Unit Purchase ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(b) .

 

IPO Common Unit Purchase Agreement ” means that certain Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation and the Company.

 

IPO Net Proceeds ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Joinder ” means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.

 

Law ” means all laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations of the United States, any foreign country and each state, commonwealth, city, county, municipality, regulatory body, agency or other political subdivision thereof.

 

LLC Employee ” means an employee of, or other service provider to, the Company or any Subsidiary, in each case acting in such capacity.

 

Losses ” means items of Company loss or deduction determined according to Section 5.01(b) .

 

Majority Members ” means the Manager together with Members (which may include the Manager) holding a majority of the Voting Units then outstanding; provided that, if as of any date of determination, a majority of the Voting Units are then held by the Manager or any Affiliates controlled by the Manager, then “Majority Members” shall mean the Manager together with Members (other than the Manager and its controlled Affiliates) holding a majority of the Voting Units (excluding Voting Units held by the Manager) then outstanding.

 

Manager ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01 .

 

Market Price ” means, with respect to a share of Class A Common Stock as of a specified date, the last sale price per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, or if no such sale took place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if the Class A Common 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 low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National Association

 



 

of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or, if such system is no longer in use, the principal other automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if the Class A Common Stock is not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in the Class A Common Stock selected by the Corporate Board or, in the event that no trading price is available for the shares of Class A Common Stock, the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Corporate Board.

 

Material Subsidiary ” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company that, as of any date of determination, represents more than (a) 50% of the consolidated net tangible assets of the Company or (b) 50% of the consolidated net income of the Company before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (calculated in a manner substantially consistent with the definition of “Consolidated Net Income” and/or “EBITDA” or similar definition(s) appearing therein in the Credit Agreement, including such additional adjustments that are permitted to be made to such measure as described in “Adjusted EBITDA” or a similar definition appearing in the Credit Agreement).

 

Member ” means, as of any date of determination, (a) each of the members named on the Schedule of Members and (b) any Person admitted to the Company as a Substituted Member or Additional Member in accordance with Article XII , but in each case only so long as such Person is shown on the Company’s books and records as the owner of one or more Units.

 

Minimum Gain ” means “partnership minimum gain” determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(d).

 

Net Loss ” means, with respect to a Fiscal Year, the excess if any, of Losses for such Fiscal Year over Profits for such Fiscal Year (excluding Profits and Losses specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.03 and Section 5.04 ).

 

Net Profit ” means, with respect to a Fiscal Year, the excess if any, of Profits for such Fiscal Year over Losses for such Fiscal Year (excluding Profits and Losses specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.03 and Section 5.04 ).

 

Officer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(b) .

 

Optionee ” means a Person to whom a stock option is granted under any Stock Option Plan.

 

Original Common Units ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Original Class B Units ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Original Members ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Original Units ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Other Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.04 .

 


 

Over-Allotment Option ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Percentage Interest ” means, as among an individual class of Units and with respect to a Member at a particular time, such Member’s percentage interest in the Company determined by dividing such Member’s Units of such class by the total Units of all Members of such class at such time.  The Percentage Interest of each member shall be calculated to the 4 th  decimal place.

 

Permitted Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02 .

 

Person ” means an individual or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, joint venture or any other organization or entity, whether or not a legal entity.

 

Pro rata ,” “ pro rata portion ,” “ according to their interests ,” “ ratably ,” “ proportionately ,” “ proportional ,” “ in proportion to ,” “ based on the number of Units held ,” “ based upon the percentage of Units held ,” “ based upon the number of Units outstanding ,” and other terms with similar meanings, when used in the context of a number of Units of the Company relative to other Units, means as amongst an individual class of Units, pro rata based upon the number of such Units within such class of Units.

 

Profits ” means items of Company income and gain determined according to Section 5.01(b) .

 

Recapitalization ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Redeemed Units ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a) .

 

Redeemed Units Equivalent ” means the product of (a) the Share Settlement, times (b) the Common Unit Redemption Price.

 

Redeeming Member ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a) .

 

Redemption ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a) .

 

Redemption Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a) .

 

Redemption Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a) .

 

Redemption Right ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a) .

 

Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation and the Original Members (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such Agreement).

 

Retraction Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(b) .

 



 

Schedule of Members ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b) .

 

SEC ” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions thereof.

 

Second A&R LLC Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.  Any reference herein to a specific section, rule or regulation of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law.

 

Share Settlement ” means a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the number of Redeemed Units.

 

Special Payment ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Sponsor Person ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(d) .

 

Stock Exchange ” means the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Stock Option Plan ” means any stock option plan now or hereafter adopted by the Company or by the Corporation, including the Corporate Incentive Award Plan.

 

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or business entity of which (a) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (b) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of the voting interests thereof are at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof.  For purposes hereof, references to a “Subsidiary” of the Company shall be given effect only at such times that the Company has one or more Subsidiaries, and, unless otherwise indicated, the term “Subsidiary” refers to a Subsidiary of the Company.

 

Substituted Member ” means a Person that is admitted as a Member to the Company pursuant to Section 12.01 .

 

Tax Distribution Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i) .

 

Tax Distributions ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i) .

 

Tax Matters Partner ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03 .

 



 

Tax Receivable Agreement ” means that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as the date hereof, by and among the Corporation, on the one hand, and the Original Members (other than the Blocker Corps), on the other hand (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such Agreement).

 

Taxable Year ” means the Company’s accounting period for U.S. federal income tax purposes determined pursuant to Section 9.02 .

 

Trading Day ” means a day on which the Stock Exchange or such other principal United States securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business (unless such trading shall have been suspended for the entire day).

 

Transfer ” (and, with a correlative meaning, “ Transferring ”) means any sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other disposition of (whether directly or indirectly, whether with or without consideration and whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of Law) (a) any interest (legal or beneficial) in any Equity Securities or (b) any equity or other interest (legal or beneficial) in any Member if substantially all of the assets of such Member consist solely of Units.

 

Treasury Regulations ” means the income tax regulations promulgated under the Code and any corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations.

 

Underwriting Agreement ” means the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of [ · ], 2014, by and among the Corporation, the Company, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., Jefferies LLC and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated.

 

Unit ” means a Company Interest of a Member or a permitted Assignee in the Company representing a fractional part of the Company Interests of all Members and Assignees as may be established by the Manager from time to time in accordance with Section 3.02 ; provided, however , that any class or group of Units issued shall have the relative rights, powers and duties set forth in this Agreement, and the Company Interest represented by such class or group of Units shall be determined in accordance with such relative rights, powers and duties.

 

Unitholder ” means a Common Unitholder and any Member who is the registered holder of any other class of Units, if any.

 

Unvested Corporate Shares ” means shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to the Corporate Incentive Award Plan that are not Vested Corporate Shares.

 

USHG ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

USHG Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

Value ” means (a) for any Stock Option Plan, the Market Price for the trading day immediately preceding the date of exercise of a stock option under such Stock Option Plan and

 



 

(b) for any Equity Plan other than a Stock Option Plan, the Market Price for the trading day immediately preceding the Vesting Date.

 

Vested Corporate Shares ” means the shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to the Corporate Incentive Award Plan that are vested pursuant to the terms thereof or any award or similar agreement relating thereto.

 

Vesting Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(c)(ii) .

 

Voting Units ” means (a) the Common Units and (b) any other Units other than Units that by their express terms do not entitle the record holder thereof to vote on any matter presented to the Members generally under this Agreement for approval; provided that (i) no vote by Voting Units shall have the power to override any action taken by the Manager or to remove or replace the Manager, (ii) the Voting Units have no ability to take part in the conduct or control of the Company’s business and (iii) notwithstanding any vote by Voting Units hereunder, the Manager shall retain exclusive management power over the business and affairs of the Company in accordance with Section 6.01(a) .

 

ARTICLE II.
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

 

Section 2.01           Formation of Company .  The Company was formed on October 16, 2009 pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act.

 

Section 2.02           Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement .  The Members hereby execute this Agreement for the purpose of establishing the affairs of the Company and the conduct of its business in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Act.  The Members hereby agree that during the term of the Company set forth in Section 2.06 the rights and obligations of the Members with respect to the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Delaware Act.  On any matter upon which this Agreement is silent, the Delaware Act shall control.  No provision of this Agreement shall be in violation of the Delaware Act and to the extent any provision of this Agreement is in violation of the Delaware Act, such provision shall be void and of no effect to the extent of such violation without affecting the validity of the other provisions of this Agreement; provided, however , that where the Delaware Act provides that a provision of the Delaware Act shall apply “unless otherwise provided in a limited liability company agreement” or words of similar effect, the provisions of this Agreement shall in each instance control; provided further , that notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 18-210 of the Delaware Act shall not apply or be incorporated into this Agreement.

 

Section 2.03           Name .  The name of the Company shall be “SSE Holdings, LLC.” The Manager in its sole discretion may change the name of the Company at any time and from time to time.  Notification of any such change shall be given to all of the Members and, to the extent practicable, to all of the holders of any Equity Securities then outstanding.  The Company’s business may be conducted under its name and/or any other name or names deemed advisable by the Manager.

 



 

Section 2.04           Purpose .  The primary business and purpose of the Company shall be to engage in such activities as are permitted under the Delaware Act and determined from time to time by the Manager in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Section 2.05           Principal Office; Registered Office .  The principal office of the Company shall be at 24 Union Square East, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003, or such other place as the Manager may from time to time designate.  The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be c/o The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801, and the registered agent for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware at such registered office shall be The Corporation Trust Company.  The Manager may from time to time change the Company’s registered agent and registered office in the State of Delaware.

 

Section 2.06           Term .  The term of the Company commenced upon the filing of the Certificate in accordance with the Delaware Act and shall continue in existence until termination and dissolution of the Company in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV .

 

Section 2.07           No State-Law Partnership .  The Members intend that the Company not be a partnership (including, without limitation, a limited partnership) or joint venture, and that no Member be a partner or joint venturer of any other Member by virtue of this Agreement, for any purposes other than as set forth in the last sentence of this Section 2.07 , and neither this Agreement nor any other document entered into by the Company or any Member relating to the subject matter hereof shall be construed to suggest otherwise.  The Members intend that the Company shall be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and, if applicable, state or local income tax purposes, and that each Member and the Company shall file all tax returns and shall otherwise take all tax and financial reporting positions in a manner consistent with such treatment.

 

ARTICLE III.
MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION

 

Section 3.01           Members .

 

(a)           Each Original Member previously was admitted as a Member and shall remain a Member of the Company upon the Effective Time.

 

(b)           The Company shall maintain a schedule setting forth: (i) the name and address of each Member; (ii) the aggregate number of outstanding Units and the number and class of Units held by each Member; (iii) the aggregate amount of cash Capital Contributions that has been made by the Members with respect to their Units; and (iv) the Fair Market Value of any property other than cash contributed by the Members with respect to their Units (including, if applicable, a description and the amount of any liability assumed by the Company or to which contributed property is subject) (such schedule, the “ Schedule of Members ”).  The applicable Schedule of Members in effect as of the Effective Time is set forth as Schedule 1 to this Agreement.  The Schedule of Members shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit of the Company and all relevant information with respect to each Member.  The Company shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person registered on its records as the owner of Units for all

 



 

purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Act.

 

(c)           No Member shall be required or, except as approved by the Manager pursuant to Section 6.01 and in accordance with the other provisions of this Agreement, permitted to loan any money or property to the Company or borrow any money or property from the Company.

 

Section 3.02           Units .  Interests in the Company shall be represented by Units, or such other securities of the Company, in each case as the Manager may establish in its discretion in accordance with the terms and subject to the restrictions hereof.  Immediately after the Effective Time, the Units will be comprised of a single class of Common Units (with an aggregate of [ · ] Common Units being authorized for issuance by the Company).  To the extent required pursuant to Section 3.04(a) , the Manager may create one or more classes or series of Common Units or preferred Units solely to the extent they are in the aggregate substantially equivalent to a class of common stock of the Corporation or class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation; provided that as long as there are any Members of the Company (other than the Corporation), then no such new class or series of Units may deprive such Members of, or dilute or reduce, the pro rata share of all Company Interests they would have received or to which they would have been entitled if such new class or series of Units had not been created except to the extent (and solely to the extent) the Company actually receives cash in an aggregate amount, or other property with a Fair Market Value in an aggregate amount, equal to the pro rata share allocated to such new class or series of Units and the number thereof issued by the Company.

 

Section 3.03           Recapitalization and Split; the Corporation’s Capital Contribution; the Corporation’s Purchase of Common Units; Member Distribution .

 

(a)           Recapitalization and Split .  In connection with the Recapitalization, immediately upon the Effective Time, the aggregate number of 863,077.3171 Original Common Units that were issued and outstanding and held by the Original Members prior to the execution and effectiveness of this Agreement are hereby converted into an aggregate of [ · ] Common Units, and the number of Common Units received by each Original Member in respect of Original Common Units reflects a [  ]:1 ([  ] to one) split of each Original Common Unit previously held by each Original Member as reflected on Exhibit A to the Second A&R LLC Agreement (including any joinders thereto) in effect as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.  In connection with the Recapitalization, immediately upon the Effective Time, the aggregate number of 40,337.4679 Original Class B Units that were issued and outstanding prior to the execution and effectiveness of this Agreement are hereby converted into an aggregate of [ · ] Common Units, and the number of Common Units held by each Original Member in respect of Original Class B Units will reflect a [  ]:1 ([   ] to one) split of each Original Class B Unit previously held by such Original Member.

 

(b)           The Corporation’s Common Unit Purchase .  Following the Recapitalization, immediately upon the Effective Time, the Corporation will contribute the IPO Net Proceeds to the Company in exchange for [ · ] Common Units pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Purchase Agreement (the “ IPO Common Unit Purchase ”).  The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the IPO Common Unit Purchase will result in a “reevaluation of partnership property” and

 



 

corresponding adjustments to Capital Account balances as described in Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

(c)           Special Payment.   Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of any Over-Allotment Net Proceeds, the Company will make the Special Payment.

 

Section 3.04           Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units .

 

(a)           The Company shall undertake all actions, including, without limitation, a reclassification, distribution, division or recapitalization, with respect to the Common Units, to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, disregarding, for purposes of maintaining the one-to-one ratio, (i) Unvested Corporate Shares, (ii) treasury stock or (iii) preferred stock or other debt or equity securities (including without limitation warrants, options or rights) issued by the Corporation that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock (except to the extent the net proceeds from such other securities, including any exercise or purchase price payable upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof, has been contributed by the Corporation to the equity capital of the Company).  In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases Class A Common Stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager shall take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries or repurchases, the number of outstanding Common Units owned by the Corporation will equal on a one-for-one basis the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock.  In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems the Corporation’s preferred stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager shall have the authority to take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the Corporation holds (in the case of any issuance, transfer or delivery) or ceases to hold (in the case of any repurchase or redemption) equity interests in the Company which (in the good faith determination by the Manager) are in the aggregate substantially equivalent to the outstanding preferred stock of the Corporation so issued, transferred, delivered, repurchased or redeemed.  The Company shall not undertake any subdivision (by any Common Unit split, Common Unit distribution, reclassification, recapitalization or similar event) or combination (by reverse Common Unit split, reclassification, recapitalization or similar event) of the Common Units that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of Class A Common Stock to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, unless such action is necessary to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock as contemplated by the first sentence of this Section 3.04(a) .

 

(b)           The Company shall only be permitted to issue additional Units or other Equity Securities in the Company to the Persons and on the terms and conditions provided for in Section 3.02 , this Section 3.04 , Section 3.10 and Section 3.11 .  Subject to the foregoing, the Manager may cause the Company to issue additional Common Units authorized under this Agreement at such times and upon such terms as the Manager shall determine and the Manager shall amend this Agreement as necessary in connection with the issuance of additional Common Units and

 



 

admission of additional Members under this Section 3.04 without the requirement of any consent or acknowledgement of any other Member.

 

Section 3.05           Repurchase or Redemption of shares of Class A Common Stock .  If, at any time, any shares of Class A Common Stock are repurchased or redeemed (whether by exercise of a put or call, automatically or by means of another arrangement) by the Corporation for cash, then the Manager shall cause the Company, immediately prior to such repurchase or redemption of Class A Common Stock, to redeem a corresponding number of Common Units held by the Corporation, at an aggregate redemption price equal to the aggregate purchase or redemption price of the shares of Class A Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by the Corporation (plus any expenses related thereto) and upon such other terms as are the same for the shares of Class A Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by the Corporation.

 

Section 3.06           Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units .

 

(a)           Units shall not be certificated unless otherwise determined by the Manager.  If the Manager determines that one or more Units shall be certificated, each such certificate shall be signed by or in the name of the Company, by the Chief Executive Officer and any other officer designated by the Manager, representing the number of Units held by such holder.  Such certificate shall be in such form (and shall contain such legends) as the Manager may determine.  Any or all of such signatures on any certificate representing one or more Units may be a facsimile, engraved or printed, to the extent permitted by applicable Law.  The Manager agrees that it shall not elect to treat any Unit as a “security” within the meaning of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code unless thereafter all Units then outstanding are represented by one or more certificates.

 

(b)           If Units are certificated, the Manager may direct that a new certificate representing one or more Units be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Company alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon delivery to the Manager of an affidavit of the owner or owners of such certificate, setting forth such allegation.  The Manager may require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Company a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of any such new certificate.

 

(c)           Upon surrender to the Company or the transfer agent of the Company, if any, of a certificate for one or more Units, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, in compliance with the provisions hereof, the Company shall issue a new certificate representing one or more Units to the Person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Manager may prescribe such additional rules and regulations as it may deem appropriate relating to the issue, Transfer and registration of Units.

 

Section 3.07           Negative Capital Accounts .  No Member shall be required to pay to any other Member or the Company any deficit or negative balance which may exist from time to time in such Member’s Capital Account (including upon and after dissolution of the Company).

 


 

Section 3.08                              No Withdrawal .  No Person shall be entitled to withdraw any part of such Person’s Capital Contribution or Capital Account or to receive any Distribution from the Company, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

 

Section 3.09                              Loans From Members .  Loans by Members to the Company shall not be considered Capital Contributions.  Subject to the provisions of Section 3.01(c) , the amount of any such advances shall be a debt of the Company to such Member and shall be payable or collectible in accordance with the terms and conditions upon which such advances are made.

 

Section 3.10                              Corporate Stock Option Plans and Equity Plans .

 

(a)                                  Options Granted to Persons other than LLC Employees .  If at any time or from time to time, in connection with any Stock Option Plan, a stock option granted over shares of Class A Common Stock to a Person other than an LLC Employee is duly exercised:

 

(i)                                      The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after such exercise, make a Capital Contribution to the Company in an amount equal to the exercise price paid to the Corporation by such exercising Person in connection with the exercise of such stock option.

 

(ii)                                   Notwithstanding the amount of the Capital Contribution actually made pursuant to Section 3.10(a)(i) , the Corporation shall be deemed to have contributed to the Company as a Capital Contribution, in lieu of the Capital Contribution actually made and in consideration of additional Common Units, an amount equal to the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock as of the date of such exercise multiplied by the number of shares of Class A Common Stock then being issued by the Corporation in connection with the exercise of such stock option.

 

(iii)                                The Corporation shall receive in exchange for such Capital Contributions (as deemed made under Section 3.10(a)(ii) ), a corresponding number of Units of a class correlative to the class of Equity Securities for which such stock options were granted.

 

(b)                                  Options Granted to LLC Employees .  If at any time or from time to time, in connection with any Stock Option Plan, a stock option granted over shares of Class A Common Stock to an LLC Employee is duly exercised:

 

(i)                                      The Corporation shall sell to the Optionee, and the Optionee shall purchase from the Corporation, for a cash price per share equal to the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock at the time of the exercise, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the exercise price payable by the Optionee in connection with the exercise of such stock option divided by (y) the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock at the time of such exercise.

 

(ii)                                   The Corporation shall sell to the Company (or if the Optionee is an employee of, or other service provider to, a Subsidiary, the Corporation shall sell to such Subsidiary), and the Company (or such Subsidiary, as applicable) shall purchase from the Corporation, a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the excess of (x) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock as to which such stock option is being

 



 

exercised over (y) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock sold pursuant to Section 3.10(b)(i)  hereof.  The purchase price per share of Class A Common Stock for such sale of shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company (or such Subsidiary) shall be the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock as of the date of exercise of such stock option.

 

(iii)                                The Company shall transfer to the Optionee (or if the Optionee is an employee of, or other service provider to, a Subsidiary, the Subsidiary shall transfer to the Optionee) at no additional cost to such LLC Employee and as additional compensation to such LLC Employee, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock described in Section 3.10(b)(ii) .

 

(iv)                               The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after such exercise, make a Capital Contribution to the Company in an amount equal to all proceeds received (from whatever source, but excluding any payment in respect of payroll taxes or other withholdings) by the Corporation in connection with the exercise of such stock option.  The Corporation shall receive for such Capital Contribution, a number of Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock for which such option was exercised.

 

(c)                                   Restricted Stock Granted to LLC Employees .  If at any time or from time to time, in connection with any Equity Plan (other than a Stock Option Plan), any shares of Class A Common Stock are issued to an LLC Employee (including any shares of Class A Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture in the event such LLC Employee terminates his or her employment with the Company or any Subsidiary) in consideration for services performed for the Company or any Subsidiary:

 

(i)                                      The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as are to be issued to such LLC Employee in accordance with the Equity Plan;

 

(ii)                                   On the date (such date, the “ Vesting Date ”) that the Value of such shares is includible in taxable income of such LLC Employee, the following events will be deemed to have occurred: (a) the Corporation shall be deemed to have sold such shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company (or if such LLC Employee is an employee of, or other service provider to, a Subsidiary, to such Subsidiary) for a purchase price equal to the Value of such shares of Class A Common Stock, (b) the Company (or such Subsidiary) shall be deemed to have delivered such shares of Class A Common Stock to such LLC Employee, (c) the Corporation shall be deemed to have contributed the purchase price for such shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company as a Capital Contribution, and (d) in the case where such LLC Employee is an employee of a Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to have contributed such amount to the capital of the Subsidiary; and

 

(iii)                                The Company shall issue to the Corporation on the Vesting Date a number of Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issued under Section 3.10(c)(i)  in consideration for a Capital Contribution in cash in an amount equal to the product of (x) the number of such newly issued Units multiplied by (y) the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock.

 



 

(d)                                  Future Stock Incentive Plans .  Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or applied to preclude or restrain the Corporation from adopting, modifying or terminating stock incentive plans for the benefit of employees, directors or other business associates of the Corporation, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates.  The Members acknowledge and agree that, in the event that any such plan is adopted, modified or terminated by the Corporation, amendments to this Section 3.10 may become necessary or advisable and that any approval or consent to any such amendments requested by the Corporation shall be deemed granted by the Manager without the requirement of any further consent or acknowledgement of any other Member.

 

(e)                                   Anti-dilution adjustments.   For all purposes of this Section 3.10 , the number of shares of Class A Common Stock and the corresponding number of Common Units shall be determined after giving effect to all anti-dilution or similar adjustments that are applicable, as of the date of exercise or vesting, to the option, warrant, restricted stock or other equity interest that is being exercised or becomes vested under the applicable Stock Option Plan or other Equity Plan and applicable award or grant documentation.

 

Section 3.11                              Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan .  Except as may otherwise be provided in this Article III , all amounts received or deemed received by the Corporation in respect of any dividend reinvestment plan, cash option purchase plan, stock incentive or other stock or subscription plan or agreement, either (a) shall be utilized by the Corporation to effect open market purchases of shares of Class A Common Stock, or (b) if the Corporation elects instead to issue new shares of Class A Common Stock with respect to such amounts, shall be contributed by the Corporation to the Company in exchange for additional Units.  Upon such contribution, the Company will issue to the Corporation a number of Units equal to the number of new shares of Class A Common Stock so issued.

 

ARTICLE IV.
DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Section 4.01                              Distributions .

 

(a)                                  Distributable Cash; Other Distributions .  To the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, Distributions to Members may be declared by the Manager out of Distributable Cash or other funds or property legally available therefor in such amounts and on such terms (including the payment dates of such Distributions) as the Manager shall determine using such record date as the Manager may designate; such Distributions shall be made to the Members as of the close of business on such record date on a pro rata basis in accordance with each Member’s Percentage Interest as of the close of business on such record date; provided, however , that the Manager shall have the obligation to make Distributions as set forth in Sections 4.01(b)  and 14.02 ; and provided further that, notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no Distributions shall be made to any Member to the extent such Distribution would render the Company insolvent.  For purposes of the foregoing sentence, insolvency means the inability of the Company to meet its payment obligations when due.  Promptly following the designation of a record date and the declaration of a Distribution pursuant to this Section 4.01(a) , the Manager shall give notice to each Member of the record date, the amount and the terms of the Distribution and the payment date thereof.  In furtherance of the foregoing, it is intended that

 



 

the Manager shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, have the right in its sole discretion to make Distributions to the Members pursuant to this Section 4.01(a)  in such amounts as shall enable the Corporation to pay dividends or to meet its obligations, including its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement (to the extent such obligations are not otherwise able to be satisfied as a result of Tax Distributions required to be made pursuant to Section 4.01(b) ).

 

(b)                                  Tax Distributions .

 

(i)                                      On or about each date (a “ Tax Distribution Date ”) that is five (5) Business Days prior to (i) each date on which estimated U.S. federal income tax payments are required to be made by calendar year individual taxpayers (or, if earlier, the date on which estimated U.S. federal income tax payments are required for the Corporation) and (ii) each due date for the U.S. federal income tax return of an individual calendar year taxpayer (without regard to extensions) (or, if earlier, the due date for the U.S. federal income tax return of the Corporation, as determined without regard to extensions), the Company shall be required to make a Distribution to each Member of cash in an amount equal to the excess of such Member’s Assumed Tax Liability, if any, for such taxable period over the Distributions previously made to such Member pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)  with respect to such taxable period (the “ Tax Distributions ”).

 

(ii)                                   To the extent a Member otherwise would be entitled to receive less than its Percentage Interest of the aggregate Tax Distributions to be paid pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)  on any given date, the Tax Distributions to such Member shall be increased to ensure that all Distributions made pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)  are made pro rata in accordance with such Member’s Percentage Interest.  If, on a Tax Distribution Date, there are insufficient funds on hand to distribute to the Members the full amount of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled, Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)  shall be made to the Members to the extent of available funds in accordance with their Percentage Interests and the Company shall make future Tax Distributions as soon as funds become available sufficient to pay the remaining portion of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled.

 

(iii)                                In the event of any audit by, or similar event with, a taxing authority that affects the calculation of any Member’s Assumed Tax Liability for any taxable year, or in the event the Company files an amended tax return, each Member’s Assumed Tax Liability with respect to such year shall be recalculated by giving effect to such event (for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account interest or penalties).  Any shortfall in the amount of Tax Distributions the Members and former Members received for the relevant taxable years based on such recalculated Assumed Tax Liability promptly shall be distributed to such Members and the successors of such former Members, except, for the avoidance of doubt, to the extent Distributions were made to such Members and former Members pursuant to Section 4.01(a)  and this Section 4.01(b)  in the relevant taxable years sufficient to cover such shortfall.

 

(iv)                               Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) , if any, shall be made to a Member only to the extent all previous Distributions to

 



 

such Member pursuant to Section 4.01(a)  during the Fiscal Year are less than the Distributions such Member otherwise would have been entitled to receive during such Fiscal Year pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) .

 

Section 4.02                              Restricted Distributions .  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not make any Distribution to any Member on account of any Company Interest if such Distribution would violate any applicable Law or the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

ARTICLE V.
CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS

 

Section 5.01                              Capital Accounts .

 

(a)                                  The Company shall maintain a separate Capital Account for each Member according to the rules of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv).  For this purpose, the Company may (in the discretion of the Manager), upon the occurrence of the events specified in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), increase or decrease the Capital Accounts in accordance with the rules of such Treasury Regulation and Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) to reflect a revaluation of Company property.

 

(b)                                  For purposes of computing the amount of any item of Company income, gain, loss or deduction to be allocated pursuant to this Article V and to be reflected in the Capital Accounts of the Members, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition and classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization used for this purpose); provided, however , that:

 

(i)                                      The computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall include those items described in Code Section 705(a)(l)(B) or Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i), without regard to the fact that such items are not includable in gross income or are not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

(ii)                                   If the Book Value of any Company property is adjusted pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain or loss from the disposition of such property.

 

(iii)                                Items of income, gain, loss or deduction attributable to the disposition of Company property having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Book Value of such property.

 

(iv)                               Items of depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions with respect to Company property having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the property’s Book Value in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g).

 



 

(v)                                  To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Sections 732(d), 734(b) or 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis).

 

Section 5.02                              Allocations .  Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.03 and Section 5.04 , Net Profits and Net Losses for any Fiscal Year or Fiscal Period shall be allocated among the Capital Accounts of the Members pro rata in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

 

Section 5.03                              Regulatory Allocations .

 

(a)                                  Losses attributable to partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) shall be allocated in the manner required by Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i).  If there is a net decrease during a Taxable Year in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(3)), Profits for such Taxable Year (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years) shall be allocated to the Members in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4).

 

(b)                                  Nonrecourse deductions (as determined according to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b)(1)) for any Taxable Year shall be allocated pro rata among the Members in accordance with their Percentage Interests.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.03(a) , if there is a net decrease in the Minimum Gain during any Taxable Year, each Member shall be allocated Profits for such Taxable Year (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years) in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f).  This Section 5.03(b)  is intended to be a minimum gain chargeback provision that complies with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f), and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

 

(c)                                   If any Member that unexpectedly receives an adjustment, allocation or Distribution described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6) has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit as of the end of any Taxable Year, computed after the application of Sections 5.03(a)  and 5.03(b)  but before the application of any other provision of this Article V , then Profits for such Taxable Year shall be allocated to such Member in proportion to, and to the extent of, such Adjusted Capital Account Deficit.  This Section 5.03(c)  is intended to be a qualified income offset provision as described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

 

(d)                                  If the allocation of Net Losses to a Member as provided in Section 5.02 would create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit, there shall be allocated to such Member only that amount of Losses as will not create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit.  The Net Losses that would, absent the application of the preceding sentence, otherwise be allocated to such Member shall be allocated to the other Members in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, subject to this Section 5.03(d) .

 



 

(e)                                   Profits and Losses described in Section 5.01(b)(v)  shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the manner that the adjustments to the Capital Accounts are required to be made pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(j), (k) and (m).

 

(f)                                    The allocations set forth in Section 5.03(a)  through and including Section 5.03(e)  (the “ Regulatory Allocations ”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of Sections 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2 of the Treasury Regulations.  The Regulatory Allocations may not be consistent with the manner in which the Members intend to allocate Profit and Loss of the Company or make Distributions.  Accordingly, notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article V , but subject to the Regulatory Allocations, income, gain, deduction and loss shall be reallocated among the Members so as to eliminate the effect of the Regulatory Allocations and thereby cause the respective Capital Accounts of the Members to be in the amounts (or as close thereto as possible) they would have been if Profit and Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) had been allocated without reference to the Regulatory Allocations.  In general, the Members anticipate that this will be accomplished by specially allocating other Profit and Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) among the Members so that the net amount of the Regulatory Allocations and such special allocations to each such Member is zero.  In addition, if in any Fiscal Year or Fiscal Period there is a decrease in partnership minimum gain, or in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain, and application of the minimum gain chargeback requirements set forth in Section 5.03(a)  or Section 5.03(b)  would cause a distortion in the economic arrangement among the Members, the Members may, if they do not expect that the Company will have sufficient other income to correct such distortion, request the Internal Revenue Service to waive either or both of such minimum gain chargeback requirements.  If such request is granted, this Agreement shall be applied in such instance as if it did not contain such minimum gain chargeback requirement.

 

Section 5.04                              Final Allocations .  Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement except Section 5.03 , the Manager shall make appropriate adjustments to allocations of Profits and Losses to (or, if necessary, allocate items of gross income, gain, loss or deduction of the Company among) the Members upon the liquidation of the Company (within the meaning of Section 1.704 1(b)(2)(ii)(g) of the Treasury Regulations), the transfer of substantially all the Units (whether by sale or exchange or merger) or sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company, such that, to the maximum extent possible, the Capital Accounts of the Members are proportionate to their Percentage Interests.  In each case, such adjustments or allocations shall occur, to the maximum extent possible, in the Fiscal Year of the event requiring such adjustments or allocations.

 

Section 5.05                              Tax Allocations .

 

(a)                                  The income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of the Company will be allocated, for federal, state and local income tax purposes, among the Members in accordance with the allocation of such income, gains, losses, deductions and credits among the Members for computing their Capital Accounts; provided that if any such allocation is not permitted by the Code or other applicable Law, the Company’s subsequent income, gains, losses, deductions and credits will be allocated among the Members so as to reflect as nearly as possible the allocation set forth herein in computing their Capital Accounts.

 



 

(b)                                  Items of Company taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property contributed to the capital of the Company shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with Code Section 704(c) so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value using the traditional method, as described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(b).

 

(c)                                   If the Book Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.01(b) , subsequent allocations of items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value in the same manner as under Code Section 704(c) using the traditional method, as described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(b).

 

(d)                                  Allocations of tax credits, tax credit recapture, and any items related thereto shall be allocated to the Members pro rata as determined by the Manager taking into account the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii).

 

(e)                                   For purposes of determining a Member’s pro rata share of the Company’s “excess nonrecourse liabilities” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-3(a)(3), each Member’s interest in income and gain shall be in proportion to the Units held by such Member.

 

(f)                                    Allocations pursuant to this Section 5.05 are solely for purposes of federal, state and local taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Member’s Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, Distributions or other Company items pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.06                              Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member .  If the Company is obligated to pay any amount to a Governmental Entity (or otherwise makes a payment to a Governmental Entity) that is specifically attributable to a Member or a Member’s status as such (including federal withholding taxes, state personal property taxes and state unincorporated business taxes, but excluding payments such as professional association fees and the like made voluntarily by the Company on behalf of any Member based upon such Member’s status as an employee of the Company), then such Person shall indemnify the Company in full for the entire amount paid (including interest, penalties and related expenses).  The Manager may offset Distributions to which a Person is otherwise entitled under this Agreement against such Person’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 5.06 .  A Member’s obligation to make contributions to the Company under this Section 5.06 shall survive the termination, dissolution, liquidation and winding up of the Company, and for purposes of this Section 5.06 , the Company shall be treated as continuing in existence.  The Company may pursue and enforce all rights and remedies it may have against each Member under this Section 5.06 , including instituting a lawsuit to collect such contribution with interest calculated at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate plus 300 basis points (but not in excess of the highest rate per annum permitted by Law).

 


 

ARTICLE VI.
MANAGEMENT

 

Section 6.01                              Authority of Manager .

 

(a)                                  Except for situations in which the approval of any Member(s) is specifically required by this Agreement, (i) all management powers over the business and affairs of the Company shall be exclusively vested in the Corporation, as the sole managing member of the Company (the Corporation, in such capacity, the “ Manager ”) and (ii) the Manager shall conduct, direct and exercise full control over all activities of the Company.  The Manager shall be the “manager” of the Company for the purposes of the Delaware Act.  Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of all such powers and rights conferred on the Members by the Delaware Act with respect to the management and control of the Company.  Any vacancies in the position of Manager shall be filled in accordance with Section 6.04 .

 

(b)                                  The day-to-day business and operations of the Company shall be overseen and implemented by officers of the Company (each, an “ Officer ” and collectively, the “ Officers ”), subject to the limitations imposed by the Manager.  An Officer may, but need not, be a Member.  Each Officer shall be appointed by the Manager and shall hold office until his or her successor shall be duly designated and shall qualify or until his or her death or until he shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided.  Any one Person may hold more than one office.  Subject to the other provisions in this Agreement (including in Section 6.07 below), the salaries or other compensation, if any, of the Officers of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager.  The authority and responsibility of the Officers shall include, but not be limited to, such duties as the Manager may, from time to time, delegate to them and the carrying out of the Company’s business and affairs on a day-to-day basis.  The existing Officers of the Company as of the Effective Time shall remain in their respective positions and shall be deemed to have been appointed by the Manager.  All Officers shall be, and shall be deemed to be, officers and employees of the Company.  An Officer may also perform one or more roles as an officer of the Manager.

 

(c)                                   The Manager shall have the power and authority to effectuate the sale, lease, transfer, exchange or other disposition of any, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including the exercise or grant of any conversion, option, privilege or subscription right or any other right available in connection with any assets at any time held by the Company) or the merger, consolidation, reorganization or other combination of the Company with or into another entity.

 

Section 6.02                              Actions of the Manager .  The Manager may act through any Officer or through any other Person or Persons to whom authority and duties have been delegated pursuant to Section 6.07 .

 

Section 6.03                              Resignation; No Removal .  The Manager may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Members.  Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Members, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not

 



 

be necessary to make it effective.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Members have no right under this Agreement to remove or replace the Manager.

 

Section 6.04                              Vacancies .  Vacancies in the position of Manager occurring for any reason shall be filled by the Corporation (or, if the Corporation has ceased to exist without any successor or assign, then by the holders of a majority in interest of the voting capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such cessation).  For the avoidance of doubt, the Members have no right under this Agreement to fill any vacancy in the position of Manager.

 

Section 6.05                              Transactions Between Company and Manager .  The Manager may cause the Company to contract and deal with the Manager, or any Affiliate of the Manager, provided such contracts and dealings are on terms comparable to and competitive with those available to the Company from others dealing at arm’s length or are approved by the Members and otherwise are permitted by the Credit Agreement.  The Members hereby approve the IPO Common Unit Purchase Agreement.

 

Section 6.06                              Reimbursement for Expenses .  The Manager shall not be compensated for its services as Manager of the Company except as expressly provided in this Agreement.  The Members acknowledge and agree that, upon consummation of the IPO, the Manager’s Class A Common Stock will be publicly traded and therefore the Manager will have access to the public capital markets and that such status and the services performed by the Manager will inure to the benefit of the Company and all Members; therefore, the Manager shall be reimbursed by the Company for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company, including without limitation all fees, expenses and costs associated with the IPO and all fees, expenses and costs of being a public company (including without limitation public reporting obligations, proxy statements, stockholder meetings, stock exchange fees, transfer agent fees, SEC and FINRA filing fees and offering expenses) and maintaining its corporate existence.  In the event that shares of Class A Common Stock are sold to underwriters in the IPO (or in any subsequent public offering) at a price per share that is lower than the price per share for which such shares of Class A Common Stock are sold to the public in the IPO (or in such subsequent public offering, as applicable) after taking into account underwriters’ discounts or commissions and brokers’ fees or commissions (such difference, the “ Discount ”), the Company shall reimburse the Manager for such Discount by treating such Discount as an additional Capital Contribution made by the Manager to the Company and increasing the Manager’s Capital Account by the amount of such Discount.  To the extent practicable, expenses incurred by the Manager on behalf of or for the benefit of the Company shall be billed directly to and paid by the Company and, if and to the extent any reimbursements to the Manager or any of its Affiliates by the Company pursuant to this Section 6.06 constitute gross income to such Person (as opposed to the repayment of advances made by such Person on behalf of the Company), such amounts shall be treated as “guaranteed payments” within the meaning of Code Section 707(c) and shall not be treated as distributions for purposes of computing the Members’ Capital Accounts.

 

Section 6.07                              Delegation of Authority .  The Manager (a) may, from time to time, delegate to one or more Persons such authority and duties as the Manager may deem advisable, and (b) may assign titles (including, without limitation, chief executive officer, president, chief executive officer, chief financial officers, chief operating officer, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer or assistant treasurer) and delegate certain authority and duties to

 



 

such Persons as the same may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.  Any number of titles may be held by the same individual.  The salaries or other compensation, if any, of such agents of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager, subject to the other provisions in this Agreement.

 

Section 6.08                              Limitation of Liability of Manager .

 

(a)                                  Except as otherwise provided herein or in an agreement entered into by such Person and the Company, neither the Manager nor any of the Manager’s Affiliates shall be liable to the Company or to any Member that is not the Manager for any act or omission performed or omitted by the Manager in its capacity as the sole managing member of the Company pursuant to authority granted to the Manager by this Agreement; provided, however , that, except as otherwise provided herein, such limitation of liability shall not apply to the extent the act or omission was attributable to the Manager’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by the Manager or its Affiliates contained herein or in the other agreements with the Company.  The Manager may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent (so long as such agent was selected in good faith and with reasonable care).  The Manager shall be entitled to rely upon the advice of legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts, including financial advisors, and any act of or failure to act by the Manager in good faith reliance on such advice shall in no event subject the Manager to liability to the Company or any Member that is not the Manager.

 

(b)                                  Whenever this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein provides that the Manager shall act in a manner which is, or provide terms which are, “fair and reasonable” to the Company or any Member that is not the Manager, the Manager shall determine such appropriate action or provide such terms considering, in each case, the relative interests of each party to such agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary or accepted industry practices, and any applicable United States generally accepted accounting practices or principles.

 

(c)                                   Whenever in this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein, the Manager is permitted or required to take any action or to make a decision in its “sole discretion” or “discretion,” with “complete discretion” or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, the Manager shall be entitled to consider such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Company or other Members.

 

(d)                                  Whenever in this Agreement the Manager is permitted or required to take any action or to make a decision in its “good faith” or under another express standard, the Manager shall act under such express standard and, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, shall not be subject to any other or different standards imposed by this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein, and, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, so long as the Manager acts in good faith, the resolution, action or terms so made, taken or provided by the

 



 

Manager shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein or impose liability upon the Manager or any of the Manager’s Affiliates.

 

Section 6.09                              Investment Company Act .  The Manager shall use its best efforts to ensure that the Company shall not be subject to registration as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act.

 

Section 6.10                              Outside Activities of the Manager .  The Manager shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into or conduct any business or operations, other than in connection with (a) the ownership, acquisition and disposition of Common Units, (b) the management of the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (c) the operation of the Manager as a reporting company with a class (or classes) of securities registered under Section 12 of  the Exchange Act and listed on a securities exchange, (d) the offering, sale, syndication, private placement or public offering of stock, bonds, securities or other interests, (e) financing or refinancing of any type related to the Company, its Subsidiaries or their assets or activities, and (f) such activities as are incidental to the foregoing; provided, however , that, except as otherwise provided herein, the net proceeds of any financing raised by the Manager pursuant to the preceding clauses (d) and (e) shall be made available to the Company, whether as Capital Contributions, loans or otherwise, as appropriate, and, provided further , that the Manager may, in its sole and absolute discretion, from time to time hold or acquire assets in its own name or otherwise other than through the Company and its Subsidiaries so long as the Manager takes commercially reasonable measures to ensure that the economic benefits and burdens of such assets are otherwise vested in the Company or its Subsidiaries, through assignment, mortgage loan or otherwise or, if it is not commercially reasonable to vest such economic interests in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Members shall negotiate in good faith to amend this Agreement to reflect such activities and the direct ownership of assets by the Manager.  Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to prohibit the Manager from executing any guarantee of indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

ARTICLE VII.
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS

 

Section 7.01                              Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members .

 

(a)                                  Except as provided in this Agreement or in the Delaware Act, no Member (including without limitation, the Manager) shall be obligated personally for any debts, obligation or liability solely by reason of being a Member or acting as the Manager of the Company.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the failure of the Company to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or management of its business and affairs under this Agreement or the Delaware Act shall not be grounds for imposing personal liability on the Members for liabilities of the Company.

 

(b)                                  In accordance with the Delaware Act and the laws of the State of Delaware, a Member may, under certain circumstances, be required to return amounts previously distributed to such Member.  It is the intent of the Members that no Distribution to any Member pursuant to Article IV shall be deemed a return of money or other property paid or distributed in violation of the Delaware Act.  The payment of any such money or Distribution of any such property to a

 



 

Member shall be deemed to be a compromise within the meaning of Section 18-502(b) of the Delaware Act, and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any Member receiving any such money or property shall not be required to return any such money or property to the Company or any other Person.  However, if any court of competent jurisdiction holds that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement, any Member is obligated to make any such payment, such obligation shall be the obligation of such Member and not of any other Member.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (subject to Section 6.08 with respect to the Manager), to the extent that, at law or in equity, any Member (or any Member’s Affiliate or any manager, managing member, general partner, director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of any Member or of any Affiliate of a Member) has duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, to the Manager, to another Member, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Company Interest or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, all such duties (including fiduciary duties) are hereby eliminated, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and replaced with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any.  The elimination of duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Company Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement and replacement thereof with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any, are approved by the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Company Interest and each other Person bound by this Agreement.

