UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  November 6, 2019

 


 

ASHFORD INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Nevada

 

001-36400

 

84-2331507

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(Commission file number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification
Number)

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
Dallas, Texas

 

75254

(Address of principal executive
offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (972) 490-9600

 

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o                                    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o                                    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o                                    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o                                    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933(§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company x

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. x

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock

 

AINC

 

NYSE American LLC

 

 

 


 

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

 

As previously disclosed, on May 31, 2019, Ashford Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), entered into a Combination Agreement (as subsequently amended by the First Amendment thereto dated July 17, 2019 and the Second Amendment thereto dated August 28, 2019, the “Combination Agreement”) with Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and his father, respectively (collectively, the “Bennetts”); Remington Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Remington”); Remington Holdings GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of Remington (the “General Partner”, and together with the Bennetts and Remington, the “Remington Parties”); MJB Investments, LP (“MJB Investments”); solely for the purpose of conveying his Class B limited partnership interests in Marietta Leasehold LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Marietta”), James L. Cowen; solely for the purpose of conveying his Class B limited partnership interests in Marietta, Jeremy J. Welter; Ashford Nevada Holding Corp., a Nevada corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“New Holdco”); and Ashford Merger Sub Inc., a Maryland corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of New Holdco (“Merger Sub” and, together with the Remington Parties, MJB Investments, James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter and New Holdco, collectively, the “Parties”).

 

On November 6, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), the parties to the Combination Agreement completed a business combination by effectuating the transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement as described in Item 2.01.

 

As part of the transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement (the “Transactions”), Merger Sub merged with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of New Holdco and, by virtue of such Merger, each issued and outstanding share of common stock of the Company, par value $0.01, was converted into one share of common stock, par value $0.001 of New Holdco (the “New Holdco Common Stock”). The New Holdco Common Stock is listed on the NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American”) under the symbol “AINC” and the CUSIP number is 044104-10-7.

 

In connection with the Merger, the Company changed its legal name to OAINC II Inc. and in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, New Holdco changed its legal name to Ashford Inc. As a result of the Merger and after the legal name changes, OAINC II Inc. (formerly named Ashford Inc.) became a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashford Inc. (formerly named Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.).

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K is being filed by Ashford Inc. (formerly named Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.) as the initial report of Ashford Inc. to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and as notice that Ashford Inc. is the successor issuer to OAINC II Inc. (formerly named Ashford Inc.) under Rule 12g-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). As a result, the shares of Ashford Inc.’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, are registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. Ashford Inc. is thereby subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and in accordance therewith will file reports and other information with the SEC using Commission file number (001-36400). The first periodic report to be filed by Ashford Inc. with the Commission will be its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019.

 

Because the material definitive agreements described in Item 1.01 below were entered into prior to the legal name changes described above, the descriptions below utilize the defined terms set forth in the first paragraph of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 


 

ITEM 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Investor Rights Agreement

 

At the closing of the Transactions, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., MJB Investments (each of the foregoing, a “Remington Holder”), the Alayna Jo Bennett Max 2019 Gift Trust, the Archie Bennett, III 2019 Gift Trust, the Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell 2019 Gift Trust, the Jory Glazener 2019 Gift Trust, the Krista Koleas 2019 Gift Trust, the Matthew Wade Bennett 2019 Gift Trust, the Beverly Rene Bennett Flood 2019 Gift Trust, the Supplemental Needs Trust FBO Lucas Wade Bennett (each such trust a “Trust” and collectively, the “Trusts”), Mr. James L. Cowen, Mr. Jeremy Walter, Mr. Mark A. Sharkey, Ms. Marissa A. Bennett and New Holdco entered into an investor rights agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”) governing the relationship of such parties subsequent to such closing. The Investor Rights Agreement supersedes and replaces the previously existing investor rights agreement, dated August 8, 2018, in all respects.