 

Section 7.02                              Lack of Authority .  No Member, other than the Manager or a duly appointed Officer, in each case in its capacity as such, has the authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditure on behalf of the Company.  The Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of the powers conferred on them by Law and this Agreement.

 

Section 7.03                              No Right of Partition .  No Member, other than the Manager, shall have the right to seek or obtain partition by court decree or operation of Law of any Company property, or the right to own or use particular or individual assets of the Company.

 

Section 7.04                              Indemnification .

 

(a)                                  Subject to Section 5.06 , the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Person (each an “ Indemnified Person ”) to the fullest extent permitted under the Delaware Act, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, substituted or replaced (but, in the case of any such amendment, substitution or replacement only to the extent that such amendment, substitution or replacement permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the Company is providing immediately prior to such amendment), against all expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Person (or one or more of such Person’s Affiliates) by reason of the fact that such Person is or was a Member or is or was serving as the Manager, Officer, employee or other agent of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a manager, officer, director, principal, member, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or other enterprise; provided, however , that no Indemnified Person shall be indemnified for any expenses,

 



 

liabilities and losses suffered that are attributable to such Indemnified Person’s or its Affiliates’ gross negligence, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Indemnified Person or its Affiliates contained herein or in the other agreements with the Company.  Expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by any such Indemnified Person in defending a proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.

 

(b)                                  The right to indemnification and the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 7.04 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, bylaw, action by the Manager or otherwise.

 

(c)                                   The Company shall maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, or substantially equivalent insurance, at its expense, to protect any Indemnified Person (and the investment funds, if any, they represent) against any expense, liability or loss described in Section 7.04(a)  whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such Indemnified Person against such expense, liability or loss under the provisions of this Section 7.04 .  The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase and maintain property, casualty and liability insurance in types and at levels customary for companies of similar size engaged in similar lines of business, as determined in good faith by the Manager, and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (including employment practices coverage) with a carrier and in an amount determined necessary or desirable as determined in good faith by the Manager.

 

(d)                                  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including in this Section 7.04 ), the Company agrees that any indemnification and advancement of expenses available to any current or former Indemnified Person from any investment fund that is an Affiliate of the Company who served as a director of the Company or as a Member of the Company by virtue of such Person’s service as a member, director, partner or employee of any such fund prior to or following the Effective Time (any such Person, a “ Sponsor Person ”) shall be secondary to the indemnification and advancement of expenses to be provided by the Company pursuant to this Section 7.04 which shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only and no Member (unless such Member otherwise agrees in writing or is found in a final decision by a court of competent jurisdiction to have personal liability on account thereof) shall have personal liability on account thereof or shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to help satisfy such indemnity of the Company and the Company (i) shall be the primary indemnitor of first resort for such Sponsor Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 and (ii) shall be fully responsible for the advancement of all expenses and the payment of all damages or liabilities with respect to such Sponsor Person which are addressed by this Section 7.04 .

 

(e)                                   If this Section 7.04 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 to the fullest extent permitted by

 



 

any applicable portion of this Section 7.04 that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law.

 

Section 7.05                              Members Right to Act .  For matters that require the approval of the Members, the Members shall act through meetings and written consents as described in paragraphs (a) and (b) below:

 

(a)                                  Except as otherwise expressly provided by this Agreement, acts by the Members holding a majority of the Units, voting together as a single class, shall be the acts of the Members.  Any Member entitled to vote at a meeting of Members or to express consent or dissent to Company action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for it by proxy.  An electronic mail, telegram, telex, cablegram or similar transmission by the Member, or a photographic, photostatic, facsimile or similar reproduction of a writing executed by the Member shall (if stated thereon) be treated as a proxy executed in writing for purposes of this Section 7.05(a) .  No proxy shall be voted or acted upon after eleven months from the date thereof, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.  A proxy shall be revocable unless the proxy form conspicuously states that the proxy is irrevocable and that the proxy is coupled with an interest.  Should a proxy designate two or more Persons to act as proxies, unless that instrument shall provide to the contrary, a majority of such Persons present at any meeting at which their powers thereunder are to be exercised shall have and may exercise all the powers of voting or giving consents thereby conferred, or, if only one be present, then such powers may be exercised by that one; or, if an even number attend and a majority do not agree on any particular issue, the Company shall not be required to recognize such proxy with respect to such issue if such proxy does not specify how the votes that are the subject of such proxy are to be voted with respect to such issue.

 

(b)                                  The actions by the Members permitted hereunder may be taken at a meeting called by the Manager or by the Members holding a majority of the Units entitled to vote on such matter on at least [120 hours’] prior written notice to the other Members entitled to vote, which notice shall state the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is being called.  The actions taken by the Members entitled to vote or consent at any meeting (as opposed to by written consent), however called and noticed, shall be as valid as though taken at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice if (but not until), either before, at or after the meeting, the Members entitled to vote or consent as to whom it was improperly held signs a written waiver of notice or a consent to the holding of such meeting or an approval of the minutes thereof.  The actions by the Members entitled to vote or consent may be taken by vote of the Members entitled to vote or consent at a meeting or by written consent, so long as such consent is signed by Members having not less than the minimum number of Units that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all Members entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.  Prompt notice of the action so taken, which shall state the purpose or purposes for which such consent is required and may be delivered via email, without a meeting shall be given to those Members entitled to vote or consent who have not consented in writing; provided, however , that the failure to give any such notice shall not affect the validity of the action taken by such written consent.  Any action taken pursuant to such written consent of the Members shall have the same force and effect as if taken by the Members at a meeting thereof.

 


 

Section 7.06                              Inspection Rights .  The Company shall permit each Member and each of its designated representatives to (i) visit and inspect any of the properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries, all at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice, (ii) examine the corporate and financial records of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and make copies thereof or extracts therefrom, (iii) consult with the managers, officers, employees and independent accountants of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries concerning the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  The presentation of an executed copy of this Agreement by any Member to the Company’s independent accountants shall constitute the Company’s permission to its independent accountants to participate in discussions with such Persons and their respective designated representatives.

 

ARTICLE VIII.
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

Section 8.01                              Records and Accounting .  The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, appropriate books and records with respect to the Company’s business, including all books and records necessary to provide any information, lists and copies of documents required to be provided pursuant to Section 8.03 or pursuant to applicable Laws.  All matters concerning (a) the determination of the relative amount of allocations and Distributions among the Members pursuant to Articles III and IV and (b) accounting procedures and determinations, and other determinations not specifically and expressly provided for by the terms of this Agreement, shall be determined by the Manager, whose determination shall be final and conclusive as to all of the Members absent manifest clerical error.

 

Section 8.02                              Fiscal Year .  The Fiscal Year of the Company shall end on the last Wednesday in the month of December of each year or such other date as may be established by the Manager.

 

Section 8.03                              Reports .  The Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered, within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, to each Person who was a Member at any time during such Fiscal Year, all information reasonably necessary for the preparation of such Person’s United States federal and applicable state income tax returns.

 

ARTICLE IX.
TAX MATTERS

 

Section 9.01                              Preparation of Tax Returns .  The Company shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns required to be filed by the Company.  On or before March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 of each Fiscal Year, the Company shall send to each Person who was a Member at any time during the prior quarter, an estimate of such Member’s state tax apportionment information and allocations to the Members of taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for the prior quarter, which estimate shall have been reviewed by the Company’s outside tax accountants.  In addition, no later than the later of (i) March 15 following the end of the prior Fiscal Year, and (ii) five (5) Business Days after the issuance of the final financial statement report for a Fiscal Year by the Company’s auditors, the Company shall send to each Person who was a Member at any time during such Fiscal Year, a statement showing such Member’s final state tax apportionment information and allocations to

 



 

the Members of taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for such Fiscal Year and a completed IRS Schedule K-1.  Each Member shall notify the other Members upon receipt of any notice of tax examination of the Company by federal, state or local authorities.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in its capacity as Tax Matters Partner, the Corporation shall have the authority to prepare the tax returns of the Company using such permissible methods and elections as it determines in its reasonable discretion, including without limitation the use of any permissible method under Section 706 of the Code for purposes of determining the varying Company Interests of its Members.

 

Section 9.02                              Tax Elections .  The Taxable Year shall be the Fiscal Year set forth in Section 8.02 .  The Company and any eligible Subsidiary shall make an election pursuant to Section 754 of the Code, shall not thereafter revoke such election and shall make a new election pursuant to Section 754 to the extent necessary following any “termination” of the Company or the Subsidiary under Section 708 of the Code.  Each Member will upon request supply any information reasonably necessary to give proper effect to any such elections.

 

Section 9.03                              Tax Controversies .  The Corporation is hereby designated the Tax Matters Partner within the meaning given to such term in Section 6231 of the Code (the Corporation, in such capacity, the “ Tax Matters Partner ”) and is authorized and required to represent the Company (at the Company’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Company’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Company funds for professional services reasonably incurred in connection therewith.  Each Member agrees to cooperate with the Company and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably requested by the Company with respect to the conduct of such proceedings.  The Tax Matters Partners shall keep any 10% Member fully advised on a current basis of any contacts by or discussions with the tax authorities, and the 10% Members shall have the right to observe and participate through representatives of their own choosing (at their sole expense) in any tax proceedings.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Tax Matters Partners shall not settle or otherwise compromise any issue in any such examination, audit or other proceeding without first obtaining approval of the Manager.  Nothing herein shall diminish, limit or restrict the rights of any Member under Subchapter C, Chapter 63, Subtitle F of the Code (Code Sections 6221 et seq.).

 

ARTICLE X.
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS; PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

 

Section 10.01                       Transfers by Members .  No holder of Units may Transfer any interest in any Units, except Transfers (a) pursuant to and in accordance with Section 10.02 or (b) approved in writing by the Manager.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Transfer” shall not include an event that terminates the existence of a Member for income tax purposes (including, without limitation, a change in entity classification of a Member under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, termination of a partnership pursuant to Code Section 708(b)(1)(B), a sale of assets by, or liquidation of, a Member pursuant to an election under Code Sections 336 or 338, or merger, severance, or allocation within a trust or among sub-trusts of a trust that is a Member), but that does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Company Interests of such trust that is a Member).

 



 

Section 10.02                       Permitted Transfers .(3)  The restrictions contained in Section 10.01 shall not apply to any Transfer (each, a “ Permitted Transfer ”) pursuant to (i)(A) a Change of Control Transaction, (B) a Redemption or Exchange in accordance with Article XI hereof or (C) a Transfer by a Member to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries (ii) a Transfer by any Member to such Member’s spouse, any lineal ascendants or descendants or trusts or other entities in which such Member or Member’s spouse, lineal ascendants or descendants hold (and continue to hold while such trusts or other entities hold Units) 50% or more of such entity’s beneficial interests, (iii) pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution and (iv) a Transfer to a partner, shareholder or member of such Member; provided, however , that (A) the restrictions contained in this Agreement will continue to apply to Units after any Permitted Transfer of such Units, and (B) in the case of the foregoing clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), the transferees of the Units so Transferred shall agree in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and, the transferor will deliver a written notice to the Company and the Members, which notice will disclose in reasonable detail the identity of the proposed transferee.  In the case of a Permitted Transfer by any Original Member of Common Units to a transferee in accordance with this Section 10.02 , such Member (or any subsequent transferee of such Member) shall be required to also transfer the fraction of its remaining Class B Common Stock ownership corresponding to the proportion of such Member’s (or subsequent transferee’s) Common Units that were transferred in the transaction to such transferee.  All Permitted Transfers are subject to the additional limitations set forth in Section 10.07(b) .

 

Section 10.03                       Restricted Units Legend .  The Units have not been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, in addition to the other restrictions on Transfer contained in this Agreement, cannot be sold unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is then available.  To the extent such Units have been certificated, each certificate evidencing Units and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the Transfer of any Units (if such securities remain Units as defined herein after such Transfer) shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ORIGINALLY ISSUED ON [•], 2014, AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER.  THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SPECIFIED IN THE THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF SSE HOLDINGS, LLC, AS MAY BE AMENDED AND MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND SSE HOLDINGS, LLC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE THE TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES UNTIL SUCH CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED WITH RESPECT TO ANY TRANSFER.  A COPY OF SUCH CONDITIONS SHALL BE FURNISHED BY SSE HOLDINGS, LLC TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE.”

 


(3)  NTD: Subject to further discussion pending review of certain estate planning arrangements.

 



 

The Company shall imprint such legend on certificates (if any) evidencing Units.  The legend set forth above shall be removed from the certificates (if any) evidencing any units which cease to be Units in accordance with the definition thereof.

 

Section 10.04                       Transfer .  Prior to Transferring any Units (other than pursuant to a Change of Control Transaction), the Transferring Holder of Units shall cause the prospective Transferee to be bound by this Agreement as provided in Section 10.02 and any other agreements executed by the holders of Units and relating to such Units in the aggregate (collectively, the “ Other Agreements ”), and shall cause the prospective Transferee to execute and deliver to the Company and the other holders of Units counterparts of this Agreement and any applicable Other Agreements.  Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of any Units in violation of any provision of this Agreement (including any prohibited indirect Transfers) (a) shall be void, and (b) the Company shall not record such Transfer on its books or treat any purported Transferee of such Units as the owner of such securities for any purpose.

 

Section 10.05                       Assignee’s Rights .

 

(a)                                  The Transfer of a Company Interest in accordance with this Agreement shall be effective as of the date of its assignment (assuming compliance with all of the conditions to such Transfer set forth herein), and such Transfer shall be shown on the books and records of the Company.  Profits, Losses and other Company items shall be allocated between the transferor and the Assignee according to Code Section 706, using any permissible method as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Manager.  Distributions made before the effective date of such Transfer shall be paid to the transferor, and Distributions made after such date shall be paid to the Assignee.

 

(b)                                  Unless and until an Assignee becomes a Member pursuant to Article XII , the Assignee shall not be entitled to any of the rights granted to a Member hereunder or under applicable Law, other than the rights granted specifically to Assignees pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however , that, without relieving the transferring Member from any such limitations or obligations as more fully described in Section 10.06 , such Assignee shall be bound by any limitations and obligations of a Member contained herein that a Member would be bound on account of the Assignee’s Company Interest (including the obligation to make Capital Contributions on account of such Company Interest).

 

Section 10.06                       Assignor’s Rights and Obligations .  Any Member who shall Transfer any Company Interest in a manner in accordance with this Agreement shall cease to be a Member with respect to such Units or other interest and shall no longer have any rights or privileges, or, except as set forth in this Section 10.06 , duties, liabilities or obligations, of a Member with respect to such Units or other interest (it being understood, however, that the applicable provisions of Sections 6.08 and 7.04 shall continue to inure to such Person’s benefit), except that unless and until the Assignee (if not already a Member) is admitted as a Substituted Member in accordance with the provisions of Article XII (the “ Admission Date ”), (i) such assigning Member shall retain all of the duties, liabilities and obligations of a Member with respect to such Units or other interest, and (ii) the Manager may, in its sole discretion, reinstate all or any portion of the rights and privileges of such Member with respect to such Units or other interest for any period of time prior to the Admission Date.  Nothing contained herein shall relieve any Member

 



 

who Transfers any Units or other interest in the Company from any liability of such Member to the Company with respect to such Company Interest that may exist on the Admission Date or that is otherwise specified in the Delaware Act and incorporated into this Agreement or for any liability to the Company or any other Person for any materially false statement made by such Member (in its capacity as such) or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Member (in its capacity as such) contained herein or in the other agreements with the Company.

 

Section 10.07                       Overriding Provisions .

 

(a)                                  Any Transfer in violation of this Article X shall be null and void ab initio, and the provisions of Sections 10.05 and 10.06 shall not apply to any such Transfers.  For the avoidance of doubt, any Person to whom a Transfer is made or attempted in violation of this Article X shall not become a Member, shall not be entitled to vote on any matters coming before the Members and shall not have any other rights in or with respect to any rights of a Member of the Company.  The approval of any Transfer in any one or more instances shall not limit or waive the requirement for such approval in any other or future instance.  The Manager shall promptly amend the Schedule of Members to reflect any Permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article X .

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Section 10.01 and Article XI and Article XII ), in no event shall any Member Transfer any Units to the extent such Transfer would:

 

(i)                                      result in the violation of the Securities Act, or any other applicable federal, state or foreign Laws;

 

(ii)                                   cause an assignment under the Investment Company Act;

 

(iii)                                in the reasonable determination of the Manager, be a violation of or a default (or an event that, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in an acceleration of any indebtedness under, any promissory note, mortgage, loan agreement, indenture or similar instrument or agreement to which the Company or the Manager is a party; provided that (x) the payee or creditor to whom the Company or the Manager owes such obligation is not an affiliate of the Company or the Manager and (y) such indebtedness, individually or in the aggregate, has an aggregate principal amount then outstanding that is greater than $25,000,000;

 

(iv)                               cause the Company to lose its status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes or, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such Transfer was effected on or through an “established securities market” or a “secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof,” as such terms are used in Section 1.7704-1 of the Treasury Regulations;

 

(v)                                  be a Transfer to a Person who is not legally competent or who has not achieved his or her majority under applicable Law (excluding trusts for the benefit of minors);

 



 

(vi)                               cause the Company to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” or to be taxed as a corporation pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code or successor provision of the Code; or

 

(vii)                            result in the Company having more than one hundred (100) partners, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(1) (determined pursuant to the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(3)).

 

ARTICLE XI.
REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE RIGHTS

 

Section 11.01                       Redemption Right of a Member.

 

(a)                                  Each Member (other than the Corporation) shall be entitled to cause the Company to redeem (a “ Redemption ”) its Common Units (the “ Redemption Right ”) at any time following the expiration of any contractual lock-up period relating to the shares of the Corporation that may be applicable to such Member.  A Member desiring to exercise its Redemption Right (the “ Redeeming Member ”) shall exercise such right by giving written notice (the “ Redemption Notice ”) to the Company with a copy to the Corporation.  The Redemption Notice shall specify the number of Common Units (the “ Redeemed Units ”) that the Redeeming Member intends to have the Company redeem and a date, not less than seven (7) Business Days nor more than ten (10) Business Days after delivery of such Redemption Notice (unless and to the extent that the Manager in its sole discretion agrees in writing to waive such time periods), on which exercise of the Redemption Right shall be completed (the “ Redemption Date ”); provided that the Company, the Corporation and the Redeeming Member may change the number of Redeemed Units and/or the Redemption Date specified in such Redemption Notice to another number and/or date by mutual agreement signed in writing by each of them; provided further that a Redemption Notice may be conditioned on the closing of an underwritten distribution of the shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued in connection with such proposed Redemption.  Unless the Redeeming Member timely has delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(b)  or has revoked or delayed a Redemption as provided in Section 11.01(c) , on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date) (i) the Redeeming Member shall transfer and surrender the Redeemed Units to the Company, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, and (ii) the Company shall (x) cancel the Redeemed Units, (y) transfer to the Redeeming Member the consideration to which the Redeeming Member is entitled under Section 11.01(b) , and (z), if the Units are certificated, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of Common Units equal to the difference (if any) between the number of Common Units evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 11.01(a)  and the Redeemed Units.

 

(b)                                  In exercising its Redemption Right, a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement; provided that the Corporation shall have the option as provided in Section 11.02 and subject to Section 11.01(d)  to select whether the redemption payment is made by means of a Share Settlement or a Cash Settlement.  Within three (3) Business Days of delivery of the Redemption Notice, the Corporation shall give written notice (the “ Contribution Notice ”) to the Company (with a copy to the Redeeming Member) of its intended settlement method; provided that if the Corporation does not timely deliver a

 



 

Contribution Notice, the Corporation shall be deemed to have elected the Share Settlement method.  If the Corporation elects the Cash Settlement method, the Redeeming Member may retract its Redemption Notice by giving written notice (the “ Retraction Notice ”) to the Company (with a copy to the Corporation) within two (2) Business Days of delivery of the Contribution Notice.  The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate all of the Redeeming Member’s, Company’s and the Corporation’ rights and obligations under this Section 11.01 arising from the Redemption Notice.

 

(c)                                   In the event the Corporation elects a Share Settlement in connection with a Redemption, a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to revoke its Redemption Notice or delay the consummation of a Redemption if any of the following conditions exists: (i) any registration statement pursuant to which the resale of the Class A Common Stock to be registered for such Redeeming Member at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption shall have ceased to be effective pursuant to any action or inaction by the SEC or no such resale registration statement has yet become effective; (ii) the Corporation shall have failed to cause any related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement necessary to effect such Redemption; (iii) the Corporation shall have exercised its right to defer, delay or suspend the filing or effectiveness of a registration statement and such deferral, delay or suspension shall affect the ability of such Redeeming Member to have its Class A Common Stock registered at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption; (iv) the Corporation shall have disclosed to such Redeeming Member any material non-public information concerning the Corporation, the receipt of which results in such Redeeming Member being prohibited or restricted from selling Class A Common Stock at or immediately following the Redemption without disclosure of such information (and the Corporation does not permit disclosure); (v) any stop order relating to the registration statement pursuant to which the Class A Common Stock was to be registered by such Redeeming Member at or immediately following the Redemption shall have been issued by the SEC; (vi) there shall have occurred a material disruption in the securities markets generally or in the market or markets in which the Class A Common Stock is then traded; (vii) there shall be in effect an injunction, a restraining order or a decree of any nature of any Governmental Entity that restrains or prohibits the Redemption; (viii) the Corporation shall have failed to comply in all material respects with its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, and such failure shall have affected the ability of such Redeeming Member to consummate the resale of Class A Common Stock to be received upon such redemption pursuant to an effective registration statement; (ix) the Redemption Date would occur three (3) Business Days or less prior to, or during, a Black-Out Period; provided further , that in no event shall the Redeeming Member seeking to revoke its Redemption Notice or delay the consummation of such Redemption and relying on any of the matters contemplated in clauses (i) through (ix) above have controlled or intentionally influenced any facts, circumstances, or Persons in connection therewith (except in the good faith performance of his or her duties as an officer or director of the Corporation) in order to provide such Redeeming Member with a basis for such delay or revocation.  If a Redeeming Member delays the consummation of a Redemption pursuant to this Section 11.01(c) , the Redemption Date shall occur on the fifth Business Day following the date on which the conditions giving rise to such delay cease to exist (or such earlier day as the Corporation, the Company and such Redeeming Member may agree in writing).

 


 

(d)                                  The number of shares of Class A Common Stock or the Redeemed Units Equivalent that a Redeeming Member is entitled to receive under Section 11.01(b)  (whether through a Share Settlement or Cash Settlement) shall not be adjusted on account of any Distributions previously made with respect to the Redeemed Units or dividends previously paid with respect to Class A Common Stock; provided, however , that if a Redeeming Member causes the Company to redeem Redeemed Units and the Redemption Date occurs subsequent to the record date for any Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units but prior to payment of such Distribution, the Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive such Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units on the date that it is made notwithstanding that the Redeeming Member transferred and surrendered the Redeemed Units to the Company prior to such date.

 

(e)                                   In the event of a reclassification or other similar transaction as a result of which the shares of Class A Common Stock are converted into another security, then in exercising its Redemption Right a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive the amount of such security that the Redeeming Member would have received if such Redemption Right had been exercised and the Redemption Date had occurred immediately prior to the record date of such reclassification or other similar transaction.

 

Section 11.02                       Election and Contribution of the Corporation .  In connection with the exercise of a Redeeming Member’s Redemption Rights under Section 11.01(a) , the Corporation shall contribute to the Company the consideration the Redeeming Member is entitled to receive under Section 11.01(b) .  The Corporation, at its option, shall determine whether to contribute, pursuant to Section 11.01(b) , the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement.  Unless the Redeeming Member has timely delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(b) , or has revoked or delayed a Redemption as provided in Section 11.01(c) , on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date) (i) the Corporation shall make its Capital Contribution to the Company (in the form of the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement) required under this Section 11.02 , and (ii) the Company shall issue to the Corporation a number of Common Units equal to the number of Redeemed Units surrendered by the Redeeming Member.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Corporation elects a Cash Settlement, the Corporation shall only be obligated to contribute to the Company an amount in respect of such Cash Settlement equal to the net proceeds (after deduction of any underwriters’ discounts or commissions and brokers’ fees or commissions) from the sale by the Corporation of a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the number of Redeemed Units to be redeemed with such Cash Settlement provided that the Corporation’s Capital Account shall be increased by an amount equal to any Discount relating to such sale of shares of Class A Common Stock in accordance with Section 6.06 .  The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate all of the Company’s and the Corporation’ rights and obligations under this Section 11.02 arising from the Redemption Notice.

 

Section 11.03                       Exchange Right of the Corporation .

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article XI , the Corporation may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to effect on the Redemption Date the exchange of Redeemed Units for the Share Settlement or Cash Settlement, as the case may be, through a direct exchange of such Redeemed Units and such consideration between the Redeeming

 



 

Member and the Corporation (a “ Direct Exchange ”).  Upon such Direct Exchange pursuant to this Section 11.03 , the Corporation shall acquire the Redeemed Units and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Units.

 

(b)                                  The Corporation may, at any time prior to a Redemption Date, deliver written notice (an “ Exchange Election Notice ”) to the Company and the Redeeming Member setting forth its election to exercise its right to consummate a Direct Exchange; provided that such election does not prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a Redemption or Direct Exchange on the Redemption Date.  An Exchange Election Notice may be revoked by the Corporation at any time; provided that any such revocation does not prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a Redemption or Direct Exchange on the Redemption Date.  The right to consummate a Direct Exchange in all events shall be exercisable for all the Redeemed Units that would have otherwise been subject to a Redemption.  Except as otherwise provided by this Section 11.03 , a Direct Exchange shall be consummated pursuant to the same timeframe and in the same manner as the relevant Redemption would have been consummated if the Corporation had not delivered an Exchange Election Notice.

 

Section 11.04                       Reservation of shares of Class A Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation .  At all times the Corporation shall reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon a Redemption or Direct Exchange, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as shall be issuable upon any such Redemption or Direct Exchange pursuant to Share Settlements; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of any such Redemption or Direct Exchange by delivery of purchased Class A Common Stock (which may or may not be held in the treasury of the Corporation) or the delivery of cash pursuant to a Cash Settlement.  The Corporation shall deliver Class A Common Stock that has been registered under the Securities Act with respect to any Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent a registration statement is effective and available for such shares.  The Corporation shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to list the Class A Common Stock required to be delivered upon any such Redemption or Direct Exchange prior to such delivery upon each national securities exchange upon which the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are listed at the time of such Redemption or Direct Exchange (it being understood that any such shares may be subject to transfer restrictions under applicable securities Laws).  The Corporation covenants that all Class A Common Stock issued upon a Redemption or Direct Exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.  The provisions of this Article XI shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with the corresponding provisions of the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation.

 

Section 11.05                       Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Exchange Right .  This Agreement shall continue notwithstanding the consummation of a Redemption or Direct Exchange and all governance or other rights set forth herein shall be exercised by the remaining Members and the Redeeming Member (to the extent of such Redeeming Member’s remaining interest in the Company).  No Redemption or Direct Exchange shall relieve such Redeeming Member of any prior breach of this Agreement.

 

Section 11.06                       Tax Treatment .  Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree a Redemption or a Direct Exchange, as the case may be, shall be

 



 

treated as a direct exchange between the Corporation and the Redeeming Member for U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes.

 

ARTICLE XII.
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS

 

Section 12.01                       Substituted Members .  Subject to the provisions of Article X hereof, in connection with the Permitted Transfer of a Company Interest hereunder, the transferee shall become a substituted Member (“ Substituted Member ”) on the effective date of such Transfer, which effective date shall not be earlier than the date of compliance with the conditions to such Transfer, and such admission shall be shown on the books and records of the Company.

 

Section 12.02                       Additional Members .  Subject to the provisions of Article X hereof, any Person that is not an Original Member may be admitted to the Company as an additional Member (any such Person, an “ Additional Member ”) only upon furnishing to the Manager (a) counterparts of this Agreement and any applicable Other Agreements and (b) such other documents or instruments as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effect such Person’s admission as a Member (including entering into such documents as the Manager may deem appropriate in its sole discretion).  Such admission shall become effective on the date on which the Manager determines in its sole discretion that such conditions have been satisfied and when any such admission is shown on the books and records of the Company.

 

ARTICLE XIII.
WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS

 

Section 13.01                       Withdrawal and Resignation of Members .  No Member shall have the power or right to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV .  Any Member, however, that attempts to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company without the prior written consent of the Manager upon or following the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV , but prior to such Member receiving the full amount of Distributions from the Company to which such Member is entitled pursuant to Article XIV , shall be liable to the Company for all damages (including all lost profits and special, indirect and consequential damages) directly or indirectly caused by the withdrawal or resignation of such Member.  Upon a Transfer of all of a Member’s Units in a Transfer permitted by this Agreement, subject to the provisions of Section 10.06 , such Member shall cease to be a Member.

 

ARTICLE XIV.
DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

 

Section 14.01                       Dissolution .  The Company shall not be dissolved by the admission of Additional Members or Substituted Members or the attempted withdrawal or resignation of a Member.  The Company shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon:

 

(a)                                  the unanimous decision of the Manager together with the Members that then hold Voting Units to dissolve the Company;

 

(b)                                  a Change of Control Transaction that is not approved by the Majority Members;

 



 

(c)                                   a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801(4) of the Delaware Act; or

 

(d)                                  the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Company under Section 18-802 of the Delaware Act.

 

Except as otherwise set forth in this Article XIV , the Company is intended to have perpetual existence.  An Event of Withdrawal shall not cause a dissolution of the Company and the Company shall continue in existence subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Section 14.02                       Liquidation and Termination .  On dissolution of the Company, the Manager shall act as liquidator or may appoint one or more Persons as liquidator.  The liquidators shall proceed diligently to wind up the affairs of the Company and make final distributions as provided herein and in the Delaware Act.  The costs of liquidation shall be borne as a Company expense.  Until final distribution, the liquidators shall continue to operate the Company properties with all of the power and authority of the Manager.  The steps to be accomplished by the liquidators are as follows:

 

(a)                                  as promptly as possible after dissolution and again after final liquidation, the liquidators shall cause a proper accounting to be made by a recognized firm of certified public accountants of the Company’s assets, liabilities and operations through the last day of the calendar month in which the dissolution occurs or the final liquidation is completed, as applicable;

 

(b)                                  the liquidators shall cause the notice described in the Delaware Act to be mailed to each known creditor of and claimant against the Company in the manner described thereunder;

 

(c)                                   the liquidators shall pay, satisfy or discharge from Company funds, or otherwise make adequate provision for payment and discharge thereof (including, without limitation, the establishment of a cash fund for contingent liabilities in such amount and for such term as the liquidators may reasonably determine): first, all expenses incurred in liquidation; and second, all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company; and

 

(d)                                  all remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed to the Members in accordance with Article IV by the end of the Taxable Year during which the liquidation of the Company occurs (or, if later, by ninety (90) days after the date of the liquidation).  The distribution of cash and/or property to the Members in accordance with the provisions of this Section 14.02 and Section 14.03 below constitutes a complete return to the Members of their Capital Contributions, a complete distribution to the Members of their interest in the Company and all the Company’s property and constitutes a compromise to which all Members have consented within the meaning of the Delaware Act.  To the extent that a Member returns funds to the Company, it has no claim against any other Member for those funds.

 

Section 14.03                       Deferment; Distribution in Kind .  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14.02 , but subject to the order of priorities set forth therein, if upon dissolution of the Company the liquidators determine that an immediate sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss (or would otherwise not be beneficial) to the Members, the liquidators may, in their sole discretion, defer for a reasonable time the liquidation of any assets except those necessary to satisfy Company liabilities (other than loans to the

 



 

Company by Members) and reserves.  Subject to the order of priorities set forth in Section 14.02 , the liquidators may, in their sole discretion, distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, either (a) all or any portion of such remaining Company assets in-kind in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(d) , (b) as tenants in common and in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(d) , undivided interests in all or any portion of such Company assets or (c) a combination of the foregoing.  Any such Distributions in kind shall be subject to (y) such conditions relating to the disposition and management of such assets as the liquidators deem reasonable and equitable and (z) the terms and conditions of any agreements governing such assets (or the operation thereof or the holders thereof) at such time.  Any Company assets distributed in kind will first be written up or down to their Fair Market Value, thus creating Profit or Loss (if any), which shall be allocated in accordance with Article V .  The liquidators shall determine the Fair Market Value of any property distributed in accordance with the valuation procedures set forth in Article XV .

 

Section 14.04                       Cancellation of Certificate .  On completion of the distribution of Company assets as provided herein, the Company is terminated (and the Company shall not be terminated prior to such time), and the Manager (or such other Person or Persons as the Delaware Act may require or permit) shall file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of Delaware, cancel any other filings made pursuant to this Agreement that are or should be canceled and take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.  The Company shall be deemed to continue in existence for all purposes of this Agreement until it is terminated pursuant to this Section 14.04 .

 

Section 14.05                       Reasonable Time for Winding Up .  A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets pursuant to Sections 14.02 and 14.03 in order to minimize any losses otherwise attendant upon such winding up.

 

Section 14.06                       Return of Capital .  The liquidators shall not be personally liable for the return of Capital Contributions or any portion thereof to the Members (it being understood that any such return shall be made solely from Company assets).

 

ARTICLE XV.
VALUATION

 

Section 15.01                       Determination .  “ Fair Market Value ” of a specific Company asset will mean the amount which the Company would receive in an all-cash sale of such asset in an arms-length transaction with a willing unaffiliated third party, with neither party having any compulsion to buy or sell, consummated on the day immediately preceding the date on which the event occurred which necessitated the determination of the Fair Market Value (and after giving effect to any transfer taxes payable in connection with such sale), as such amount is determined by the Manager (or, if pursuant to Section 14.02 , the liquidators) in its good faith judgment using all factors, information and data it deems to be pertinent.

 

Section 15.02                       Dispute Resolution .  If any Member or Members dispute the accuracy of any determination of Fair Market Value in accordance with Section 15.01 , and the Manager and such Member(s) are unable to agree on the determination of the Fair Market Value of any asset

 



 

of the Company, the Manager and such Member(s) shall each select a nationally recognized investment banking firm experienced in valuing securities of closely-held companies such as the Company in the Company’s industry (the “ Appraisers ”), who shall each determine the Fair Market Value of the asset or the Company (as applicable) in accordance with the provisions of Section 15.01 .  The Appraisers shall be instructed to give written notice of their determination of the Fair Market Value of the asset or the Company (as applicable) within thirty (30) days of their appointment as Appraisers.  If Fair Market Value as determined by an Appraiser is higher than Fair Market Value as determined by the other Appraiser by 10% or more, and the Manager and such Member(s) do not otherwise agree on a Fair Market Value, the original Appraisers shall designate a third Appraiser meeting the same criteria used to select the original two.  If Fair Market Value as determined by an Appraiser is within 10% of the Fair Market Value as determined by the other Appraiser (but not identical), and the Manager and such Member(s) do not otherwise agree on a Fair Market Value, the Manager shall select the Fair Market Value of one of the Appraisers.  The fees and expenses of the Appraisers shall be borne by the Company.

 

ARTICLE XVI.
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 16.01                       Power of Attorney .

 

(a)                                  Each Member who is an individual hereby constitutes and appoints the Manager (or the liquidator, if applicable) with full power of substitution, as his or her true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his, her or its name, place and stead, to:

 

(i)                                      execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (A) this Agreement, all certificates and other instruments and all amendments thereof which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify, or continue the qualification of, the Company as a limited liability company in the State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Company may conduct business or own property; (B) all instruments which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to reflect any amendment, change, modification or restatement of this Agreement in accordance with its terms; (C) all conveyances and other instruments or documents which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution and liquidation of the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including a certificate of cancellation; and (D) all instruments relating to the admission, withdrawal or substitution of any Member pursuant to Article XII or XIII ; and

 

(ii)                                   sign, execute, swear to and acknowledge all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates and other instruments appropriate or necessary, in the reasonable judgment of the Manager, to evidence, confirm or ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action which is made or given by the Members hereunder or is consistent with the terms of this Agreement and/or appropriate or necessary (and not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement), in the reasonable judgment of the Manager, to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.

 



 

(b)                                  The foregoing power of attorney is irrevocable and coupled with an interest, and shall survive the death, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or termination of any Member who is an individual and the transfer of all or any portion of his, her or its Company Interest and shall extend to such Member’s heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives.

 

Section 16.02                       Confidentiality .  The Manager and each of the Members agree to hold the Company’s Confidential Information in confidence and may not use such information except in furtherance of the business of the Company or as otherwise authorized separately in writing by the Manager.  “ Confidential Information ” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, ideas, financial product structuring, business strategies, innovations and materials, all aspects of the Company’s business plan, proposed operation and products, corporate structure, financial and organizational information, analyses, proposed partners, software code and system and product designs, employees and their identities, equity ownership, the methods and means by which the Company plans to conduct its business, all trade secrets, trademarks, tradenames and all intellectual property associated with the Company’s business.  With respect to the Manager and each Member, Confidential Information does not include information or material that: (a) is rightfully in the possession of the Manager or each Member at the time of disclosure by the Company; (b) before or after it has been disclosed to the Manager or each Member by the Company, becomes part of public knowledge, not as a result of any action or inaction of the Manager or such Member, respectively, in violation of this Agreement; (c) is approved for release by written authorization of the CEO of the Company or of the Corporation; (d) is disclosed to the Manager or such Member or their representatives by a third party not, to the knowledge of the Manager or such Member, respectively, in violation of any obligation of confidentiality owed to the Company with respect to such information; or (e) is or becomes independently developed by the Manager or such Member or their respective representatives without use or reference to the Confidential Information.

 

Section 16.03                       Amendments .  This Agreement may be amended or modified upon the consent of the Majority Members.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification (a) to this Section 16.03 may be made without the prior written consent of the Manager and each of the Members, (b) to any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which terms and conditions expressly require the approval or action of certain Persons may be made without obtaining the consent of the requisite number or specified percentage of such Persons who are entitled to approve or take action on such matter, and (c) to any of the terms and conditions of Article VI or Section 14.01 (and related definitions as used directly or indirectly therein) may be made without the prior written consent of the Manager, which consent may be given or withheld in the Manager’s sole discretion.

 

Section 16.04                       Title to Company Assets .  Company assets shall be deemed to be owned by the Company as an entity, and no Member, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such Company assets or any portion thereof.  The Company shall hold title to all of its property in the name of the Company and not in the name of any Member.  All Company assets shall be recorded as the property of the Company on its books and records, irrespective of the name in which legal title to such Company assets is held.  The Company’s credit and assets shall be used solely for the benefit of the Company, and no asset of the

 



 

Company shall be transferred or encumbered for, or in payment of, any individual obligation of any Member.

 

Section 16.05                       Addresses and Notices .  Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be in writing and will be either personally delivered, or received by certified mail, return receipt requested, or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the Company at the address set forth below and to any other recipient and to any Member at such address as indicated by the Company’s records, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.  Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder when delivered personally or sent by telecopier ( provided confirmation of transmission is received), three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one (1) day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service.  The Company’s address is:

 

to the Company:

 

SSE Holdings, LLC
24 Union Square East, 5th Floor,

New York, New York 10003
Attn: Randy Garutti, Chief Executive Officer
E-mail: rgarutti@shakeshack.com

 

with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

SSE Holdings, LLC

24 Union Square East, 5th Floor,

New York, New York 10003
Attn: Ron Palmese, General Counsel
E-mail: rpalmese@shakeshack.com

 

and

 

Latham & Watkins LLP
885 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attn:  Howard Sobel

Paul Kukish
Facsimile: (212) 751-4864
E-mail: howard.sobel@lw.com

paul.kukish@lw.com

 

Section 16.06                       Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

 

Section 16.07                       Creditors .  None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditors of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and no creditor who makes a loan to the Company or any of its Affiliates may have or acquire (except pursuant to the terms of a separate agreement executed by the Company in favor of such creditor) at any

 



 

time as a result of making the loan any direct or indirect interest in Company Profits, Losses, Distributions, capital or property other than as a secured creditor.

 

Section 16.08                       Waiver .  No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

 

Section 16.09                       Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement binding on all the parties hereto.

 

Section 16.10                       Applicable Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.  Any dispute relating hereto shall be heard in the state or federal courts of the State of Delaware, and the parties agree to jurisdiction and venue therein.

 

Section 16.11                       Severability .  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable Law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or the effectiveness or validity of any provision in any other jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

Section 16.12                       Further Action .  The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.

 

Section 16.13                       Delivery by Electronic Transmission .  This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement or contemplated hereby, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of an electronic transmission, including by a facsimile machine or via email, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person.  At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties.  No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of electronic transmission by a facsimile machine or via email to deliver a signature or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through such electronic transmission as a defense to the formation of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense.

 

Section 16.14                       Right of Offset .  Whenever the Company is to pay any sum (other than pursuant to Article IV ) to any Member, any amounts that such Member owes to the Company which are not the subject of a good faith dispute may be deducted from that sum before payment.

 



 

For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution of Units to the Corporation shall not be subject to this Section 16.14 .

 

Section 16.15                       Effectiveness .  This Agreement shall be effective immediately prior to the time at which the IPO closes on the IPO Closing Date (the “ Effective Time ”).  The Second A&R LLC Agreement shall govern the rights and obligations of the Company and the other parties to this Agreement in their capacity as Unitholders prior to the Effective Time.

 

Section 16.16                       Entire Agreement .  This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein (including the Registration Rights Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement), any indemnity agreements entered into in connection with the Second A&R LLC Agreement with any member of the board of managers at that time and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Second A&R LLC Agreement is superseded by this Agreement as of the Effective Time and shall be of no further force and effect thereafter.

 

Section 16.17                       Remedies .  Each Member shall have all rights and remedies set forth in this Agreement and all rights and remedies which such Person has been granted at any time under any other agreement or contract and all of the rights which such Person has under any Law.  Any Person having any rights under any provision of this Agreement or any other agreements contemplated hereby shall be entitled to enforce such rights specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by Law.

 

Section 16.18                       Descriptive Headings; Interpretation .  The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement.  Whenever required by the context, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa.  The use of the word “including” in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation.  Reference to any agreement, document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, and if applicable hereof.  Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, no amendment or other modification to any agreement, document or instrument that requires the consent of any Person pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement will be given effect hereunder unless such Person has consented in writing to such amendment or modification.  Wherever required by the context, references to a Fiscal Year shall refer to a portion thereof.  The use of the words “or,” “either” and “any” shall not be exclusive.  The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement.  In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.  Wherever a conflict exists between this Agreement and any other agreement, this Agreement shall control but solely to the extent of such conflict.