 

Board Designation Rights

 

For so long as Mr. Monty J. Bennett, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., MJB Investments, each Trust Mr. James L. Cowen, Mr. Jeremy Walter, Mr. Mark A. Sharkey and Ms. Marissa A. Bennett (together with each person that succeeds to their respective interests as the result of a transfer permitted under the Investor Rights Agreement, “Covered Investors”) beneficially own no less than 20% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of New Holdco (taking into account the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of New Holdco (“Series D Convertible Preferred Stock”) on an as-converted basis), Mr. Monty J. Bennett, during his lifetime, and the Covered Investors holding 55% of the common stock (taking into account the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis held by all Covered Investors) thereafter, will be entitled to nominate one individual (other than Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr.), and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., during his lifetime, and the Covered Investors holding 55% of the common stock (taking into account the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis held by all Covered Investors) thereafter, will be entitled to nominate one individual (other than Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr.) for election as a member of the board of directors of New Holdco (each, a “Seller Nominee”). Initially, Mr. Monty J. Bennett will serve as the Seller Nominee of Mr. Monty J. Bennett, and Mr. W. Michael Murphy will serve as the Seller Nominee of Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

In the event New Holdco fails to pay the accrued preferred dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for two consecutive quarterly periods (a “Preferred Stock Breach”), the Covered Investors agree that one of the two additional board designation rights arising under the Certificate of Designation (as defined below) shall be vested in Archie Bennett, Jr., during his lifetime, and the other such board designation right shall be vested in Monty J. Bennett, during his lifetime. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Covered Investor agrees that it will vote all of such Covered Investor’s Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, and consent to any action by the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock without a meeting as permitted under appropriate state law, as may be directed Archie Bennett, Jr., or Monty J. Bennett, respectively, in connection with their designation of the individuals to fill such board seats.

 

Transfer Restrictions

 

For five years after the closing of the Transactions, each of the Covered Investors are prohibited from transferring common stock of New Holdco or Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to any person that is or would become, together with such person’s affiliates and associates, a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of New Holdco, taking into account the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on an as converted basis, except (i) to family members and in connection with estate planning, (ii) as a result of any voting agreement between Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., (iii) transfers in which no transferee (or group of affiliated or associated transferees) would purchase or receive 2% or more of the outstanding voting shares of New Holdco, (iv) in connection with any widespread public distribution of shares of common stock of New Holdco or Series D Convertible Preferred Stock registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or (v) a transfer to any transferee that would beneficially own more than 50% of the outstanding common stock of New Holdco and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock without any transfer from a Covered Investor, unless such transfer restrictions have been waived by the affirmative vote of the majority of the stockholders of New Holdco that are not affiliates or associates of the Covered Investors.

 

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Voting Limitations

 

The Investor Rights Agreement provides that Covered Investors agree that on matters submitted to a vote of the holders of voting securities of New Holdco, the Covered Investors will have the right to vote or direct or cause the vote of the shares as to which they hold sole voting power or are held by immediate family members (or a trust for the benefit of such person) (collectively, the “Sole Voting Shares”) as the Covered Investors determine, in their sole discretion, except (i) if, prior to August 8, 2023 only with respect to the voting securities of New Holdco, the combined voting power of the Reference Shares (as defined below) of New Holdco exceeds 40.0% (plus the combined voting power of (A) any common stock of New Holdco purchased by any Covered Investor in an arm’s length transaction after the closing of the Transactions from a person other than New Holdco or a subsidiary of New Holdco, for cash, including through open market purchases, and (B) privately negotiated transactions or any distributions of common stock of New Holdco by either of Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (“Ashford Trust”) or Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. (“Braemar”) to its respective stockholders pro rata) of the combined voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of New Holdco entitled to vote on any given matter, then Reference Shares of New Holdco representing voting power equal to such excess will be deemed to be “Company Cleansed Shares” under the Investor Rights Agreement. The Covered Investors agree that they will vote, or cause to be voted, out of the Covered Investors’ Sole Voting Shares, shares constituting voting power equal to the voting power of the Company Cleansed Shares in the same proportion as the holders of such class or series of voting securities of New Holdco vote their shares with respect to such matters, exclusive of the Reference Shares of New Holdco voted by the Covered Investors. These restrictions may be waived by a majority vote or consent of the independent directors of New Holdco that have no personal interest in the matter to be voted upon. “Reference Shares” means all voting securities of New Holdco that are (without duplication): (i) beneficially owned by any Covered Investor, including any such voting securities as to which any Covered Investor has sole or shared voting power; (ii) beneficially owned by any member of a Group of which any Covered Investor is a member; or (iii) subject to or referenced in any derivative or synthetic interest that (A) conveys any voting right in New Holdco common stock or (B) is required to be, or is capable of being, settled through delivery of New Holdco common stock in either case, that is held or beneficially owned by any Covered Investor or any controlled affiliate or any Covered Investor. The Covered Investors also agree among themselves that the total number of votes attributable to Reference Shares that are not Cleansed Shares will be proportionately allocated among the Covered Investors based on a percentage, the numerator of which is the number of Reference Shares held by such Covered Investor, and the denominator of which is the total number of Reference Shares held by all Covered Investors in the aggregate.

 

The Holder Group Investors (as defined below) will not, subject to certain exceptions and until the aggregate voting power of the Holder Group Investors is less than 25% of the combined voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of New Holdco on any given matter, until the fifth anniversary of the closing of the Transactions, (i) take any action, vote such Holder Group Investor’s securities, or into any transaction, including by acting in consent with another person, that would result in New Holdco being treated as a “controlled company” under the applicable rules of the NYSE American nor (ii) take any action, vote such Holder Group Investor’s securities, or into any transaction, including by acting in concert with another person, that results in New Holdco engaging in a Rule 13e-3 Transaction (as defined in the rules and regulations issued by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), provided, that the restriction set forth in this clause (ii) may be waived by the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of New Holdco’s voting stock (taking into account the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis) that are not beneficially owned by the Holder Group Investors (provided that, for purposes of clause (ii), New Holdco’s voting stock that is owned of record by Ashford Trust or Braemar shall not be deemed to be beneficially owned by the Holder Group Investors so long as the decision to vote such shares on such waiver is solely determined by a majority of the members of the board of directors of the applicable entity who are independent within the meaning of applicable rules of the NYSE American (or any exchange on which the New Holdco’s voting stock is then listed) and do not have a material financial interest in such Rule 13e-3 Transaction (or a duly appointed board committee consisting only of such independent and disinterested board members)).

 

Put Option

 

Each Covered Investor has the option, exercisable with respect to each and every Change of Control (defined below) that may occur following the date of the Investor Rights Agreement, to sell to the Company all or any portion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock then owned by such Covered Investor (the “Change of Control Put

 

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Option”) at any time during the ten business day consecutive period following the consummation of a Change of Control. “Change of Control” means, with respect to any Covered Investor, any of the following, in each case that was not voted for or consented to by such Covered Investor solely in its capacity as a stockholder of New Holdco (but not in any other capacity): (i) any person (other than Mr. Monty J. Bennett, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., MJB Investments, their controlled affiliates, any trust or other estate in which any of them has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which any of them serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, any immediate family member of Mr. Monty J. Bennett or Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., or any group (as defined in Rule 13d-5(b) under the Exchange Act)) acquires beneficial ownership of securities of New Holdco that, together with the securities of New Holdco previously beneficially owned by the first such person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of New Holdco’s outstanding securities, or (ii) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition (other than as collateral) of all or a majority of New Holdco’s (taken as a whole) assets or income or revenue generating capacity, other than to any direct or indirect majority-owned and controlled affiliate of New Holdco.

 

In the event that a Covered Investor exercises the Change of Control Put Option, the price to be paid by New Holdco to such exercising Covered Investor will be an amount, payable in cash or New Holdco common stock (at the election of such Covered Investor), equal to (i) $25.125, plus (ii) all accrued and unpaid dividends, plus (iii) in the event that a Change of Control Put Option is exercised prior to June 30, 2026, an additional amount equal to, initially, 24% of $25 until the first anniversary of the closing of the Transactions, with such percentage reduced by (A) 4% for each year thereafter, inclusive of the year in which the Change of Control Put Option is exercised, until the fourth anniversary of the closing of the Transactions and (B) 3% for each year thereafter until the sixth anniversary of the closing of the Transactions, at which time such percentage shall be 3% until June 30, 2026.

 

Preemptive Rights

 

The Investor Rights Agreement also provides that, except for issuances contemplated by the transaction documents entered into under the Combination Agreement, New Holdco will not issue any equity securities, rights to acquire equity securities of New Holdco or debt convertible into equity securities of New Holdco (collectively, the “New Securities”), unless New Holdco gives each Remington Holder, each Trust and each person that succeeds to the interests of a Remington Holder or a Trust and certain permitted transferees (“Holder Group Investors”) notice of its respective intention to issue New Securities and the right of such Holder Group Investor to acquire such Holder Group Investor’s pro rata share of the New Securities.

 

Termination

 

The Investor Rights Agreement terminates by its terms on the earliest of (i) the written agreement of New Holdco and Covered Investors holding in the aggregate 55% of the total number of shares of New Holdco common stock (taking into account the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on an as converted basis) and (ii) the date on which the Covered Investors no longer own any New Holdco common stock or Series D Convertible Preferred Stock; provided certain specified provisions will last for the time periods provided by their terms, and others will last indefinitely.