 


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

 

COMPANY:

 

 

 

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By: Shake Shack Inc., its Managing Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: Randy Garutti

 

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

MEMBERS:

 

 

 

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: Randy Garutti

 

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNION SQUARE HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: Jeff Flug

 

 

Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNION SQUARE CAFE CORP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: Daniel H. Meyer

 

 

Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRAMERCY TAVERN CORP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: Daniel H. Meyer

 

 

Title: Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement]

 



 

 

 

 

Daniel H. Meyer

 

 

 

 

 

DANIEL H. MEYER 2012 GIFT TRUST U/A/D 10/31/12

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack R. Polsky, not individually but solely as Co-Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Flug

 

 

 

 

 

FLUG 2012 GS TRUST U/A/D 9/14/12

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Sheryl Flug, not individually but solely as Co-Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Kenneth Flug, not individually but solely as Co-Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

GULF FIVE LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jeff Flug

 

Title: Manager

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Richard Coraine

 

 

 

THE RICHARD D. CORAINE 2012 FAMILY TRUST

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Toni Haida

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

David Swinghamer

 

 

 

 

 

THE DAVID A. SWINGHAMER GRAT

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: David Swinghamer

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Karen Kochevar

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Walter Robb

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 


 

 

 

 

Erin Moran

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Ashley Campbell

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Randy Garutti

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE RANDALL J. GARUTTI 2014 GST TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Maria L. Garutti, Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Ronald Garutti, Jr., Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

J.P. Morgan Trust Company of Delaware, Administrative Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Jeff Uttz

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

ROXANNE H. FRANK REVOCABLE TRUST DATED 9/30/75

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

RHF-NM 1999 DESCENDANTS TRUST DATED 1/1/2006

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Michael McQuinn

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARC WEISS REVOCABLE TRUST U/A/D 8/11/2003

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Marc Weiss

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

RHF-TM 1999 DESCENDANTS TRUST DATED 1/1/2006

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Michael McQuinn

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

VHP SPECIAL TRUST FOR JACK DATED 12/31/12

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

JEAN POLSKY INVESTMENT TRUST DATED 3/21/97

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOAN W. HARRIS REVOCABLE TRUST DATED 4/1/93

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Joan Harris

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

BENJAMIN HARRIS FAMILY TRUST DATED 12/23/92

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Boardman Lloyd

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAVID HARRIS FAMILY TRUST DATED 12/23/92

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Boardman Lloyd

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMY WEISS-MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 12/22/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 


 

 

ISAAC WEISS-MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 12/22/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HALLIE MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRETCHEN MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARLES MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PEYTON MEYER QUALIFIED MINOR’S TRUST DATED 11/23/05

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Jack Polsky

 

Title: Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Beth Stephens

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Name: Orrin Devinsky

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Name: Laura Sloate

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Name: Bert Vivian

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

 

 

Name: Jamie Welch and Fiona Angelini

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

GRANITE POINT CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

C. David Bushley

 

Title:

Chief Operating Officer, Granite Point Capital Management, The Investment Manager

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

THOMAS O’NEAL RYDER FAMILY TRUST

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Darlene Ryder

 

Title: Trustee

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

ACG SHACK LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

Alliance Consumer Growth LLC, Its Manager

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Joshua N. Goldin

 

Title: Managing Member

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

[MALTED HOLDINGS II ENTITIES]

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 



 

 

SEG PARTNERS, L.P.

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEG PARTNERS II, L.P.

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEGPO INVESTMENT CORP. LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEG PARTNERS OFFSHORE MASTER FUND LTD.

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement ]

 


 

SCHEDULE 1 *

 

SCHEDULE OF ORIGINAL MEMBERS(4)

 

Member

 

Common Units

 

Percentage
Interest

 

SSE Holdings, LLC

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Shake Shack Inc.

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Union Square Cafe Corp.

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Gramercy Tavern Corp.

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Daniel H. Meyer

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Daniel H. Meyer 2012 Gift Trust U/A/D 10/31/12

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Jeff Flug

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Flug 2012 GS Trust U/A/D 9/14/12

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Gulf Five LLC

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Richard Coraine

 

[ · ]\

 

[ · ]%

 

The Richard D. Coraine 2012 Family Trust

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

David A. Swinghamer

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

The David A. Swinghamer Grat

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Karen Kochevar

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Walter Robb

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Erin Moran

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

 


(4)  NTD:  This list includes all members (including the S Corps) after giving effect to the USHG Distribution.  Certain individuals or entities (Romano, Bolles-Beaven, and Share Our Strength) only will hold interest in SSE Holdings through the new S Corps.  The LGP and SEG blocker corps will be members of SSE Holdings immediately prior to (and only until) being merged out of existence with and into the Corporation.  The UAR Participants will not be members of SSE Holdings.

 

[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement]

 



 

Ashley Campbell

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Randall Garutti

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

The Randall J. Garutti 2014 GST Trust

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Jeff Uttz

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Roxanne H. Frank Revocable Trust Dated 9/30/75

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

RHF-NM 1999 Descendants Trust Dated 1/1/2006

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Marc Weiss Revocable Trust U/A/D 8/11/2003

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

RHF-TM 1999 Descendants Trust Dated 1/1/2006

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

VHP Special Trust For Jack Dated 12/31/12

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Jean Polsky Investment Trust Dated 3/21/97

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Joan W. Harris Revocable Trust Dated 4/1/93

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Benjamin Harris Family Trust Dated 12/23/92

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

David Harris Family Trust Dated 12/23/92

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Amy Weiss-Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 12/22/05

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Isaac Weiss-Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 12/22/05

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Hallie Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Gretchen Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Charles Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Peyton Meyer Qualified Minor’s Trust Dated 11/23/05

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Beth Stephens

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Orrin Devinsky

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Laura Sloate

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Bert Vivian

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Jamie Welch and Fiona Angelini

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

 



 

Granite Point Capital

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

Thomas O’Neal Ryder Family Trust

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

ACG Shack LLC

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

[Malted Holdings II Entities]

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

SEG Partners, L.P.

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

SEG Partners II, L.P.

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

SEG Partners Offshore Master Fund Ltd.

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

SEGPO Investment Corp. LLC

 

[ · ]

 

[ · ]%

 

 


* This Schedule of Members shall be updated from time to time to reflect any adjustment with respect to any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Common Units, or to reflect any additional issuances of Common Units pursuant to this Agreement.

 



 

Exhibit A

 

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of                  , 20    (this “ Joinder ”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of [ · ], 2014 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ LLC Agreement ”) by and among SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation and the managing member of the Company (“ Holdings ”), and each of the Members from time to time party thereto.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the LLC Agreement.

 

1.               Joinder to the LLC Agreement .  Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to Holdings, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a Member under the LLC Agreement and a party thereto, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Member thereunder.  The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the LLC Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof.

 

2.               Incorporation by Reference .  All terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full.

 

3.               Address .  All notices under the LLC Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to:

 

[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Attn:
Facsimile:
E-mail:

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

[NAME OF NEW MEMBER]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 



 

Acknowledged and agreed
as of the date first set forth above:

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

SHAKE SHACK INC., its Managing Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name: Randy Garutti

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 




Exhibit 10.7

 

Execution Version

 

SSE Holdings, LLC
Unit Appreciation Rights Plan

 

Article I

 

Purposes

 

The purposes of the Plan are to foster and promote the long-term financial success of the Company and its Affiliates and to materially increase the economic value of the Company by ( a ) motivating superior performance by Participants by means of performance-related incentives and ( b ) enabling the Company and its Affiliates to attract and retain the services of an outstanding management team upon whose judgment, interest and special effort the successful conduct of its operations is largely dependent.

 

Article II

 

Definitions, Etc.

 

Section 2.01                              Certain Definitions .  Whenever used herein, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

(a)                                  Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person who or which, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such first Person.  For purposes of this definition, the term “control” (including with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling” and “controlled”) shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the applicable Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Company and USHG shall be deemed to be Affiliates for purposes of this Plan.

 

(b)                                  Award Agreement ” means an Award Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A or such other form as the Committee shall approve, to be entered into by the Company and a Participant to evidence the grant of a Unit Appreciation Right to such Participant pursuant to Article VI.

 

(c)                                   Base Amount ” means an amount per Unit determined by the Committee on the grant date of the Unit Appreciation Right.

 

(d)                                  Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(e)                                   Capital Contribution ” shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Operating Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Change of Control ” means, with respect to the Company, the first to occur after the adoption of the Plan by the Board of any of the following:

 

(i)                                      a “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than (a) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under

 



 

an employee benefit plan of the Company or (b) Meyer or any Meyer Affiliated Parties, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13D-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities;

 

(ii)                                   the acquisition by any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than Meyer and/or any Meyer Affiliated Parties, of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets during any period of 12 consecutive months; or

 

(iii)                                a merger or consolidation involving the Company, other than a merger or consolidation (a) in which the equityholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, own immediately following such merger or consolidation, at least 50% of the voting power of the surviving entity or (b) with an entity in which Meyer and/or any Meyer Affiliated Parties beneficially own more than 50% of the voting securities.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of an IPO, or if the Company files for bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization under the United States Bankruptcy Code.

 

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

 

(h)                                  Company ” means SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and any successor thereto.

 

(i)                                      Committee ” means the Compensation Committee of the Board (or such other committee of the Board as the Board shall designate) or, if no such committee is then serving, the Board.

 

(j)                                     Employee ” means any manager, officer or key employee of, or consultant to, the Company or any Subsidiary thereof.

 

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

 

(l)                                      Fair Market Value ” means, as of any date, with respect to the Units, the per Unit fair market value on such date as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

 

(m)                              IPO ” means any firm commitment underwritten initial public offering of equity securities of the Company or any successor thereto (including any holding company formed for purposes of effecting any such transaction) pursuant to a registration statement declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (other than a Form S-8 or similar form) and following which such equity securities are listed on a national or international securities exchange.

 

2



 

(n)                                  Member ” shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Operating Agreement.

 

(o)                                  Membership Interest ” shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Operating Agreement.

 

(p)                                  Meyer ” means Daniel Meyer, the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of USHG as of the date of the Plan’s adoption by the Board.

 

(q)                                  Meyer Affiliated Parties ” means (i) Meyer’s spouse, (ii) any minor descendants of Meyer, (iii) any trust as to which Meyer has the right to direct the vote of securities held by such trust, (iv) any corporation, partnership, or limited liability company controlled by Meyer or as to which Meyer otherwise has the right to direct the vote of securities held by such entity and (v) as of February 4, 2011 each (A) owner of more than 5% of the Company’s voting securities, (B) member of USHG and their respective Affiliates and (C) partner of SEG Partners, L.P., SEG Partners II, L.P. or SEGPO Investment Corp. LLC, and their respective Affiliates.

 

(r)                                     Operating Agreement ” means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of SSE Holdings, LLC, dated as of February 4, 2011, as amended and/or restated from time to time.

 

(s)                                    Participant ” means any Employee designated by the Committee to receive a Unit Appreciation Right under the Plan.

 

(t)                                     Person ” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, joint stock company, trust, firm, association, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of any such entity.

 

(u)                                  Plan ” means this SSE Holdings, LLC Unit Appreciation Rights Plan, as amended.

 

(v)                                  Qualifying Transaction ” means, with respect to the Company, the first to occur after the adoption of the Plan by the Board of any of the following:

 

(i)                                      a Change of Control; or

 

(ii)                                   an IPO.

 

(w)                                Qualifying Transaction Price ” means, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion (i) in the event of a Change of Control, the amount in cash, securities or other property (as determined by the Board in its sole discretion) that would be payable to a Member in respect of one Unit in connection with such Change of Control (for the avoidance of doubt, including any amounts payable upon the release of any escrow funds, holdbacks, earnouts or similar post-closing payments) assuming that each Unit deemed covered by a Unit Appreciation Right that has not been terminated or forfeited prior to such Change of Control was outstanding and the Base Amount thereof was paid to the Company

 

3



 

in cash and (ii) in the case of an IPO, the Fair Market Value of one Unit assuming that each Unit deemed covered by a Unit Appreciation Right that has not been terminated or forfeited prior to the date of the IPO was outstanding and that the Base Amount thereof was paid to the Company in cash.

 

(x)                                  Subsidiary ” means any Person of which 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock (or other equity interests in the case of an entity other than a corporation) entitled to vote is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.

 

(y)                                  Unit ” means the Class B units of the Company.

 

(z)                                   Unit Appreciation Right ” means the right to receive a payment from the Company (in the same proportion of cash, securities or other property received by the Unit holders in connection with a Qualifying Transaction) equal to the product of ( i ) the excess, if any, of the Qualifying Transaction Price over the Base Amount, multiplied by ( ii ) the stated number of Units deemed covered by the Unit Appreciation Right, as more fully set forth in the Award Agreement.  If, in the event of a Qualifying Transaction, the Base Amount equals or exceeds the Qualifying Transaction Price, then the Unit Appreciation Right shall be cancelled for no consideration and the grantee thereof shall have no further rights in respect thereof.

 

(aa)                           USHG ” means Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC, a New York limited liability company.

 

Section 2.02                              Gender and Number .  Except when otherwise indicated by the context, words in the masculine gender used in the Plan shall include the feminine and neuter genders, the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular.

 

Article III

 

Eligibility; Participation

 

Participants in the Plan shall be those Employees selected by the Committee to participate in the Plan.  The selection of an Employee as a Participant shall neither entitle such Employee to, nor disqualify such Employee from, participation in any other incentive plan of the Company or any Affiliate thereof.

 

Article IV

 

Administration

 

Section 4.01                              Power to Grant Unit Appreciation Rights .  The Committee shall have the discretionary authority, subject to the terms of the Plan, to determine the Employees to whom Unit Appreciation Rights shall be granted and the terms and conditions of such Unit Appreciation Rights, including, but not limited to, the number of Units deemed covered by a Unit Appreciation Right, the time or times at which Unit Appreciation Rights shall be granted and the provisions of the instruments by which such Unit Appreciation Rights shall be evidenced.  The Committee may establish different terms and conditions for different Participants receiving Unit Appreciation Rights and for the same Participant for each Unit Appreciation Right such Participant may receive, whether or not granted at different times.

 

4



 

The grant of any Unit Appreciation Right to any Employee shall neither entitle such Employee to, nor disqualify that Employee from, the grant of any other Unit Appreciation Rights.

 

Section 4.02                              Administration .  The Committee shall be responsible for the administration of the Plan.  The Committee shall have discretionary authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to provide for conditions deemed necessary or advisable to protect the interests of the Company and its Affiliates, to interpret the Plan and Award Agreements and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration and interpretation of the Plan and Award Agreement and to carry out the provisions and purposes thereof.  Any determination, interpretation or other action made or taken (including, but not limited to, any failure to make any determination or interpretation, or failure to make or take any other action) by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and/or Award Agreements shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes and upon all Persons, and shall be given maximum deference in any proceeding with respect thereto.  The Committee may consult with legal counsel, who may be counsel to the Company, and shall not incur any liability for any action taken in good faith in reliance upon the advice of counsel.

 

Section 4.03                              Section 409A .  It is intended that Unit Appreciation Rights be exempt from, or compliant with, section 409A of the Code, and the Plan and any Award Agreement shall be interpreted as such.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein or in an Award Agreement to the contrary, no condition of continued employment or service relating to the payment in respect of a Unit Appreciation Right may be waived if such waiver would result in a violation of section 409A of the Code (and any such waiver shall be deemed null and void).

 

Article V

 

Units Subject to Plan

 

Section 5.01                              Number .  Subject to Section 5.03, the number of Units deemed subject to Unit Appreciation Rights under the Plan may not exceed 31,303 Units.

 

Section 5.02                              Canceled, Terminated or Forfeited Unit Appreciation Rights .  Any Units deemed subject to a Unit Appreciation Right that for any reason expires or is canceled, terminated, forfeited, substituted for or otherwise settled without payment therefor shall again be available for award under the Plan.

 

Section 5.03                              Adjustments in Capitalization .  The number of Units deemed available with respect to Unit Appreciation Rights under Section 5.01, or deemed subject to outstanding Unit Appreciation Rights, and their respective Base Amounts, shall be adjusted by the Committee, in its sole discretion, if it shall deem (in its sole discretion) an adjustment to be necessary or appropriate to reflect any Capital Contribution, distribution in respect of Membership Interests or any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, exchange of Membership Interests, liquidation, dissolution or other similar event to ensure that the rights of any Participant hereunder are neither enlarged or diminished.  To the extent deemed equitable and appropriate by the Committee, and subject to any required action by the Members, in any reorganization, amalgamation, arrangement, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, exchange of interests, liquidation, dissolution,

 

5



 

winding up or other similar event, any Unit Appreciation Right shall pertain to the securities or other property to which a holder of the number of Units deemed covered by a Unit Appreciation Right would have been entitled to receive in connection with such event.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in no event shall Participants be deemed to have anti-dilution or similar rights or protections with respect to any Unit Appreciation Rights.

 

Article VI

 

Unit Appreciation Rights

 

Section 6.01                              Grant of Unit Appreciation Rights .  Unit Appreciation Rights may be granted to Participants at such time or times as the Committee shall determine.  The date of grant of a Unit Appreciation Right will be the date on which the Committee awards the Unit Appreciation Right.  Each Unit Appreciation Right shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which shall specify the number of Units to which the Unit Appreciation Right is deemed to pertain, the Base Amount of the Unit Appreciation Right, the duration of the Unit Appreciation Right, the conditions upon which the Unit Appreciation Right or any portion thereof shall become vested, the terms and conditions of payment in respect of the Unit Appreciation Right, the treatment of the Unit Appreciation Right upon any termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries and upon any Qualifying Transaction, and such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine.

 

Section 6.02                              Base Amount .  The Base Amount of a Unit Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion (and may be based on the Fair Market Value of a Unit as determined pursuant to the Company’s most recent valuation).

 

Section 6.03                              Settlement .  Unit Appreciation Rights awarded to a Participant shall be settled only in accordance with the applicable Award Agreement; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan or any applicable Award Agreement, any Unit Appreciation Right that has not been settled as of the tenth anniversary of its grant date shall be immediately forfeited with no payment due the holder thereof.

 

Article VII

 

Effective Date, Amendment and Termination

 

The Plan shall be effective upon adoption by the Board, or such later date as the Board shall specify, and shall automatically expire on the tenth anniversary thereof (except as to outstanding Unit Appreciation Rights), unless sooner terminated pursuant to this Article VII.  The Board at any time may terminate or suspend the Plan, and from time to time may amend or modify the Plan.  No termination, suspension, amendment or modification of the Plan shall (except in the case of an adjustment pursuant to Section 5.03) in any material manner adversely affect any Unit Appreciation Right previously granted under the Plan, without the consent of the Participant holding such Unit Appreciation Right; provided , however , that, without a Participant’s consent, the Board may, in its sole discretion, amend (such amendment to have the minimum economic effect necessary, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion) the Plan, any Unit Appreciation Right or any Award Agreement in such a

 

6



 

manner as it deems necessary or appropriate to avoid having the Plan or any Unit Appreciation Right become subject to the penalty provisions of section 409A of the Code.  Member approval of any such termination, suspension, amendment or modification shall be obtained to the extent mandated by applicable law or the Operating Agreement, or if otherwise deemed appropriate by the Board.  In addition, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any amendment to the Operating Agreement that impacts Units, Unit Appreciation Rights or the Plan shall be deemed an amendment to the Plan and each Participant shall be deemed to have consented to such amendment.

 

Article VIII

 

General Provisions

 

Section 8.01                              Nontransferability of Unit Appreciation Rights .  No Unit Appreciation Right may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

 

Section 8.02                              Beneficiary Designation .  Each Participant may from time to time name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to whom any benefit under the Plan is to be paid in case of such Participant’s death.  Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Committee and will be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Committee during the Participant’s lifetime.  In the absence of any such designation, benefits outstanding that remain unpaid at the Participant’s death shall be paid to the Participant’s surviving spouse, if any, or otherwise to the Participant’s estate.

 

Section 8.03                              Tax Withholding .  The Company and any applicable Affiliate thereof shall have the power to withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company or such Affiliate promptly upon notification of the amount due, an amount determined by the Company or such Affiliate, in its discretion, to be sufficient to satisfy all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign withholding and employment tax requirements in respect of any Unit Appreciation Right, and the Company may (or may cause such Affiliate to) defer payment of cash until such requirements are satisfied.  The Committee may permit or require a Participant to satisfy such Participant’s tax withholding obligation hereunder in such other manner and subject to such conditions as the Committee shall determine.

 

Section 8.04                              Requirements of Law .  Unit Appreciation Rights shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals as may be appropriate or required, as determined by the Committee.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, no Unit Appreciation Rights shall be granted or settled if such grant or settlement would result in a violation of applicable law, rules or regulations.  Neither the Company nor its Affiliates or its or their respective directors or officers shall have any obligation or liability to a Participant with respect to any Unit Appreciation Right for any failure to comply with the requirements of any applicable law, rules or regulations, including, but not limited to, any failure to comply with the requirements of section 409A of the Code.

 

Section 8.05                              No Guarantee of Employment or Participation .  Nothing in the Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Affiliate thereof to terminate any Participant’s employment at any time and for any reason, nor confer upon any Participant any

 

7



 

right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate thereof.  No Employee shall have a right to be selected as a Participant or, having been so selected, to receive any Unit Appreciation Rights.  In addition, if any Participant’s employment with the Company or any Affiliate thereof shall terminate for any reason, such Participant shall not be eligible for any compensation or remuneration with respect to such termination to compensate such Participant for the loss of any rights under the Plan notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the Participant’s contract of employment, if any.

 

Section 8.06                              No Limitation on Compensation .  Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company or any Affiliate thereof to establish other plans or to pay compensation to its employees in cash or property.

 

Section 8.07                              No Right to Particular Assets .  Nothing contained in the Plan and no action taken pursuant to the Plan shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind or any fiduciary relationship between the Company and any Affiliate thereof, on the one hand, and any Participant or executor, administrator or other personal representative or designated beneficiary of such Participant, on the other hand, or any other Persons.  Any reserves that may be established by the Company or any Affiliate thereof in connection with the Plan shall continue to be held as part of the general funds of the Company or such Affiliate, and no individual or entity other than the Company or such Affiliate shall have any interest in such funds until paid to a Participant.  To the extent that any Participant or his executor, administrator or other personal representative, as the case may be, acquires a right to receive any payment from the Company or any Affiliate thereof pursuant to the Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company or such Affiliate.

 

Section 8.08                              No Impact on Benefits .  Unit Appreciation Rights shall not be treated as compensation for purposes of calculating a Participant’s rights under any employee benefit plan.

 

Section 8.09                              No Rights as a Member .  Unit Appreciation Rights do not represent an actual equity interest in the Company, nor may they be exercised for Units.  No Participant shall have any voting or other rights as a Member in respect of his Unit Appreciation Rights.

 

Section 8.10                              Freedom of Action .  Subject to Article VII, nothing in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall be construed as limiting or preventing the Company or any Affiliate thereof from taking any action with respect to the operation or conduct of its business that it deems appropriate or in its best interest, and no Participant, beneficiary or other Person shall have any claim against the Company or any Affiliate thereof as a result of any such action.

 

Section 8.11                              Governing Law .  The Plan and the Unit Appreciation Rights shall be governed in all respects, including as to validity, interpretation and effect, by the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the choice of law principles thereof.

 

Section 8.12                              Severability .  In the event that any one or more of the provisions of the Plan or any Award Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall not be affected

 

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thereby.

 

Section 8.13                              Exculpation .  No member of the Committee nor any other officer or employee of the Company acting on behalf of the Company with respect to the Plan shall be directly or indirectly responsible or otherwise liable by reason of any action or default as a member of the Committee, or other officer or employee of the Company acting on behalf of the Company with respect to this Plan, or by reason of the exercise of or failure to exercise any power or discretion as such person deems appropriate, except for any action, default, exercise or failure to exercise resulting from such person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.  No member of the Committee shall be liable in any way for the acts or defaults of any other member of the Committee, or any of its advisors, agents or representatives.

 

Section 8.14                              Indemnification .  Each individual who is or shall have been a member of the Board or the Committee shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the Operating Agreement against and from any loss, cost liability or expense (including any related lawyers’ fees and advances thereof) that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such individual in connection with, based upon or arising or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which such individual may be made a party or in which such individual may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any Award Agreement and against and from any and all amounts paid by such individual in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by such individual in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such individual; provided , that such individual shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before such individual undertakes to handle and defend it on such individual’s own behalf.  The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive and shall be independent of any other rights of indemnification to which such individuals may be entitled under the Operating Agreement, by contract, as a matter of law or otherwise.

 

Section 8.15                              Notices .  Each Participant shall be responsible for furnishing the Company with the current and proper address for the mailing of notices and delivery of agreements.  Any notices required or permitted to be given shall be deemed given if addressed to the Participant at such address (or, if addressed to the Company, at the Company’s principal office) and sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid.  If any item mailed to any such address is returned as undeliverable to the addressee, mailing will be suspended until the intended recipient furnishes the proper address.

 

Section 8.16                              Incapacity .  Any benefit payable to or for the benefit of a minor, an incompetent person or other person incapable of receiving such benefit shall be deemed paid when paid to such person’s guardian or to the party providing or reasonably appearing to provide for the care of such person, and such payment shall fully discharge the Board, the Committee, the Company and its Affiliates and the other parties with respect thereto.

 

Section 8.17                              Rights Cumulative; Waiver .  The rights and remedies of Participants and the Company under this Plan shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies that either would otherwise have hereunder or at law or in equity or by statute, and no failure or delay by any party in exercising any right or remedy shall impair any such right or remedy or operate as a waiver of such

 

9



 

right or remedy, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any power or right preclude such party’s other or further exercise or the exercise of any other power or right.  The waiver by any Participant or the Board, the Committee or the Company of any provision of the Plan shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach, and no failure by any such party to exercise any right or privilege hereunder shall be deemed a waiver of such party’s rights or privileges hereunder or shall be deemed a waiver of such party’s rights to exercise the same at any subsequent time or times hereunder.

 

Section 8.18                              Headings and Captions .  The headings and captions herein are provided for reference and convenience only, shall not be considered part of the Plan and shall not be employed in the construction of the Plan.

 

*                                          *                                          *                                          *                                          *

 

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Exhibit 10.8

 

AMENDMENT #1 TO THE

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

UNIT APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLAN

 

In order to amend the SSE Holdings, LLC Unit Appreciation Rights Plan, as amended (the “ Plan ”), this Amendment #1 to the SSE Holdings, LLC Unit Appreciation Rights Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors of SSE Holdings, LLC by unanimous written consent on August 15, 2012, effective as of August 15, 2012.

 

1.                                       Section 4.03 of the Plan is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

Section 409A . It is intended that Unit Appreciation Rights be exempt from, or compliant with, section 409A of the Code, and the Plan and any Award Agreement shall be interpreted as such. Notwithstanding anything contained herein or in an Award Agreement to the contrary, no condition of continued employment or service relating to the payment in respect of a Unit Appreciation Right may be waived if such waiver would result in a violation of section 409A of the Code (and any such waiver shall be deemed null and void).”

 

2.                                       Section 6.02 of the Plan is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

Base Amount . The Base Amount of a Unit Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion (and may be based on the Fair Market Value of a Unit as determined pursuant to the Company’s most recent valuation).”

 




Exhibit 10.9

 

Execution Version

 

AMENDMENT #2 TO THE

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

UNIT APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLAN

 

SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), has previously adopted the SSE Holdings, LLC Unit Appreciation Rights Plan, as amended (as may be further amended from time to time, the “ Plan ”).  Article VII of the Plan allows the Board to amend the Plan in certain respects from time to time.

 

In order to amend the Plan pursuant to Article VII of the Plan, this Amendment #2 to the SSE Holdings, LLC Unit Appreciation Rights Plan (the “ Amendment ”) has been adopted by a resolution of the Board on October 30, 2014, effective as of October 30, 2014.  This Amendment, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire Plan as amended to date. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them under the Plan.

 

1.                                       Subsection (ii) of Section 2.01(w) of the Plan is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

“(ii) in the case of an IPO, the Fair Market Value of one Unit assuming that each Unit deemed covered by a Unit Appreciation Right that has not been terminated or forfeited prior to the date of the IPO was outstanding.”

 

2.                                       Section 2.01(z) of the Plan is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

Unit Appreciation Right ” means the right to receive a payment from the Company (in securities of the Company or one of its Affiliates or such other form of payment as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion) equal to the product of ( i ) the excess, if any of the Qualifying Transaction Price over the Base Amount, multiplied by ( ii ) the stated number of Units deemed covered by the Unit Appreciation Right, as more fully set forth in the Award Agreement.  If, in the event of a Qualifying Transaction, the Base Amount equals or exceeds the Qualifying Transaction Price, then the Unit Appreciation Right shall be cancelled for no consideration and the grantee thereof shall have no further rights in respect thereof.”

 

3.                                       Section 8.03 of the Plan is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

Tax Withholding.  The Company and any applicable Affiliate thereof shall have the power to withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company or such Affiliate promptly upon notification of the amount due, an amount determined by the Company or such Affiliate, in its discretion, to be sufficient to satisfy all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign withholding and employment tax requirements in respect of any Unit Appreciation Right, and the Company may (or may cause such Affiliate to) defer payment of cash or issuance or delivery of any security until such requirements are satisfied.  The Committee, in its sole discretion and in

 

1



 

satisfaction of the foregoing requirement, may (a) withhold, or allow a Participant to elect to have the Company withhold, securities otherwise issuable in connection with the settlement of Unit Appreciation Right (or allow the surrender of such securities) or (b) permit or require a Participant to satisfy such Participant’s tax withholding obligation hereunder in such other manner and subject to such conditions as the Committee shall determine.

 

4.                                       This Amendment shall be governed in all respects, including as to validity, interpretation and effect, by the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the choice of law principles thereof.  Except as set forth in this Amendment, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

 

* * * * * * * *

 

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Executed as of the first date set forth above.

 

 

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Randy Garutti

 

Name: Randy Garutti

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

Signature Page to Amendment #2 to the SSE Holdings, LLC

Unit Appreciation Rights Plan

 




Exhibit 10.10

 

Unit Appreciation Right Agreement

 

This Unit Appreciation Right Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of                    and is made by and between SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and the grantee whose name appears on the signature page to this Agreement (the “ Grantee ”).  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the SSE Holdings, LLC Unit Appreciation Rights Plan (the “ Plan ”).

 

Witnesseth:

 

Whereas , the Board has adopted the Plan to motivate Employees by providing them with performance-related incentives;

 

Whereas , the Committee has approved the grant of a Unit Appreciation Right to the Grantee; and

 

Whereas , the Grantee and the Company desire to enter into an agreement to evidence and confirm the grant of such Unit Appreciation Right on the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan.

 

Now, therefore , to evidence the Unit Appreciation Right so granted, and to set forth the terms and conditions governing such Unit Appreciation Right, the Company and the Grantee hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Confirmation of Grant; Base Amount; Plan Controls

 

The Company hereby evidences and confirms its grant to the Grantee, effective as of the date hereof (the “ Grant Date ”), of a Unit Appreciation Right deemed to cover the number of Units set forth on the signature page hereof.  The Unit Appreciation Right shall have the Base Amount per Unit set forth on the signature page of this Agreement, subject to adjustments as provided in the Plan.  The Unit Appreciation Right granted hereunder is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with the Plan and, as such, is subject in all respects to the Plan, all of the terms of which are made a part of and incorporated into this Agreement.  In the event of any conflict between any term of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

 

2.                                       Payment Timing and Requirements

 

(a)                                  Provided that the Grantee has been continuously employed by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof from the Grant Date through the date of a Qualifying Transaction, upon the occurrence of a Qualifying Transaction, the outstanding Unit Appreciation Right shall be cancelled and shall represent the right to receive, subject to the satisfaction of the payment conditions set forth in this Agreement, an amount equal to the product of ( x ) the excess, if any, of the Qualifying Transaction Price over the Base Amount and ( y ) the number of Units deemed subject to the Unit Appreciation Right (the “ UAR Payment ”); provided, however, that if the Base Amount equals or exceeds the Qualifying Transaction Price, then the Unit Appreciation Right shall be cancelled for no consideration and the Grantee shall have no further rights in respect thereof .

 



 

(b)                                  In the case of a Qualifying Transaction that is an IPO, ( x ) the Grantee shall become entitled to receive the UAR Payment if and only if the Grantee has been continuously employed by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof from the Grant Date through the date of the IPO and ( y ) to the extent that the requirement set forth in clause ( x ) has been satisfied, the UAR Payment shall be paid in a lump sum within 10 days after the occurrence of the IPO.

 

(c)                                   In the case of a Qualifying Transaction that is a Change of Control, ( x ) the Grantee shall become entitled to receive the applicable portion of the UAR Payment (e.g., the portion payable at the closing of the Change of Control, the portion payable upon the release of escrow amounts and/or the portion payable upon the attainment of earnout targets) if and only if the Grantee has been continuously employed by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof from the Grant Date through the date on which the applicable portion of the UAR Payment is paid to the Grantee and ( y ) to the extent that the requirement set forth in clause ( x ) has been satisfied, the UAR Payment shall be paid to the Grantee at the same time, in the same manner, and in the same proportions, as the Change of Control consideration is paid to the Company’s Unit holders (e.g., a portion may be paid at the closing of the Change of Control, a portion may be paid upon the release of escrow funds and/or a portion may be paid upon the payment of any earnouts or similar contingent payments).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any portion of a UAR Payment relating to an escrow or holdback, upon or following a Change of Control, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, waive the condition that the Grantee must be employed by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof on the date of payment in order to receive such portion of the UAR Payment.

 

(d)                                  In all cases, the UAR payment shall be paid to the Grantee in the same proportion of cash, securities or other property received by the Unit holders in connection with such Qualifying Transaction.

 

3.                                       Termination of the Unit Appreciation Right

 

(a)                                  Normal Termination Date .  Unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 3(b), the Unit Appreciation Right shall terminate and be cancelled on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date with no consideration due the Grantee.

 

(b)                                  Early Termination .  In the event the Grantee’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates for any reason ( x ) prior to the occurrence of a Qualifying Transaction, then the Unit Appreciation Right shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled, in full, on the date of such termination of employment with no consideration due the Grantee, ( y ) on or after the occurrence of a Qualifying Transaction that is an IPO, then the Grantee shall continue to remain eligible to receive the UAR Payment relating to such IPO and ( z ) on or after the occurrence of a Qualifying Transaction that is a Change of Control, then the Grantee shall forfeit his right to receive any portion of the UAR Payment that has not been paid as of the date of such termination, unless the Committee determines otherwise with respect to any escrow or holdback amounts in accordance with Section 2(c) hereof.  Accordingly, for the avoidance of doubt, if a Grantee’s employment terminates for any reason after a Change of Control but prior to the payment to the Unit holders of all or a portion of any earnout consideration, then the Grantee shall not be entitled to receive any UAR Payments attributable to such earnout consideration.  Any

 

2



 

portion of a UAR Payment that is forfeited after the occurrence of a Change of Control shall be payable to the Company’s Members and holders of outstanding Unit Appreciation Rights in accordance with the terms of the applicable sale, purchase, merger or similar agreement pursuant to which such Change of Control is consummated.

 

4.                                       Restrictions on Payment; Non-Transferability of the Unit Appreciation Right

 

(a)                                  Restrictions on Payment .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, payment may not be made in respect of the Unit Appreciation Right, in whole or in part, unless (i) all requisite approvals and consents of any governmental authority of any kind having jurisdiction over the Unit Appreciation Right shall have been secured and ( ii ) all applicable U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax withholding requirements shall have been satisfied.

 

(b)                                  Restrictions on Transferability .  The Unit Appreciation Right may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

 

5.                                       Tax Withholding

 

The Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Company and each applicable Affiliate thereof shall have the power to withhold, or require the Grantee to remit to the Company or such Affiliate promptly upon notification of the amount due, an amount determined by the Company or such Affiliate, in its discretion, to be sufficient to satisfy all U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax withholding and employment tax requirements in respect of the Unit Appreciation Right, and the Company may (or may cause such Affiliate to) defer payment of cash or issuance or delivery of any security until such requirements are satisfied.  The Committee may permit or require a Grantee to satisfy such Grantee’s tax withholding obligation hereunder in such other manner, subject to such conditions, as the Committee shall determine.

 

6.                                       Representations and Warranties of the Company

 

The Company represents and warrants to the Grantee that ( a ) the Company has been duly formed and is an existing limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and ( b ) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

 

7.                                       Grantee Acknowledgement

 

The Grantee agrees to take or cause to be taken all such actions as may be necessary or reasonably requested by the Committee in order to consummate a Qualifying Transaction and any related transactions, including, without limitation, executing, acknowledging and delivering the underlying agreements therefor and any consents, assignments, waivers and other documents or instruments (including without limitation executing any releases) and otherwise cooperating with the Company and its

 

3



 

Members; and provided further , that if requested by the Committee, the Grantee shall be obligated to become liable in respect of any representations, warranties, covenants, escrows, indemnities or other similar provisions entered into in connection with any such Qualifying Transaction and shall be jointly and severally liable (other than with respect to representations, warranties and covenants relating only to such Grantee), whether by purchase price adjustment, payment reduction, indemnity payments or otherwise, in respect thereof ( provided that the aggregate amount of liability for Grantee with respect to his Unit Appreciation Right in respect of any Qualifying Transaction shall not exceed the amount of payments payable to such Grantee in respect thereof and the indemnification provisions (other than with respect to representations, warranties and covenants relating only to the Grantee) in respect thereof shall not allocate liability to the Grantee in a manner that is disproportionate to the liability allocated to other Persons participating in such transaction based on the percentage of total proceeds payable to such Persons in connection therewith).  The provisions of this Section 7 shall in no way apply to a Grantee s rights, obligations or liabilities as a Member or other equity holder of the Company in respect of a Qualifying Transaction.

 

8.                                       Miscellaneous

 

(a)                                  Applicable Law .  This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by, and construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the choice of law principles thereof.

 

(b)                                  Binding Effect; Benefits; Assignability .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to give any Person other than the parties to this Agreement or their respective successors or assigns any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained herein.  Neither this Agreement nor any right, remedy, obligation or liability arising hereunder or by reason hereof shall be assignable by the Grantee.  This Agreement may be assigned by the Company to an Affiliate or successor thereof, provided that such Affiliate or successor agrees to perform the Company’s obligations hereunder.

 

(c)                                   Amendment .  This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by a written instrument executed by the Grantee and the Company; provided , however , that without the Grantee’s consent, the Board may amend (such amendment to have the minimum economic effect necessary, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion) this Agreement in such a manner as it deems necessary or appropriate to avoid having the Unit Appreciation Right become subject to the penalty provisions of section 409A of the Code.

 

(d)                                  Consent to Electronic Delivery .  By executing this Agreement, the Grantee hereby consents to the delivery of information (including, without limitation, information required to be delivered to the Grantee pursuant to applicable securities laws) regarding the Company and its Affiliates, the Plan and the Unit Appreciation Right via the Company’s web site or other electronic delivery.

 

4



 

(e)                                   Counterparts; Electronic Signature.   This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which is an original, but all of which together constitute but one instrument.  The parties hereto agree to accept a signed facsimile copy or “Portable Document Format” of this Agreement as a fully binding original.

 

(f)                                    Headings.   Except as otherwise indicated, references herein to any “Section” means a “Section” of this Agreement, and the section headings in this Agreement are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or define the meaning hereof.

 

Signature page follows —

 

5



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Grantee have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

 

SSE Holdings, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: Randy Garutti

 

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Grantee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

Number of Units deemed subject
to the Unit Appreciation Right:

 

 

**Base Amount per Unit:      $

**This amount does not entitle recipient to receive the base amount — recipient may receive only the per unit value in excess of the base amount.

 

[Signature Page to Unit Appreciation Right Agreement]

 




Exhibit 10.11

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.
2015 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

 

ARTICLE 1.
PURPOSE

 

The purpose of the Shake Shack Inc. 2015 Incentive Award Plan (as it may be amended or restated from time to time, the “ Plan ”) is to promote the success and enhance the value of Shake Shack Inc. (the “ Company ”) by linking the individual interests of the members of the Board, Employees, and Consultants to those of Company stockholders and by providing such individuals with an incentive for outstanding performance to generate superior returns to Company stockholders. The Plan is further intended to provide flexibility to the Company in its ability to motivate, attract, and retain the services of members of the Board, Employees, and Consultants upon whose judgment, interest, and special effort the successful conduct of the Company’s operation is largely dependent.

 

ARTICLE 2.
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

 

Wherever the following terms are used in the Plan they shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The singular pronoun shall include the plural where the context so indicates.

 

2.1                                            Administrator ” shall mean the entity that conducts the general administration of the Plan as provided in Article 13. With reference to the duties of the Committee under the Plan which have been delegated to one or more persons pursuant to Section 13.6, or as to which the Board has assumed, the term “Administrator” shall refer to such person(s) unless the Committee or the Board has revoked such delegation or the Board has terminated the assumption of such duties.

 

2.2                                            Affiliate ” shall mean (a) any Subsidiary, (b) any Parent, and (c) any domestic eligible entity that is disregarded, under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3, as an entity separate from either (i) the Company, (ii) any Subsidiary or (iii) any Parent.

 

2.3                                            Applicable Accounting Standards ” shall mean Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States, International Financial Reporting Standards or such other accounting principles or standards as may apply to the Company’s financial statements under United States federal securities laws from time to time.

 

2.4                                            Applicable Law ” shall mean any applicable law, including without limitation: (i) provisions of the Code, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and any rules or regulations thereunder; (ii) corporate, securities, tax or other laws, statutes, rules, requirements or regulations, whether federal, state, local or foreign; and (iii) rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded.

 

2.5                                            Automatic Exercise Date ” shall mean, with respect to an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right, the last business day of the applicable Option Term or Stock Appreciation

 



 

Right Term that was initially established by the Administrator for such Option or Stock Appreciation Right ( e.g. , the last business day prior to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right if the Option or Stock Appreciation Right initially had a ten-year Option Term or Stock Appreciation Right Term, as applicable).

 

2.6                                            Award ” shall mean an Option, a Restricted Stock award, a Restricted Stock Unit award, a Performance Award, a Dividend Equivalents award, a Deferred Stock award, a Deferred Stock Unit award, a Stock Payment award or a Stock Appreciation Right, which may be awarded or granted under the Plan (collectively, “ Awards ”).

 

2.7                                            Award Agreement ” shall mean any written notice, agreement, terms and conditions, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award, including through electronic medium, which shall contain such terms and conditions with respect to an Award as the Administrator shall determine consistent with the Plan.

 

2.8                                            Award Limit ” shall mean with respect to Awards that shall be payable in Shares or in cash, as the case may be, the respective limit set forth in Section 3.3.

 

2.9                                            Board ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

2.10                                     Change in Control ” shall mean and includes each of the following:

 

(a)                                  A transaction or series of transactions (other than an offering of Common Stock to the general public through a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) whereby any “person” or related “group” of “persons” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) (other than the Company, any of its subsidiaries, any employee benefit plan maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, any Significant Stockholder, or a “person” that, prior to such transaction, directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company) directly or indirectly acquires beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s securities outstanding immediately after such acquisition; or

 

(b)                                  During any period of two consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board together with any new Director(s) (other than a Director designated by a person who shall have entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Section 2.10(a) or 2.10(c)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Directors then still in office who either were Directors at the beginning of the two-year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or

 

(c)                                   The consummation by the Company (whether directly involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more intermediaries) of (x) a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or business combination or (y) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets in any single transaction or series of related transactions or (z) the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity, in each case other than a transaction:

 



 

(i)                                      which results in the Company’s voting securities outstanding immediately before the transaction continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the Company or the person that, as a result of the transaction, controls, directly or indirectly, the Company or owns, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or otherwise succeeds to the business of the Company (the Company or such person, the “ Successor Entity ”)) directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity’s outstanding voting securities immediately after the transaction, and

 

(ii)                                   after which no person or group beneficially owns voting securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity; provided , however , that no person or group shall be treated for purposes of this Section 2.10(c)(ii) as beneficially owning 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity solely as a result of the voting power held in the Company prior to the consummation of the transaction; or

 

(d)                                  The consummation of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control constitutes a payment event with respect to any portion of an Award that provides for the deferral of compensation and is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the transaction or event described in subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d) with respect to such Award (or portion thereof) must also constitute a “change in control event,” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) to the extent required by Section 409A.

 

The Committee shall have full and final authority, which shall be exercised in its sole discretion, to determine conclusively whether a Change in Control has occurred pursuant to the above definition, and the date of the occurrence of such Change in Control and any incidental matters relating thereto; provided that any exercise of authority in conjunction with a determination of whether a Change in Control is a “change in control event” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) shall be consistent with such regulation.

 

2.11                                     Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, together with the regulations and official guidance promulgated thereunder.

 

2.12                                     Committee ” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, or another committee or subcommittee of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board, appointed as provided in Section 13.1.

 

2.13                                     Common Stock ” shall mean the Class A common stock of the Company, par value $                              per share.

 

2.14                                     Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 1.

 

2.15                                     Consultant ” shall mean any consultant or adviser engaged to provide services to the Company or any Affiliate that qualifies as a consultant under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for registration of shares on a Form S-8 Registration Statement.

 



 

2.16                                     Covered Employee ” shall mean any Employee who is, or could be, a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

2.17                                     Deferred Stock ” shall mean a right to receive Shares awarded under Section 10.4.

 

2.18                                     Deferred Stock Unit ” shall mean a right to receive Shares awarded under Section 10.5.