 

A Covered Investor will automatically cease to be bound by the Investor Rights Agreement solely in its capacity as a Covered Investor at such time as such Covered Investor no longer owns any common stock of New Holdco or any Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

Merger and Registration Rights Agreement

 

On the Effective Date, the Company, New Holdco, Merger Sub, the Bennetts and the Covered Investors entered into the Merger and Registration Rights Agreement (the “Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, New Holdco will, no later than 120 days following the effective time of the Merger, file a registration statement under the Securities Act to permit the resale of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and the New Holdco Common Stock into which the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible. New Holdco will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective and remain available for the resale of the securities covered by the registration statements. In certain circumstances, including at any time that New Holdco is in possession of material nonpublic information, New Holdco will have the right to suspend sales under the registration statement.

 

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Non-Competition Agreement

 

At the closing of the Transactions, New Holdco and the Bennetts entered into a non-competition agreement (the “Non-Competition Agreement”). Subject to certain exclusions, the Non-Competition Agreement provides that for a period of the later of five (5) years following the closing of the Transactions, or three (3) years following the date on which Mr. Monty J. Bennett is no longer the principal executive officer of New Holdco, each of Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. will not, and will cause its controlled affiliates not to, directly or indirectly (i) engage in, or have an interest in a person that engages directly or indirectly in, (a) the hotel management business conducted by Remington and its subsidiaries within the lodging industry, including hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue management, budget oversight, guest service, asset maintenance (not involving capital expenditures) and related services conducted by Remington and its subsidiaries or (b) the project management business conducted by Premier Project Management LLC, a subsidiary of New Holdco (“Premier”), within the lodging industry, including construction management, interior design, architecture, and the purchasing, expediting, warehousing, freight management, installation and supervision of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and related services, in each case in clause (a) or (b) anywhere in the United States (excluding certain passive investments and existing relationships); or (ii) intentionally interfere in any material respect with the business relationships between Remington, Premier and their respective customers, clients or vendors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Bennetts may, among other things, (A) freely pursue any opportunity to acquire ownership, directly or indirectly, in any interests in real properties in the lodging industry if such opportunity has been presented to the board of each of the New Holdco, Ashford Trust and Braemar and none of the foregoing elect to pursue or participate in such opportunity and (B) with respect to any hotel properties in which the Bennetts, or any of their controlled affiliates, own, directly or indirectly (other than through their ownership interests in Ashford Trust or Braemar), in the aggregate at least a five percent (5%) interest (such hotel properties, “Bennett-Owned Properties”), each Bennett, and any of his controlled affiliates, directly or indirectly: (x) may self-manage the provision of hotel management business services or project management business services to such Bennett-Owned Properties, but may not provide any such services to any other hotels not constituting Bennett-Owned Properties, or (y) may require that the New Holdco provide hotel management business services and project management business services pursuant to the terms of the Hotel Services Agreement.

 

Transition Cost Sharing Agreement

 

At the closing of the Transactions, New Holdco and Remington (collectively, the “Service Providers”) and the Bennetts and MJB Investments (collectively, the “Service Recipients”) entered into a transition cost sharing agreement (the “Transition Cost Sharing Agreement”), pursuant to which the Service Providers will provide to the Service Recipients family office related services, including accounting, tax, legal and general office and administrative support services (collectively, the “Services”) generally in accordance with Remington’s past practice prior to the closing. The Service Recipients will pay to the Service Providers the Service Providers’ actual costs, including salaries, employment taxes and benefits applicable to the employees of the Service Providers providing the Services, based on the percentage of time spent by such employees in providing the Services, relative to the time spent by such employees on matters not related to the Services, plus applicable allocated overhead and other expenses incurred, in each case without mark-up. Subject to certain exceptions, the Services are required to be provided by the Service Providers until the last to occur of: (i) the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of the Transition Cost Sharing Agreement; (ii) the death of Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr.; and (iii) thirty (30) days following the date on which Mr. Monty J. Bennett is no longer employed by New Holdco as its Chief Executive Officer, or substantially similar executive position, or ceases to serve as a member of the board of directors of New Holdco.