 

2.19                                     Director ” shall mean a member of the Board, as constituted from time to time.

 

2.20                                     Director Limit ” shall  have the meaning set forth in Section 4.6.

 

2.21                                     Dividend Equivalent ” shall mean a right to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Shares) of dividends paid on Shares, awarded under Section 10.2.

 

2.22                                     DRO ” shall mean a domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, or the rules thereunder.

 

2.23                                     Effective Date ” shall mean                       , 2015.

 

2.24                                     Eligible Individual ” shall mean any person who is an Employee, a Consultant or a Non-Employee Director, as determined by the Committee.

 

2.25                                     Employee ” shall mean any officer or other employee (as determined in accordance with Section 3401(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder) of the Company or of any Affiliate.

 

2.26                                     Equity Restructuring ” shall mean a nonreciprocal transaction between the Company and its stockholders, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, rights offering or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, that affects the number or kind of Shares (or other securities of the Company) or the share price of Common Stock (or other securities) and causes a change in the per-share value of the Common Stock underlying outstanding Awards.

 

2.27                                     Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

2.28                                     Expiration Date ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 14.1.

 

2.29                                     Fair Market Value ” shall mean, as of any given date, the value of a Share determined as follows:

 

(a)                                  If the Common Stock is listed on any (i) established securities exchange (such as the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Market and the NASDAQ Global Select Market), (ii) national market system or (iii) automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for a

 



 

Share as quoted on such exchange or system for such date or, if there is no closing sales price for a Share on the date in question, the closing sales price for a Share on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

 

(b)                                  If the Common Stock is not listed on an established securities exchange, national market system or automated quotation system, but the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean of the high bid and low asked prices for such date or, if there are no high bid and low asked prices for a Share on such date, the high bid and low asked prices for a Share on the last preceding date for which such information exists, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

 

(c)                                   If the Common Stock is neither listed on an established securities exchange, national market system or automated quotation system nor regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer, its Fair Market Value shall be established by the Administrator in good faith.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award granted after the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement relating to its initial public offering and on or prior to the Public Trading Date, the Fair Market Value shall mean the initial public offering price of a Share as set forth in the Company’s final prospectus relating to its initial public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

2.30                                     Greater Than 10% Stockholder” shall mean an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any subsidiary corporation (as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code) or parent corporation thereof (as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code).

 

2.31                                     Holder ” shall mean a person who has been granted an Award.

 

2.32                                     Incentive Stock Option ” shall mean an Option that is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option and conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.

 

2.33                                     Non-Employee Director ” shall mean a Director of the Company who is not an Employee.

 

2.34                                     Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.6.

 

2.35                                     Non-Qualified Stock Option ” shall mean an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

 

2.36                                     Option ” shall mean a right to purchase Shares at a specified exercise price, granted under Article 6. An Option shall be either a Non-Qualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option; provided , however , that Options granted to Non-Employee Directors and Consultants shall only be Non-Qualified Stock Options.

 



 

2.37                                     Option Term ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.

 

2.38                                     Parent ” shall mean any entity (other than the Company), whether domestic or foreign, in an unbroken chain of entities ending with the Company if each of the entities other than the Company beneficially owns, at the time of the determination, securities or interests representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities or interests in one of the other entities in such chain.

 

2.39                                     Performance Award ” shall mean a cash bonus award, stock bonus award, performance award or incentive award that is paid in cash, Shares or a combination of both, awarded under Section 10.1.

 

2.40                                     Performance-Based Compensation ” shall mean any compensation that is intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code.

 

2.41                                     Performance Criteria ” shall mean the criteria (and adjustments) that the Committee selects for an Award for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal or Performance Goals for a Performance Period, determined as follows:

 

(a)                                  The Performance Criteria that shall be used to establish Performance Goals are limited to the following: (i) net earnings or losses (either before or after one or more of the following: (A) interest, (B) taxes, (C) depreciation and (D) amortization); (ii) gross or net sales or revenue; (iii) revenue growth or product revenue growth; (iv) net income (either before or after taxes); (v) adjusted net income; (vi) operating earnings or profit (either before or after taxes); (vii) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow); (viii) return on assets or net assets; (ix) return on capital and cost of capital; (x) return on stockholders’ equity; (xi) total stockholder return; (xii) return on sales; (xiii) gross or net profit or operating margin; (xiv) costs, reductions in costs and cost control measures; (xv) funds from operations or funds available for distributions; (xvi) expenses; (xvii) working capital; (xviii) earnings or loss per share; (xix) adjusted earnings per share; (xx) price per share of Common Stock or appreciation in and/or maintenance of such price; (xxi) economic value added models or similar metrics; (xxii) regulatory achievements or compliance (including, without limitation, regulatory body approval for commercialization of a product); (xxiii) implementation or completion of critical projects or processes; (xxiv) sales or market share; (xxv) licensing revenue; (xxvi) brand recognition/acceptance, (xxvii) inventory turns or cycle time and supply chain achievements (including, without limitation, establishing relationships with manufacturers or suppliers of component materials and manufacturers of the Company’s products), (xxviii) strategic initiatives (including, without limitation, with respect to market penetration, geographic business expansion, manufacturing, commercialization, production and productivity, customer satisfaction and growth, employee satisfaction, recruitment and maintenance of personnel, human resources management, supervision of litigation and other legal matters, information technology, strategic partnerships and transactions (including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property, and establishment of relationships with commercial entities with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of Company products, and factoring transactions, research and development and related activity, and financial or other capital raising transactions); (xxix) new or existing store results and

 



 

operations and new store openings; and (xxx) financial ratios (including, without limitation, those measuring liquidity, activity, profitability or leverage), any of which may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or decrease or as compared to results of a peer group or to market performance indicators or indices.

 

(b)                                  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide that one or more objectively determinable adjustments shall be made to one or more of the Performance Goals. Such adjustments may include one or more of the following: (i) items related to a change in accounting principle; (ii) items relating to financing activities; (iii) expenses for restructuring or productivity initiatives; (iv) other non-operating items; (v) items related to acquisitions; (vi) items attributable to the business operations of any entity acquired by the Company during the Performance Period; (vii) items related to the disposal of a business or segment of a business; (viii) items related to discontinued operations that do not qualify as a segment of a business under Applicable Accounting Standards; (ix) items attributable to any stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of stock occurring during the Performance Period; (x) any other items of significant income or expense which are determined to be appropriate adjustments; (xi) items relating to unusual or extraordinary corporate transactions, events or developments, (xii) items related to amortization of acquired intangible assets; (xiii) items that are outside the scope of the Company’s core, on-going business activities; (xiv) items related to acquired in-process research and development; (xv) items relating to changes in tax laws; (xvi) items relating to major licensing or partnership arrangements; (xvii) items relating to asset impairment charges; (xviii) items relating to gains or losses for litigation, arbitration and contractual settlements; or (xix) items relating to any other unusual or nonrecurring events or changes in Applicable Law, accounting principles or business conditions. For all Awards intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, such determinations shall be made within the time prescribed by, and otherwise in compliance with, Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

2.42                                     Performance Goals ” shall mean, for a Performance Period, one or more goals established in writing by the Administrator for the Performance Period based upon one or more Performance Criteria. Depending on the Performance Criteria used to establish such Performance Goals, the Performance Goals may be expressed in terms of overall Company performance or the performance of an Affiliate, division, business unit, or an individual. The achievement of each Performance Goal shall be determined, to the extent applicable, with reference to Applicable Accounting Standards.

 

2.43                                     Performance Period ” shall mean one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, as the Administrator may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Holder’s right to, and the payment of, an Award.

 

2.44                                     Performance Stock Unit ” shall mean a Performance Award awarded under Section 10.1 which is denominated in units of value including dollar value of Shares.

 

2.45                                     Permitted Transferee ” shall mean, with respect to a Holder, any “family member” of the Holder, as defined in the instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act, after taking into account Applicable Law.

 



 

2.46                                     Plan ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 1.

 

2.47                                     Program ” shall mean any program adopted by the Administrator pursuant to the Plan containing the terms and conditions intended to govern a specified type of Award granted under the Plan and pursuant to which such type of Award may be granted under the Plan.

 

2.48                                     Public Trading Date ” shall mean the first date upon which Common Stock is listed (or approved for listing) upon notice of issuance on any securities exchange or designated (or approved for designation) upon notice of issuance as a national market security on an interdealer quotation system.

 

2.49                                     Restricted Stock ” shall mean Common Stock awarded under Article 8 that is subject to certain restrictions and may be subject to risk of forfeiture or repurchase.

 

2.50                                     Restricted Stock Units ” shall mean the right to receive Shares awarded under Article 9.

 

2.51                                     Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

2.52                                     Share Limit ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).

 

2.53                                     Shares ” shall mean shares of Common Stock.

 

2.54                                     Significant Stockholder ” shall mean any “person” or related “group” of “persons” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) that, immediately following the issuance of Common Stock and Class B common stock to holders of equity interests in SSE Holdings, LLC in connection with the Company’s initial public offering and prior to the Public Trading Date, holds 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of common stock of the Company (ignoring for purposes of such calculation any Common Stock issued in connection with the Company’s initial public offering to persons or entities other than the holders of equity interests in SSE Holdings, LLC).

 

2.55                                     Stock Appreciation Right ” shall mean a stock appreciation right granted under Article 11.

 

2.56                                     Stock Appreciation Right Term ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.4.

 

2.57                                     Stock Payment ” shall mean (a) a payment in the form of Shares, or (b) an option or other right to purchase Shares, as part of a bonus, deferred compensation or other arrangement, awarded under Section 10.3.

 

2.58                                     Subsidiary ” shall mean any entity (other than the Company), whether domestic or foreign, in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with the Company if each of the entities other than the last entity in the unbroken chain beneficially owns, at the time of the determination, securities or interests representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities or interests in one of the other entities in such chain.

 



 

2.59                                     Substitute Award ” shall mean an Award granted under the Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding equity awards previously granted by a company or other entity in connection with a corporate transaction, such as a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock; provided , however , that in no event shall the term “Substitute Award” be construed to refer to an award made in connection with the cancellation and repricing of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right.

 

2.60                                     Termination of Service ” shall mean:

 

(a)                                  As to a Consultant, the time when the engagement of a Holder as a Consultant to the Company or an Affiliate is terminated for any reason, with or without cause, including, without limitation, by resignation, discharge, death or retirement, but excluding terminations where the Consultant simultaneously commences or remains in employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate.

 

(b)                                  As to a Non-Employee Director, the time when a Holder who is a Non-Employee Director ceases to be a Director for any reason, including, without limitation, a termination by resignation, failure to be elected, death or retirement, but excluding terminations where the Holder simultaneously commences or remains in employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate.

 

(c)                                   As to an Employee, the time when the employee-employer relationship between a Holder and the Company or any Affiliate is terminated for any reason, including, without limitation, a termination by resignation, discharge, death, disability or retirement; but excluding terminations where the Holder simultaneously commences or remains in employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate.

 

The Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to any Termination of Service, including, without limitation, the question of whether a Termination of Service resulted from a discharge for cause and all questions of whether particular leaves of absence constitute a Termination of Service; provided , however , that, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, unless the Administrator otherwise provides in the terms of the Program, the Award Agreement or otherwise, or as otherwise required by Applicable Law, a leave of absence, change in status from an employee to an independent contractor or other change in the employee-employer relationship shall constitute a Termination of Service only if, and to the extent that, such leave of absence, change in status or other change interrupts employment for the purposes of Section 422(a)(2) of the Code and the then-applicable regulations and revenue rulings under said Section. For purposes of the Plan, a Holder’s employee-employer relationship or consultancy relations shall be deemed to be terminated in the event that the Affiliate employing or contracting with such Holder ceases to remain an Affiliate following any merger, sale of stock or other corporate transaction or event (including, without limitation, a spin-off).

 



 

ARTICLE 3.

 

SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

 

3.1                                Number of Shares .

 

(a)                                  Subject to Sections 3.1(b) and 14.2, the aggregate number of Shares which may be issued or transferred pursuant to Awards under the Plan is (the “ Share Limit ”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted under applicable law and applicable stock exchange rules, Awards that provide for the delivery of Shares subsequent to the applicable grant date may be granted in excess of the Share Limit if such Awards provide for the forfeiture or cash settlement of such Awards to the extent that insufficient Shares remain under the Share Limit at the time that Shares would otherwise be issued in respect of such Award.

 

(b)                                  If any Shares subject to an Award are forfeited or expire or such Award is settled in cash (in whole or in part), the Shares subject to such Award shall, to the extent of such forfeiture, expiration or cash settlement, again be available for future grants of Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the following Shares shall not be added to the Shares authorized for grant under Section 3.1(a) and shall not be available for future grants of Awards: (i) Shares tendered by a Holder or withheld by the Company in payment of the exercise price of an Option; (ii) Shares tendered by the Holder or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to an Option or Stock Appreciation Right; (iii) Shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right on exercise thereof; and (iv) Shares purchased on the open market with the cash proceeds from the exercise of Options. Any Shares repurchased by the Company under Section 8.4 at the same price paid by the Holder so that such Shares are returned to the Company shall again be available for Awards. The payment of Dividend Equivalents in cash in conjunction with any outstanding Awards shall not be counted against the Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 3.1(b), no Shares may again be optioned, granted or awarded if such action would cause an Incentive Stock Option to fail to qualify as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code.

 

(c)                                   Substitute Awards shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under the Plan. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Affiliate or with which the Company or any Affiliate combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under the Plan; provided that Awards using such available Shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not employed by or providing services to the Company or its Affiliates immediately prior to such acquisition or combination.

 


 

3.2                                            Stock Distributed . Any Shares distributed pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Common Stock, treasury Common Stock or Common Stock purchased on the open market.

 

3.3                                            Limitation on Number of Shares Subject to Awards . Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, and subject to Section 14.2, the maximum aggregate number of Shares with respect to one or more Awards that may be granted to any one person during any calendar year shall be and the maximum aggregate amount that may be paid in cash to any one person during any calendar year with respect to one or more Awards payable in cash shall be $5,000,000; provided , however , that the foregoing limitations shall not apply prior to the Public Trading Date and, following the Public Trading Date, the foregoing limitations shall not apply until the earliest of: (a) the first material modification of the Plan (including any increase in the Share Limit); (b) the issuance of all of the Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan; (c) the expiration of the Plan; (d) the first meeting of stockholders at which members of the Board are to be elected that occurs after the close of the third calendar year following the calendar year in which occurred the first registration of an equity security of the Company under Section 12 of the Exchange Act; or (e) such other date required by Section 162(m) of the Code and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. To the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, Shares subject to Awards which are canceled shall continue to be counted against the Award Limit.

 

ARTICLE 4.

 

GRANTING OF AWARDS

 

4.1                                            Participation . The Administrator may, from time to time, select from among all Eligible Individuals, those to whom an Award shall be granted and shall determine the nature and amount of each Award, which shall not be inconsistent with the requirements of the Plan. Except as provided in Section 4.6 regarding the grant of Awards pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy, no Eligible Individual shall have any right to be granted an Award pursuant to the Plan.

 

4.2                                            Award Agreement . Each Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions and limitations for such Award, which may include the term of the Award, the provisions applicable in the event of the Holder’s Termination of Service, and the Company’s authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an Award. Award Agreements evidencing Awards intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code. Award Agreements evidencing Incentive Stock Options shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.

 

4.3                                            Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Plan, and any Award granted or awarded to any individual who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and any amendments thereto) that are requirements for the application of such

 



 

exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan and Awards granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

 

4.4                                            At-Will Employment; Voluntary Participation . Nothing in the Plan or in any Program or Award Agreement hereunder shall confer upon any Holder any right to continue in the employ of, or as a Director or Consultant for, the Company or any Affiliate, or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and any Affiliate, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge any Holder at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, and with or without notice, or to terminate or change all other terms and conditions of employment or engagement, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Holder and the Company or any Affiliate. Participation by each Holder in the Plan shall be voluntary and nothing in the Plan shall be construed as mandating that any Eligible Individual shall participate in the Plan.

 

4.5                                            Foreign Holders . Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws in countries other than the United States in which the Company and its Affiliates operate or have Employees, Non-Employee Directors or Consultants, or in order to comply with the requirements of any foreign securities exchange, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to: (a) determine which Affiliates shall be covered by the Plan; (b) determine which Eligible Individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan; (c) modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to Eligible Individuals outside the United States to comply with applicable foreign laws or listing requirements of any such foreign securities exchange; (d) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent such actions may be necessary or advisable (any such subplans and/or modifications shall be attached to the Plan as appendices); provided , however , that no such subplans and/or modifications shall increase the Share Limit, the Award Limit or the Director Limit; and (e) take any action, before or after an Award is made, that it deems advisable to obtain approval or comply with any necessary local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals or listing requirements of any such foreign securities exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate Applicable Law. For purposes of the Plan, all references to foreign laws, rules, regulations or taxes shall be references to the laws, rules, regulations and taxes of any applicable jurisdiction other than the United States or a political subdivision thereof.

 

4.6                                            Non-Employee Director Awards . The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide that Awards granted to Non-Employee Directors shall be granted pursuant to a written nondiscretionary formula established by the Administrator (the “ Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy ”), subject to the limitations of the Plan. The Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy shall set forth the type of Award(s) to be granted to Non-Employee Directors, the number of Shares to be subject to Non-Employee Director Awards, the conditions on which such Awards shall be granted, become exercisable and/or payable and expire, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine in its sole discretion. The Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy may be modified by the Administrator from time to time in its sole discretion.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan or in the Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy, the maximum aggregate grant date fair

 



 

value of Awards granted to a Non-Employee Director during any calendar year shall be $500,000 (the “ Director Limit ”).

 

4.7                                            Stand-Alone and Tandem Awards . Awards granted pursuant to the Plan may, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, be granted either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with, any other Award granted pursuant to the Plan. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards.

 

ARTICLE 5.

 

PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS INTENDED TO QUALIFY AS PERFORMANCE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

5.1                                            Purpose . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine at the time an Award is granted or at any time thereafter whether such Award is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation. If the Committee, in its sole discretion, decides to grant such an Award to an Eligible Individual that is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation (other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right), then the provisions of this Article 5 shall control over any contrary provision contained in the Plan. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may grant Awards to other Eligible Individuals that are based on Performance Criteria or Performance Goals or any such other criteria and goals as the Administrator shall establish, but that do not satisfy the requirements of this Article 5 and that are not intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation. Unless otherwise specified by the Committee at the time of grant, the Performance Criteria with respect to an Award intended to be Performance-Based Compensation payable to a Covered Employee shall be determined on the basis of Applicable Accounting Standards.

 

5.2                                            Applicability . The grant of an Award to an Eligible Individual for a particular Performance Period shall not require the grant of an Award to such Eligible Individual in any subsequent Performance Period and the grant of an Award to any one Eligible Individual shall not require the grant of an Award to any other Eligible Individual in such period or in any other period.

 

5.3                                            Types of Awards . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may grant any Award to an Eligible Individual intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, including, without limitation, Restricted Stock the restrictions with respect to which lapse upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals, Restricted Stock Units that vest and become payable upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals and any Performance Awards described in Article 10 that vest or become exercisable or payable upon the attainment of one or more specified Performance Goals.

 

5.4                                            Procedures with Respect to Performance-Based Awards . To the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, with respect to any Award granted to one or more Eligible Individuals which is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, no later than 90 days following the commencement of any Performance Period or any designated fiscal period or period of service (or such earlier time as

 



 

may be required under Section 162(m) of the Code), the Committee shall, in writing, (a) designate one or more Eligible Individuals, (b) select the Performance Criteria applicable to the Performance Period, (c) establish the Performance Goals, and amounts of such Awards, as applicable, which may be earned for such Performance Period based on the Performance Criteria, and (d) specify the relationship between Performance Criteria and the Performance Goals and the amounts of such Awards, as applicable, to be earned by each Covered Employee for such Performance Period. Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Committee shall certify in writing whether and the extent to which the applicable Performance Goals have been achieved for such Performance Period. In determining the amount earned under such Awards, the Committee shall have the right to reduce or eliminate (but not to increase) the amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Committee may deem relevant, including the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the Performance Period.

 

5.5                                            Payment of Performance-Based Awards . Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Program or Award Agreement and only to the extent otherwise permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code, as to an Award that is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, the Holder must be employed by the Company or an Affiliate throughout the Performance Period. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Performance Goals, Program or Award Agreement, a Holder shall be eligible to receive payment pursuant to such Awards for a Performance Period only if and to the extent the Performance Goals for such period are achieved.

 

5.6                                            Additional Limitations . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan and except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, any Award which is granted to an Eligible Individual and is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in Section 162(m) of the Code or any regulations or rulings issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as Performance-Based Compensation, and the Plan and the applicable Program and Award Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements.

 

ARTICLE 6.

 

GRANTING OF OPTIONS

 

6.1                                            Granting of Options to Eligible Individuals . The Administrator is authorized to grant Options to Eligible Individuals from time to time, in its sole discretion, on such terms and conditions as it may determine, which shall not be inconsistent with the Plan.

 

6.2                                            Qualification of Incentive Stock Options . No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who is not an Employee of the Company or any “subsidiary corporation” (as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code) of the Company. No person who qualifies as a Greater Than 10% Stockholder may be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless such Incentive Stock Option conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code. Any Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan may be modified by the Administrator, with the consent of the Holder, to disqualify such Option from treatment as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of stock with respect to which “incentive stock options” (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, but without

 



 

regard to Section 422(d) of the Code) are exercisable for the first time by a Holder during any calendar year under the Plan, and all other plans of the Company and any parent or subsidiary corporation thereof (each as defined in Section 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code, respectively), exceeds $100,000, the Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options to the extent required by Section 422 of the Code. The rule set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall be applied by taking Options and other “incentive stock options” into account in the order in which they were granted and the Fair Market Value of stock shall be determined as of the time the respective options were granted.

 

6.3                                            Option Exercise Price . The exercise price per Share subject to each Option shall be set by the Administrator, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the Option is granted (or, as to Incentive Stock Options, on the date the Option is modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the Code). In addition, in the case of Incentive Stock Options granted to a Greater Than 10% Stockholder, such price shall not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the Option is granted (or the date the Option is modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the Code).

 

6.4                                            Option Term . The term of each Option (the “ Option Term ”) shall be set by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided , however , that the Option Term shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date the Option is granted, or five (5) years from the date an Incentive Stock Option is granted to a Greater Than 10% Stockholder. The Administrator shall determine the time period, including the time period following a Termination of Service, during which the Holder has the right to exercise the vested Options, which time period may not extend beyond the last day of the Option Term. Except as limited by the requirements of Section 409A or Section 422 of the Code and regulations and rulings thereunder or the first sentence of this Section 6.4, the Administrator may extend the Option Term of any outstanding Option, and may extend the time period during which vested Options may be exercised, in connection with any Termination of Service of the Holder, and may amend, subject to Section 14.1, any other term or condition of such Option relating to such a Termination of Service.

 

6.5                                            Option Vesting .

 

(a)                                  The period during which the right to exercise, in whole or in part, an Option vests in the Holder shall be set by the Administrator and the Administrator may determine that an Option may not be exercised in whole or in part for a specified period after it is granted. Such vesting may be based on service with the Company or any Affiliate, any of the Performance Criteria, or any other criteria selected by the Administrator, and, except as limited by the Plan, at any time after the grant of an Option, the Administrator, in its sole discretion and subject to whatever terms and conditions it selects, may accelerate the period during which an Option vests.

 

(b)                                  No portion of an Option which is unexercisable at a Holder’s Termination of Service shall thereafter become exercisable, except as may be otherwise provided by the Administrator either in the applicable Program, the Award Agreement evidencing the grant of an Option, or by action of the Administrator following the grant of the Option. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator in the Award Agreement or by action of the Administrator following the grant of the Option, the portion of an Option that is unexercisable at a Holder’s

 



 

Termination of Service shall automatically expire thirty (30) days following such Termination of Service.

 

6.6                                            Substitute Awards . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article 6 to the contrary, in the case of an Option that is a Substitute Award, the price per share of the Shares subject to such Option may be less than the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant; provided that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the Shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate exercise price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Administrator) of the shares of the predecessor entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate exercise price of such shares.

 

6.7                                            Substitution of Stock Appreciation Rights .  The Administrator may provide in the applicable Program or the Award Agreement evidencing the grant of an Option that the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to substitute a Stock Appreciation Right for such Option at any time prior to or upon exercise of such Option; provided that such Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable with respect to the same number of Shares for which such substituted Option would have been exercisable, and shall also have the same exercise price, vesting schedule and remaining Option Term as the substituted Option.

 

ARTICLE 7.

 

EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

 

7.1                                            Partial Exercise . An exercisable Option may be exercised in whole or in part. However, an Option shall not be exercisable with respect to fractional Shares and the Administrator may require that, by the terms of the Option, a partial exercise must be with respect to a minimum number of Shares.

 

7.2                                            Expiration of Option Term: Automatic Exercise of In-The-Money Options . Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator (in an Award Agreement or otherwise) or as otherwise directed by an Option Holder in writing to the Company, each vested and exercisable Option outstanding on the Automatic Exercise Date with an exercise price per share that is less than the Fair Market Value per Share as of such date shall automatically and without further action by the Option Holder or the Company be exercised on the Automatic Exercise Date. In the sole discretion of the Administrator, payment of the exercise price of any such Option shall be made pursuant to Section 12.1(b) or 12.1(c) and the Company or any Affiliate shall deduct or withhold an amount sufficient to satisfy all taxes associated with such exercise in accordance with Section 12.2. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, this Section 7.2 shall not apply to an Option if the Holder of such Option incurs a Termination of Service on or before the Automatic Exercise Date. For the avoidance of doubt, no Option with an exercise price per Share that is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value per Share on the Automatic Exercise Date shall be exercised pursuant to this Section 7.2.

 



 

7.3                                            Manner of Exercise . All or a portion of an exercisable Option shall be deemed exercised upon delivery of all of the following to the Secretary of the Company, the stock administrator of the Company or such other person or entity designated by the Administrator, or his, her or its office, as applicable:

 

(a)                                  A written or electronic notice complying with the applicable rules established by the Administrator stating that the Option, or a portion thereof, is exercised. The notice shall be signed by the Holder or other person then entitled to exercise the Option or such portion of the Option;

 

(b)                                  Such representations and documents as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable to effect compliance with Applicable Law. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may also take whatever additional actions it deems appropriate to effect such compliance including, without limitation, placing legends on share certificates and issuing stop-transfer notices to agents and registrars;

 

(c)                                   In the event that the Option shall be exercised pursuant to Section 12.3 by any person or persons other than the Holder, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option, as determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator; and

 

(d)                                  Full payment of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes to the stock administrator of the Company for the Shares with respect to which the Option, or portion thereof, is exercised, in a manner permitted by Sections 12.1 and 12.2.

 

7.4                                            Notification Regarding Disposition . The Holder shall give the Company prompt written or electronic notice of any disposition of Shares acquired by exercise of an Incentive Stock Option which occurs within (a) two years from the date of granting (including the date the Option is modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the Code) such Option to such Holder, or (b) one year after the transfer of such Shares to such Holder.

 

ARTICLE 8.

 

AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK

 

8.1                                Award of Restricted Stock .

 

(a)                                  The Administrator is authorized to grant Restricted Stock to Eligible Individuals, and shall determine the terms and conditions, including the restrictions applicable to each award of Restricted Stock, which terms and conditions shall not be inconsistent with the Plan, and may impose such conditions on the issuance of such Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate.

 

(b)                                  The Administrator shall establish the purchase price, if any, and form of payment for Restricted Stock; provided , however , that if a purchase price is charged, such purchase price shall be no less than the par value, if any, of the Shares to be purchased, unless otherwise permitted by Applicable Law. In all cases, legal consideration shall be required for each issuance of Restricted Stock.

 



 

8.2                                            Rights as Stockholders . Subject to Section 8.4, upon issuance of Restricted Stock, the Holder shall have, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, all the rights of a stockholder with respect to said Shares, subject to the restrictions in the applicable Program or in each individual Award Agreement, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect to the Shares; provided , however , that, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, any extraordinary distributions with respect to the Shares shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 8.3. In addition, with respect to a share of Restricted Stock with performance-based vesting, dividends which are paid prior to vesting shall only be paid out to the Holder to the extent that the performance-based vesting conditions are subsequently satisfied and the share of Restricted Stock vests.

 

8.3                                            Restrictions . All shares of Restricted Stock (including any shares received by Holders thereof with respect to shares of Restricted Stock as a result of stock dividends, stock splits or any other form of recapitalization) shall, in the terms of the applicable Program or in each individual Award Agreement, be subject to such restrictions and vesting requirements as the Administrator shall provide. Such restrictions may include, without limitation, restrictions concerning voting rights and transferability and such restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times and pursuant to such circumstances or based on such criteria as selected by the Administrator, including, without limitation, criteria based on the Holder’s duration of employment, directorship or consultancy with the Company, the Performance Criteria, Company performance, individual performance or other criteria selected by the Administrator. By action taken after the Restricted Stock is issued, the Administrator may, on such terms and conditions as it may determine to be appropriate, accelerate the vesting of such Restricted Stock by removing any or all of the restrictions imposed by the terms of the applicable Program or Award Agreement. Restricted Stock may not be sold or encumbered until all restrictions are terminated or expire.

 

8.4                                            Repurchase or Forfeiture of Restricted Stock . Except as otherwise determined by the Administrator at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, if no price was paid by the Holder for the Restricted Stock, upon a Termination of Service during the applicable restriction period, the Holder’s rights in unvested Restricted Stock then subject to restrictions shall lapse, and such Restricted Stock shall be surrendered to the Company and cancelled without consideration. If a price was paid by the Holder for the Restricted Stock, upon a Termination of Service during the applicable restriction period, the Company shall have the right to repurchase from the Holder the unvested Restricted Stock then subject to restrictions at a cash price per share equal to the price paid by the Holder for such Restricted Stock or such other amount as may be specified in the applicable Program or Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide that upon certain events, including a Change in Control, the Holder’s death, retirement or disability or any other specified Termination of Service or any other event, the Holder’s rights in unvested Restricted Stock shall not lapse, such Restricted Stock shall vest and, if applicable, the Company shall not have a right of repurchase.

 

8.5                                            Certificates for Restricted Stock . Restricted Stock granted pursuant to the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Administrator shall determine. Certificates or book entries evidencing shares of Restricted Stock shall include an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock. The Company, in its sole

 



 

discretion, may (a) retain physical possession of any stock certificate evidencing shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed and/or (b) require that the stock certificates evidencing shares of Restricted Stock be held in custody by a designated escrow agent (which may but need not be the Company) until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that the Holder deliver a stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to such Restricted Stock.

 

8.6                                            Section 83(b) Election . If a Holder makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed with respect to the Restricted Stock as of the date of transfer of the Restricted Stock rather than as of the date or dates upon which the Holder would otherwise be taxable under Section 83(a) of the Code, the Holder shall be required to deliver a copy of such election to the Company promptly after filing such election with the Internal Revenue Service along with proof of the timely filing thereof with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

ARTICLE 9.

 

AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

 

9.1                                            Grant of Restricted Stock Units . The Administrator is authorized to grant Awards of Restricted Stock Units to any Eligible Individual selected by the Administrator in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Administrator.

 

9.2                                            Term . Except as otherwise provided herein, the term of a Restricted Stock Unit award shall be set by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

 

9.3                                            Purchase Price . The Administrator shall specify the purchase price, if any, to be paid by the Holder to the Company with respect to any Restricted Stock Unit award; provided , however , that value of the consideration shall not be less than the par value of a Share, unless otherwise permitted by Applicable Law.

 

9.4                                            Vesting of Restricted Stock Units . At the time of grant, the Administrator shall specify the date or dates on which the Restricted Stock Units shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable, and may specify such conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate, including, without limitation, vesting based upon the Holder’s duration of service to the Company or any Affiliate, one or more Performance Criteria, Company performance, individual performance or other specific criteria, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods, as determined by the Administrator.

 

9.5                                            Maturity and Payment . At the time of grant, the Administrator shall specify the maturity date applicable to each grant of Restricted Stock Units, which shall be no earlier than the vesting date or dates of the Award and may be determined at the election of the Holder (if permitted by the applicable Award Agreement); provided that, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, set forth in any applicable Award Agreement, and subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code, in no event shall the maturity date relating to each Restricted Stock Unit occur following the later of (a) the 15 th  day of the third month following the end of calendar year in which the applicable portion of the Restricted Stock Unit vests; or (b) the 15 th  day of the third month following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the applicable portion of the Restricted Stock Unit vests. On the maturity date, the Company shall, subject to Section 12.4(e), transfer to the Holder one unrestricted, fully transferable Share for each

 



 

Restricted Stock Unit scheduled to be paid out on such date and not previously forfeited, or in the sole discretion of the Administrator, an amount in cash equal to the Fair Market Value of such Shares on the maturity date or a combination of cash and Common Stock as determined by the Administrator.

 

9.6                                            Payment upon Termination of Service . An Award of Restricted Stock Units shall only be payable while the Holder is an Employee, a Consultant or a member of the Board, as applicable; provided , however , that the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide (in an Award Agreement or otherwise) that a Restricted Stock Unit award may be paid subsequent to a Termination of Service in certain events, including a Change in Control, the Holder’s death, retirement or disability or any other specified Termination of Service.

 

9.7                                            No Rights as a Stockholder . Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, a Holder of Restricted Stock Units shall possess no incidents of ownership with respect to the Shares represented by such Restricted Stock Units, unless and until such Shares are transferred to the Holder pursuant to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.

 

9.8                                            Dividend Equivalents .  Subject to Section 10.2, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide that Dividend Equivalents shall be earned by a Holder of Restricted Stock Units based on dividends declared on the Common Stock, to be credited as of dividend payment dates during the period between the date an Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted to a Holder and the maturity date of such Award.

 

ARTICLE 10.

 

AWARD OF PERFORMANCE AWARDS, DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS, STOCK PAYMENTS, DEFERRED STOCK, DEFERRED STOCK UNITS

 

10.1                                     Performance Awards .

 

(a)                                  The Administrator is authorized to grant Performance Awards, including Awards of Performance Stock Units, to any Eligible Individual and to determine whether such Performance Awards shall be Performance-Based Compensation. The value of Performance Awards, including Performance Stock Units, may be linked to any one or more of the Performance Criteria or other specific criteria determined by the Administrator, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods and in such amounts as may be determined by the Administrator. Performance Awards, including Performance Stock Unit awards may be paid in cash, Shares, or a combination of cash and Shares, as determined by the Administrator.

 

(b)                                  Without limiting Section 10.1(a), the Administrator may grant Performance Awards to any Eligible Individual in the form of a cash bonus payable upon the attainment of objective Performance Goals, or such other criteria, whether or not objective, which are established by the Administrator, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. Any such bonuses paid to a Holder which are intended to be Performance-Based Compensation shall be based upon objectively determinable bonus formulas established in accordance with the provisions of Article 5.

 


 

10.2                                     Dividend Equivalents .

 

(a)                                  Dividend Equivalents may be granted by the Administrator based on dividends declared on the Common Stock, to be credited as of dividend payment dates with respect to dividends with record dates that occur during the period between the date an Award is granted to a Holder and the date such Award vests, is exercised, is distributed or expires, as determined by the Administrator. Such Dividend Equivalents shall be converted to cash or additional Shares by such formula and at such time and subject to such restrictions and limitations as may be determined by the Administrator. In addition, Dividend Equivalents with respect to an Award with performance-based vesting that are based on dividends paid prior to the vesting of such Award shall only be paid out to the Holder to the extent that the performance-based vesting conditions are subsequently satisfied and the Award vests.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Dividend Equivalents shall be payable with respect to Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

10.3                                     Stock Payments . The Administrator is authorized to make Stock Payments to any Eligible Individual. The number or value of Shares of any Stock Payment shall be determined by the Administrator and may be based upon one or more Performance Criteria or any other specific criteria, including service to the Company or any Affiliate, determined by the Administrator. Shares underlying a Stock Payment which is subject to a vesting schedule or other conditions or criteria set by the Administrator shall not be issued until those conditions have been satisfied. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, a Holder of a Stock Payment shall have no rights as a Company stockholder with respect to such Stock Payment until such time as the Stock Payment has vested and the Shares underlying the Award have been issued to the Holder. Stock Payments may, but are not required to, be made in lieu of base salary, bonus, fees or other cash compensation otherwise payable to such Eligible Individual.

 

10.4                                     Deferred Stock . The Administrator is authorized to grant Deferred Stock to any Eligible Individual. The number of shares of Deferred Stock shall be determined by the Administrator and may (but is not required to) be based on one or more Performance Criteria or other specific criteria, including service to the Company or any Affiliate, as the Administrator determines, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. Shares underlying a Deferred Stock award which is subject to a vesting schedule or other conditions or criteria set by the Administrator shall be issued on the vesting date(s) or date(s) that those conditions and criteria have been satisfied, as applicable. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, a Holder of Deferred Stock shall have no rights as a Company stockholder with respect to such Deferred Stock until such time as the Award has vested and any other applicable conditions and/or criteria have been satisfied and the Shares underlying the Award have been issued to the Holder.

 

10.5                                     Deferred Stock Units . The Administrator is authorized to grant Deferred Stock Units to any Eligible Individual. The number of Deferred Stock Units shall be determined by the Administrator and may (but is not required to) be based on one or more Performance Criteria or other specific criteria, including service to the Company or any Affiliate, as the Administrator determines, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. Each Deferred Stock Unit shall entitle the Holder thereof to receive one Share

 



 

on the date the Deferred Stock Unit becomes vested or upon a specified settlement date thereafter (which settlement date may (but is not required to) be the date of the Holder’s Termination of Service). Shares underlying a Deferred Stock Unit award which is subject to a vesting schedule or other conditions or criteria set by the Administrator shall not be issued until on or following the date that those conditions and criteria have been satisfied. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, a Holder of Deferred Stock Units shall have no rights as a Company stockholder with respect to such Deferred Stock Units until such time as the Award has vested and any other applicable conditions and/or criteria have been satisfied and the Shares underlying the Award have been issued to the Holder.

 

10.6                                     Term . The term of a Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent award, Stock Payment award, Deferred Stock award and/or Deferred Stock Unit award shall be established by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

 

10.7                                     Purchase Price . The Administrator may establish the purchase price of a Performance Award, Shares distributed as a Stock Payment award, shares of Deferred Stock or Shares distributed pursuant to a Deferred Stock Unit award; provided , however , that value of the consideration shall not be less than the par value of a Share, unless otherwise permitted by Applicable Law.

 

10.8                                     Termination of Service . A Performance Award, Stock Payment award, Dividend Equivalent award, Deferred Stock award and/or Deferred Stock Unit award is distributable only while the Holder is an Employee, Director or Consultant, as applicable. The Administrator, however, in its sole discretion, may provide that the Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent award, Stock Payment award, Deferred Stock award and/or Deferred Stock Unit award may be distributed subsequent to a Termination of Service in certain events, including a Change in Control, the Holder’s death, retirement or disability or any other specified Termination of Service.

 

ARTICLE 11.

 

AWARD OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

 

11.1                                     Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights .

 

(a)                                  The Administrator is authorized to grant Stock Appreciation Rights to Eligible Individuals from time to time, in its sole discretion, on such terms and conditions as it may determine, which shall not be inconsistent with the Plan.

 

(b)                                  A Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle the Holder (or other person entitled to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right pursuant to the Plan) to exercise all or a specified portion of the Stock Appreciation Right (to the extent then exercisable pursuant to its terms) and to receive from the Company an amount determined by multiplying the difference obtained by subtracting the exercise price per share of the Stock Appreciation Right from the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right by the number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right shall have been exercised, subject to any limitations the Administrator may impose. Except as described in (c) below, the exercise price per Share subject to each Stock Appreciation Right shall be set by the Administrator, but

 



 

shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date the Stock Appreciation Right is granted.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 11.1(b) to the contrary, in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right that is a Substitute Award, the exercise price per share of the Shares subject to such Stock Appreciation Right may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant; provided that the excess of: (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the Shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (ii) the aggregate exercise price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Administrator) of the shares of the predecessor entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate exercise price of such shares.

 

11.2                                     Stock Appreciation Right Vesting .

 

(a)                                  The period during which the right to exercise, in whole or in part, a Stock Appreciation Right vests in the Holder shall be set by the Administrator and the Administrator may determine that a Stock Appreciation Right may not be exercised in whole or in part for a specified period after it is granted. Such vesting may be based on service with the Company or any Affiliate, any of the Performance Criteria, or any other criteria selected by the Administrator. Except as limited by the Plan, at any time after grant of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Administrator, in its sole discretion and subject to whatever terms and conditions it selects, may accelerate the period during which a Stock Appreciation Right vests.

 

(b)                                  No portion of a Stock Appreciation Right which is unexercisable at a Holder’s Termination of Service shall thereafter become exercisable, except as may be otherwise provided by the Administrator in the applicable Program, the Award Agreement evidencing the grant of a Stock Appreciation Right, or by action of the Administrator following the grant of the Stock Appreciation Right.

 

11.3                                     Manner of Exercise . All or a portion of an exercisable Stock Appreciation Right shall be deemed exercised upon delivery of all of the following to the Secretary of the Company, the stock administrator of the Company, or such other person or entity designated by the Administrator, or his, her or its office, as applicable:

 

(a)                                  A written or electronic notice complying with the applicable rules established by the Administrator stating that the Stock Appreciation Right, or a portion thereof, is exercised. The notice shall be signed by the Holder or other person then entitled to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right or such portion of the Stock Appreciation Right;

 

(b)                                  Such representations and documents as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable to effect compliance with Applicable Law. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may also take whatever additional actions it deems appropriate to effect such compliance, including, without limitation, placing legends on share certificates and issuing stop-transfer notices to agents and registrars;

 



 

(c)                                   In the event that the Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercised pursuant to this Section 11.3 by any person or persons other than the Holder, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right, as determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator; and

 

(d)                                  Full payment of the applicable withholding taxes to the stock administrator of the Company for the Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right, or portion thereof, is exercised, in a manner permitted by Sections 12.1 and 12.2.

 

11.4                                     Stock Appreciation Right Term . The term of each Stock Appreciation Right (the “ Stock Appreciation Right Term ”) shall be set by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided , however , that the Stock Appreciation Right Term shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date the Stock Appreciation Right is granted. The Administrator shall determine the time period, including the time period following a Termination of Service, during which the Holder has the right to exercise the vested Stock Appreciation Rights, which time period may not extend beyond the last day of the Stock Appreciation Right Term applicable to such Stock Appreciation Right. Except as limited by the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and regulations and rulings thereunder or the first sentence of this Section 11.4, the Administrator may extend the Stock Appreciation Right Term of any outstanding Stock Appreciation Right, and may extend the time period during which vested Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised, in connection with any Termination of Service of the Holder, and may amend, subject to Section 14.1, any other term or condition of such Stock Appreciation Right relating to such a Termination of Service.

 

11.5                                     Payment . Payment of the amounts payable with respect to Stock Appreciation Rights pursuant to this Article 11 shall be in cash, Shares (based on its Fair Market Value as of the date the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised), or a combination of both, as determined by the Administrator.

 

11.6                                     Expiration of Stock Appreciation Right Term: Automatic Exercise of In-The-Money Stock Appreciation Rights . Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator (in an Award Agreement or otherwise) or as otherwise directed by a Stock Appreciation Right Holder in writing to the Company, each vested and exercisable Stock Appreciation Right outstanding on the Automatic Exercise Date with an exercise price per share that is less than the Fair Market Value per Share as of such date shall automatically and without further action by the Stock Appreciation Right Holder or the Company be exercised on the Automatic Exercise Date. In the sole discretion of the Administrator, the Company or any Affiliate shall deduct or withhold an amount sufficient to satisfy all taxes associated with such exercise in accordance with Section 12.2. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, this Section 11.6 shall not apply to a Stock Appreciation Right if the Stock Appreciation Right Holder incurs a Termination of Service on or before the Automatic Exercise Date.  For the avoidance of doubt, no Stock Appreciation Right with an exercise price per share that is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value per Share on the Automatic Exercise Date shall be exercised pursuant to this Section 11.6.

 



 

ARTICLE 12.