 

Hotel Services Agreement

 

Prior to the closing of the Transactions, the Bennetts, MJB Investments and New Holdco entered into a hotel services agreement (the “Hotel Services Agreement”), pursuant to which New Holdco will provide specified hotel project management and hotel property management services to any hotel in which the Bennetts, in the aggregate, directly or indirectly (other than through their ownership of interests in Ashford Trust and Braemar) own at least a 5% interest, in exchange for fees in an amount equal to the cost of such services provided plus 5%, until the last to occur of: (i) the tenth anniversary of the commencement of services or (ii) the death of Archie Bennett, Jr. and Monty J. Bennett.

 

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The descriptions above of the Investor Rights Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Non-Competition Agreement, the Transition Cost Sharing Agreement and the Hotel Services Agreement are qualified in their entirety by the full text of such documents, copies of which are filed as exhibits to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 2.01 Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

On November 6, 2019, the parties to the Combination Agreement completed a business combination by effectuating the Transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement.

 

Combination Agreement

 

Under the terms of the Combination Agreement, New Holdco acquired (i) the issued and outstanding limited partnership interests of Remington, (ii) the issued and outstanding membership interests of the General Partner, (iii) the issued and outstanding Class A limited partnership interests of Marietta and (iv) the issued and outstanding Class B limited partnership interests of Marietta owned by Mr. James L. Cowen and Mr. Jeremy J. Welter (collectively, the “Transferred Securities”). At the closing of the Transactions, as a single plan of exchange that includes the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Remington Contribution Agreement (as defined below), (i) the Company caused the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement, whereby the Company survived and became a wholly owned subsidiary of New Holdco and (ii)  contemporaneously with the consummation of the Merger, the Bennetts, MJB Investments, Mr. James L. Cowen and Mr. Jeremy J. Welter transferred to New Holdco, all of their respective right, title and interests in the Transferred Securities pursuant to a Contribution Agreement, dated as of the closing (the “Remington Contribution Agreement”), among such parties and New Holdco and received the consideration provided in the Combination Agreement (as described below).

 

In the Merger, each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger was converted into one share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of New Holdco and (ii) each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of Merger was converted into one share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. In addition, in consideration for the contribution of the Transferred Securities to New Holdco, the respective holders thereof received aggregate consideration (the “Aggregate Consideration”) of $275,000,000 in the form of 11,000,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock with a value agreed by the parties to the Combination Agreement of $25 per share.

 

As a result of the foregoing, (i) New Holdco now owns, directly or indirectly, (a) the Company, (b) Remington and the General Partner and (c) Marietta and its general partner, and each of their respective subsidiaries and (ii) Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 18,758,600 shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, which are initially convertible (at a conversion price of $117.50 per share) into approximately 3,991,191 shares of common stock of New Holdco (in addition to the shares of common stock of New Holdco such persons own as a result of the exchange in the Merger of the common stock of the Company for the common stock of New Holdco as described above). Assuming that such 18,758,600 shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock were converted (at $117.50 per share) immediately after the effective time of the Merger, then Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr.’s direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest in New Holdco would be approximately 70.1% of the then outstanding common stock of New Holdco. As described in more detail below, the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to vote alongside the voting common stock of New Holdco on an as-converted basis, subject to the provisions of the Investor Rights Agreement (as described above).

 

New Holdco will also pay, reimburse or assume up to $4,100,000 of (i) all transaction expenses incurred or funded by Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. and MJB Investments (the “Remington WC Parties”), Mr. Monty J. Bennett and the General Partner, Remington and its subsidiaries (the General Partner, Remington and its subsidiaries, collectively, the “Remington Companies”) (in each case, on behalf of themselves or their affiliates), including, among other things, one half of all filing and other similar fees payable in connection with any filings or submissions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and any transfer tax incurred in connection with the Remington Contribution Agreement, and (ii) bonus and other payments (including applicable taxes in respect thereof) made to employees and agents of the Remington Companies in connection with the closing (collectively, the “Transaction Expenses”).

 

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The Combination Agreement provides that New Holdco will pay the Remington WC Parties, or the Remington WC Parties shall pay New Holdco, the amount by which working capital (which includes, among other items, a positive adjustment for the Remington CIO Expenses) of the Remington Companies at closing exceeds or is less than, respectively, a working capital target equal to $1,000,000.  The Combination Agreement also includes provisions pursuant to which the Remington WC Parties will be entitled to a pro rated portion of the aggregate annual incentive management fees payable to Remington, pursuant to hotel management agreements to which it is a party, with respect to the year in which the closing of the Transactions occurs (the “Pro Rated Year”), and the Remington WC Parties will bear a pro rated portion of the aggregate amount of corporate bonuses paid by Remington with respect to the Pro Rated Year, in each case based on (i) the number of days from January 1 of the Pro Rated Year through and including the date of closing of the Transactions and (ii) 365.