 

ADDITIONAL TERMS OF AWARDS

 

12.1                                     Payment . The Administrator shall determine the methods by which payments by any Holder with respect to any Awards granted under the Plan shall be made, including, without limitation: (a) cash or check, (b) Shares (including, in the case of payment of the exercise price of an Award, Shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of the Award) or Shares held for such period of  time as may be required by  the Administrator in order to avoid adverse accounting consequences, in each case, having a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate payments required, (c) delivery of a written or electronic notice that the Holder has placed a market sell order with a broker acceptable to the Company with respect to Shares then issuable upon exercise or vesting of an Award, and that the broker has been directed to  pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the aggregate payments required; provided that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company upon settlement of such sale, or (d) other form of legal consideration acceptable to the Administrator in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall also determine the methods by which Shares shall be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Holders. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, no Holder who is a Director or an “executive officer” of the Company within the meaning of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act shall be permitted to make payment with respect to any Awards granted under the Plan, or continue any extension of credit with respect to such payment, with a loan from the Company or a loan arranged by the Company in violation of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act.

 

12.2                                     Tax Withholding . The Company or any Affiliate shall have the authority and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Holder to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local and foreign taxes (including the Holder’s FICA, employment tax or other social security contribution obligation) required by law to be withheld with respect to any taxable event concerning a Holder arising as a result of the Plan. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and in satisfaction of the foregoing requirement, may withhold, or allow a Holder to elect to have the Company withhold, Shares otherwise issuable under an Award (or allow the surrender of Shares). The number of Shares which may be so withheld or surrendered shall be limited to the number of Shares which have a fair market value on the date of withholding or repurchase equal to the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income. The Administrator shall determine the fair market value of the Shares, consistent with applicable provisions of the Code, for tax withholding obligations due in connection with a broker-assisted cashless Option or Stock Appreciation Right exercise involving the sale of Shares to pay the Option or Stock Appreciation Right exercise price or any tax withholding obligation.

 

12.3                                     Transferability of Awards .

 

(a)                                  Except as otherwise provided in Sections 12.3(b) and 12.3(c):

 

(i)                                      No Award under the Plan may be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or, subject to

 



 

the consent of the Administrator, pursuant to a DRO, unless and until such Award has been exercised, or the Shares underlying such Award have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such Shares have lapsed;

 

(ii)                                   No Award or interest or right therein shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Holder or the Holder’s successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is permitted by Section 12.3(a)(i); and

 

(iii)                                During the lifetime of the Holder, only the Holder may exercise an Award (or any portion thereof) granted to such Holder under the Plan, unless it has been disposed of pursuant to a DRO; after the death of the Holder, any exercisable portion of an Award may, prior to the time when such portion becomes unexercisable under the Plan or the applicable Program or Award Agreement, be exercised by the Holder’s personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Holder’s will or under the then-applicable laws of descent and distribution.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding Section 12.3(a), the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine to permit a Holder to transfer an Award other than an Incentive Stock Option to any one or more Permitted Transferees, subject to the following terms and conditions: (i) an Award transferred to a Permitted Transferee shall not be assignable or transferable by the Permitted Transferee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a DRO; (ii) an Award transferred to a Permitted Transferee shall continue to be subject to all the terms and conditions of the Award as applicable to the original Holder (other than the ability to further transfer the Award); (iii) the Holder and the Permitted Transferee shall execute any and all documents requested by the Administrator, including, without limitation documents to (A) confirm the status of the transferee as a Permitted Transferee, (B) satisfy any requirements for an exemption for the transfer under Applicable Law and (C) evidence the transfer; and (iv) any transfer of an Award to a Permitted Transferee shall be without consideration, except as required by applicable Law.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding Section 12.3(a), a Holder may, in the manner determined by the Administrator, designate a beneficiary to exercise the rights of the Holder and to receive any distribution with respect to any Award upon the Holder’s death. A beneficiary, legal guardian, legal representative, or other person claiming any rights pursuant to the Plan is subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Program or Award Agreement applicable to the Holder, except to the extent the Plan, the Program and the Award Agreement otherwise provide, and to any additional restrictions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator. If the Holder is married or a domestic partner in a domestic partnership qualified under Applicable Law and resides in a community property state, a designation of a person other than the Holder’s spouse or domestic partner, as applicable, as the Holder’s beneficiary with respect to more than 50% of the Holder’s interest in the Award shall not be effective without the prior written or electronic consent of the Holder’s spouse or domestic partner. If no beneficiary has been designated or survives the Holder, payment shall be made to the person entitled thereto pursuant

 



 

to the Holder’s will or the laws of descent and distribution. Subject to the foregoing, a beneficiary designation may be changed or revoked by a Holder at any time; provided that the change or revocation is filed with the Administrator prior to the Holder’s death.

 

12.4                                     Conditions to Issuance of Shares .

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates or make any book entries evidencing Shares pursuant to the exercise of any Award, unless and until the Board or the Committee has determined, with advice of counsel, that the issuance of such Shares is in compliance with Applicable Law and the Shares are covered by an effective registration statement or applicable exemption from registration. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Board or the Committee may require that a Holder make such reasonable covenants, agreements and representations as the Board or the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems advisable in order to comply with Applicable Law.

 

(b)                                  All share certificates delivered pursuant to the Plan and all Shares issued pursuant to book entry procedures are subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to comply with Applicable Law. The Administrator may place legends on any share certificate or book entry to reference restrictions applicable to the Shares.

 

(c)                                   The Administrator shall have the right to require any Holder to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement, distribution or exercise of any Award, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the sole discretion of the Administrator.

 

(d)                                  No fractional Shares shall be issued and the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether cash shall be given in lieu of fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares shall be eliminated by rounding down.

 

(e)                                   Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or required by Applicable Law, the Company shall not deliver to any Holder certificates evidencing Shares issued in connection with any Award and instead such Shares shall be recorded in the books of the Company (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or stock plan administrator).

 

12.5                                     Forfeiture and Claw-Back Provisions . Pursuant to its general authority to determine the terms and conditions applicable to Awards under the Plan, the Administrator shall have the right to provide, in an Award Agreement or otherwise, or to require a Holder to agree by separate written or electronic instrument, that:

 

(a)                                  (i) Any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by the Holder upon any receipt or exercise of the Award, or upon the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award, shall be paid to the Company, and (ii) the Award shall terminate and any unexercised portion of the Award (whether or not vested) shall be forfeited, if (x) a Termination of Service occurs prior to a specified date, or within a specified time period following receipt or exercise of the Award, or (y) the Holder at any time, or during a

 



 

specified time period, engages in any activity in competition with the Company, or which is inimical, contrary or harmful to the interests of the Company, as further defined by the Administrator or (z) the Holder incurs a Termination of Service for “cause” (as such term is defined in the sole discretion of the Administrator, or as set forth in the Award Agreement relating to such Award); and

 

(b)                                  All Awards (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by the Holder upon any receipt or exercise of any Award or upon the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award) shall be subject to the provisions of any claw-back policy implemented by the Company, including, without limitation, any claw-back policy adopted to comply with the requirements of Applicable Law, including without limitation the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent set forth in such claw-back policy and/or in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

12.6                                     Prohibition on Repricing . Subject to Section 14.2, the Administrator shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (i) authorize the amendment of any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right to reduce its price per share, or (ii) cancel any Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for cash or another Award when the Option or Stock Appreciation Right price per share exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares. Subject to Section 14.2, the Administrator shall have the authority, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, to amend any outstanding Award to increase the price per share or to cancel and replace an Award with the grant of an Award having a price per share that is greater than or equal to the price per share of the original Award. Furthermore, for purposes of this Section 12.6, except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares), the terms of outstanding Awards may not be amended to reduce the exercise price per share of outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or cancel outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in exchange for cash, other Awards or Options or Stock Appreciation Rights with an exercise price per share that is less than the exercise price per share of the original Options or Stock Appreciation Rights without the approval of the stockholders of the Company.

 

ARTICLE 13.

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

13.1                                     Administrator . The Compensation Committee (or another committee or a subcommittee of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board assuming the functions of the Committee under the Plan) shall administer the Plan (except as otherwise permitted herein). To the extent necessary to comply with Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and with respect to Awards that are intended to be Performance-Based Compensation, including Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the Compensation Committee (or another committee or subcommittee of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board assuming the functions of the Committee under the Plan) shall take all action with respect to such Awards, and the individuals taking such action shall consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors

 



 

appointed by and holding office at the pleasure of the Board, each of whom is intended to qualify as both a “non-employee director” as defined by Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor rule and an “outside director” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. Additionally, to the extent required by Applicable Law, each of the individuals constituting the Compensation Committee (or another committee or subcommittee of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board assuming the functions of the Committee under the Plan) shall be an “independent director” under the rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action taken by the Committee shall be valid and effective, whether or not members of the Committee at the time of such action are later determined not to have satisfied the requirements for membership set forth in this Section 13.1 or otherwise provided in any charter of the Committee. Except as may otherwise be provided in any charter of the Committee, appointment of Committee members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. Committee members may resign at any time by delivering written or electronic notice to the Board. Vacancies in the Committee may only be filled by the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) the full Board, acting by a majority of its members in office, shall conduct the general administration of the Plan with respect to Awards granted to Non-Employee Directors and, with respect to such Awards, the terms “Administrator” and “Committee” as used in the Plan shall be deemed to refer to the Board and (b) the Board or Committee may delegate its authority hereunder to the extent permitted by Section 13.6.

 

13.2                                     Duties and Powers of Committee . It shall be the duty of the Committee to conduct the general administration of the Plan in accordance with its provisions. The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan, the Program and the Award Agreement, and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are not inconsistent therewith, to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules and to amend any Program or Award Agreement; provided that the rights or obligations of the Holder of the Award that is the subject of any such Program or Award Agreement are not affected adversely by such amendment, unless the consent of the Holder is obtained or such amendment is otherwise permitted under Section 14.10. Any such grant or award under the Plan need not be the same with respect to each Holder. Any such interpretations and rules with respect to Incentive Stock Options shall be consistent with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code. In its sole discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan except with respect to matters which under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or any successor rule, or Section 162(m) of the Code, or any regulations or rules issued thereunder, or the rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded are required to be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

13.3                                     Action by the Committee . Unless otherwise established by the Board or in any charter of the Committee, a majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, and acts approved in writing by all members of the Committee in lieu of a meeting, shall be deemed the acts of the Committee. Each member of the Committee is entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to that member by any officer or other employee of the Company or any Affiliate, the Company’s independent certified public accountants, or any executive compensation consultant or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the administration of the Plan.

 



 

13.4                                     Authority of Administrator . Subject to the Company’s Bylaws, the Committee’s Charter and any specific designation in the Plan, the Administrator has the exclusive power, authority and sole discretion to:

 

(a)                                  Designate Eligible Individuals to receive Awards;

 

(b)                                  Determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Eligible Individual;

 

(c)                                   Determine the number of Awards to be granted and the number of Shares to which an Award will relate;

 

(d)                                  Determine the terms and conditions of any Award granted pursuant to the Plan, including, but not limited to, the exercise price, grant price, purchase price, any Performance Criteria, any restrictions or limitations on the Award, any schedule for vesting, lapse of forfeiture restrictions or restrictions on the exercisability of an Award, and accelerations or waivers thereof, and any provisions related to non-competition and recapture of gain on an Award, based in each case on such considerations as the Administrator in its sole discretion determines;

 

(e)                                   Determine whether, to what extent, and pursuant to what circumstances an Award may be settled in, or the exercise price of an Award may be paid in cash, Shares, other Awards, or other property, or an Award may be canceled, forfeited, or surrendered;

 

(f)                                    Prescribe the form of each Award Agreement, which need not be identical for each Holder;

 

(g)                                   Decide all other matters that must be determined in connection with an Award;

 

(h)                                  Establish, adopt, or revise any rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or advisable to administer the Plan;

 

(i)                                      Interpret the terms of, and any matter arising pursuant to, the Plan, any Program or any Award Agreement;

 

(j)                                     Make all other decisions and determinations that may be required pursuant to the Plan or as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to administer the Plan; and

 

(k)                                  Accelerate wholly or partially the vesting or lapse of restrictions of any Award or portion thereof at any time after the grant of an Award, subject to whatever terms and conditions it selects and Section 14.2.

 

13.5                                     Decisions Binding . The Administrator’s interpretation of the Plan, any Awards granted pursuant to the Plan, any Program, any Award Agreement and all decisions and determinations by the Administrator with respect to the Plan are final, binding and conclusive on all parties.

 


 

13.6                                     Delegation of Authority . To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Board or Committee may from time to time delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board or one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant or amend Awards or to take other administrative actions pursuant to this Article 13; provided , however , that in no event shall an officer of the Company be delegated the authority to grant awards to, or amend awards held by, the following individuals: (a) individuals who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, (b) Covered Employees or (c) officers of the Company (or Directors) to whom authority to grant or amend Awards has been delegated hereunder; provided , further , that any delegation of administrative authority shall only be permitted to the extent it is permissible under Section 162(m) of the Code and other Applicable Law. Any delegation hereunder shall be subject to the restrictions and limits that the Board or Committee specifies at the time of such delegation, and the Board may at any time rescind the authority so delegated or appoint a new delegatee. At all times, the delegatee appointed under this Section 13.6 shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Board and the Committee.

 

ARTICLE 14.

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

14.1                                     Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 14.1, the Plan may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Board or the Committee. However, without approval of the Company’s stockholders given within twelve (12) months before or after the action by the Administrator, no action of the Administrator may, except as provided in Section 14.2, (a) increase the Share Limit, (b) reduce the price per share of any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan or take any action prohibited under Section 12.6, or (c) cancel any Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for cash or another Award when the Option or Stock Appreciation Right price per share exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares. Except as provided in Section 14.10, no amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan shall, without the consent of the Holder, impair any rights or obligations under any Award theretofore granted or awarded, unless the Award itself otherwise expressly so provides. No Awards may be granted or awarded during any period of suspension or after termination of the Plan, and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event may any Award be granted under the Plan after the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the Effective Date (the “ Expiration Date ”). Any Awards that are outstanding on the Expiration Date shall remain in force according to the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.

 

14.2                                     Changes in Common Stock or Assets of the Company, Acquisition or Liquidation of the Company and Other Corporate Events .

 

(a)                                  In the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other change affecting the Shares of the Company’s stock or the share price of the Company’s stock other than an Equity Restructuring, the Administrator may make equitable adjustments, if any, to reflect such change with respect to: (i) the aggregate number and kind of Shares that may be issued under the Plan (including, but not

 



 

limited to, adjustments of the Share Limit and Award Limit ); (ii) the number and kind of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards; (iii) the number and kind of Shares (or other securities or property) for which automatic grants are subsequently to be made to new and continuing Non-Employee Directors pursuant to Section 4.6; (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect thereto); and (v) the grant or exercise price per share for any outstanding Awards under the Plan. Any adjustment affecting an Award intended as Performance-Based Compensation shall be made consistent with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

(b)                                  In the event of any transaction or event described in Section 14.2(a) or any unusual or nonrecurring transactions or events affecting the Company, any Affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company or any Affiliate, or of changes in Applicable Law or accounting principles, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, either by the terms of the Award or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event and either automatically or upon the Holder’s request, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any Award under the Plan, to facilitate such transactions or events or to give effect to such changes in laws, regulations or principles:

 

(i)                                      To provide for either (A) termination of any such Award in exchange for an amount of cash, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Holder’s rights (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction or event described in this Section 14.2 the Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Holder’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment) or (B) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, having an aggregate value not exceeding the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Holder’s rights had such Award been currently exercisable or payable or fully vested;

 

(ii)                                   To provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar options, rights or awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices;

 

(iii)                                To make adjustments in the number and type of Shares of the Company’s stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards, and in the number and kind of outstanding Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock and/or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in, outstanding Awards and Awards which may be granted in the future;

 



 

(iv)                               To provide that such Award shall be exercisable or payable or fully vested with respect to all Shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the applicable Program or Award Agreement; and

 

(v)                                  To provide that the Award cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after such event.

 

(c)                                   In connection with the occurrence of any Equity Restructuring, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Sections 14.2(a) and 14.2(b):

 

(i)                                      The number and type of securities subject to each outstanding Award and the exercise price or grant price thereof, if applicable, shall be equitably adjusted; and/or

 

(ii)                                   The Administrator shall make such equitable adjustments, if any, as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may deem appropriate to reflect such Equity Restructuring with respect to the aggregate number and kind of Shares that may be issued under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the Share Limit and Award Limit). The adjustments provided under this Section 14.2(c) shall be nondiscretionary and shall be final and binding on the affected Holder and the Company.

 

(d)                                  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, in the event of a Change in Control, unless the Administrator elects to (i) terminate an Award in exchange for cash, rights or property, or (ii) cause an Award to become fully exercisable and no longer be subject to any forfeiture restrictions prior to the consummation of a Change in Control, pursuant to Section 14.2, (A) such Award (other than any portion subject to performance-based vesting) shall continue in effect or be assumed or an equivalent Award substituted by the successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of the successor corporation and (B) the portion of such Award subject to performance-based vesting shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Award Agreement and, if no applicable terms and conditions, the Administrator’s discretion. In the event an Award (or portion thereof) continues in effect or is assumed or an equivalent Award substituted, and a Holder incurs Termination of Service without “cause” (as determined by the Administrator, or as set forth in the Award Agreement relating to such Award) upon or within twelve (12) months following the Change in Control, then such Holder shall be fully vested in such continued, assumed or substituted Award.

 

(e)                                   In the event that the successor corporation in a Change in Control refuses to assume or substitute for an Award (other than any portion subject to performance-based vesting), the Administrator may cause any or all of such Award (or portion thereof) to (i) terminate in exchange for cash, rights or property pursuant to Section 14.2(b)(i) or (ii) become fully exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction and all forfeiture restrictions on any or all of such Award to lapse. If such an Award is exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator shall notify the Holder that such Award shall be fully exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, contingent upon the occurrence of the Change in Control, and such Award shall terminate upon the expiration of such period.

 



 

(f)                                    For the purposes of this Section 14.2, an Award shall be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided , however , that if such consideration received in the Change in Control was not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Award, for each Share subject to an Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent equal in fair market value to the per-share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.

 

(g)                                   The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may include such further provisions and limitations in any Award, agreement or certificate, as it may deem equitable and in the best interests of the Company that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.

 

(h)                                  With respect to Awards which are granted to Covered Employees and are intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, no adjustment or action described in this Section 14.2 or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause such Award to fail to so qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, unless the Administrator determines that the Award should not so qualify. No adjustment or action described in this Section 14.2 or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Plan to violate Section 422(b)(1) of the Code. Furthermore, no such adjustment or action shall be authorized to the extent such adjustment or action would result in short-swing profits liability under Section 16 or violate the exemptive conditions of Rule 16b-3 unless the Administrator determines that the Award is not to comply with such exemptive conditions.

 

(i)                                      The existence of the Plan, the Program, the Award Agreement and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of stock or of options, warrants or rights to purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose rights are superior to or affect the Common Stock or the rights thereof or which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise.

 

(j)                                     No action shall be taken under this Section 14.2 which shall cause an Award to fail to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code or the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

 

(k)                                  In the event of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other change affecting the Shares or the

 



 

share price of the Common Stock including any Equity Restructuring, for reasons of administrative convenience, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award during a period of up to thirty (30) days prior to the consummation of any such transaction.

 

14.3                                     Approval of Plan by Stockholders . The Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the Company’s stockholders within twelve (12) months after the date of the Board’s initial adoption of the Plan.

 

14.4                                     No Stockholders Rights . Except as otherwise provided herein, a Holder shall have none of the rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares covered by any Award until the Holder becomes the record owner of such Shares.

 

14.5                                     Paperless Administration . In the event that the Company establishes, for itself or using the services of a third party, an automated system for the documentation, granting or exercise of Awards, such as a system using an internet website or interactive voice response, then the paperless documentation, granting or exercise of Awards by a Holder may be permitted through the use of such an automated system.

 

14.6                                     Effect of Plan upon Other Compensation Plans . The adoption of the Plan shall not affect any other compensation or incentive plans in effect for the Company or any Affiliate. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company or any Affiliate: (a) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for Employees, Directors or Consultants of the Company or any Affiliate, or (b) to grant or assume options or other rights or awards otherwise than under the Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose including without limitation, the grant or assumption of options in connection with the acquisition by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business, stock or assets of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm or association.

 

14.7                                     Compliance with Laws . The Plan, the granting and vesting of Awards under the Plan and the issuance and delivery of Shares and the payment of money under the Plan or under Awards granted or awarded hereunder are subject to compliance with all Applicable Law (including but not limited to state, federal and foreign securities law and margin requirements), and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Any securities delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such restrictions, and the person acquiring such securities shall, if requested by the Company, provide such assurances and representations to the Company as the Company may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all Applicable Law. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan and Awards granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to Applicable Law.

 

14.8                                     Titles and Headings, References to Sections of the Code or Exchange Act . The titles and headings of the Sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control. References to sections of the Code or the Exchange Act shall include any amendment or successor thereto.

 



 

14.9                                     Governing Law . The Plan and any agreements hereunder shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under the internal laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflicts of laws thereof or of any other jurisdiction.

 

14.10                              Section 409A . To the extent that the Administrator determines that any Award granted under the Plan is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Program pursuant to which such Award is granted and the Award Agreement evidencing such Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions required by Section 409A of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan, the Program and any Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date the Administrator determines that any Award may be subject to Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance (including such Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the Effective Date), the Administrator may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Program and Award Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate to (a) exempt the Award from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Award, or (b) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance and thereby avoid the application of any penalty taxes under such Section.

 

14.11                              No Rights to Awards . No Eligible Individual or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Award pursuant to the Plan, and neither the Company nor the Administrator is obligated to treat Eligible Individuals, Holders or any other persons uniformly.

 

14.12                              Unfunded Status of Awards . The Plan is intended to be an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Holder pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Program or Award Agreement shall give the Holder any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

14.13                              Indemnification . To the extent allowable pursuant to Applicable Law, each member of the Committee or of the Board shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act pursuant to the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her; provided he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled pursuant to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

 



 

14.14                              Relationship to other Benefits . No payment pursuant to the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.

 

14.15                              Expenses . The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company and its Affiliates.

 

* * * * *

 



 

I hereby certify that the foregoing Plan was duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Shake Shack Inc. on                                         , 2015.

 

* * * * *

 

I hereby certify that the foregoing Plan was approved by the stockholders of Shake Shack Inc. on                                         , 2015.

 

Executed on this      day of                , 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate Secretary

 




Exhibit 10.12

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

SENIOR EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN

 

1.               Purpose

 

This Senior Executive Incentive Bonus Plan (the “ Bonus Plan ”) is intended to provide an incentive for superior work and to motivate eligible executives of Shake Shack Inc. (the “ Company ”) and its subsidiaries toward even higher achievement and business results, to tie their goals and interests to those of the Company and its stockholders and to enable the Company to attract and retain highly qualified executives. The Bonus Plan is for the benefit of Covered Employees (as defined below).

 

2.               Administration

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Compensation Committee ”) shall have the sole discretion and authority to administer and interpret the Bonus Plan.

 

3.               Eligibility and Participation

 

The Compensation Committee shall select the persons eligible to participate in the Bonus Plan, which may include, without limitation, the executives of the Company and its subsidiaries who are or, as determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, may become “covered employees” (as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”)) of the Company and its subsidiaries for the applicable taxable year of the Company (such selected persons, the “ Covered Employees ”).

 

4.               Bonus Determinations

 

(a)                                  A Covered Employee may receive a bonus payment under the Bonus Plan based upon the attainment of performance objectives which are established by the Compensation Committee and relate to financial, operational or other metrics with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries (the “ Performance Goals ”), including but not limited to:  (i) net earnings or losses (either before or after one or more of the following: (A) interest, (B) taxes, (C) depreciation and (D) amortization); (ii) gross or net sales or revenue; (iii) revenue growth or product revenue growth; (iv) net income (either before or after taxes); (v) adjusted net income; (vi) operating earnings or profit (either before or after taxes); (vii) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow); (viii) return on assets or net assets; (ix) return on capital and cost of capital; (x) return on stockholders’ equity; (xi) total stockholder return; (xii) return on sales; (xiii) gross or net profit or operating margin; (xiv) costs, reductions in costs and cost control measures; (xv) funds from operations or funds available for distributions; (xvi) expenses; (xvii) working capital; (xviii) earnings or loss per share; (xix) adjusted earnings per share; (xx) price per share of common stock of the Company or appreciation in and/or maintenance of such price; (xxi) economic value added models or similar metrics; (xxii) regulatory achievements or compliance (including, without limitation, regulatory body approval for commercialization of a product); (xxiii) implementation or completion of critical projects or processes; (xxiv) sales or market share; (xxv) licensing revenue; (xxvi) brand recognition/acceptance, (xxvii) inventory turns or cycle time and supply chain achievements

 

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(including, without limitation, establishing relationships with manufacturers or suppliers of component materials and manufacturers of the Company’s products), (xxviii) strategic initiatives (including, without limitation, with respect to market penetration, geographic business expansion, manufacturing, commercialization, production and productivity, customer satisfaction and growth, employee satisfaction, recruitment and maintenance of personnel, human resources management, supervision of litigation and other legal matters, information technology, strategic partnerships and transactions (including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property, and establishment of relationships with commercial entities with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of Company products, and factoring transactions, research and development and related activity, and financial or other capital raising transactions); (xxix) new or existing store results and operations and new store openings; and (xxx) financial ratios (including, without limitation, those measuring liquidity, activity, profitability or leverage), any of which may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or decrease or as compared to results of a peer group or to market performance indicators or indices.

 

(b)                                  Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 4(b):  (i) any bonuses paid to Covered Employees under the Bonus Plan shall be based upon objectively determinable bonus formulas that tie such bonuses to one or more performance objectives relating to the Performance Goals; (ii) bonus formulas for Covered Employees shall be adopted in each performance period by the Compensation Committee (generally, for performance periods of one year or more, no later than 90 days after the commencement of the performance period to which the Performance Goals relate); and (iii) no bonuses shall be paid to Covered Employees unless and until the Compensation Committee makes a certification with respect to the attainment of the performance objectives.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may pay bonuses (including, without limitation, discretionary bonuses) to Covered Employees under the Bonus Plan based upon such other terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may in its sole discretion determine.

 

(c)                                   The payment of a bonus to a Covered Employee with respect to a performance period shall be conditioned upon the Covered Employee’s employment by the Company on the last day of the performance period; provided, however, that the Compensation Committee may make exceptions to this requirement, in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, in the case of a Covered Employee’s termination of employment, retirement, death or disability.

 

5.               Forfeiture and Claw-Back Provisions

 

The Compensation Committee may provide that any bonuses paid under the Bonus Plan shall be subject to the provisions of any claw-back policy implemented by the Company, including, without limitation, any claw-back policy adopted to comply with the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules, regulations or interpretations thereunder, to the extent set forth in such claw-back policy.

 

6.               Other Provisions

 

(a)                                  Neither the establishment of the Bonus Plan nor the selection of any individual as a Covered Employee shall give any individual any right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary thereof, or any right whatsoever under the Bonus Plan other than to

 

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receive bonus payments awarded by the Compensation Committee.

 

(b)                                  No member of the Board of Directors of the Company or the Compensation Committee shall be liable to any individual in respect of the Bonus Plan for any act or omission of such member, any other member, or any officer, agent or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

(c)                                   The Company and its subsidiaries shall be entitled to withhold such amounts as may be required by federal, state or local law from all bonus payments under the Bonus Plan.

 

(d)                                  To the extent not preempted by federal law, the Bonus Plan shall be governed and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof or any other jurisdiction.

 

(e)                                   The Bonus Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and will be interpreted and construed in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date.  Each bonus payable pursuant to the Bonus Plan shall be intended to comply with, or be exempt from, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code such that the bonus will not be subject to any penalty tax imposed under Section 409A of the Code and, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, each bonus under the Bonus Plan shall be paid subject to the applicable Covered Employee’s continued employment through the date of payment of such bonus.  Notwithstanding any provision of the Bonus Plan to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date the Company determines that any provision of the Bonus Plan could otherwise cause any person to be subject to the penalty taxes imposed under Section 409A of the Code, the Company may adopt such amendments to the Bonus Plan or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Company determines are necessary or appropriate to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance and thereby avoid the application of any penalty taxes under Section 409A of the Code.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall any liability for failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code be transferred from a Covered Employee or any other person to the Company or any of its affiliates, employees or agents pursuant to the terms of the Bonus Plan or otherwise.

 

7.               Amendment and Termination

 

The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate the Bonus Plan at any time in its sole discretion.  Any amendments to the Bonus Plan shall require stockholder approval only to the extent required by any applicable law, rule or regulation.

 

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8.               Stockholder Approval

 

No bonuses shall be paid under the Bonus Plan unless and until the Company’s stockholders shall have approved the Bonus Plan.  The Bonus Plan will be submitted for the approval of the Company’s stockholders after the initial adoption of the Bonus Plan by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

9.               Term of Bonus Plan

 

The Bonus Plan shall become effective as of the day immediately prior to the first date upon which common stock of the Company is listed (or approved for listing) upon notice of issuance on any securities exchange or designated (or approved for designation) upon notice of issuance as a national market security on an interdealer quotation system (the “ Effective Date ”).  The Bonus Plan shall expire on the earliest to occur of: (a) the first material modification of the Bonus Plan (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(h)(1)(iii)); (b) the first meeting of the Company’s stockholders at which members of the Board of Directors of the Company are to be elected that occurs after the close of the third calendar year following the calendar year in which occurred the first registration of an equity security of the Company under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; or (c) such other date required by Section 162(m) of the Code, and the rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder (including without limitation Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(f)(2)).  The Bonus Plan is intended to be subject to the relief set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(f)(1) and shall be interpreted accordingly.

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

4



 

I hereby certify that the Bonus Plan was duly authorized, approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of Shake Shack Inc. as of     , 2015, effective as of the Effective Date.

 

I hereby certify that the Bonus Plan was approved by the stockholders of Shake Shack Inc. as of     , 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 




Exhibit 10.13

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), effective as of January 1, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ”), is made and entered into by and between USHG, LLC, a New York limited liability company (f/k/a Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC) (the “ Service Provider ”), and SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a subsidiary of the Service Provider (the “ Company ” and, together with the Service Provider, the “ Parties ”, and each, individually, a “ Party ”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company is in the hospitality and retail food service operation business (such operations, the “ Operations ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Service Provider is experienced in the management of hospitality and retail food service operations;

 

WHEREAS, the Service Provider has provided management services to the Company pursuant to a Management Services Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2009 (the “ Original Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Parties hereby desire to amend the scope of services that the Service Provider will provide the Company in connection with the Operations (such services, as more fully set forth on Schedule A hereto, the “ Services ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to obtain the benefits of the Services from the Service Provider and desires to retain the Service Provider to provide the Services to the Company in the manner and on the terms hereinafter set forth.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants of the Parties and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned Parties agree as follows.

 

1.                                       Services. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Service Provider, through its officers, directors, employees, affiliates (other than the Company and its subsidiaries) and other designated representatives or agents (collectively, its “ Representatives ”), shall provide to the Company and any of its subsidiaries as the Company may designate to the Service Provider from time to time (collectively, the “ Advisees ”) the types of Services to the Company and its subsidiaries to the extent reasonably requested by the Company as set forth on Schedule A .  In its performance of the Services, the Service Provider shall exercise reasonable care and skill in performing the Services, using at least the care and skill, and with similar knowledge and expertise, as it exercises in performing similar services for itself.

 

2.                                       No Fees .  There shall be no fee payable by the Company to the Service Provider in connection with the delivery of the Services.

 



 

3.                                       Term .

 

(a)                                  This Agreement shall be effective, and the term of this Agreement (the “ Term ”) shall commence, as of the Effective Date and shall continue until the earlier of (i) December 31, 2019 and (ii) the date that this Agreement is terminated by mutual written consent of the Parties; provided , that this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1)-year periods unless either Party provides the other with notice of its desire not to renew no later than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the initial Term or any renewal period.

 

(b)                                  Survival .  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, Sections 4 through 16 hereof shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

4.                                       Decisions/Authority of Service Provider .

 

(a)                                  Limitation on Service Provider’s Liability . The Company reserves the right to make all decisions with regard to any matter upon which the Service Provider has rendered its advice and consultation, and, subject to Section 5 hereof, there shall be no liability to the Service Provider with regard to any matter upon which the Service Provider has rendered its advice and consultation.

 

(b)                                  Independent Contractor . The Service Provider (and, as applicable, its Representatives) shall act solely as an independent contractor and the Service Provider shall have complete charge of its personnel engaged in the performance of the Services or any other advice or services contemplated by this Agreement.  As an independent contractor, the Service Provider (and any applicable Representative) shall have authority only to act as an advisor to the Company and the other Advisees and shall have no authority to enter into any agreement or to make any representation, commitment or warranty binding upon any of the Company or any of the other Advisees or to obtain or incur any right, obligation or liability on behalf of any of the Company or any of the other Advisees.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall cause the Service Provider, any of its Representatives or any of their respective partners or members or any of their respective affiliates, investment managers, investment advisors or partners to be deemed a partner of or joint venture with the Company or any of the other Advisees.

 

5.                                       Limitations on the Services of the Service Provider .  The Services of the Service Provider to the Company are not exclusive, and the Service Provider may engage in any other business or render similar or different services to other businesses, so long as its services to the Company hereunder are not impaired thereby.  Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any manager, partner, officer or employee of the Service Provider to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to any other business, whether of a similar or dissimilar nature, or to receive any fees or compensation in connection therewith.  It is understood that directors, officers, employees and holders of the Company’s limited liability company interests are or may become interested in the Service Provider and its affiliates, as directors, officers, employees, partners, unit holders, members, managers or otherwise, and that the Service Provider and directors, officers, employees, partners, unit holders, members and managers and affiliates of the Service Provider are or may become similarly interested in the Company as unit holders or otherwise.

 

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6.                                       Conflict of Interest .  The Company and the Service Provider hereby agree and acknowledge that the Service Provider shall manage, sponsor and invest in other entities and some of the directors and officers of the Company also serve as directors and officers of such other entities.  This may create actual or perceived conflicts of interest. For example, certain assets appropriate for the Company may also be appropriate for one or more of these other entities, and the Service Provider may decide to make a particular purchase through another entity than through the Company.  The Service Provider shall make asset purchase and sale decisions for the Company at the same time as asset purchase and sale decisions are being made for other affiliated entities for which the Service Provider provides management or advisory services, which could lead to conflicts of interest. The Service Provider may also engage in business opportunities in the future that may compete with the Company for business opportunities.  The Service Provider may sponsor, control or manage entities that pursue, or may themselves pursue, the same types of business opportunities as are targeted by the Company.  Nothing herein shall prevent the Service Provider or any officers or employees of any of the foregoing entities from engaging in other businesses or from rendering services of any kind to any other person or entity, including investments in, or advisory services provided to others investing in, any type of asset, including assets which may meet the principal business objectives of the Company.

 

7.                                       Confidentiality .  The parties hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially all information provided by each party to the other regarding its business and operations.  All confidential information provided by a party hereto shall be used by the other party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering services pursuant to this Agreement.  Except as may be required in carrying out this Agreement, all such confidential information shall not be disclosed to any third party without the prior consent of the providing party.  The foregoing limitation shall not apply to any information that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement, or that is required to be disclosed by any regulatory authority, by judicial or administrative process or otherwise by applicable law or regulation.

 

8.                                       Indemnification; Limitation of Liability .

 

(a)                                  Indemnification/Reimbursement of Expenses . The Company shall (i) indemnify the Service Provider, its Representatives and their respective affiliates, partners, members, directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (each an “ Indemnified Party ” and collectively, the “ Indemnified Parties ”), to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities, joint or several, to which any Indemnified Party may become subject, caused by, related to or arising out of the Services or any other advice or services contemplated by this Agreement or the engagement of the Service Provider pursuant to, and the performance by any Indemnified Parties of the Services or any other advice or services contemplated by, this Agreement, except to the extent arising from the gross negligence of such Indemnified Party and (ii) promptly reimburse each Indemnified Party for all costs and expenses (including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and expenses), as incurred, in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense of any pending or threatened claim or any action or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party and whether or not such claim, action or proceeding is initiated or brought by or

 

3



 

on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and whether or not resulting in any liability. An Indemnified Party shall notify the Company in writing within twenty (20) days of becoming aware of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities with respect to which indemnification is sought under this Section 8 ; provided , that failure to provide such notification shall not excuse the Company’s obligations under this Section 8 , except to the extent the Company proves that it is actually and materially prejudiced thereby. No Indemnified Party shall effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened claims for which indemnification or contribution is sought from the Company under this Section 8 without the written consent of the Company, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

(b)                                  Limited Liability . The Company agrees that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract, tort or otherwise) to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective holders of their securities or their creditors relating to or arising out of the engagement of the Service Provider pursuant to, or the performance by any Indemnified Party of the Services or any other advice or services contemplated by, this Agreement, except to the extent that any loss, claims, damage, liability, cost or expense is found in a non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnified Party’s gross negligence.

 

9.                                       Notices . All notices, requests or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing by hand delivery, overnight courier, registered mail, email, certified mail or other recorded delivery, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the Party to receive the same at its respective address set forth below, or at such other address as may from time to time be designated by such Party to the other in accordance with this Section 6 :

 

If to the Service Provider, to:

USHG, LLC

 

24 Union Square East

 

6 th  Floor

 

New York, NY 10003

 

Attention: General Counsel

 

 

If to the Company, to:

SSE Holdings, LLC

 

24 Union Square East

 

5 th  Floor

 

Attention: Ronald Palmese, Jr., General Counsel

 

Email: rpalmese@ushgnyc.com

 

All such notices and communications hereunder shall be deemed given when received, as evidenced by the acknowledgment of receipt issued with respect thereto by the applicable postal authorities or the signed acknowledgment of receipt of the person to whom such notice or communication shall have been addressed.

 

10.                                Assignment .  The rights and obligations of each of the Parties shall not be assigned without the prior written consent of the other Parties.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

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11.                                Amendments .  This Agreement, and the provisions hereof, may be altered, amended, modified or superseded only in a writing executed by all of the Parties.

 

12.                                Enforcement, Waiver .  No waiver of or failure to exercise any option, right or privilege under the terms of this Agreement by any of the Parties on any occasion or occasions shall be construed to be a further or continuing waiver of any such option, right or privilege or as waiver of any other option, right or privilege on any other occasion.

 

13.                                Entire Agreement .  This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all previous agreements among the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof.

 

14.                                No Third-Party Beneficiaries .  This Agreement is for the benefit of the Parties and shall not create any third party beneficiary rights.

 

15.                                Severability .  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law in any jurisdiction by any governmental authority, (i) such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision in any other jurisdiction, (ii) such provision shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, (iii) the Parties shall endeavor in good faith to exercise or modify such provision so that such provision shall be valid, legal and enforceable as originally intended to the greatest extent possible and (iv) to the extent such covenant or provision is deemed by any court or arbitrator to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the Parties agree that such court or arbitrator shall modify such covenant or provision so that such covenant or provision shall be valid, legal and enforceable as originally intended to the greatest extent possible.

 

16.                                Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original instrument, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.

 

17.                                Governing Law; No Jury Trial .  This Agreement shall be construed, performed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed entirely within such state without regard to conflicts-of-laws principles that would require the application of any other law.  TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT OF TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY MATTER ARISING HEREUNDER.

 

18.                                Construction and Interpretation .  This Agreement shall not be construed for or against either Party by reason of the authorship or alleged authorship of any provision hereof or by reason of the status of the respective parties.  This Agreement shall be construed reasonably to carry out its intent without presumption against or in favor of any Party.  The natural persons executing this Agreement on behalf of each Party have the full right, power and authority to do

 

5



 

and affirm the foregoing warranty on behalf of each Party and on their own behalf.  The captions on sections are provided for purposes of convenience and are not intended to limit, define the scope of or aid in interpretation of any of the provisions hereof.  All pronouns and singular or plural references as used herein shall be deemed to have interchangeably (where the sense of the sentence requires) a masculine, feminine or neuter, and/or singular or plural meaning, as the case may be.

 

19.                                Further Assurances .  The Parties covenant and agree that they will sign such further agreements, assurances, waivers and documents, attend such meetings, and do and perform or cause to be done and performed such further and other acts and things as may be reasonably necessary or desirable from time to time in order to give full effect to this Agreement and every part hereof.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized persons as of the date hereof.

 

 

 

USHG, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Jeff Flug

 

 

Name: Jeff Flug

 

 

Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Randy Garutti

 

 

Name: Randy Garutti

 

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 



 

SCHEDULE A

 

SERVICES

 

The Services described herein shall be provided in a manner and scope consistent with the services provided by the Service Provider to the Company in periods prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

1.                                       Executive Leadership Services.

 

Executive leadership and strategic services shall be provided by the Service Provider through the services of its Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Meyer; President, Jeff Flug; Chief Financial Officer, Ashley Campbell; Chief Culture Officer, Erin Moran; and other members of the Services Provider’s senior management, including to draw upon the position and reputation of the Service Provider as a leading provider of restaurant management services and of the executive leaders, as individuals, to advance the goals of the Company.

 

2.                               Menu Innovation Advisory Services .

 

Menu innovation advisory services shall be provided by Daniel Meyer.  Mr. Meyer shall work with the Company’s “menu innovation committee”, including attending tastings and providing input on menu content and pricing selections.

 

3.                                 Strategic Development Advisory Services .

 

Strategic development services shall be provided by Daniel Meyer.  Mr. Meyer shall advise the Company on its growth strategies, including new territories and expansion of new and existing markets.

 

4.                                 Leadership Development Services .

 

Service Provider will provide training, testing and team and culture development programs and classes for the Company’s employees and management, including the Company’s New Leader Orientation, through December 31, 2015.  Thereafter, leadership development services will be reduced in scope and duration, as mutually agreed upon by the Parties.

 

5.                                 Human Resource Services .

 

Service Provider will, at the Company’s request: (1) manage and administer employee benefit programs, (2) assist the Company in managing corporate human resources compliance, (3) manage human resources information systems data and (4) build reports and analyze the data.  In addition, at such time that the Company brings the above services in-house, Service Provider will provide the necessary support to the Company to ensure a seamless transition of such services.

 

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Exhibit 10.14

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

SPECIAL BONUS AGREEMENT

 

This Special Bonus Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into on March 11, 2011 by and between Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“USHG”), and Randall Garutti (the “Participant”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, the Participant is the Chief Operating Officer of SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), a majority-owned subsidiary of USHG; and

 

WHEREAS, USHG wishes to encourage the Participant to remain in the employment of the Company by providing the Participant with a bonus upon the occurrence of certain events as described herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree, intending to be legally bound, as follows:

 

Section 1.                                            Definitions .  The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

(a)                                  “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that is directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such first Person.  For purposes of this definition, the term “control” (including with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” and “controlled”) shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the applicable Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Company and USHG shall be deemed to be Affiliates for purposes of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  “Base Amount” means $15,900,000.

 

(c)                                   “Board” means the board of directors of USHG.

 

(d)                                  “Business” means the business of developing and/or operating premium fast-casual burger, shakes, fries and specialty ice creams or similarly themed restaurants.

 

(e)                                   “Cause” means (i) the willful misconduct or an act of dishonesty of the Participant with regard to the Company or any of its Affiliates, which in either case, results in material harm to the Company or such Affiliate; (ii) the willful and continued failure of the Participant to attempt to perform his duties with the Company or any of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity), which failure is not remedied within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof; (iii) the conviction of the Participant of (or the plea by the Participant of guilty or nolo contendere to) any felony

 

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involving moral turpitude (other than traffic related offenses or as a result of vicarious liability); or (iv) a material breach by the Participant of any material provision of this Agreement, which breach is not remedied within 10 days after receiving written notice thereof.

 

(f)                                    “Change in Control” means (i) a “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than (a) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or (b) Meyer or any Meyer Affiliated Parties, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13D-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; provided that such transaction satisfies the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v), (ii) the acquisition by any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than Meyer and/or any Meyer Affiliated Parties, of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets during any period of 12 consecutive months; provided that such transaction satisfies the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) or (iii) a merger or consolidation involving the Company, other than a merger or consolidation (a) in which the equityholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, own immediately following such merger or consolidation, at least 50% of the voting power of the surviving entity or (b) with an entity in which Meyer and/or any Meyer Affiliated Parties beneficially own more than 50% of the voting securities; provided that any such merger or consolidation satisfies the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v).

 

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

 

(h)                                  “Confidential Information” means all confidential, proprietary, or non-public information (in whatever form) heretofore or hereafter developed or used by USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates relating to the Business, and/or the operations, employees, assets, properties, capitalization, customers, suppliers and distributors of USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, including, but not limited to, the names of the investors in USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, customer lists, customer orders, purchase orders, financial data, pricing information and price lists, business plans and market strategies and arrangements, business techniques, all books, records, manuals, advertising materials, catalogues, correspondence, mailing lists, production data, sales materials and records, purchasing materials and records, personnel records, quality control records and procedures included in or relating to the Business or any of the assets of USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, all trademarks, tradenames (including all rights to the tradename and trademark “Shake Shack” or any similar names or slogans), copyrights and patents, and applications therefor, all inventions, processes, procedures, research records, market surveys and marketing know-how and other technical papers, irrespective of whether any of the foregoing constitute a trade secret under any applicable law, in any case, of USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, and all other non-public information regarding USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates.  Information that becomes generally available to the public as a result of a

 

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breach by the Participant of this Agreement shall be deemed “Confidential Information” for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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

 

(j)                                     “Good Reason” shall mean, without the Participant’s consent (i) any material adverse change by the Company in the Participant’s base salary, position, duties, responsibilities, authority, title or reporting obligations, or the assignment of duties to the Participant by the Company that are materially inconsistent with the Participant’s position; (ii) a relocation of the Participant’s principal business location to an area outside of the greater Manhattan area; or (iii) any other material breach by USHG of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Participant.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no termination for Good Reason will be effective unless: (x) the Participant provided the Company or USHG, as the case may be, with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of his intent to resign for Good Reason (which notice must be provided within sixty (60) days following the occurrence of the event(s) purported to constitute Good Reason); (y) the Company or USHG, as the case may be, has not remedied the alleged violation(s) within the thirty (30) day period; and (z) the Participant’s resignation becomes effective no later than thirty (30) days after the Company or USHG, as the case may be, has either failed to cure such event or indicated that it will not cure such event

 

(k)                                  “Initial Public Offering” means any firm commitment underwritten initial public offering of equity securities of the Company or any successor thereto (including any holding company formed for purposes of effecting any such transaction) pursuant to a registration statement declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission and following which such equity securities are listed on a national or international securities exchange.

 

(l)                                      “Maximum Special Bonus Amount” means $2,450,000.

 

(m)                              “Meyer” means Daniel Meyer, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Chief Executive Officer of USHG as of the date of this Agreement.

 

(n)                                  “Meyer Affiliated Parties” means (i) Meyer’s spouse, (ii) any minor descendants of Meyer, (iii) any trust as to which Meyer has the right to direct the vote of securities held by such trust, (iv) any corporation, partnership, or limited liability company controlled by Meyer or as to which Meyer otherwise has the right to direct the vote of securities held by such entity and (v) as of the date of this Agreement, each (A) owner of more than 5% of the Company’s voting securities, (B) member of USHG and their respective Affiliates and (C) partner of SEG Partners, L.P., SEG Partners II, L.P. or SEGPO Investment Corp. LLC, and their respective Affiliates.

 

(o)                                  “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, organization, association, government (or any department or agency thereof) or any other business entity.

 

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(p)                                  “Special CIC Bonus” means an amount equal to the product of (x) 3.5%, (y) the Vested Percentage and (z) the difference between the Value of the Company on the date of a Change in Control and the Base Amount; provided, however, that in no event shall the Special CIC Bonus payable hereunder exceed the Maximum Special Bonus Amount (regardless of the Value on the date of determination).

 

(q)                                  “Special IPO Bonus” means an amount equal to the product of (x) 3.5%, (y) the Vested Percentage (as of the Special IPO Bonus payment date) and (z) the difference between the Value of the Company on the date of an Initial Public Offering and the Base Amount; provided, however, that in no event shall the Special IPO Bonus payable hereunder exceed the Maximum Special Bonus Amount (regardless of the Value on the date of determination)

 

(r)                                     “Value” means the fair market value of the Company, as determined either (a) by agreement of the Participant and USHG, or (b) if no such agreement is reached within 30 days after the occurrence of an event requiring valuation, by an appraiser selected in accordance with the following procedures. If USHG and the Participant are unable to mutually select an independent appraiser within fifteen days after either party is requested to do so by the other, each party shall submit the names of four nationally recognized firms that are engaged in the business of valuing securities, and each party shall be entitled to strike two names from the other party’s list of firms, and the appraiser shall be selected by lot from the remaining firms. The determination of the selected appraiser shall be final and binding upon the parties. If the aggregate valuation made by the appraiser is more than 110% of USHG’s determination, the full cost of appraisal shall be borne by USHG, otherwise the Participant shall bear the cost of such appraisal.

 

(s)                                    “Vested Percentage” means:

 

(i)                                      0%, if the Participant’s employment with the Company terminates before February 1, 2011;

 

(ii)                                   33 and 1/3%, if the Participant’s employment with the Company terminates on or after February 1, 2011 but before February 1, 2012;

 

(iii)                                66 and 2/3%, if the Participant’s employment with the Company terminates on or after February 1, 2012 but before February 1, 2013; or

 

(iv)                               100%, if, notwithstanding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above, any of the following events occur:

 

(1)                                  the Participant remains continuously employed with the Company from the date of this Agreement through and including February 1, 2013;

 

(2)                                  with respect to the Special CIC Bonus, the Participant remains continuously employed by the Company from the date of this Agreement through and including the date of a Change in Control; or

 

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(3)                                  with respect to the Special IPO Bonus, the Participant remains continuously employed by the Company from the date of this Agreement through and including the 6-month anniversary of an Initial Public Offering (or in the event that following an Initial Public Offering and prior to the 6-month anniversary thereof, the Company terminates the Participant’s employment without Cause, the Participant terminates his employment for Good Reason or the Participant dies).

 

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if the Participant’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause prior to the payment of any amounts hereunder, the Vested Percentage shall be 0% and no amounts shall be payable to the Participant hereunder.

 

Section 2.                                            Bonus Payment .  The Special CIC Bonus shall be payable to the Participant by USHG within 30 days after the occurrence of a Change in Control.  Such CIC Bonus shall be payable in a lump sum payment in the same form of consideration (or proportions thereof) received by USHG for its interest in the Company in such Change in Control; provided, however, in the event of the payment of any non-cash consideration, the Participant’s rights with respect to such consideration will be substantially similar to USHG’s rights with respect to the non-cash consideration it receives in connection with such Change in Control.  The Special IPO Bonus shall be payable to the Participant by USHG in a lump sum cash payment on the 7 th  anniversary of the date of this Agreement, provided that an Initial Public Offering shall have occurred on or prior to such date.

 

Section 3.                                            Restrictive Covenants .  In consideration for the potential payments to the Participant hereunder, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Participant agrees to the following:

 

(a)                                  Confidentiality .  The Participant shall not, at any time during his employment with the Company or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, use for the benefit of himself or any third party or disclose to any person, firm, company or other entity (other than USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates) any Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Board, except (i) as required in the performance of his duties to the Company and its Affiliates, (ii) to the extent that the Participant is required by law, subpoena or court order to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case, the Participant shall (1) provide the Board with the earliest notice possible that such disclosure is or may be required, (2) reasonably cooperate with USHG, the Company and their respective Affiliates, at the Company’s expense, in protecting, to the maximum extent legally permitted, the confidential or proprietary nature of such Confidential Information and (3) disclose only that Confidential Information which he is legally required to disclose), (iii) disclosing information that has been or is hereafter made public through no act or omission of the Participant in violation of this Agreement or any other confidentiality obligation or duty owed to USHG, the Company or their respective Affiliates, (iv) disclosing information and documents to his attorney or tax adviser for the purpose of securing legal or tax advice (provided that such Persons agree to keep such information confidential) or (v) disclosing only the post-employment restrictions in this Agreement in confidence to any potential new employer.  The Participant shall take all actions necessary to protect the

 

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integrity of the business plans, customer lists, statistical data and compilations, agreements, contracts, manuals or other materials, in whatever form, of USHG, the Company and their respective Affiliates that contain Confidential Information, and upon the termination of the Participant’s employment, the Participant agrees that all Confidential Information in his possession or under his control, directly or indirectly, that is in writing, computer generated or other tangible form (together with all duplicates thereof) will forthwith be returned to the Company and will not be retained by the Participant or furnished to any person or entity, either by sample, facsimile, film, audio or video cassette, electronic data, verbal communication or any other means of communication.  The Participant agrees that the provisions of this Section 3 are reasonable and necessary to protect the proprietary rights of USHG, the Company and their respective Affiliates in the Confidential Information and trade secrets, goodwill and reputation.  In addition, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain strictly confidential, and the Participant shall not disclose the terms and conditions hereof to any person or entity, other than immediate family members, legal advisors or personal tax or financial advisors, provided that each such person agrees to keep such terms and conditions confidential.

 

(b)                                  Non-Competition .  The Participant shall not, during his employment with the Company and for a period of one-year thereafter (the “Non-Compete Period”), directly or indirectly, whether for himself or on behalf of any other person or entity, engage in, own, manage, operate, advise, provide financing to, control or participate in the ownership, management or control of, or be connected as an officer, employee, partner, director, or otherwise with, or have any financial interest (whether as a stockholder, director, officer, partner, consultant, proprietor, agent or otherwise) in, or aid or assist anyone else in the conduct of, any business that competes, directly or indirectly, with USHG, the Company or their respective Affiliates in the Business or is otherwise engaged in activities competitive with USHG, the Company or their respective Affiliates in the Business, in any jurisdiction in the United States of America (including, without limitation, the state of New York) or any other country in the world where USHG, the Company or their respective Affiliates are engaged in the Business (the “Restricted Area”).  The Participant agrees that the Restricted Area is reasonable taking into consideration the nature and scope of the operations of USHG, the Company and their respective Affiliates in the Business and the Participant’s role in such operations.  It shall not be a violation of this Section 3(b) for the Participant to own less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of a corporation that is engaged in the Business whose shares are listed on a national stock exchange or traded in accordance with the automated quotation system of the National Association of Securities Dealers.  Nothing herein shall prevent the Participant from engaging in any activity with, or holding any financial interest in, a non-competitive affiliate of an entity engaged in the Business, provided that no such activity or financial interest would otherwise cause the Participant to breach his obligations under Section 3 of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation .  The Participant shall not, during the Non-Compete Period, either directly or indirectly, and whether for himself or on behalf of any other person, company, firm or other entity; (i) seek to persuade any employee or consultant of USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates to discontinue or diminish his or her status or employment therewith or seek to persuade any employee,

 

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former employee (who was employed by USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates at any time during the twelve (12) month period prior to the termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company), or exclusive consultant of USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates to become employed or to provide consulting or contract services to a business competitive with USHG, the Company or their respective Affiliates in the Business; (ii) solicit, employ or engage, or cause to be solicited, employed, or engaged, any person who is or was employed by USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates at any time during the twelve (12) month period prior to the termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company; or (iii) solicit, encourage, or induce any contractor, agent, client, customer, supplier, or the like of USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates to terminate or diminish its/his relationship with USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, or to refrain from entering into a relationship with USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, including, without limitation, any prospective contact, contractor, agent, client, customer, or the like of USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit the Participant from placing any general advertisements for employees so long as such general advertisements are not directed to any employees of USHG, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates (provided that the Participant may not, during the time periods set forth in this Section 3(c), hire or engage any such Person who responds to such general advertisement).

 

(d)                                  Remedies .  In addition to whatever other rights and remedies USHG, the Company and their respective Affiliates may have at equity or in law (including, without limitation, the right to seek monetary damages), if the Participant breaches any of the provisions contained in this Section 3, (i) USHG shall have the right immediately to terminate the Participant’s right to any amounts payable under this Agreement and (ii) USHG, the Company and their respective Affiliates shall have the right to injunctive relief, without the requirement to prove actual damages or to post any bond or other security, and to obtain the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees they incur in enforcing their rights under this Agreement.  The Participant acknowledges that his breach of this Section 3 would cause irreparable injury to USHG, the Company and/or their respective Affiliates and that money damages alone would not provide an adequate remedy for USHG, the Company or their respective Affiliates.  The Participant further acknowledges that (i) any breach or claimed breach of the provisions set forth in this Agreement shall not be a defense to enforcement of the restrictions set forth in this Section 3 and (ii) the circumstances of the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company shall have no impact on his obligations under this Sections 3.

 

(e)                                   Tolling During Periods Of Breach.   The Participant and USHG agree and intend that the Participant’s obligations under this Section 3 be tolled during any period that the Participant is in breach of any of the obligations under this Section 3, so that USHG, the Company and each Affiliate of USHG and the Company are provided with the full benefit of the restrictive periods set forth herein.

 

(f)                                    Third Party Beneficiary .  The Company and each Affiliate of the Company and USHG are intended third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 3

 

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and shall have the right to enforce the provisions of this Section 3 as if they were a party hereto.

 

(g)                                   Survival .  The Participant’s obligations under this Section 3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of his employment with the Company.

 

Section 4.                                            Code Section 409A Compliance .  This Agreement is intended to comply with Code Section 409A and the parties hereto agree to interpret, apply and administer this Agreement in the least restrictive manner necessary to comply therewith and without resulting in any increase in the amounts owed hereunder by USHG. The time or schedule of any distribution of any payment hereunder shall not be accelerated, except as otherwise permitted under Code Section 409A (including without limitation Code Section 409A(a)(3)). USHG and the Participant shall work together in good faith to adopt such amendments to the Agreement as USHG and the Participant reasonably determine are necessary to cause the Agreement (and the amounts owed hereunder) to be exempt from, or in compliance with, Code Section 409A (including without limitation any related Department of Treasury guidance).  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, USHG shall have no liability to the Participant or to any other person if the payments and benefits provided in this Agreement are not exempt from or compliant with Code Section 409A.

 

Section 5.                                            Assignment .  Neither the Participant, his estate, his heirs or beneficiaries, nor his legal representatives shall have any rights to commute, sell, assign, transfer or otherwise convey or encumber the right to receive any of the payments under this Agreement, which payments and the rights thereto are expressly declared to be non-assignable and nontransferable.  Any attempt to assign or transfer or encumber the right to any such payment shall be void and have no effect whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may, with the consent of the Board, designate in writing a beneficiary to receive the Participant’s benefits hereunder in the event of his death in accordance with such guidelines as may be determined by the Board in its sole discretion.  In the event that no such beneficiary is designated, or if such designated beneficiary predeceases the Participant, any amounts payable hereunder after the death of the Participant shall be paid to the Participant’s estate.  USHG, the Company, and each Affiliate of the Company and USHG may assign their rights and obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 6.                                            Funding/Unsecured General Creditor.   Upon the occurrence of an Initial Public Offering that occurs prior to the 7 th  anniversary of the date of this Agreement and prior to the date of a Change in Control, USHG shall establish a “rabbi trust” (within the meaning of Revenue Procedure 92-64) to hold any amounts owed to the Participant with respect to a Special IPO Bonus.  However, all assets held in such rabbi trust shall at all times remain subject to the claims of USHG’s general unsecured creditors and the Participant’s rights hereunder and thereunder shall be no greater than the rights of a general unsecured creditor of USHG.  Amounts held by such rabbi trust shall be invested in an interest bearing “money market” account.  In addition, all obligations hereunder shall be paid solely from the general assets of USHG or the rabbi trust described herein, as the case may be.

 

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Section 7.                                            Tax Withholding .   There shall be deducted from any payment under this Agreement the amount of any withholding taxes determined by USHG to be due in connection with any payment hereunder.

 

Section 8.                                            No Guarantee of Employment .  The Participant acknowledges and agrees that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to provide the Participant with any rights to continued employment with the Company or in any way limit or restrict the right of the Company to terminate the Participant’s employment with the Company at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and without penalty.

 

Section 9.                                            Governing Law; Venue .  All issues and questions concerning the application, construction, validity, interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.  Each of the parties hereto agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the Chancery Court of New Castle County, Delaware or the federal courts of the United States of America for the District of Delaware, unless the parties to any such action or dispute mutually agree to waive this provision.  By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by recognized express carrier or delivery service, to the applicable party at his, her or its address referred to herein.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives any objection which he, she or it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforementioned actions or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or any related agreement, certificate or instrument referred to above, brought in the courts referred to above and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in any inconvenient forum.  Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

Section 10.                                     Severability In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.  Specifically, but without limitation, the parties agree that if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any one or more of the words, phrases, sentences, clauses, sections, subdivisions, or subparagraphs contained in Section 3 is overly broad or unenforceable, then such words, phrases, sentences, clauses, sections, subdivisions, or subparagraphs shall be deemed reduced or amended to be enforceable to the maximum extent allowable under applicable law.

 

Section 11.                                     Successors; Binding Agreement .  This Agreement shall be binding on the parties hereto and shall inure to the benefit of their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

Section 12.                                     Termination .  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement, and USHG’s obligations and the Participant’s rights hereunder, shall terminate immediately after the first to occur of (i) a Change in Control, (ii) an

 

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Initial Public Offering and (iii) the 7 th  anniversary of the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that any Special CIC Bonus or Special IPO Bonus payable as the result of a Change in Control or an Initial Public Offering, as the case may be, that occurs prior to the termination of this Agreement shall remain payable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided further, however, that Sections 3 through and including 13 of this Agreement shall survive such termination.

 

Section 13.                                     General .  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any pre-existing or other written or oral agreement or communication between the Participant and USHG concerning the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement may be executed and delivered in separate counterparts (including by means of facsimile), each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.  This Agreement shall become effective only when counterparts have been executed and delivered by all parties whose names are set forth on the signature page(s) hereof.  The provisions of this Agreement may be amended and waived only with the prior written consent of USHG and the Participant.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties on the date first set forth above.

 

 

UNION SQUARE HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Danny Meyer

 

By: Danny Meyer

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Address for Service:

 

 

 

 

 

PARTICIPANT

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Randall Garutti

 

Randall Garutti

 

 

 

Address for Service:

 

 

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Exhibit 10.15

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

AMENDMENT TO SPECIAL BONUS AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment is effective as of the 25 th  day of July, 2013, and is between Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC, a New York limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Randall Garutti (the “ Executive ”).

 

BACKGROUND

 

WHEREAS , the Executive and the Company entered into a Special Bonus Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2011 (the “ Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS , the parties desire to amend the Agreement to revise certain of the restrictive covenants set forth therein.

 

NOW THEREFORE , the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                       A new Section 1(r) is hereby added to the Agreement to read as follows (and the current Sections 1(r) and 1(s) are renumbered as Sections 1(s) and 1(t), respectively):

 

“(r)                               Subsidiary ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of February 4, 2011, as amended and/or restated from time to time.”

 

2.                                       Section 3(b) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

“(b)                            Non-Competition .  The Participant shall not, during his employment with the Company and for a period of one-year thereafter (the “ Non-Compete Period ”), directly or indirectly, whether for himself or on behalf of any other person or entity, engage in, own, manage, operate, advise, provide financing to, control or participate in the ownership, management or control of, or be connected as an officer, employee, partner, director, or otherwise with, or have any financial interest (whether as a stockholder, director, officer, partner, consultant, proprietor, agent or otherwise) in, or aid or assist anyone else in the conduct of, any business that competes, directly or indirectly, with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the Business or is otherwise engaged in activities competitive with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the Business, in any jurisdiction in the United States of America (including, without limitation, Washington D.C. and the states of New York and Pennsylvania) or any other country in the world where the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are engaged in the Business (the “ Restricted Area ”).  The Participant agrees that the Restricted Area is reasonable taking into consideration the nature and scope of the operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the Business and the Participant’s role in such operations.  It shall not be a violation of this Section 3(b) for the Participant to own less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of a corporation that is engaged in the Business whose shares are listed on a national stock exchange or traded in

 

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accordance with the automated quotation system of the National Association of Securities Dealers.  Nothing herein shall prevent the Participant from engaging in any activity with, or holding any financial interest in, a non-competitive affiliate of an entity engaged in the Business, provided that no such activity or financial interest would otherwise cause the Participant to breach his obligations under Section 3 of this Agreement.”

 

3.                                       Except as amended hereby, the terms of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

*      *      *      *      *

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the date set forth above.

 

 

UNION SQUARE HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeff Flug

 

Name: Jeff Flug

 

Title: President

 

 

 

/s/ Randall Garutti

 

RANDALL GARUTTI , Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Amendment to Special Bonus Agreement]

 




Exhibit 10.16

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

This ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), effective as of October 30, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is hereby entered into by and among Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ Assignor ”), SSE Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Assignee ”), and Randall Garutti (“ Employee ”).

 

R E C I T A L S:

 

WHEREAS, Assignor and Employee entered into a Special Bonus Agreement, dated March 11, 2011, as amended (the “ Agreement );

 

WHEREAS, Assignor desires to assign all of its rights, privileges, title, interests, liabilities and obligations under the Agreement to Assignee;

 

WHEREAS, Assignee wishes to accept the assignment of such rights, privileges, title and interests and to assume such liabilities and obligations; and

 

WHEREAS, Section 5 of the Agreement authorizes Assignor to assign the Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Assignment.   Assignor hereby sells, assigns, conveys and transfers to Assignee all of its present and future rights, title and interests in, to and under the Agreement.

 

2.                                       Assumption .  Effective as of the Effective Date, Assignee hereby accepts the assignment set forth in Section 1 hereto and assumes any and all liabilities and obligations of Assignor arising under the Agreement.

 

3.                                       Further Actions .  Each party hereto covenants and agrees to make, execute, acknowledge and deliver such further documents and instruments and to use its reasonable efforts to take such other action as may be reasonably requested by any party hereto to more effectively consummate or perfect the assignments and assumptions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

4.                                       Indemnification.  Assignor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Employee to the extent this Agreement violates Code Section 409A and causes penalties to be imposed against Employee .

 

5.                                       Miscellaneous .  This Assignment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York, without regard to the conflicts of law rules of such state.

 

(a)                                  If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other governmental authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party.  Upon such a determination, the parties shall negotiate in good faith

 



 

to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.

 

(b)                                  This Assignment shall inure to the benefit of Assignee and its successors and assigns, and shall be binding upon Assignor and its successors and assigns.

 

(c)                                   This Assignment is not intended to, nor shall it, create any rights in or confer any benefits upon any person other than the parties to this Assignment.

 

(d)                                  This Assignment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Any counterpart may be signed and transmitted by facsimile or Portable Document Format (PDF) with the same force and effect as if such counterpart was an ink-signed original.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Assignment and Assumption Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

ASSIGNOR

 

 

 

UNION SQUARE HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeff Flug

 

 

Name: Jeff Flug

 

 

Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNEE

 

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeff Uttz

 

 

Name: Jeff Uttz

 

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYEE

 

 

 

/s/ Randall Garutti

 

Randall Garutti

 

[Signature page to Assignment and Assumption Agreement re: Special Bonus Agreement]

 




Exhibit 10.17

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

Employment Agreement

 

This Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”), entered into on November 26, 2014, by and between Randall Garutti (the “ Executive ”), Shake Shack Inc., a company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (“ Shake Shack ”) and SSE Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Partnership ” and, together with Shake Shack and any of the Affiliates of Shake Shack and the Partnership as may employ the Executive from time to time, and any successor(s) thereto, the “ Company ”).

 

RECITALS

 

A.                                     It is contemplated that Shake Shack will effect an initial public offering (the “ Offering ”) of shares of its common stock.

 

B.                                     The Company desires to assure itself of the services of the Executive by engaging the Executive to perform services under the terms hereof.

 

C.                                     The Executive desires to provide services to the Company on the terms herein provided.

 

D.                                     The Company and the Executive desire to have the Agreement become effective as of the date of the consummation of the Offering (the “ Effective Date ”).

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good and valuable consideration, including the respective covenants and agreements set forth below, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

 

1.                                       Certain Definitions

 

(a)                                  Affiliate ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Person where “control” shall have the meaning given such term under Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

(c)                                   Annual Base Salary ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) .

 

(d)                                  Annual Bonus ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(b) .

 

(e)                                   Annual Equity Award ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(c) .

 

(f)                                    Board ” shall mean the Board of Directors of Shake Shack.

 



 

(g)                                   Business ” shall mean the business of developing, managing, and/or operating of (i) “better burger” restaurants, (ii) “quick service” or “fast food” restaurants with an emphasis on hamburgers, and (iii) fast casual restaurants (i.e., restaurants that do not offer table service but promise a higher quality of food with fewer frozen or processed ingredients than a fast food restaurant; e.g., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Culvers and Panera).

 

(h)                                  The Company shall have “ Cause ” to terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder upon: (i) the willful misconduct, gross negligence or an act of dishonesty of the Executive with regard to the Company or any of its Affiliates, which in either case, results in or could reasonably be expected to result in material harm to the Company or such Affiliate; (ii) the willful and continued failure of the Executive to attempt to perform his duties with the Company or any of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from Disability), which failure is not remedied within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof; (iii) the conviction of the Executive of (or the plea by the Executive of guilty or nolo contendere to) any felony involving moral turpitude (other than traffic related offenses or as a result of vicarious liability); or (iv) a material breach by the Executive of any material provision of this Agreement, which breach is not remedied within 10 days after receiving written notice thereof.

 

(i)                                      Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(j)                                     Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

(k)                                  Date of Termination ” shall mean (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to the Executive’s Disability, the date determined pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii) ; or (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii)-(vi) either the date indicated in the Notice of Termination or the date specified by the Company pursuant to Section 4(b) , whichever is earlier.

 

(l)                                      Disability ” shall mean the Executive’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.

 

(m)                              Effective Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

(n)                                  Executive ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

(o)                                  Extension Term ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) .

 

(p)                                  The Executive shall have “ Good Reason ” to terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder after the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions without the Executive’s consent: (i) any material adverse change by the Company in the Annual Base Salary, position, duties, responsibilities, authority, title or reporting obligations, or the assignment of duties to the Executive by the Company that are materially inconsistent with the Executive’s position; (ii) a relocation of the Executive’s principal business location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location; or (iii) any other material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no

 

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termination for Good Reason will be effective unless: (A) the Executive provides the Company with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of his intent to resign for Good Reason (which notice must be provided within sixty (60) days following the occurrence of the event(s) purported to constitute Good Reason); (B) the Company has not remedied the alleged violation(s) within the thirty (30)-day period; and (C) the Executive’s resignation becomes effective no later than thirty (30) days after the Company has either failed to cure such event or indicated that it will not cure such event.

 

(q)                                  Initial Term ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) .

 

(r)                                     Notice of Termination ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b) .

 

(s)                                    Offering ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

(t)                                     Person ” shall mean any individual, natural person, corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, estate, trust, company (including any company limited by shares, limited liability company or joint stock company), incorporated or unincorporated association, governmental authority, firm, society or other enterprise, organization or other entity of any nature.

 

(u)                                  Release ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b) .

 

(v)                                  Release Expiration Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 20(c) .

 

(w)                                Section 409A ” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and the Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date.

 

(x)                                  Severance Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b) .

 

(y)                                  Term ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) .

 

2.                                       Employment

 

(a)                                  In General .  The Company shall employ the Executive under this Agreement and the Executive shall remain in the employ of the Company under this Agreement, for the period set forth in Section 2(b) , in the position set forth in Section 2(c) , and upon the other terms and conditions herein provided.

 

(b)                                  Term of Employment .  The initial term of employment under this Agreement (the “ Initial Term ”) shall be for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary thereof, unless earlier terminated as provided in Section 4 .  The Initial Term shall automatically be extended for successive one year periods (each, an “ Extension Term ” and, collectively with the Initial Term, the “ Term ”), unless either party hereto gives notice of non-extension of the Term to the other no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then-applicable Term.

 

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(c)                                   Position and Duties .  During the Term, the Executive: (i) shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of Shake Shack and Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership, with responsibilities, duties and authority customary for such positions, subject to direction by the Board; (ii) shall report directly to the Board; (iii) shall devote substantially all the Executive’s working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company; and (iv) agrees to observe and comply with the Company’s rules and policies as adopted by the Company from time to time.  In addition, as of the Effective Date, the Executive shall be appointed to the Board and, during the Term, the Board shall propose the Executive for re-election to the Board.  The parties acknowledge and agree that Executive’s duties, responsibilities and authority may include services for one or more Affiliates of the Company.

 

3.                                       Compensation and Related Matters

 

(a)                                  Annual Base Salary .  During the Term, the Executive shall receive a base salary at a rate of $400,000 per annum, which shall be paid in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the Company, subject to review by the Board in its sole discretion (the “ Annual Base Salary ”).

 

(b)                                  Annual Bonus .  With respect to each Company fiscal year that commences during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus (the “ Annual Bonus ”) based on a target bonus opportunity of fifty percent (50%) of the Annual Base Salary, which shall be payable based upon the attainment of individual and Company performance goals established each fiscal year by the Board or the Compensation Committee thereof, with the opportunity to make up to one hundred percent (100%) of the Annual Base Salary, which shall be payable if the Employee and Company exceed such performance goals.  Each such Annual Bonus shall be payable on, or at such date as is determined by the Board within 120 days following, the last day of the fiscal year with respect to which it relates.  Except as provided in Section 5 , notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3(b) , no bonus shall be payable with respect to any fiscal year unless the Executive remains continuously employed with the Company during the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the applicable bonus payment date.

 

(c)                                   Annual Equity Award .  With respect to each Company fiscal year commencing during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual equity compensation award (each such award, an “ Annual Equity Award ”).  The form and terms and conditions of each Annual Equity Award shall be determined by the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board) in its discretion and shall be set forth in one or more written award agreements between the Company and the Executive.

 

(d)                                  Benefits .  During the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements of the Company in accordance with their terms, as in effect from time to time, and as are generally provided by the Company to its senior executive officers.

 

(e)                                   Vacation; Holidays .  During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to four weeks and three days paid vacation each full calendar year.  Any vacation shall be taken at

 

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the reasonable and mutual convenience of the Company and the Executive. Holidays shall be provided in accordance with Company policy, as in effect from time to time.

 

(f)                                    Business Expenses .  During the Term, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable, documented, out-of-pocket travel and other business expenses incurred by the Executive in the performance of the Executive’s duties to the Company in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense reimbursement policies and procedures.

 

(g)                                   Indemnification .  During the Term and for so long thereafter as liability exists with regard to the Executive’s activities during the Term on behalf of the Company, the Company shall indemnify the Executive (other than in connection with the Executive’s gross negligence or willful misconduct) in accordance with the Company’s customary indemnification policies and procedures which are applicable to the Company’s officers and directors.

 

4.                                       Termination .   During the Term, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, without any breach of this Agreement only under the following circumstances:

 

(a)                                  Circumstances

 

(i)                                      Death .  The Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.

 

(ii)                                   Disability .  If the Executive incurs a Disability, the Company may give the Executive written notice of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment.  In that event, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate, effective on the later of the thirtieth (30 th ) day after receipt of such notice by the Executive or the date specified in such notice; provided that, within the thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder.

 

(iii)                                Termination for Cause .  The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause.

 

(iv)                               Termination without Cause .  The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause.

 

(v)                                  Resignation for Good Reason .  The Executive may resign from the Executive’s employment for Good Reason.

 

(vi)                               Resignation without Good Reason .  The Executive may resign from the Executive’s employment without Good Reason.

 

(b)                                  Notice of Termination .  Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive under this Section 4 (other than a termination pursuant to Section 4(a)(i) above) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto (a “ Notice of Termination ”): (i) indicating the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) except with, respect to a termination pursuant to Sections 4(a)(iv) or (vi) , setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination

 

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of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) specifying a Date of Termination which, if submitted by the Executive, shall be at least thirty (30) days following the date of such notice; provided , however , that a Notice of Termination delivered by the Company pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii) shall not be required to specify a Date of Termination, in which case the Date of Termination shall be determined pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii) ; provided ; further , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Executive delivers a Notice of Termination to the Company, the Company may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the Date of Termination to any date that occurs following the date of Company’s receipt of such Notice of Termination (even if such date is prior to the date specified in such Notice of Termination).  A Notice of Termination submitted by the Company (other than a Notice of Termination under Section 4(a)(ii) ) may provide for a Date of Termination on the date the Executive receives the Notice of Termination, or any date thereafter elected by the Company in its sole discretion.  The failure by the Company or the Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause or Good Reason shall not waive any right of the Company or the Executive hereunder or preclude the Company or the Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Company’s or the Executive’s rights hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a termination pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) shall be deemed to occur if following the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason the Company determines that circumstances existing prior to such termination would have entitled to the Company to terminate the Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) (disregarding any applicable cure period).

 

5.                                       Company Obligations Upon Termination of Employment

 

(a)                                  In General .  Upon a termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall be entitled to receive: (i) any portion of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination not theretofore paid, (ii) any expenses owed to the Executive under Section 3(f) , (iii) any accrued but unused vacation pay owed to the Executive pursuant to Section 3(e) , subject to the Company’s vacation policy, and (iv) any amount arising from the Executive’s participation in, or benefits under, any employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements under Section 3(d) , which amounts shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements.  Except as otherwise set forth in Section 5(b) below, the payments and benefits described in this Section 5(a) shall be the only payments and benefits payable in the event of the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason.

 

(b)                                  Termination without Cause or for Good Reason .  In the event of the Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv) or by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4(a)(v) , in addition to the payments and benefits described in Section 5(a) above, the Company shall, subject to Section 20 and Section 5(c) and subject to the Executive’s execution and non-revocation of a waiver and release of claims agreement in the Company’s customary form (a “ Release ”), as of the Release Expiration Date, in accordance with Section 20(c) :

 

(i)                                      Continue to pay to the Executive Annual Base Salary during the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the first anniversary of the Date of

 

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Termination (such period, the “ Severance Period ”) in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practice as of the Date of Termination;

 

(ii)                                   Pay to the Executive an amount equal to the product of (A) the amount of the Annual Bonus that would have been payable to the Executive pursuant to Section 3(b) if the Executive was still employed as of the applicable bonus payment date in respect of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs based on actual individual and Company performance goals in such year and (B) the ratio of (x) the number of full months elapsed during the fiscal year during which such termination of employment occurs on or prior to the Date of Termination, to (y) twelve (12).  Any amount payable pursuant to this Section 5(b)(ii) shall, subject to Section 20 and Section 5(c) , be paid to Executive in accordance with Section 3(b) as if the Executive was still employed on the applicable bonus payment date, but in no event earlier than January 1, or later than December 31, of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs;

 

(iii)                                Accelerate the vesting of a pro rata amount of the Annual Equity Award that otherwise would vest at the end of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, such amount to based on the number of full (not partial) fiscal months elapsed during such fiscal year (for example, if Executive’s Date of Termination is June 30, 2014, fifty percent (50%) of the Annual Equity Award that otherwise would vest at the end of fiscal 2014 shall immediately vest, and Executive shall forfeit the remaining fifty percent (50%) of the Annual Equity Award scheduled to vest in fiscal 2014 as well as the remainder of the Annual Equity Award that otherwise would vest in subsequent fiscal years); and

 

(iv)                               During the Severance Period, if the Executive elects to continue coverage under the Company’s group health plan in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“ COBRA ”), continue coverage for the Executive and any eligible dependents under the Company group health benefit plans in which the Executive and any dependents were entitled to participate immediately prior to the Date of Termination.  In the event Executive elects to continue with COBRA coverage, provided , that Employee timely submits to the Company evidence of Executive’s payments made to the COBRA administrator, the Company will reimburse Executive for the Company’s share of the premiums associated therewith in an amount equal to what the Company pays for the health insurance premiums of other executive level employees at the Company.  The COBRA health continuation period under Section 4980B of the Code shall run concurrently with the period of continued coverage set forth in this Section 5(b)(iv) ; provided , however , that in the event Employee obtains other employment that offers group health benefits, such continuation of COBRA coverage by the Company under this Section 5(b)(iv) shall immediately cease.

 

(c)                                   Breach of Restrictive Covenants .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no payment or benefit shall be made or provided pursuant to Section 5(b) following the date the Executive first violates any of the restrictive covenants set forth in Section 6 or any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates.

 

(d)                                  Complete Severance .  The provisions of this Section 5 shall supersede in their entirety any severance payment or benefit obligations to the Executive pursuant to the

 

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provisions in any severance plan, policy, program or other arrangement maintained by the Company.

 

6.                                       Restrictive Covenants .   In consideration for the potential payments to the Executive hereunder, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Executive agrees to the following:

 

(a)                                  Confidentiality . The Executive shall not, at any time during the Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, use for the benefit of himself or any third party or disclose to any Person, firm, company or other entity (other than the Company or any of its Affiliates) any Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Board, except (i) as required in the performance of his duties to the Company and its Affiliates, (ii) to the extent that the Executive is required by law, subpoena or court order to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case, the Executive shall (1) provide the Board with the earliest notice possible that such disclosure is or may be required, (2) reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Affiliates, at the Company’s expense, in protecting, to the maximum extent legally permitted, the confidential or proprietary nature of such Confidential Information and (3) disclose only that Confidential Information which he is legally required to disclose), (iii) disclosing information that has been or is hereafter made public through no act or omission of the Executive in violation of this Agreement or any other confidentiality obligation or duty owed to the Company or its Affiliates, (iv) disclosing information and documents to his attorney or tax adviser for the purpose of securing legal or tax advice (provided that such Persons agree to keep such information confidential) or (v) disclosing only the post-employment restrictions in this Agreement in confidence to any potential new employer. The Executive shall take all actions necessary to protect the integrity of the business plans, customer lists, statistical data and compilations, agreements, contracts, manuals or other materials, in whatever form, of the Company and its Affiliates that contain Confidential Information, and upon the termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive agrees that all Confidential Information in his possession or under his control, directly or indirectly, that is in writing, computer generated or other tangible form (together with all duplicates thereof) will forthwith be returned to the Company and will not be retained by the Executive or furnished to any Person, either by sample, facsimile, film, audio or video cassette, electronic data, verbal communication or any other means of communication. The Executive agrees that the provisions of this Section 6 are reasonable and necessary to protect the proprietary rights of the Company and its Affiliates in the Confidential Information and trade secrets, goodwill and reputation. In addition, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain strictly confidential, and the Executive shall not disclose the terms and conditions hereof to any Person, other than immediate family members, legal advisors or personal tax or financial advisors, provided that each such Person agrees to keep such terms and conditions confidential.

 

(b)                                  Non-Competition .  The Executive shall not, during the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter (the “ Non-Compete Period ”), directly or indirectly, whether for himself or on behalf of any other Person, engage in, own, manage, operate, advise, provide financing to, control or participate in the ownership, management or control of, or be connected as an officer, employee, partner, director, or otherwise with, or have any financial interest (whether as a stockholder, director, officer, partner, consultant, proprietor, agent or otherwise) in, or aid or assist anyone else in the conduct of, any business that competes, directly

 

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or indirectly, with the Company or any of its Affiliates in the Business or is otherwise engaged in activities competitive with the Company or any of its Affiliates in the Business, in any jurisdiction in the United States of America (including, without limitation, Washington D.C. and the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Georgia) or any other country in the world where the Company or any of its Affiliates are then engaged in the Business (the “ Restricted Area ”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of termination without Cause or for Good Reason, Executive shall have the right to compete against the Company with a fast casual Business without violating this Agreement; provided , however , that, in such event, Executive shall not be entitled to any amounts set forth in Section 5(b)(i) on or after the date Executive first competes in the fast casual Business.  The Executive agrees that the Restricted Area is reasonable taking into consideration the nature and scope of the operations of the Company and its Affiliates in the Business and the Executive’s role in such operations. It shall not be a violation of this Section 6(b) for the Executive to own less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of a corporation that is engaged in the Business whose shares are listed on a national stock exchange or traded in accordance with the automated quotation system of the National Association of Securities Dealers.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation . The Executive shall not, during the Non-Compete Period, either directly or indirectly, and whether for himself or on behalf of any other Person; (i) seek to persuade any employee or consultant of the Company or any of its Affiliates to discontinue or diminish his or her status or employment therewith or seek to persuade any employee, former employee (who was employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates at any time during the twelve (12)-month period prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company), or exclusive consultant of the Company or any of its Affiliates to become employed or to provide consulting or contract services to a business competitive with the Company or its Affiliates in the Business; (ii) solicit, employ or engage, or cause to be solicited, employed, or engaged, any person who is or was employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates at any time during the twelve (12)-month period prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company; or (iii) solicit, encourage, or induce any contractor, agent, client, customer, supplier, or the like of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate or diminish its/his relationship with, the Company or any of its Affiliates, or to refrain from entering into a relationship with the Company or any of its Affiliates, including, without limitation, any prospective contact, contractor, agent, client, customer, or the like of the Company or any of its Affiliates; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not prohibit the Executive from placing any general advertisements for employees so long as such general advertisements are not directed to any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates (provided that the Executive may not, during the time periods set forth in this Section 6(c) , hire or engage any such Person who responds to such general advertisement).

 

(d)                                  Non-Disparagement .  The Executive agrees not to disparage the Company, any of its products or practices, or any of its directors, officers, agents, representatives, partners, members, equity holders or Affiliates, either orally or in writing, at any time, and the Company agrees to instruct its directors and officers as of the Date of Termination not to disparage the Executive, either orally or in writing, at any time; provided that the Executive, the Company and the Company’s directors and officers may confer in confidence with their respective legal representatives and make truthful statements as required by law.

 

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(e)                                   Return of Company Property .  On the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return all property belonging to the Company or its Affiliates (including, but not limited to, any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, wireless electronic mail devices or other equipment, or documents and property belonging to the Company).  The Executive may retain his rolodex and similar books, provided that such items only include contact information.

 

(f)                                    Remedies . In addition to whatever other rights and remedies the Company and its Affiliates may have at equity or in law (including, without limitation, the right to seek monetary damages), if the Executive breaches any of the provisions contained in this Section 6 , (i) the Company shall have the right immediately to terminate the Executive’s right to any amounts payable under this Agreement and (ii) the Company and its Affiliates shall have the right to injunctive relief, without the requirement to prove actual damages or to post any bond or other security, and to obtain the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees they incur in enforcing their rights under this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that (A) his breach of this Section 6 would cause irreparable injury to the Company and/or its Affiliates, (B) money damages alone would not provide an adequate remedy for the Company or its Affiliates, (C) his services to the Company are special, unique and extraordinary, and (D) the restrictions in this Section 6 (x) are no greater than required to protect the Company’s legitimate protectable interests (including, without limitation, the Confidential Information and the Company’s goodwill), (y) do not impose undue hardship on the Executive, and (z) are reasonable in duration and geographic scope.  The Executive further acknowledges that (I) any breach or claimed breach of the provisions set forth in this Agreement shall not be a defense to enforcement of the restrictions set forth in this Section 6 and (II) the circumstances of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company shall have no impact on his obligations under this Section 6 .

 

(g)                                   Blue Pencil .  In the event the terms of this Section 6 shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical area or by reason of its being too extensive in any other respect, it will be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time for which it may be enforceable, over the maximum geographical area as to which it may be enforceable, or to the maximum extent in all other respects as to which it may be enforceable, all as determined by such court in such action.

 

(h)                                  Tolling During Periods Of Breach . The Executive, Shake Shack and the Partnership agree and intend that the Executive’s obligations under this Section 6 be tolled during any period that the Executive is in breach of any of the obligations under this Section 6 , so that the Company and each Affiliate of the Company are provided with the full benefit of the restrictive periods set forth herein.

 

(i)                                      Third Party Beneficiary . The Company and each Affiliate of the Company are intended third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 6 and shall have the right to enforce the provisions of this Section 6 as if they were a party hereto.

 

(j)                                     Survival .  The Executive’s obligations under this Section 6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of his employment with the Company.

 

10


 

7.                                       Assignment and Successors .   The Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any entity, including any successor to all or substantially all the assets of the Company, by merger or otherwise, and may assign or encumber this Agreement and its rights hereunder as security for indebtedness of the Company and its Affiliates.  The Executive may not assign the Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement to any individual or entity.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Executive and their respective successors, assigns, personnel and legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees, as applicable.

 

8.                                       Governing Law; Venue .   All issues and questions concerning the application, construction, validity, interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law, whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the Chancery Court of New Castle County, Delaware or the federal courts of the United States of America for the District of Delaware, unless the parties to any such action or dispute mutually agree to waive this provision. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by recognized express carrier or delivery service, to the applicable party at his, her or its address referred to herein. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives any objection which he, she or it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforementioned actions or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or any related agreement, certificate or instrument referred to above, brought in the courts referred to above and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in any inconvenient forum. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

9.                                       Validity .   The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

10.                                Notices .   Any notice, request, claim, demand, document and other communication hereunder to any party hereto shall be effective upon receipt (or refusal of receipt) and shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by telex, telecopy, or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, to the following address (or at any other address as any party hereto shall have specified by notice in writing to the other party hereto):

 

(a)                                  If to the Company:

 

Shake Shack Inc.

24 Union Square East — 5 th  Floor

New York, NY 10003

Attn:  Ronald Palmese, Jr., General Counsel

Email: rpalmese@ushgnyc.com

Phone: 646-237-5039

 

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Copy to:

 

Latham & Watkins LLP

885 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022-4802

Attn:

Howard A. Sobel

 

Bradd L. Williamson

Facsimile:  (212) 751-4864

 

(b)                                  If to the Executive, at the address set forth on the signature page hereto.

 

11.                                Counterparts .   This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

12.                                Entire Agreement .   The terms of this Agreement (together with any other agreements and instruments contemplated hereby or referred to herein) is intended by the parties hereto to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Company and may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous agreement (including, without limitation, any term sheet or offer letter).  The parties hereto further intend that this Agreement shall constitute the complete and exclusive statement of its terms and that no extrinsic evidence whatsoever may be introduced in any judicial, administrative, or other legal proceeding to vary the terms of this Agreement.

 

13.                                Amendments; Waivers .   This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of Shake Shack and the Partnership and approved by the Board, which expressly identifies the amended provision of this Agreement. By an instrument in writing similarly executed and approved by the Board, the Executive or a duly authorized officer of Shake Shack or the Partnership may waive compliance by the other party or parties hereto with any provision of this Agreement that such other party was or is obligated to comply with or perform; provided , however , that such waiver shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any other or subsequent failure to comply or perform.  No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy, or power hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise of any other right, remedy, or power provided herein or by law or in equity.

 

14.                                No Inconsistent Actions .   The parties hereto shall not voluntarily undertake or fail to undertake any action or course of action inconsistent with the provisions or essential intent of this Agreement.  Furthermore, it is the intent of the parties hereto to act in a fair and reasonable manner with respect to the interpretation and application of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

15.                                Construction .   This Agreement shall be deemed drafted equally by both of the parties hereto.  Its language shall be construed as a whole and according to its fair meaning.  Any presumption or principle that the language is to be construed against any party hereto shall not apply.  The headings in this Agreement are only for convenience and are not intended to affect

 

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construction or interpretation.  Any references to paragraphs, subparagraphs, sections or subsections are to those parts of this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.  Also, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, (a) the plural includes the singular and the singular includes the plural; (b) “and” and “or” are each used both conjunctively and disjunctively; (c) “any,” “all,” “each,” or “every” means “any and all,” and “each and every”; (d) “includes” and “including” are each “without limitation”; (e) “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other similar compounds of the word “here” refer to the entire Agreement and not to any particular paragraph, subparagraph, section or subsection; and (f) all pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural as the identity of the Persons referred to may require.

 

16.                                Enforcement .   If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws effective during the term of this Agreement, such provision shall be fully severable; this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a portion of this Agreement; and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement.  Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.

 

17.                                Withholding .   The Company and its Affiliates shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement, any federal, state, local or foreign withholding or other taxes or charges which the Company or any of its Affiliates is required to withhold.  The Company and its Affiliates shall be entitled to rely on an opinion of counsel if any questions as to the amount or requirement of withholding shall arise.

 

18.                                Absence of Conflicts; Executive Acknowledgement; Confidentiality .   The Executive hereby represents that from and after the Effective Date the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder will not breach any other agreement to which the Executive is a party.  The Executive acknowledges that the Executive has read and understands this Agreement, is fully aware of its legal effect, has not acted in reliance upon any representations or promises made by the Company or any of its Affiliates other than those contained in writing herein, and has entered into this Agreement freely based on the Executive’s own judgment.  The Executive agrees not to disclose the terms or existence of this Agreement to any Person unless the Company agrees to such disclosure in advance and in writing; provided that the Executive may, without such permission, make such disclosures as are required by applicable law, including disclosures to taxing agencies, and disclose the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s attorney(s), accountant(s), tax advisor(s), and other professional service provider(s), and to members of the Executive’s immediate family, as reasonably necessary; provided , further , that the Executive instructs such Person(s) that the terms of this Agreement are strictly confidential and are not to be revealed to anyone else except as required by applicable law.

 

19.                                Survival .   The expiration or termination of the Term shall not impair the rights or obligations of any party hereto which shall have accrued prior to such expiration or termination (including, without limitation, pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 hereof).

 

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20.                                Section 409A .

 

(a)                                  General .  The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, to the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with, and incorporate the terms and conditions required by, Section 409A.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Company determines that any amounts payable hereunder will be immediately taxable to the Executive under Section 409A, the Company reserves the right (without any obligation to do so or to indemnify the Executive for failure to do so) to (i) adopt such amendments to this Agreement and appropriate policies and procedures, including amendments and policies with retroactive effect, that the Company determines to be necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided by this Agreement, to preserve the economic benefits of this Agreement and to avoid less favorable accounting or tax consequences for the Company and/or (ii) take such other actions as the Company determines to be necessary or appropriate to exempt the amounts payable hereunder from Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A and thereby avoid the application of penalty taxes thereunder.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, except as set forth in the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, effective as of October 30, 2014, involving the parties, in no event shall any liability for failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A be transferred from the Executive or any other individual to the Company or any of its Affiliates, employees or agents pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise.

 

(b)                                  Separation from Service under Section 409A .  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement:  (i) no amount shall be payable pursuant to Section 5(b) unless the termination of the Executive’s employment constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Department of Treasury Regulations; (ii) for purposes of Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive installment payments pursuant to Section 5(b) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments; and (iii) to the extent that any reimbursement of expenses or in-kind benefits constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A, such reimbursement or benefit shall be provided no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred.  The amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year.  The amount of any in-kind benefits provided in one year shall not affect the amount of in-kind benefits provided in any other year. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Executive is deemed at the time of his separation from service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of the termination benefits to which the Executive is entitled under this Agreement is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such portion of the Executive’s termination benefits shall not be provided to the Executive prior to the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company (as such term is defined in the Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A of the Code) or (B) the date of the Executive’s death; upon the earlier of such dates, all payments deferred pursuant to this sentence shall be paid in a lump sum to the Executive, and any remaining payments due under the Agreement shall be paid as otherwise provided herein.

 

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(c)                                   Release .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to the extent that any payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A) due under this Agreement as a result of the Executive’s termination of employment are subject to the Executive’s execution, delivery and non-revocation of a Release, (i) the Company shall deliver the Release to the Executive within seven (7) days following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the Executive fails to execute the Release on or prior to the Release Expiration Date (as defined below) or timely revokes his acceptance of the Release thereafter, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits otherwise conditioned on the Release.  For purposes of this Section 20(c) , “ Release Expiration Date ” shall mean the date that is twenty-one (21) days following the date upon which the Company timely delivers the Release to the Executive, or, in the event that the Executive’s termination of employment is “in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program” (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967), the date that is forty-five (45) days following such delivery date.  To the extent that any payments of nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) due under this Agreement as a result of the Executive’s termination of employment are delayed pursuant to Section 5(b) and this Section 20(c) , such amounts shall be paid in a lump sum on the first payroll date to occur on or after the 60th day following the Date of Termination, provided that, as of such 60th day, the Executive has executed and has not revoked the Release (and any applicable revocation period has expired).

 

21.                                Compensation Recovery Policy .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent the Company adopts any clawback or similar policy pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or otherwise, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, he shall take all action necessary or appropriate to comply with such policy (including, without limitation, entering into any further agreements, amendments or policies necessary or appropriate to implement and/or enforce such policy).

 

22.                                Legal Fees The Executive’s reasonable, documented attorney’s fees and expenses actually incurred in connection with the review and negotiation of this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the Company, up to a maximum amount of $10,000.

 

[Signature pages follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement on the date and year first above written, effective as of the Effective Date.

 

 

 

SHAKE SHACK

 

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Ronald Palmese Jr.

 

Name: Ronald Palmese Jr.

 

Title: Vice President, General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

PARTNERSHIP

 

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Ronald Palmese Jr.

 

Name: Ronald Palmese Jr.

 

Title: Vice President, General Counsel

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Randall Garutti

 

 

Randall Garutti

 

 

 

 

 

Residence Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A-1




Exhibit 10.18

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

Employment Agreement

 

This Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”), entered into on December 1, 2014, by and between Jeff Uttz (the “ Executive ”), Shake Shack Inc., a company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (“ Shake Shack ”) and SSE Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Partnership ” and, together with Shake Shack and any of the Affiliates of Shake Shack and the Partnership as may employ the Executive from time to time, and any successor(s) thereto, the “ Company ”).

 

RECITALS

 

A.                                     It is contemplated that Shake Shack will effect an initial public offering (the “ Offering ”) of shares of its common stock.

B.                                     The Company desires to assure itself of the services of the Executive by engaging the Executive to perform services under the terms hereof.

 

C.                                     The Executive desires to provide services to the Company on the terms herein provided.

 

D.                                     The Company and the Executive desire to have the Agreement become effective as of the date of the consummation of the Offering (the “ Effective Date ”).

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good and valuable consideration, including the respective covenants and agreements set forth below, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

 

1.                                       Certain Definitions

 

(a)                                  Affiliate ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Person where “control” shall have the meaning given such term under Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

(c)                                   Annual Base Salary ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) .

 

(d)                                  Annual Bonus ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(b) .

 

(e)                                   Annual Equity Award ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(c) .

 

(f)                                    Board ” shall mean the Board of Directors of Shake Shack.

 



 

(g)                                   Business ” shall mean the business of developing, managing, and/or operating of (i) “better burger” restaurants, (ii) “quick service” or “fast food” restaurants with an emphasis on hamburgers, and (iii) fast casual restaurants (i.e., restaurants that do not offer table service but promise a higher quality of food with fewer frozen or processed ingredients than a fast food restaurant; e.g., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Culvers and Panera).

 

(h)                                  The Company shall have “ Cause ” to terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder upon: (i) the willful misconduct, gross negligence or an act of dishonesty of the Executive with regard to the Company or any of its Affiliates, which in either case, results in or could reasonably be expected to result in material harm to the Company or such Affiliate; (ii) the willful and continued failure of the Executive to attempt to perform his duties with the Company or any of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from Disability), which failure is not remedied within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof; (iii) the conviction of the Executive of (or the plea by the Executive of guilty or nolo contendere to) any felony involving moral turpitude (other than traffic related offenses or as a result of vicarious liability); or (iv) a material breach by the Executive of any material provision of this Agreement, which breach is not remedied within 10 days after receiving written notice thereof.

 

(i)                                      Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(j)                                     Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

(k)                                  Date of Termination ” shall mean (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to the Executive’s Disability, the date determined pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii) ; or (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii)-(vi) either the date indicated in the Notice of Termination or the date specified by the Company pursuant to Section 4(b) , whichever is earlier.

 

(l)                                      Disability ” shall mean the Executive’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.

 

(m)                              Effective Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

(n)                                  Executive ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

(o)                                  Extension Term ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) .

 

(p)                                  The Executive shall have “ Good Reason ” to terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder after the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions without the Executive’s consent: (i) any material adverse change by the Company in the Annual Base Salary, position, duties, responsibilities, authority, title or reporting obligations, or the assignment of duties to the Executive by the Company that are materially inconsistent with the Executive’s position; (ii) a relocation of the Executive’s principal business location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location; or (iii) any other material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no

 

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termination for Good Reason will be effective unless: (A) the Executive provides the Company with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of his intent to resign for Good Reason (which notice must be provided within sixty (60) days following the occurrence of the event(s) purported to constitute Good Reason); (B) the Company has not remedied the alleged violation(s) within the thirty (30)-day period; and (C) the Executive’s resignation becomes effective no later than thirty (30) days after the Company has either failed to cure such event or indicated that it will not cure such event.

 

(q)                                  Initial Term ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) .

 

(r)                                     Notice of Termination ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b) .

 

(s)                                    Offering ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

(t)                                     Person ” shall mean any individual, natural person, corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, estate, trust, company (including any company limited by shares, limited liability company or joint stock company), incorporated or unincorporated association, governmental authority, firm, society or other enterprise, organization or other entity of any nature.

 

(u)                                  Release ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b) .

 

(v)                                  Release Expiration Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 20(c) .

 

(w)                                Section 409A ” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and the Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date.

 

(x)                                  Severance Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b) .

 

(y)                                  Term ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) .

 

2.                                       Employment

 

(a)                                  In General .  The Company shall employ the Executive under this Agreement and the Executive shall remain in the employ of the Company under this Agreement, for the period set forth in Section 2(b) , in the position set forth in Section 2(c) , and upon the other terms and conditions herein provided.

 

(b)                                  Term of Employment .  The initial term of employment under this Agreement (the “ Initial Term ”) shall be for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary thereof, unless earlier terminated as provided in Section 4 .  The Initial Term shall automatically be extended for successive one year periods (each, an “ Extension Term ” and, collectively with the Initial Term, the “ Term ”), unless either party hereto gives notice of non-extension of the Term to the other no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then-applicable Term.

 

3



 

(c)                                   Position and Duties .  During the Term, the Executive: (i) shall serve as Chief Financial Officer of Shake Shack and Chief Financial Officer of the Partnership, with responsibilities, duties and authority customary for such positions, subject to direction by the Chief Executive Officer; (ii) shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer; (iii) shall devote substantially all the Executive’s working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company; and (iv) agrees to observe and comply with the Company’s rules and policies as adopted by the Company from time to time.  The parties acknowledge and agree that Executive’s duties, responsibilities and authority may include services for one or more Affiliates of the Company.

 

3.                                       Compensation and Related Matters

 

(a)                                  Annual Base Salary .  During the Term, the Executive shall receive a base salary at a rate of $330,000 per annum, which shall be paid in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the Company, subject to review by the Board in its sole discretion (the “ Annual Base Salary ”).

 

(b)                                  Annual Bonus .  With respect to each Company fiscal year that commences during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus (the “ Annual Bonus ”) based on a target bonus opportunity of thirty-five percent (35%) of the Annual Base Salary, which shall be payable based upon the attainment of individual and Company performance goals established each fiscal year by the Board or the Compensation Committee thereof, with the opportunity to make up to seventy percent (70%) of the Annual Base Salary, which shall be payable if the Employee and Company exceed such performance goals.  Each such Annual Bonus shall be payable on, or at such date as is determined by the Board within 120 days following, the last day of the fiscal year with respect to which it relates.  Except as provided in Section 5 , notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3(b) , no bonus shall be payable with respect to any fiscal year unless the Executive remains continuously employed with the Company during the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the applicable bonus payment date.

 

(c)                                   Annual Equity Award .  With respect to each Company fiscal year commencing during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual equity compensation award (each such award, an “ Annual Equity Award ”).  The form and terms and conditions of each Annual Equity Award shall be determined by the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board) in its discretion and shall be set forth in one or more written award agreements between the Company and the Executive.

 

(d)                                  Benefits .  During the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements of the Company in accordance with their terms, as in effect from time to time, and as are generally provided by the Company to its senior executive officers.

 

(e)                                   Vacation; Holidays .  During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to four weeks and three days paid vacation each full calendar year.  Any vacation shall be taken at the reasonable and mutual convenience of the Company and the Executive. Holidays shall be provided in accordance with Company policy, as in effect from time to time.

 

4



 

(f)                                    Business Expenses .  During the Term, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable, documented, out-of-pocket travel and other business expenses incurred by the Executive in the performance of the Executive’s duties to the Company in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense reimbursement policies and procedures.

 

(g)                                   Indemnification .  During the Term and for so long thereafter as liability exists with regard to the Executive’s activities during the Term on behalf of the Company, the Company shall indemnify the Executive (other than in connection with the Executive’s gross negligence or willful misconduct) in accordance with the Company’s customary indemnification policies and procedures which are applicable to the Company’s officers and directors.

 

4.                                       Termination .   During the Term, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, without any breach of this Agreement only under the following circumstances:

 

(a)                                  Circumstances

 

(i)                                      Death .  The Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.

 

(ii)                                   Disability .  If the Executive incurs a Disability, the Company may give the Executive written notice of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment.  In that event, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate, effective on the later of the thirtieth (30 th ) day after receipt of such notice by the Executive or the date specified in such notice; provided that, within the thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder.

 

(iii)                                Termination for Cause .  The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause.

 

(iv)                               Termination without Cause .  The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause.

 

(v)                                  Resignation for Good Reason .  The Executive may resign from the Executive’s employment for Good Reason.

 

(vi)                               Resignation without Good Reason .  The Executive may resign from the Executive’s employment without Good Reason.

 

(b)                                  Notice of Termination .  Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive under this Section 4 (other than a termination pursuant to Section 4(a)(i) above) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto (a “ Notice of Termination ”): (i) indicating the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) except with, respect to a termination pursuant to Sections 4(a)(iv) or (vi) , setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) specifying a Date of Termination which, if submitted by the Executive, shall be at least thirty (30) days following the date of such notice; provided , however , that a Notice of Termination delivered by the Company

 

5



 

pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii) shall not be required to specify a Date of Termination, in which case the Date of Termination shall be determined pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii) ; provided ; further , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Executive delivers a Notice of Termination to the Company, the Company may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the Date of Termination to any date that occurs following the date of Company’s receipt of such Notice of Termination (even if such date is prior to the date specified in such Notice of Termination).  A Notice of Termination submitted by the Company (other than a Notice of Termination under Section 4(a)(ii) ) may provide for a Date of Termination on the date the Executive receives the Notice of Termination, or any date thereafter elected by the Company in its sole discretion.  The failure by the Company or the Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause or Good Reason shall not waive any right of the Company or the Executive hereunder or preclude the Company or the Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Company’s or the Executive’s rights hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a termination pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) shall be deemed to occur if following the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason the Company determines that circumstances existing prior to such termination would have entitled to the Company to terminate the Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) (disregarding any applicable cure period).

 

5.                                       Company Obligations Upon Termination of Employment

 

(a)                                  In General .  Upon a termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall be entitled to receive: (i) any portion of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination not theretofore paid, (ii) any expenses owed to the Executive under Section 3(f) , (iii) any accrued but unused vacation pay owed to the Executive pursuant to Section 3(e) , subject to the Company’s vacation policy, and (iv) any amount arising from the Executive’s participation in, or benefits under, any employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements under Section 3(d) , which amounts shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements.  Except as otherwise set forth in Section 5(b) below, the payments and benefits described in this Section 5(a) shall be the only payments and benefits payable in the event of the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason.

 

(b)                                  Termination without Cause or for Good Reason .  In the event of the Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv) or by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4(a)(v) , in addition to the payments and benefits described in Section 5(a) above, the Company shall, subject to Section 20 and Section 5(c) and subject to the Executive’s execution and non-revocation of a waiver and release of claims agreement in the Company’s customary form (a “ Release ”), as of the Release Expiration Date, in accordance with Section 20(c) :

 

(i)                                      Continue to pay to the Executive Annual Base Salary during the period beginning on the Date of Termination and ending on the first anniversary of the Date of Termination (such period, the “ Severance Period ”) in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practice as of the Date of Termination;

 

6



 

(ii)                                   Pay to the Executive an amount equal to the product of (A) the amount of the Annual Bonus that would have been payable to the Executive pursuant to Section 3(b) if the Executive was still employed as of the applicable bonus payment date in respect of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs based on actual individual and Company performance goals in such year and (B) the ratio of (x) the number of full months elapsed during the fiscal year during which such termination of employment occurs on or prior to the Date of Termination, to (y) twelve (12).  Any amount payable pursuant to this Section 5(b)(ii) shall, subject to Section 20 and Section 5(c) , be paid to Executive in accordance with Section 3(b) as if the Executive was still employed on the applicable bonus payment date, but in no event earlier than January 1, or later than December 31, of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs;

 

(iii)                                Accelerate the vesting of a pro rata amount of the Annual Equity Award that otherwise would vest at the end of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, such amount to based on the number of full (not partial) fiscal months elapsed during such fiscal year (for example, if Executive’s Date of Termination is June 30, 2014, fifty percent (50%) of the Annual Equity Award that otherwise would vest at the end of fiscal 2014 shall immediately vest, and Executive shall forfeit the remaining fifty percent (50%) of the Annual Equity Award scheduled to vest in fiscal 2014 as well as the remainder of the Annual Equity Award that otherwise would vest in subsequent fiscal years); and

 

(iv)                               During the Severance Period, if the Executive elects to continue coverage under the Company’s group health plan in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“ COBRA ”), continue coverage for the Executive and any eligible dependents under the Company group health benefit plans in which the Executive and any dependents were entitled to participate immediately prior to the Date of Termination.  In the event Executive elects to continue with COBRA coverage, provided , that Employee timely submits to the Company evidence of Executive’s payments made to the COBRA administrator, the Company will reimburse Executive for the Company’s share of the premiums associated therewith in an amount equal to what the Company pays for the health insurance premiums of other executive level employees at the Company.  The COBRA health continuation period under Section 4980B of the Code shall run concurrently with the period of continued coverage set forth in this Section 5(b)(iv) ; provided , however , that in the event Employee obtains other employment that offers group health benefits, such continuation of COBRA coverage by the Company under this Section 5(b)(iv) shall immediately cease.

 

(c)                                   Breach of Restrictive Covenants .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no payment or benefit shall be made or provided pursuant to Section 5(b) following the date the Executive first violates any of the restrictive covenants set forth in Section 6 or any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates.

 

(d)                                  Complete Severance .  The provisions of this Section 5 shall supersede in their entirety any severance payment or benefit obligations to the Executive pursuant to the provisions in any severance plan, policy, program or other arrangement maintained by the Company.

 

7



 

6.                                       Restrictive Covenants .  In consideration for the potential payments to the Executive hereunder, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Executive agrees to the following:

 

(a)                                  Confidentiality . The Executive shall not, at any time during the Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, use for the benefit of himself or any third party or disclose to any Person, firm, company or other entity (other than the Company or any of its Affiliates) any Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Board, except (i) as required in the performance of his duties to the Company and its Affiliates, (ii) to the extent that the Executive is required by law, subpoena or court order to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case, the Executive shall (1) provide the Board with the earliest notice possible that such disclosure is or may be required, (2) reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Affiliates, at the Company’s expense, in protecting, to the maximum extent legally permitted, the confidential or proprietary nature of such Confidential Information and (3) disclose only that Confidential Information which he is legally required to disclose), (iii) disclosing information that has been or is hereafter made public through no act or omission of the Executive in violation of this Agreement or any other confidentiality obligation or duty owed to the Company or its Affiliates, (iv) disclosing information and documents to his attorney or tax adviser for the purpose of securing legal or tax advice (provided that such Persons agree to keep such information confidential) or (v) disclosing only the post-employment restrictions in this Agreement in confidence to any potential new employer. The Executive shall take all actions necessary to protect the integrity of the business plans, customer lists, statistical data and compilations, agreements, contracts, manuals or other materials, in whatever form, of the Company and its Affiliates that contain Confidential Information, and upon the termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive agrees that all Confidential Information in his possession or under his control, directly or indirectly, that is in writing, computer generated or other tangible form (together with all duplicates thereof) will forthwith be returned to the Company and will not be retained by the Executive or furnished to any Person, either by sample, facsimile, film, audio or video cassette, electronic data, verbal communication or any other means of communication. The Executive agrees that the provisions of this Section 6 are reasonable and necessary to protect the proprietary rights of the Company and its Affiliates in the Confidential Information and trade secrets, goodwill and reputation. In addition, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain strictly confidential, and the Executive shall not disclose the terms and conditions hereof to any Person, other than immediate family members, legal advisors or personal tax or financial advisors, provided that each such Person agrees to keep such terms and conditions confidential.

 

(b)                                  Non-Competition .  The Executive shall not, during the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter (the “ Non-Compete Period ”), directly or indirectly, whether for himself or on behalf of any other Person, engage in, own, manage, operate, advise, provide financing to, control or participate in the ownership, management or control of, or be connected as an officer, employee, partner, director, or otherwise with, or have any financial interest (whether as a stockholder, director, officer, partner, consultant, proprietor, agent or otherwise) in, or aid or assist anyone else in the conduct of, any business that competes, directly or indirectly, with the Company or any of its Affiliates in the Business or is otherwise engaged in activities competitive with the Company or any of its Affiliates in the Business, in any jurisdiction in the United States of America (including, without limitation, Washington D.C. and

 

8


 

the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Georgia) or any other country in the world where the Company or any of its Affiliates are then engaged in the Business (the “ Restricted Area ”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of termination without Cause or for Good Reason, Executive shall have the right to compete against the Company with a fast casual Business without violating this Agreement; provided , however , that, in such event, Executive shall not be entitled to any amounts set forth in Section 5(b)(i) on or after the date Executive first competes in the fast casual Business.  The Executive agrees that the Restricted Area is reasonable taking into consideration the nature and scope of the operations of the Company and its Affiliates in the Business and the Executive’s role in such operations. It shall not be a violation of this Section 6(b) for the Executive to own less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of a corporation that is engaged in the Business whose shares are listed on a national stock exchange or traded in accordance with the automated quotation system of the National Association of Securities Dealers.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation . The Executive shall not, during the Non-Compete Period, either directly or indirectly, and whether for himself or on behalf of any other Person; (i) seek to persuade any employee or consultant of the Company or any of its Affiliates to discontinue or diminish his or her status or employment therewith or seek to persuade any employee, former employee (who was employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates at any time during the twelve (12)-month period prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company), or exclusive consultant of the Company or any of its Affiliates to become employed or to provide consulting or contract services to a business competitive with the Company or its Affiliates in the Business; (ii) solicit, employ or engage, or cause to be solicited, employed, or engaged, any person who is or was employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates at any time during the twelve (12)-month period prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company; or (iii) solicit, encourage, or induce any contractor, agent, client, customer, supplier, or the like of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate or diminish its/his relationship with, the Company or any of its Affiliates, or to refrain from entering into a relationship with the Company or any of its Affiliates, including, without limitation, any prospective contact, contractor, agent, client, customer, or the like of the Company or any of its Affiliates; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not prohibit the Executive from placing any general advertisements for employees so long as such general advertisements are not directed to any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates (provided that the Executive may not, during the time periods set forth in this Section 6(c) , hire or engage any such Person who responds to such general advertisement).

 

(d)                                  Non-Disparagement .  The Executive agrees not to disparage the Company, any of its products or practices, or any of its directors, officers, agents, representatives, partners, members, equity holders or Affiliates, either orally or in writing, at any time, and the Company agrees to instruct its directors and officers as of the Date of Termination not to disparage the Executive, either orally or in writing, at any time; provided that the Executive, the Company and the Company’s directors and officers may confer in confidence with their respective legal representatives and make truthful statements as required by law.

 

(e)                                   Return of Company Property .  On the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return all property belonging to the Company or its Affiliates (including, but not limited to, any Company-provided

 

9



 

laptops, computers, cell phones, wireless electronic mail devices or other equipment, or documents and property belonging to the Company).  The Executive may retain his rolodex and similar books, provided that such items only include contact information.

 

(f)                                    Remedies . In addition to whatever other rights and remedies the Company and its Affiliates may have at equity or in law (including, without limitation, the right to seek monetary damages), if the Executive breaches any of the provisions contained in this Section 6 , (i) the Company shall have the right immediately to terminate the Executive’s right to any amounts payable under this Agreement and (ii) the Company and its Affiliates shall have the right to injunctive relief, without the requirement to prove actual damages or to post any bond or other security, and to obtain the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees they incur in enforcing their rights under this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that (A) his breach of this Section 6 would cause irreparable injury to the Company and/or its Affiliates, (B) money damages alone would not provide an adequate remedy for the Company or its Affiliates, (C) his services to the Company are special, unique and extraordinary, and (D) the restrictions in this Section 6 (x) are no greater than required to protect the Company’s legitimate protectable interests (including, without limitation, the Confidential Information and the Company’s goodwill), (y) do not impose undue hardship on the Executive, and (z) are reasonable in duration and geographic scope.  The Executive further acknowledges that (I) any breach or claimed breach of the provisions set forth in this Agreement shall not be a defense to enforcement of the restrictions set forth in this Section 6 and (II) the circumstances of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company shall have no impact on his obligations under this Section 6 .

 

(g)                                   Blue Pencil .  In the event the terms of this Section 6 shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical area or by reason of its being too extensive in any other respect, it will be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time for which it may be enforceable, over the maximum geographical area as to which it may be enforceable, or to the maximum extent in all other respects as to which it may be enforceable, all as determined by such court in such action.

 

(h)                                  Tolling During Periods Of Breach . The Executive, Shake Shack and the Partnership agree and intend that the Executive’s obligations under this Section 6 be tolled during any period that the Executive is in breach of any of the obligations under this Section 6 , so that the Company and each Affiliate of the Company are provided with the full benefit of the restrictive periods set forth herein.

 

(i)                                      Third Party Beneficiary . The Company and each Affiliate of the Company are intended third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 6 and shall have the right to enforce the provisions of this Section 6 as if they were a party hereto.

 

(j)                                     Survival .  The Executive’s obligations under this Section 6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of his employment with the Company.

 

7.                                       Assignment and Successors .   The Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any entity, including any successor to all or substantially all the assets of the Company, by merger or otherwise, and may assign or encumber this Agreement and its

 

10



 

rights hereunder as security for indebtedness of the Company and its Affiliates.  The Executive may not assign the Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement to any individual or entity.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Executive and their respective successors, assigns, personnel and legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees, as applicable.

 

8.                                       Governing Law; Venue .   All issues and questions concerning the application, construction, validity, interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law, whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the Chancery Court of New Castle County, Delaware or the federal courts of the United States of America for the District of Delaware, unless the parties to any such action or dispute mutually agree to waive this provision. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by recognized express carrier or delivery service, to the applicable party at his, her or its address referred to herein. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives any objection which he, she or it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforementioned actions or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or any related agreement, certificate or instrument referred to above, brought in the courts referred to above and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in any inconvenient forum. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

9.                                       Validity .   The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

10.                                Notices .   Any notice, request, claim, demand, document and other communication hereunder to any party hereto shall be effective upon receipt (or refusal of receipt) and shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by telex, telecopy, or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, to the following address (or at any other address as any party hereto shall have specified by notice in writing to the other party hereto):

 

(a)                                  If to the Company:

 

Shake Shack Inc.

24 Union Square East — 5 th  Floor

New York, NY 10003

Attn:  Ronald Palmese, Jr., General Counsel

Email: rpalmese@ushgnyc.com

Phone: 646-237-5039

 

Copy to:

 

11



 

Latham & Watkins LLP

885 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022-4802

Attn:

Howard A. Sobel

 

Bradd L. Williamson

Facsimile:  (212) 751-4864

 

(b)                                  If to the Executive, at the address set forth on the signature page hereto.

 

11.                                Counterparts .   This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

12.                                Entire Agreement .   The terms of this Agreement (together with any other agreements and instruments contemplated hereby or referred to herein) is intended by the parties hereto to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Company and may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous agreement (including, without limitation, any term sheet or offer letter).  The parties hereto further intend that this Agreement shall constitute the complete and exclusive statement of its terms and that no extrinsic evidence whatsoever may be introduced in any judicial, administrative, or other legal proceeding to vary the terms of this Agreement.

 

13.                                Amendments; Waivers .   This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of Shake Shack and the Partnership and approved by the Board, which expressly identifies the amended provision of this Agreement. By an instrument in writing similarly executed and approved by the Board, the Executive or a duly authorized officer of Shake Shack or the Partnership may waive compliance by the other party or parties hereto with any provision of this Agreement that such other party was or is obligated to comply with or perform; provided , however , that such waiver shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any other or subsequent failure to comply or perform.  No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy, or power hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise of any other right, remedy, or power provided herein or by law or in equity.

 

14.                                No Inconsistent Actions .   The parties hereto shall not voluntarily undertake or fail to undertake any action or course of action inconsistent with the provisions or essential intent of this Agreement.  Furthermore, it is the intent of the parties hereto to act in a fair and reasonable manner with respect to the interpretation and application of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

15.                                Construction .   This Agreement shall be deemed drafted equally by both of the parties hereto.  Its language shall be construed as a whole and according to its fair meaning.  Any presumption or principle that the language is to be construed against any party hereto shall not apply.  The headings in this Agreement are only for convenience and are not intended to affect construction or interpretation.  Any references to paragraphs, subparagraphs, sections or subsections are to those parts of this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.  Also, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, (a) the plural includes the

 

12



 

singular and the singular includes the plural; (b) “and” and “or” are each used both conjunctively and disjunctively; (c) “any,” “all,” “each,” or “every” means “any and all,” and “each and every”; (d) “includes” and “including” are each “without limitation”; (e) “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other similar compounds of the word “here” refer to the entire Agreement and not to any particular paragraph, subparagraph, section or subsection; and (f) all pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural as the identity of the Persons referred to may require.

 

16.                                Enforcement .   If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws effective during the term of this Agreement, such provision shall be fully severable; this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a portion of this Agreement; and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement.  Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.

 

17.                                Withholding .   The Company and its Affiliates shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement, any federal, state, local or foreign withholding or other taxes or charges which the Company or any of its Affiliates is required to withhold.  The Company and its Affiliates shall be entitled to rely on an opinion of counsel if any questions as to the amount or requirement of withholding shall arise.

 

18.                                Absence of Conflicts; Executive Acknowledgement; Confidentiality .   The Executive hereby represents that from and after the Effective Date the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder will not breach any other agreement to which the Executive is a party.  The Executive acknowledges that the Executive has read and understands this Agreement, is fully aware of its legal effect, has not acted in reliance upon any representations or promises made by the Company or any of its Affiliates other than those contained in writing herein, and has entered into this Agreement freely based on the Executive’s own judgment.  The Executive agrees not to disclose the terms or existence of this Agreement to any Person unless the Company agrees to such disclosure in advance and in writing; provided that the Executive may, without such permission, make such disclosures as are required by applicable law, including disclosures to taxing agencies, and disclose the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s attorney(s), accountant(s), tax advisor(s), and other professional service provider(s), and to members of the Executive’s immediate family, as reasonably necessary; provided , further , that the Executive instructs such Person(s) that the terms of this Agreement are strictly confidential and are not to be revealed to anyone else except as required by applicable law.

 

19.                                Survival .   The expiration or termination of the Term shall not impair the rights or obligations of any party hereto which shall have accrued prior to such expiration or termination (including, without limitation, pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 hereof).

 

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20.                                Section 409A .

 

(a)                                  General .  The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, to the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with, and incorporate the terms and conditions required by, Section 409A.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Company determines that any amounts payable hereunder will be immediately taxable to the Executive under Section 409A, the Company reserves the right (without any obligation to do so or to indemnify the Executive for failure to do so) to (i) adopt such amendments to this Agreement and appropriate policies and procedures, including amendments and policies with retroactive effect, that the Company determines to be necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided by this Agreement, to preserve the economic benefits of this Agreement and to avoid less favorable accounting or tax consequences for the Company and/or (ii) take such other actions as the Company determines to be necessary or appropriate to exempt the amounts payable hereunder from Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A and thereby avoid the application of penalty taxes thereunder.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall any liability for failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A be transferred from the Executive or any other individual to the Company or any of its Affiliates, employees or agents pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise.

 

(b)                                  Separation from Service under Section 409A .  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement:  (i) no amount shall be payable pursuant to Section 5(b) unless the termination of the Executive’s employment constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Department of Treasury Regulations; (ii) for purposes of Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive installment payments pursuant to Section 5(b) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments; and (iii) to the extent that any reimbursement of expenses or in-kind benefits constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A, such reimbursement or benefit shall be provided no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred.  The amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year.  The amount of any in-kind benefits provided in one year shall not affect the amount of in-kind benefits provided in any other year. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Executive is deemed at the time of his separation from service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of the termination benefits to which the Executive is entitled under this Agreement is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such portion of the Executive’s termination benefits shall not be provided to the Executive prior to the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company (as such term is defined in the Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A of the Code) or (B) the date of the Executive’s death; upon the earlier of such dates, all payments deferred pursuant to this sentence shall be paid in a lump sum to the Executive, and any remaining payments due under the Agreement shall be paid as otherwise provided herein.

 

(c)                                   Release .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to the extent that any payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of

 

14



 

Section 409A) due under this Agreement as a result of the Executive’s termination of employment are subject to the Executive’s execution, delivery and non-revocation of a Release, (i) the Company shall deliver the Release to the Executive within seven (7) days following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the Executive fails to execute the Release on or prior to the Release Expiration Date (as defined below) or timely revokes his acceptance of the Release thereafter, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits otherwise conditioned on the Release.  For purposes of this Section 20(c) , “ Release Expiration Date ” shall mean the date that is twenty-one (21) days following the date upon which the Company timely delivers the Release to the Executive, or, in the event that the Executive’s termination of employment is “in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program” (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967), the date that is forty-five (45) days following such delivery date.  To the extent that any payments of nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) due under this Agreement as a result of the Executive’s termination of employment are delayed pursuant to Section 5(b) and this Section 20(c) , such amounts shall be paid in a lump sum on the first payroll date to occur on or after the 60th day following the Date of Termination, provided that, as of such 60th day, the Executive has executed and has not revoked the Release (and any applicable revocation period has expired).

 

21.                                Compensation Recovery Policy .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent the Company adopts any clawback or similar policy pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or otherwise, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, he shall take all action necessary or appropriate to comply with such policy (including, without limitation, entering into any further agreements, amendments or policies necessary or appropriate to implement and/or enforce such policy).

 

[Signature pages follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement on the date and year first above written, effective as of the Effective Date.

 

 

 

SHAKE SHACK

 

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Ronald Palmese Jr.

 

Name: Ronald Palmese Jr.

 

Title: Vice President, General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

PARTNERSHIP

 

 

 

SSE HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Ronald Palmese Jr.

 

Name: Ronald Palmese Jr.

 

Title: Vice President, General Counsel

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeff Uttz

 

 

Jeff Uttz

 

 

 

 

 

Residence Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A-1




Exhibit 10.19

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.
2015 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

 

STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE AND

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2015 Incentive Award Plan, as amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the holder listed below (“ Participant ”) an option to purchase the number of shares of the Common Stock set forth below (the “ Option ”).  The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Stock Option Grant Notice (this “ Grant Notice ”) and the Stock Option Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Agreement ”) and the Plan, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.  Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Grant Notice and the Option Agreement.

 

Participant:

 

 

Grant Date:

 

 

Exercise Price Per Share:

 

$

Total Exercise Price:

 

$

Total Number of Shares Subject to Option:

 

 

Expiration Date:

 

                  ,

Type of Option:

 

o Incentive Stock Option o Non-Qualified Stock Option

Vesting Schedule:

 

The Option shall vest in equal installments of 20% of the total number of shares subject to the Option on the last business day of each of the first five fiscal years ending after the Grant Date.

 

By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Agreement and the Grant Notice.  Participant has reviewed the Agreement, the Plan and the Grant Notice in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing the Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Plan.  Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, the Grant Notice or the Agreement. If Participant is married, his or her spouse has signed the Consent of Spouse attached to this Grant Notice as Exhibit B .

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

PARTICIPANT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

By:

 

Print Name:

 

 

Print Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 



 

EXHIBIT A

TO STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

 

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Pursuant to the Grant Notice to which this Agreement is attached, the Company has granted to Participant an Option under the Plan to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock set forth in the Grant Notice.

 

ARTICLE I.
GENERAL

 

1.1                                Defined Terms .  Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Plan or the Grant Notice.

 

1.2                                Incorporation of Terms of Plan .  The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference.  In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall control.

 

ARTICLE II.
GRANT OF OPTION

 

2.1                                Grant of Option .  In consideration of Participant’s past and/or continued employment with or service to the Company or a Subsidiary and for other good and valuable consideration, effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “ Grant Date ”), the Company has granted to Participant the Option to purchase any part or all of an aggregate number of shares of Common Stock set forth in the Grant Notice, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Notice, the Plan and this Agreement, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 14.2 of the Plan.

 

2.2                                Exercise Price .  The exercise price per share of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option (the “ Exercise Price ”) shall be as set forth in the Grant Notice.

 

2.3                                Consideration to the Company .  In consideration of the grant of the Option by the Company, Participant agrees to render faithful and efficient services to the Company or any Subsidiary. Nothing in the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement shall confer upon Participant any right to continue in the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.

 

ARTICLE III.
PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY

 

3.1                                            Commencement of Exercisability .

 

(a)                                  Subject to Participant’s continued employment with or service to the Company or a Subsidiary on each applicable vesting date and subject to Sections 3.2, 3.3, 5.9 and 5.14 hereof, the Option shall become vested and exercisable in such amounts and at such times as are set forth in the Grant Notice.

 

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(b)                                  Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or as set forth in a written agreement between Participant and the Company, any portion of the Option that has not become vested and exercisable on or prior to the date of Participant’s Termination of Service shall be forfeited on the date of Participant’s Termination of Service and shall not thereafter become vested or exercisable.

 

3.2                                            Duration of Exercisability .  The installments provided for in the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice are cumulative.  Each such installment which becomes vested and exercisable pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice shall remain vested and exercisable until it becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof. Once the Option becomes unexercisable, it shall be forfeited immediately.

 

3.3                                            Expiration of Option .  The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after the first to occur of the following events:

 

(a)                                  The expiration date set forth in the Grant Notice;

 

(b)                                  Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, in the event of Participant’s Termination of Service other than for Cause or by reason of Participant’s death or disability, the expiration of three (3) months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service;

 

(c)                                   Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of one (1) year from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s death or disability; or

 

(d)                                  Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, upon Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause.

 

As used in this Agreement, (i) “ Cause ” shall mean (A) willful misconduct, gross negligence or an act of dishonesty of Participant with regard to the Company or any of its Affiliates, which in either case, results in or could reasonably be expected to result in material harm to the Company or such Affiliate; (B) the willful and continued failure of Participant to attempt to perform his or her duties with the Company or any of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from Disability), which failure is not remedied within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof; (C) the conviction of Participant of (or the plea by Participant of guilty or nolo contendere to) any felony involving moral turpitude (other than traffic related offenses or as a result of vicarious liability); or (D) a material breach by Participant of any material provision of any written employment or consulting agreement, which breach is not remedied within 10 days after receiving written notice thereof and (ii) “ Disability ” shall mean Participant’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Participant is a party to a written employment or consulting agreement with the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) in which the term “cause” is defined, then “Cause” shall be as such term is defined in the applicable written employment or consulting agreement.

 

3.4                                Tax Withholding .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

 

(a)                                  The Company and its Subsidiaries have the authority to deduct or withhold, or require Participant to remit to the Company or the applicable Subsidiary, an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state, local and foreign taxes (including the employee portion of any FICA obligation) required by law to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising pursuant to this Agreement.  The Company and its Subsidiaries may withhold or Participant may make such payment in one or more of the forms specified below:

 

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(i)                                      by cash or check made payable to the Company or the Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises;

 

(ii)                                   by the deduction of such amount from other compensation payable to Participant;

 

(iii)                                with respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the exercise of the Option, with the consent of the Administrator, by requesting that the Company withhold a net number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Option having a then current Fair Market Value not exceeding the amount necessary to satisfy the withholding obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes;

 

(iv)                               with respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the exercise of the Option, with the consent of the Administrator, by tendering to the Company shares of Common Stock having a then current Fair Market Value not exceeding the amount necessary to satisfy the withholding obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes;

 

(v)                                  with respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the exercise of the Option, through the delivery of a notice that Participant has placed a market sell order with a broker acceptable to the Company with respect to shares of Common Stock then issuable to Participant pursuant to the Option, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company or the Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises in satisfaction of such withholding taxes; provided that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company or the applicable Subsidiary at such time as may be required by the Administrator, but in any event not later than the settlement of such sale; or

 

(vi)                               in any combination of the foregoing.

 

(b)                                  With respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the Option, in the event Participant fails to provide timely payment of all sums required pursuant to Section 3.4(a), the Company shall have the right and option, but not the obligation, to treat such failure as an election by Participant to satisfy all or any portion of Participant’s required payment obligation pursuant to Section 3.4(a)(ii) or Section 3.4(a)(iii) above, or any combination of the foregoing as the Company may determine to be appropriate. The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any certificate representing shares of Common Stock issuable with respect to the exercise of the Option to, or to cause any such shares of Common Stock to be held in book-entry form by, Participant or his or her legal representative unless and until Participant or his or her legal representative shall have paid or otherwise satisfied in full the amount of all federal, state, local and foreign taxes applicable with respect to the taxable income of Participant resulting from the exercise of the Option or any other taxable event related to the Option.

 

(c)                                   In the event any tax withholding obligation arising in connection with the Option will be satisfied under Section 3.4(a)(iii), then the Company may elect to instruct any brokerage firm determined acceptable to the Company for such purpose to sell on Participant’s behalf a whole number of shares from those shares of Common Stock then issuable upon the exercise of the Option as the Company determines to be appropriate to generate cash proceeds sufficient to satisfy the tax withholding obligation and to remit the proceeds of such sale to the Company or the Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises.  Participant’s acceptance of this Award constitutes Participant’s instruction and authorization to the Company and such brokerage firm to complete the transactions described in this Section 3.4(c), including the transactions described in the previous sentence, as applicable.  The Company

 

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may refuse to issue any shares of Common Stock to Participant until the foregoing tax withholding obligations are satisfied, provided that no payment shall be delayed under this Section 3.4(c) if such delay will result in a violation of Section 409A of the Code.

 

(d)                                  Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the Option, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax withholding obligations that arise in connection with the Option.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of Common Stock.  The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax liability.

 

ARTICLE IV.
EXERCISE OF OPTION

 

4.1                                            Person Eligible to Exercise .  During the lifetime of Participant, only Participant may exercise the Option or any portion thereof.  After the death of Participant, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time when the Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof, be exercised by Participant’s personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Participant’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

 

4.2                                            Partial Exercise .  Subject to Section 5.2, any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof.

 

4.3                                            Manner of Exercise .  The Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivery to the Secretary of the Company (or any third party administrator or other person or entity designated by the Company), during regular business hours, of all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof.

 

(a)                                  An exercise notice in a form specified by the Administrator, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Administrator;

 

(b)                                  The receipt by the Company of full payment for the shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Option or portion thereof is exercised, in such form of consideration permitted under Section 4.4 hereof that is acceptable to the Administrator;

 

(c)                                   The payment of any applicable withholding tax in accordance with Section 3.4;

 

(d)                                  Any other written representations or documents as may be required in the Administrator’s sole discretion to effect compliance with Applicable Law; and

 

(e)                                   In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof by any person or persons other than Participant, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option.

 

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Administrator shall have the right to specify all conditions of the manner of exercise, which conditions may vary by country and which may be subject to change from time to time.

 

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4.4                                            Method of Payment .  Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Participant:

 

(a)                                  Cash or check;

 

(b)                                  With the consent of the Administrator, surrender of shares of Common Stock (including, without limitation, shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon exercise of the Option) held for such period of time as may be required by the Administrator in order to avoid adverse accounting consequences and having a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Option or exercised portion thereof;

 

(c)                                   Through the delivery of a notice that Participant has placed a market sell order with a broker acceptable to the Company with respect to shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of the Option, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the Option exercise price; provided that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator, but in any event not later than the settlement of such sale; or

 

(d)                                  Any other form of legal consideration acceptable to the Administrator.

 

4.5                                            Conditions to Issuance of Common Stock .  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of the Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions: (a) the admission of such shares of Common Stock to listing on all stock exchanges on which such Common Stock is then listed, (b) the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares of Common Stock under any state or federal law or under rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or other governmental regulatory body, which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable, (c) the obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable, (d) the receipt by the Company of full payment for such shares of Common Stock, which may be in one or more of the forms of consideration permitted under Section 4.4 hereof, and (e) the receipt of full payment of any applicable withholding tax in accordance with Section 3.4 by the Company or its Subsidiary with respect to which the applicable withholding obligation arises.

 

4.6                                            Rights as Stockholder .  Neither Participant nor any person or entity claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of any part of the Option unless and until certificates representing such shares of Common Stock (which may be in book-entry form) will have been issued and recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars and delivered to Participant (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account).  No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of such issuance, recordation and delivery, except as provided in Section 14.2 of the Plan.  Except as otherwise provided herein, after such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to such shares of Common Stock, including, without limitation, the right to receipt of dividends and distributions on such shares.

 

ARTICLE V.
OTHER PROVISIONS

 

5.1                                Administration .  The Administrator shall have the power to interpret the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of

 

A- 5



 

the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons.  To the extent allowable pursuant to Applicable Law, no member of the Committee or the Board will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made with respect to the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

 

5.2                                Whole Shares .  The Option may only be exercised for whole shares of Common Stock.

 

5.3                                Option Not Transferable .  Subject to Section 4.1 hereof, the Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, unless and until the shares of Common Stock underlying the Option have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such Shares have lapsed.  Neither the Option nor any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of Participant or his or her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is permitted by the preceding sentence.

 

5.4                                Adjustments .  The Administrator may accelerate the vesting of all or a portion of the Option in such circumstances as it, in its sole discretion, may determine.  In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events relating to the Common Stock contemplated by Section 14.2 of the Plan (including, without limitation, an extraordinary cash dividend on such Common Stock), the Administrator may make such adjustments as the Administrator deems appropriate in the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option, the exercise price of the Option and the kind of securities that may be issued upon exercise of the Option.  Participant acknowledges that the Option is subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan, including Section 14.2 of the Plan.

 

5.5                                Notices .  Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal office, and any notice to be given to Participant shall be addressed to Participant at Participant’s last address reflected on the Company’s records.  By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.5, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to that party.  Any notice shall be deemed duly given when sent via email or when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service.

 

5.6                                Titles .  Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

 

5.7                                Governing Law .   The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity, administration, enforcement and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws.

 

5.8                                Conformity to Securities Laws .  Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws, including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and any and all regulations and rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities laws and regulations.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered, and the

 

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Option is granted and may be exercised, only in such a manner as to conform to Applicable Law.  To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to Applicable Law.

 

5.9                                Amendment, Suspension and Termination .  To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator or the Board , provided that, except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall adversely affect the Option in any material way without the prior written consent of Participant.

 

5.10                         Successors and Assigns .  The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company.  Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 5.3 and the Plan, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

5.11                         Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons .  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Option, the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule.  To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

 

5.12                         Not a Contract of Employment .  Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon Participant any right to continue to serve as an employee or other service provider of the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.

 

5.13                         Entire Agreement .  The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

5.14                         Section 409A .  This Award is not intended to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (together with any Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the date hereof, “ Section 409A ”).  However, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, if at any time the Administrator determines that this Award (or any portion thereof) may be subject to Section 409A, the Administrator shall have the right in its sole discretion (without any obligation to do so or to indemnify Participant or any other person for failure to do so) to adopt such amendments to the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, as the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate for this Award either to be exempt from the application of Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

 

5.15                         Agreement Severable .  In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or

 

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unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

 

5.16                                     Limitation on Participant’s Rights .  Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided.  This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and shall not be construed as creating a trust.  Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets.  Participant shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the Option, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Common Stock as a general unsecured creditor with respect to options, as and when exercised pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

5.17                                     Counterparts .  The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

 

5.18                                     Broker-Assisted Sales .  In the event of any broker-assisted sale of shares of Common Stock in connection with the payment of withholding taxes as provided in Section 3.4(a)(v) or Section 3.4(c) or the payment of the exercise price as provided in Section 4.4(c): (a) any shares of Common Stock to be sold through a broker-assisted sale will be sold on the day the tax withholding obligation or exercise of the Option, as applicable, occurs or arises, or as soon thereafter as practicable; (b) such shares of Common Stock may be sold as part of a block trade with other participants in the Plan in which all participants receive an average price; (c) Participant will be responsible for all broker’s fees and other costs of sale, and Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale; (d) to the extent the proceeds of such sale exceed the applicable tax withholding obligation or exercise price, the Company agrees to pay such excess in cash to Participant as soon as reasonably practicable; (e) Participant acknowledges that the Company or its designee is under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price, and that the proceeds of any such sale may not be sufficient to satisfy the applicable tax withholding obligation or exercise price; and (f) in the event the proceeds of such sale are insufficient to satisfy the applicable tax withholding obligation, Participant agrees to pay immediately upon demand to the Company or its Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy any remaining portion of the Company’s or the applicable Subsidiary’s withholding obligation.

 

5.19                                     Incentive Stock Options .  Participant acknowledges that to the extent the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Common Stock (determined as of the time the option with respect to the shares is granted) with respect to which Incentive Stock Options, including this Option (if applicable), are exercisable for the first time by Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000 or if for any other reason such Incentive Stock Options do not qualify or cease to qualify for treatment as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code, such Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options.  Participant further acknowledges that the rule set forth in the preceding sentence shall be applied by taking the Option and other stock options into account in the order in which they were granted, as determined under Section 422(d) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.  Participant also acknowledges that an Incentive Stock Option exercised more than three (3) months after Participant’s Termination of Service, other than by reason of death or disability, will be taxed as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

 

5.20                                     Notification of Disposition .  If this Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option, Participant shall give prompt written notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any shares of Common Stock acquired under this Agreement if such disposition or transfer is made (a) within two (2) years from the Grant Date or (b) within one (1) year after the transfer of such shares of Common Stock to Participant.  Such notice shall specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the

 

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amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by Participant in such disposition or other transfer.

 

* * * *

 

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EXHIBIT B
TO OPTION AWARD GRANT NOTICE

 

CONSENT OF SPOUSE

 

I,                , spouse of                , have read and approve the Stock Option Grant Notice and the Stock Option Agreement (collectively, the “ Stock Option Documentation ”).  In consideration of issuing to my spouse the option to purchase shares of common stock of Shake Shack Inc. set forth in the Stock Option Documentation, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact in respect of the exercise of any rights under the Stock Option Documentation and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Stock Option Documentation insofar as I may have any rights in the Stock Option Documentation or any common stock of Shake Shack Inc. issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the Stock Option Documentation.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of Spouse

 

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Exhibit 10.20

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.
2015 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

 

STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE AND

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Shake Shack Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2015 Incentive Award Plan, as amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the holder listed below (“ Participant ”) an option to purchase the number of shares of the Common Stock set forth below (the “ Option ”).  The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Stock Option Grant Notice (this “ Grant Notice ”) and the Stock Option Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Agreement ”) and the Plan, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.  Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Grant Notice and the Option Agreement.

 

Participant:

 

 

Grant Date:

 

 

Exercise Price Per Share:

 

$

Total Exercise Price:

 

$

Total Number of Shares Subject to Option:

 

 

Expiration Date:

 

                  ,

Type of Option:

 

o Incentive Stock Option o Non-Qualified Stock Option

Vesting Schedule:

 

The Option shall fully vest on the last business day of the first fiscal year ending after the Grant Date.

 

By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Agreement and the Grant Notice.  Participant has reviewed the Agreement, the Plan and the Grant Notice in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing the Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Plan.  Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, the Grant Notice or the Agreement. If Participant is married, his or her spouse has signed the Consent of Spouse attached to this Grant Notice as Exhibit B .

 

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

PARTICIPANT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

By:

 

Print Name:

 

 

Print Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 



 

EXHIBIT A

TO STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

 

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Pursuant to the Grant Notice to which this Agreement is attached, the Company has granted to Participant an Option under the Plan to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock set forth in the Grant Notice.

 

ARTICLE I.
GENERAL

 

1.1                                Defined Terms .  Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Plan or the Grant Notice.

 

1.2                                Incorporation of Terms of Plan .  The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference.  In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall control.

 

ARTICLE II.
GRANT OF OPTION

 

2.1                                Grant of Option .  In consideration of Participant’s past and/or continued employment with or service to the Company or a Subsidiary and for other good and valuable consideration, effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “ Grant Date ”), the Company has granted to Participant the Option to purchase any part or all of an aggregate number of shares of Common Stock set forth in the Grant Notice, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Notice, the Plan and this Agreement, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 14.2 of the Plan.

 

2.2                                Exercise Price.   The exercise price per share of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option (the “ Exercise Price ”) shall be as set forth in the Grant Notice.

 

2.3                                Consideration to the Company .  In consideration of the grant of the Option by the Company, Participant agrees to render faithful and efficient services to the Company or any Subsidiary. Nothing in the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement shall confer upon Participant any right to continue in the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.

 

ARTICLE III.
PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY

 

3.1                                            Commencement of Exercisability .

 

(a)                                  Subject to Participant’s continued employment with or service to the Company or a Subsidiary on each applicable vesting date and subject to Sections 3.2, 3.3, 5.9 and 5.14 hereof, the Option shall become vested and exercisable in such amounts and at such times as are set forth in the Grant Notice.

 

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(b)                                  Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or as set forth in a written agreement between Participant and the Company, any portion of the Option that has not become vested and exercisable on or prior to the date of Participant’s Termination of Service shall be forfeited on the date of Participant’s Termination of Service and shall not thereafter become vested or exercisable.

 

3.2                                            Duration of Exercisability .  The installments provided for in the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice are cumulative.  Each such installment which becomes vested and exercisable pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice shall remain vested and exercisable until it becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof. Once the Option becomes unexercisable, it shall be forfeited immediately.

 

3.3                                            Expiration of Option .  The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after the first to occur of the following events:

 

(a)                                  The expiration date set forth in the Grant Notice;

 

(b)                                  Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, in the event of Participant’s Termination of Service other than for Cause or by reason of Participant’s death or disability, the expiration of three (3) months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service;

 

(c)                                   Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of one (1) year from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s death or disability; or

 

(d)                                  Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, upon Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause.

 

As used in this Agreement, (i) “ Cause ” shall mean (A) willful misconduct, gross negligence or an act of dishonesty of Participant with regard to the Company or any of its Affiliates, which in either case, results in or could reasonably be expected to result in material harm to the Company or such Affiliate; (B) the willful and continued failure of Participant to attempt to perform his or her duties with the Company or any of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from Disability), which failure is not remedied within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof; (C) the conviction of Participant of (or the plea by Participant of guilty or nolo contendere to) any felony involving moral turpitude (other than traffic related offenses or as a result of vicarious liability); or (D) a material breach by Participant of any material provision of any written employment or consulting agreement, which breach is not remedied within 10 days after receiving written notice thereof and (ii) “ Disability ” shall mean Participant’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Participant is a party to a written employment or consulting agreement with the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) in which the term “cause” is defined, then “Cause” shall be as such term is defined in the applicable written employment or consulting agreement.

 

3.4                                Tax Withholding .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

 

(a)                                  The Company and its Subsidiaries have the authority to deduct or withhold, or require Participant to remit to the Company or the applicable Subsidiary, an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state, local and foreign taxes (including the employee portion of any FICA obligation) required by law to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising pursuant to this Agreement.  The Company and its Subsidiaries may withhold or Participant may make such payment in one or more of the forms specified below:

 

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(i)                                      by cash or check made payable to the Company or the Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises;

 

(ii)                                   by the deduction of such amount from other compensation payable to Participant;

 

(iii)                                with respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the exercise of the Option, with the consent of the Administrator, by requesting that the Company withhold a net number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Option having a then current Fair Market Value not exceeding the amount necessary to satisfy the withholding obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes;

 

(iv)                               with respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the exercise of the Option, with the consent of the Administrator, by tendering to the Company shares of Common Stock having a then current Fair Market Value not exceeding the amount necessary to satisfy the withholding obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes;

 

(v)                                  with respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the exercise of the Option, through the delivery of a notice that Participant has placed a market sell order with a broker acceptable to the Company with respect to shares of Common Stock then issuable to Participant pursuant to the Option, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company or the Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises in satisfaction of such withholding taxes; provided that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company or the applicable Subsidiary at such time as may be required by the Administrator, but in any event not later than the settlement of such sale; or

 

(vi)                               in any combination of the foregoing.

 

(b)                                  With respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the Option, in the event Participant fails to provide timely payment of all sums required pursuant to Section 3.4(a), the Company shall have the right and option, but not the obligation, to treat such failure as an election by Participant to satisfy all or any portion of Participant’s required payment obligation pursuant to Section 3.4(a)(ii) or Section 3.4(a)(iii) above, or any combination of the foregoing as the Company may determine to be appropriate. The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any certificate representing shares of Common Stock issuable with respect to the exercise of the Option to, or to cause any such shares of Common Stock to be held in book-entry form by, Participant or his or her legal representative unless and until Participant or his or her legal representative shall have paid or otherwise satisfied in full the amount of all federal, state, local and foreign taxes applicable with respect to the taxable income of Participant resulting from the exercise of the Option or any other taxable event related to the Option.

 

(c)                                   In the event any tax withholding obligation arising in connection with the Option will be satisfied under Section 3.4(a)(iii), then the Company may elect to instruct any brokerage firm determined acceptable to the Company for such purpose to sell on Participant’s behalf a whole number of shares from those shares of Common Stock then issuable upon the exercise of the Option as the Company determines to be appropriate to generate cash proceeds sufficient to satisfy the tax withholding obligation and to remit the proceeds of such sale to the Company or the Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises.  Participant’s acceptance of this Award constitutes Participant’s instruction and authorization to the Company and such brokerage firm to complete the transactions described in this Section 3.4(c), including the transactions described in the previous sentence, as applicable.  The Company

 

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may refuse to issue any shares of Common Stock to Participant until the foregoing tax withholding obligations are satisfied, provided that no payment shall be delayed under this Section 3.4(c) if such delay will result in a violation of Section 409A of the Code.

 

(d)                                  Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the Option, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax withholding obligations that arise in connection with the Option.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of Common Stock.  The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax liability.

 

ARTICLE IV.
EXERCISE OF OPTION

 

4.1                                            Person Eligible to Exercise .  During the lifetime of Participant, only Participant may exercise the Option or any portion thereof.  After the death of Participant, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time when the Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof, be exercised by Participant’s personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Participant’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

 

4.2                                            Partial Exercise .  Subject to Section 5.2, any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof.

 

4.3                                            Manner of Exercise .  The Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivery to the Secretary of the Company (or any third party administrator or other person or entity designated by the Company), during regular business hours, of all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof.

 

(a)                                  An exercise notice in a form specified by the Administrator, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Administrator;

 

(b)                                  The receipt by the Company of full payment for the shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Option or portion thereof is exercised, in such form of consideration permitted under Section 4.4 hereof that is acceptable to the Administrator;

 

(c)                                   The payment of any applicable withholding tax in accordance with Section 3.4;

 

(d)                                  Any other written representations or documents as may be required in the Administrator’s sole discretion to effect compliance with Applicable Law; and

 

(e)                                   In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof by any person or persons other than Participant, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option.

 

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Administrator shall have the right to specify all conditions of the manner of exercise, which conditions may vary by country and which may be subject to change from time to time.

 

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4.4                                            Method of Payment .  Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Participant:

 

(a)                                  Cash or check;

 

(b)                                  With the consent of the Administrator, surrender of shares of Common Stock (including, without limitation, shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon exercise of the Option) held for such period of time as may be required by the Administrator in order to avoid adverse accounting consequences and having a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Option or exercised portion thereof;

 

(c)                                   Through the delivery of a notice that Participant has placed a market sell order with a broker acceptable to the Company with respect to shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of the Option, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the Option exercise price; provided that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator, but in any event not later than the settlement of such sale; or

 

(d)                                  Any other form of legal consideration acceptable to the Administrator.

 

4.5                                            Conditions to Issuance of Common Stock .  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of the Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions: (a) the admission of such shares of Common Stock to listing on all stock exchanges on which such Common Stock is then listed, (b) the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares of Common Stock under any state or federal law or under rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or other governmental regulatory body, which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable, (c) the obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable, (d) the receipt by the Company of full payment for such shares of Common Stock, which may be in one or more of the forms of consideration permitted under Section 4.4 hereof, and (e) the receipt of full payment of any applicable withholding tax in accordance with Section 3.4 by the Company or its Subsidiary with respect to which the applicable withholding obligation arises.

 

4.6                                            Rights as Stockholder .  Neither Participant nor any person or entity claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of any part of the Option unless and until certificates representing such shares of Common Stock (which may be in book-entry form) will have been issued and recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars and delivered to Participant (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account).  No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of such issuance, recordation and delivery, except as provided in Section 14.2 of the Plan.  Except as otherwise provided herein, after such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to such shares of Common Stock, including, without limitation, the right to receipt of dividends and distributions on such shares.

 

ARTICLE V.
OTHER PROVISIONS

 

5.1                                Administration .  The Administrator shall have the power to interpret the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of

 

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the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons.  To the extent allowable pursuant to Applicable Law, no member of the Committee or the Board will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made with respect to the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

 

5.2                                Whole Shares .  The Option may only be exercised for whole shares of Common Stock.

 

5.3                                Option Not Transferable .  Subject to Section 4.1 hereof, the Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, unless and until the shares of Common Stock underlying the Option have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such Shares have lapsed.  Neither the Option nor any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of Participant or his or her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is permitted by the preceding sentence.

 

5.4                                Adjustments .  The Administrator may accelerate the vesting of all or a portion of the Option in such circumstances as it, in its sole discretion, may determine.  In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events relating to the Common Stock contemplated by Section 14.2 of the Plan (including, without limitation, an extraordinary cash dividend on such Common Stock), the Administrator may make such adjustments as the Administrator deems appropriate in the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option, the exercise price of the Option and the kind of securities that may be issued upon exercise of the Option.  Participant acknowledges that the Option is subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan, including Section 14.2 of the Plan.

 

5.5                                Notices .  Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal office, and any notice to be given to Participant shall be addressed to Participant at Participant’s last address reflected on the Company’s records.  By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.5, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to that party.  Any notice shall be deemed duly given when sent via email or when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service.

 

5.6                                Titles .  Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

 

5.7                                Governing Law .   The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity, administration, enforcement and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws.

 

5.8                                Conformity to Securities Laws .  Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws, including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and any and all regulations and rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities laws and regulations.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered, and the

 

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Option is granted and may be exercised, only in such a manner as to conform to Applicable Law.  To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to Applicable Law.

 

5.9                                Amendment, Suspension and Termination .  To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator or the Board , provided that, except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall adversely affect the Option in any material way without the prior written consent of Participant.

 

5.10                         Successors and Assigns .  The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company.  Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 5.3 and the Plan, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

5.11                         Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons .  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Option, the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule.  To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

 

5.12                         Not a Contract of Employment .  Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon Participant any right to continue to serve as an employee or other service provider of the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.

 

5.13                         Entire Agreement .  The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

5.14                         Section 409A .  This Award is not intended to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (together with any Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the date hereof, “ Section 409A ”).  However, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, if at any time the Administrator determines that this Award (or any portion thereof) may be subject to Section 409A, the Administrator shall have the right in its sole discretion (without any obligation to do so or to indemnify Participant or any other person for failure to do so) to adopt such amendments to the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, as the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate for this Award either to be exempt from the application of Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

 

5.15                         Agreement Severable .  In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or

 

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unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

 

5.16                                     Limitation on Participant’s Rights .  Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided.  This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and shall not be construed as creating a trust.  Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets.  Participant shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the Option, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Common Stock as a general unsecured creditor with respect to options, as and when exercised pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

5.17                                     Counterparts .  The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

 

5.18                                     Broker-Assisted Sales .  In the event of any broker-assisted sale of shares of Common Stock in connection with the payment of withholding taxes as provided in Section 3.4(a)(v) or Section 3.4(c) or the payment of the exercise price as provided in Section 4.4(c): (a) any shares of Common Stock to be sold through a broker-assisted sale will be sold on the day the tax withholding obligation or exercise of the Option, as applicable, occurs or arises, or as soon thereafter as practicable; (b) such shares of Common Stock may be sold as part of a block trade with other participants in the Plan in which all participants receive an average price; (c) Participant will be responsible for all broker’s fees and other costs of sale, and Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale; (d) to the extent the proceeds of such sale exceed the applicable tax withholding obligation or exercise price, the Company agrees to pay such excess in cash to Participant as soon as reasonably practicable; (e) Participant acknowledges that the Company or its designee is under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price, and that the proceeds of any such sale may not be sufficient to satisfy the applicable tax withholding obligation or exercise price; and (f) in the event the proceeds of such sale are insufficient to satisfy the applicable tax withholding obligation, Participant agrees to pay immediately upon demand to the Company or its Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy any remaining portion of the Company’s or the applicable Subsidiary’s withholding obligation.

 

5.19                                     Incentive Stock Options .  Participant acknowledges that to the extent the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Common Stock (determined as of the time the option with respect to the shares is granted) with respect to which Incentive Stock Options, including this Option (if applicable), are exercisable for the first time by Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000 or if for any other reason such Incentive Stock Options do not qualify or cease to qualify for treatment as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code, such Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options.  Participant further acknowledges that the rule set forth in the preceding sentence shall be applied by taking the Option and other stock options into account in the order in which they were granted, as determined under Section 422(d) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.  Participant also acknowledges that an Incentive Stock Option exercised more than three (3) months after Participant’s Termination of Service, other than by reason of death or disability, will be taxed as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

 

5.20                                     Notification of Disposition .  If this Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option, Participant shall give prompt written notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any shares of Common Stock acquired under this Agreement if such disposition or transfer is made (a) within two (2) years from the Grant Date or (b) within one (1) year after the transfer of such shares of Common Stock to Participant.  Such notice shall specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the

 

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amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by Participant in such disposition or other transfer.

 

* * * *

 

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EXHIBIT B
TO OPTION AWARD GRANT NOTICE

 

CONSENT OF SPOUSE

 

I,                , spouse of                , have read and approve the Stock Option Grant Notice and the Stock Option Agreement (collectively, the “ Stock Option Documentation ”).  In consideration of issuing to my spouse the option to purchase shares of common stock of Shake Shack Inc. set forth in the Stock Option Documentation, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact in respect of the exercise of any rights under the Stock Option Documentation and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Stock Option Documentation insofar as I may have any rights in the Stock Option Documentation or any common stock of Shake Shack Inc. issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the Stock Option Documentation.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of Spouse

 

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Exhibit 10.21

 

FORM OF
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of [     ] [  ], 20[  ], by and between Shake Shack Inc. (the “ Company ”) and [     ] (“ Indemnitee ”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS , the Company values Indemnitee’s service to the Company as a director or officer and desires that Indemnitee continue to serve the Company in such capacity;

 

WHEREAS , (i) the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended from time to time, the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”) and the Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended from time to time, the “ Bylaws ”) require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“ DGCL ”) and (iii) the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

 

WHEREAS , this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder;

 

WHEREAS , Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the organizational documents of the Company and any insurance policies maintained by the Company as adequate in the present circumstances, and Indemnitee may not be willing to continue to serve in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company without the additional protections set forth in this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined that, on the basis of the foregoing, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company to obligate itself contractually to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that Indemnitee will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that he or she will not be so indemnified;

 

WHEREAS , this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the organizational documents of the Company and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

 

WHEREAS , Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification and/or insurance provided by an investment or private equity firm with which Indemnitee is or may become affiliated (the “ Associated Firm ”) which Indemnitee and the Associated Firm intend to be secondary to the primary obligation of the Company to indemnify Indemnitee as provided herein,

 



 

with the Company’s acknowledgement and agreement to the foregoing being a material condition to Indemnitee’s willingness to serve on the Board.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

AGREEMENT

 

1.              INDEMNIFICATION OF INDEMNITEE AND ASSOCIATED FIRM .  The Company hereby agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the DGCL, as such may be amended from time to time.  In furtherance of the foregoing indemnification, and without limiting the generality thereof:

 

(a)            Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(a)  if, by reason of his or her Corporate Status (as defined in Section 13(c) ), the Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (as defined in Section 13(j) ) other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company.  Pursuant to this Section 1(a) , Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses (as defined in Section 13(g) ), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her, or on his or her behalf, in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner the Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(b)            Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(b)  if, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, the Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company.  Pursuant to this Section 1(b) , Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee, or on the Indemnitee’s behalf, in connection with such Proceeding if the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner the Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; provided , however , that if applicable law so provides, no indemnification against such Expenses shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that such indemnification may be made.

 

(c)            Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, a party to and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding, he or she shall be indemnified to the maximum extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time, against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her, or on his or her 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 against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her, or on his or her behalf, in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter.  For purposes of this Section 1(c)  and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a

 

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Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

(d)            If the Associated Firm is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding relating to or arising by reason of the Associated Firm’s position as a stockholder of, or lender to, the Company, or the Associated Firm’s appointment of or affiliation with Indemnitee or any other director, including without limitation any alleged misappropriation of a Company asset or corporate opportunity, any claim of misappropriation or infringement of intellectual property relating to the Company, any alleged false or misleading statement or omission made by the Company (or on its behalf) or its employees or agents, or any allegation of inappropriate control or influence over the Company or its Board members, officers, equity holders or debt holders, then the Associated Firm will be entitled to indemnification hereunder for Expenses to the same extent as Indemnitee, and the terms of this Agreement as they relate to procedures for indemnification of Indemnitee and advancement of Expenses shall apply to any such indemnification of the Associated Firm.  The rights provided to the Associated Firm under this Section 1(d ) shall be suspended during any period during which the Associated Firm does not have a representative on the Board; provided , however , that in the event of any such suspension, the Associated Firm’s rights to indemnification will not be suspended with respect to any Proceeding based in whole or in part on facts and circumstances occurring at any time prior to such suspension regardless of whether the Proceeding arises before or after such suspension.  The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Associated Firm is an express third party beneficiary of the terms of this Section 1(d) .

 

2.              ADDITIONAL INDEMNITY .  In addition to, and without regard to any limitations on, the indemnification provided for in Section 1 of this Agreement, the Company shall and hereby does indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her, or on his or her behalf if, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, he or she is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company), including, without limitation, all liability arising out of the negligence or active or passive wrongdoing of Indemnitee.  The only limitation that shall exist upon the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement shall be that the Company shall not be obligated to make any payment to Indemnitee that is finally determined (under the procedures, and subject to the presumptions, set forth in Sections 6 and 7 hereof) to be unlawful.

 

3.              CONTRIBUTION .

 

(a)            Whether or not the indemnification provided in Sections 1 and 2 hereof is available, in respect of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee.  The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

 

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(b)            Without diminishing or impairing the obligations of the Company set forth in Section 3(a) , if, for any reason, Indemnitee shall elect or be required to pay all or any portion of any judgment or settlement in any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the amount of Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in proportion to the relative benefits received by the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, from the transaction from which such Proceeding arose; provided , however , that the proportion determined on the basis of relative benefit may, to the extent necessary to conform to law, be further adjusted by reference to the relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the events that resulted in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other equitable considerations which the Law may require to be considered.  The relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the degree to which their actions were motivated by intent to gain personal profit or advantage, the degree to which their liability is primary or secondary and the degree to which their conduct is active or passive.

 

(c)            The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless from any claims of contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

 

(d)            To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect:  (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

 

4.              INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A WITNESS .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, a witness, or is made (or asked to) respond to discovery requests, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, he or she shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her, or on his or her behalf, in connection therewith.

 

5.              ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES .  In accordance with the pre-existing provision of Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall advance all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in

 

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connection with any Proceeding by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances 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 and shall include or be preceded or accompanied by a written undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay any Expenses advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses.  Any advances and undertakings to repay pursuant to this Section 5 shall be unsecured and interest free.

 

6.              PROCEDURES AND PRESUMPTIONS FOR DETERMINING ENTITLEMENT TO INDEMNIFICATION .  It is the intent of this Agreement to secure for Indemnitee rights of indemnification that are as favorable as may be permitted under applicable law.  Accordingly, the parties agree that the following procedures and presumptions shall apply in the event of any question as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement:

 

(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.  The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any failure of Indemnitee to provide such a request to the Company, or to provide such a request in a timely fashion, shall not relieve the Company of any liability that it may have to Indemnitee unless, and to the extent that, such failure actually and materially prejudices the interests of the Company.

 

(b)            Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of Section 6(a)  hereof, a determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case by one of the following four methods, which shall be at the election of the Board:  (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors (as defined in Section 13(d) ), even though less than a quorum; (ii) by a committee of those Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum; (iii) if there are no Disinterested Directors or if the Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel (as defined in Section 13(h) ) in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to the Indemnitee, or (iv) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company; provided , however , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification hereunder that is made at any time following the consummation of a Change in Control (as defined in Section 13(b) ) that occurs at any time when the Company has a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act (as defined in Section 13(f) ) or following the consummation of an initial public offering of the Company’s Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be made solely by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to the Indemnitee.

 

(c)            If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 6(b)  hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 6(c) .  The Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board.

 

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Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company a written objection to such selection; provided , however , that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 13(h)  of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion.  Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel.  If a written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit.  If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 6(a)  hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Indemnitee to the Company’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 6(b)  hereof.  The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to Section 6(b)  hereof, and the Company shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures of this Section 6(c) , regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed.

 

(d)            In making a 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.  Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.  Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or independent legal counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or independent legal counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

(e)            Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise (as defined in Section 13(e) ), including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise.  In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.  Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(e)  are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company.  Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

 

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(f)             If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under this Section 6 to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification absent:  (i) 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; or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided , however , that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time to obtain or evaluate documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided , further , that the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(f)  shall not apply if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 6(b)  of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination, the Board or the Disinterested Directors, if appropriate, resolve to submit such determination to the stockholders for their consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within seventy-five (75) days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat or (B) a special meeting of stockholders is called within fifteen (15) days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat.

 

(g)            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 to such determination.  Any Independent Counsel, member of the Board or stockholder of the Company shall act reasonably and in good faith in making a determination regarding the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement.  Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) 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 hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

 

(h)            The Company acknowledges that a settlement or other disposition short of final judgment may be successful if it permits a party to avoid expense, delay, distraction, disruption and uncertainty.  In the event that any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including, without limitation, settlement of such Proceeding with or without payment of money or other consideration) it shall be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in such Proceeding.  Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

 

(i)             The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the

 

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right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

7.              REMEDIES OF INDEMNITEE .

 

(a)            In the event that:  (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement; (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement; (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification is made pursuant to Section 6(b)  of this Agreement within ninety (90) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification; (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor; or (v) payment of indemnification is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or such determination is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in any court of competent jurisdiction of Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification.  Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication within one hundred eighty (180) days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 7(a) .  The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication.

 

(b)            In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b)  of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of the adverse determination under Section 6(b) .

 

(c)            If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b ) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 , absent:  (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s misstatement not materially misleading in connection with the application for indemnification; or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

(d)            In the event that Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7 , seeks a judicial adjudication of his or her rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, or to recover under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, the Company shall pay on his or her behalf, in advance, any and all expenses (of the types described in the definition of “Expenses” in Section 13(g)  of this Agreement) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in such judicial adjudication, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance recovery.

 

(e)            The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement

 

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are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.  The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advance of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

 

(f)             Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.

 

8.              NON-EXCLUSIVITY, SURVIVAL OF RIGHTS, ETC.

 

(a)            The rights of indemnification 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 organizational documents of the Company, any other agreement with the Company, a vote of the Company’s stockholders, a resolution of the Board or otherwise.  No amendment, alteration or repeal of 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 his or her Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal.  To the extent that a change in any applicable law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification than would be afforded currently under the Company’s organizational documents and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change.  No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall 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 right or remedy.

 

(b)            To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, or agents or fiduciaries of the Company or of any other Enterprise, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary under such policy or policies.  If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies.  The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

(c)            The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by the Associated Firm

 

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and/or certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “ Additional Indemnitors ”).  The Company hereby agrees that:  (i) it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Additional Indemnitors (or any insurance carrier providing insurance coverage purchased by any Additional Indemnitor) to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary); (ii) it shall 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 and the organizational documents of the Company, without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Additional Indemnitors (or any insurance carrier providing insurance coverage purchased by any Additional Indemnitor); and (iii) it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Additional Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Additional 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 Additional 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 Additional Indemnitors shall have a right of indemnification and/or be subrogated to the full extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company.  The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Additional Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 8(c) .

 

(d)            Except as provided in Section 8(c)  above, 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 (other than against the Additional Indemnitors), 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.

 

(e)            Except as provided in Section 8(c)  above, the Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment of such amounts under any insurance policy, contract, other agreement or otherwise.

 

(f)             Except as provided in Section 8(c)  above, the Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of any Enterprise other than the Company shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such other Enterprise.

 

9.              EXCEPTION TO RIGHT OF INDEMNIFICATION .  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to provide any indemnification in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:  (i) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, provided that the foregoing shall not affect the rights of Indemnitee or the Additional Indemnitors set forth in Section 8(c) ; (ii) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of

 

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state statutory law or common law; or (iii) in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (A) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (B) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.

 

10.                                DURATION OF AGREEMENT .  All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue until the date that is ten (10) years after the date upon which Indemnitee’s Corporate Status terminates and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any Proceeding (or any proceeding commenced under Section 7 hereof) by reason of his or her Corporate Status, whether or not he or she is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (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), assigns, spouses, heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives.

 

11.                                SECURITY .  To the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral.  Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee.

 

12.                                ENFORCEMENT .  The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumes the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as an officer or director of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as an officer or director of the Company.  The Company shall not seek from a court, or agree to, a “bar order” that would have the effect of prohibiting or limiting Indemnitee’s rights to receive advancement of Expenses under this Agreement.

 

13.                                DEFINITIONS .  For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a)                                  Beneficial Owner ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided , however , that Beneficial Owner shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.

 

(b)                                  A “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

 

(i)                                     any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

 

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(ii)                                 during any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 13(b)(i) , (b)(iii)  or (b)(iv) ) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a least a majority of the members of the Board;

 

(iii)                             the effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty-one percent (51%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the Board or other governing body of such surviving entity;

 

(iv)                              the approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or

 

(v)                                  there occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

 

(c)                                   Corporate Status ” describes the status of a person who is or was at any time (including, without limitation, any time prior to the date of this Agreement) a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person is or was serving at the express written request of the Company.

 

(d)                                  Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

(e)                                   Enterprise ” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that Indemnitee is or was serving at the express written request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.

 

(f)                                    Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(g)                                  Expenses ” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, participating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a

 

12



 

Proceeding, or responding to, or objecting to, a request to provide discovery in any Proceeding.  Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding and any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on the Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersede as bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent.  Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

(h)                                  Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently 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 the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification 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.  The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

 

(i)                                     Person ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided , however , that Person shall exclude:  (i) the Company; (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company; and (iii) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

(j)                                     Proceeding ” includes any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding (including one pending on or before the date of this Agreement but excluding one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement to enforce his or her rights under this Agreement), whether brought by or in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was an officer or director of the Company, by reason of any action taken by him or her or of any inaction on his or her part while acting as an officer or director of the Company, or by reason of the fact that he or she is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not he or she is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement.

 

14.                                SEVERABILITY .  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement is intended to confer upon Indemnitee indemnification rights to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws.  In the event any provision hereof conflicts with

 

13



 

any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed modified, consistent with the aforementioned intent, to the extent necessary to resolve such conflict.

 

15.                                MODIFICATION AND WAIVER .  No supplement, modification, termination 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 shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

16.                                NOTICE BY INDEMNITEE .  Indemnitee agrees to promptly notify the Company in writing upon being served with or otherwise receiving any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification covered hereunder.  The failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise unless and only to the extent that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company.

 

17.                                NOTICES .  All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given:  (i) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not so confirmed, then on the next business day; (iii) five (5) business days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iv) one business (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt.  All notices and other communications shall be sent:

 

(a)                                  To Indemnitee at the address set forth below Indemnitee’s signature hereto.

 

(b)                                  To the Company at:

 

Shake Shack Inc.

24 Union Square East, 5th Floor

New York, New York 10003
Attention:  Board of Directors

 

or to such other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company or to the Company by Indemnitee, as the case may be.

 

18.                                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.

 

19.                                APPLICABLE LAW AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION .  This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules that would require the application of any other laws. The Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of

 

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Delaware and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (unless the Chancery Court declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, in which case, in any Delaware state or federal court within the State of Delaware) (the “ Chosen Courts ”), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Chosen Courts, and (iv) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Chosen Courts has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

 

20.                                ENTIRE AGREEMENT .  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof

 

21.                                COUNTERPARTS .  This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.  This Agreement may also be executed and delivered by facsimile signature (or other similar electronic means) and in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

SHAKE SHACK INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

INDEMNITEE

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Address:

 

[ Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement ]

 




Exhibit 21.1

 

Legal Name

 

State of Incorporation

SSE Holdings, LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Enterprises, LLC

 

New York

Shake Shack Enterprises International, LLC

 

New York

SSE IP, LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Domestic Licensing LLC

 

Delaware

Custard’s First Stand, LLC

 

New York

Shake Shack 366 Columbus LLC

 

New York

Shake Shack 152 E 86 LLC

 

New York

Shake Shack 1111 Lincoln Road LLC

 

New York

Shake Shack 300 West 44 th  Street LLC

 

New York

Shake Shack 102 North End Ave LLC

 

New York

Shake Shack 18 th  Street NW Washington D.C. LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Fulton Street Brooklyn LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Westport LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Sansom Street Philadelphia LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Coral Gables, LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Grand Central LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Westbury LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack New Haven LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Harvard Square Boston LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Boca Raton LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Boston Chestnut Hill LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Chicago Ohio Street LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Middle East LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Turkey LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Russia LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack United Kingdom LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack 800 F Street LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack King of Prussia LLC(2)

 

Delaware

 



 

Legal Name

 

State of Incorporation

Shake Shack Paramus LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Flatbush Brooklyn LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack University City Philadelphia LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Buckhead Atlanta LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Las Vegas Park LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Tysons Corner Fairfax County LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Union Station Washington D.C. LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Winter Park Orlando LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack DUMBO Brooklyn LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack South Lamar Austin LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack The Domain Austin LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Newbury Street Boston LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack CAA Chicago LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack 600 Third Ave New York City LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Garden State Plaza Westfield LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Legacy Place Dedham LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Seaport Boston LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Pratt Street Baltimore LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Lake Success Long Island LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Route 110 Melville LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack 1333 Broadway NYC LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack International Drive Orlando LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Pentagon Center Arlington LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Texas Management Company LLC

 

Texas

Shake Shack Texas Holding Company LLC(1)

 

Texas

 


(1)  Wholly-owned subsidiary of Shake Texas Management Company LLC

 



 

Legal Name

 

State of Incorporation

Shake Shack Texas Beverage Company LLC

 

Texas

Shake Shack Bridgewater Commons LLC

 

Delaware

Shake Shack Old Orchard Skokie 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 September 30, 2014 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of SSE Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries included in the Amendment No.4 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1) and the related Prospectus of Shake Shack Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

 

December 29, 2014

 




Exhibit 23.2

 

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 September 30, 2014 in Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1) and the related Prospectus of Shake Shack Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

 

December 29, 2014

 




Exhibit 23.4

 

Consent of eSite, Inc.

 

We hereby consent to the use of our firm’s name, eSite, Inc., in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Shake Shack Inc. (the “Company”) in connection with the initial public offering of its Class A common stock, and any amendments thereto, including the prospectus contained therein (the “Registration Statement”), to the inclusion of quotations or summaries of or references in the Registration Statement to information contained in the market analyses or reports prepared for and supplied to the Company by eSite, Inc., and to being named as an expert in the Registration Statement (and being included in the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement). eSite, Inc. also hereby consents to the filing of this letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

 

We further wish to advise that eSite, Inc. was not employed on a contingent basis at the time of preparation of our market analyses or reports, and is not at present, and that neither eSite, Inc. nor any of its employees had or now has a substantial interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

ESITE, INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas A. Blazer

 

 

Thomas A. Blazer

 

 

CEO

 

 

November 7, 2014