 

The disclosure set forth under the headings “Series D Preferred Stock,” “Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of New Holdco” and “Amended and Restated Bylaws of New Holdco” in Item 5.03 is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.01.

 

The shares of New Holdco Common Stock have the same rights and privileges as the shares of common stock of the Company previously issued and outstanding and held by the Company’s stockholders, subject to the rights of the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock issued in connection with the Transaction.

 

The issuance of the New Holdco Common Stock pursuant to the Merger was registered under the Securities Act, pursuant to New Holdco’s registration statement on Form S-4, as amended (File No. 333-232736) (the “Registration Statement”) filed with the SEC and declared effective on September 23, 2019.  The definitive proxy statement/prospectus dated September 23, 2019 that forms a part of the Registration Statement contains additional information about the Transactions. Pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) under the Exchange Act, New Holdco has become a successor registrant to the Company under the Exchange Act and the New Holdco Common Stock is deemed to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. The New Holdco Common Stock has been approved for listing on the NYSE American and began trading under the symbol “AINC” on November 7, 2019.

 

In connection with the Merger, the Company changed its legal name to OAINC II Inc. and in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, New Holdco changed its legal name to Ashford Inc. As a result of the Merger and legal name changes, OAINC II Inc. (formerly named Ashford Inc.) became a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashford Inc. (formerly named Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.).

 

The description of the Transactions contained herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Combination Agreement, which are included as Exhibits 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 to this Report and incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

 

In consideration of the contribution of the Transferred Securities to New Holdco and in connection with the exchange of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock under the Combination Agreement, the respective holders thereof received in the aggregate 19,120,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. The disclosure set forth under “Series D Preferred Stock” in Item 5.03 is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02.  The Series D Preferred Stock was issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

ITEM 3.03 Material Modification to the Rights of Security Holders.

 

The disclosure set forth under the heading “Series D Convertible Preferred Stock” in Item 5.03 is incorporated into this Item 3.03.

 

ITEM 5.01 Changes in Control of the Registrant.

 

The disclosure set forth in Items 1.01, 2.01 and 5.03 are incorporated by reference into this Item 5.01.

 

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ITEM 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

The disclosure set forth in Item 1.01 under the subheading “Board Designation Rights” is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03.

 

ITEM 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

 

As of the effective time of the Merger on the Effective Date, the rights of the stockholders are governed by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ashford Nevada Holding Corp., as amended, and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. which are attached as Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4, and are incorporated by reference herein. A more detailed description of the rights of stockholders can be found in the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (Registration No. 333-232736) filed by the Company (formerly known as Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.) with the SEC on September 19, 2019 and declared effective by the SEC on September 23, 2019, under the heading “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights.”

 

Series D Convertible Preferred Stock

 

As described above, pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was exchanged for a share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, and additional shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock were issued in exchange for the Transferred Securities.

 

The Certificate of Designation establishing the terms, designation, rights, preferences, powers, restrictions, and limitations of the Series D Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) was filed by New Holdco on the Effective Date. The Certificate of Designation provides that each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (i) has a liquidation value of $25 per share, (ii) accrues cumulative preferred dividends at the rate of (a) 6.59% per annum until the first anniversary of the closing of the Transactions; (b) 6.99% per annum from the first anniversary of the closing of the Transactions until the second anniversary of the closing of the Transactions; and (c) 7.28% per annum thereafter, (iii) will participate in any dividend or distribution on the common stock of New Holdco in addition to the preferred dividends set forth in clause (ii), (iv) is convertible into voting common stock of New Holdco at $117.50 per share, and (v) provides for customary anti-dilution protections. In the event of a Preferred Stock Breach, then until such arrearage is paid in cash in full, (A) the dividend rate on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will increase to 10.00% per annum until no Preferred Stock Breach exists; (B) no dividends may be declared and paid, and no other distributions or redemptions may be made, on the New Holdco common stock; and (C) the New Holdco board of directors will be increased by two seats and the holders of 55% of the outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will be entitled to fill such newly created seats.

 

The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to vote alongside the voting common stock of New Holdco on an as-converted basis, subject to the applicable voting limitations set forth in the Investor Rights Agreement described above.

 

The Certificate of Designation provides that, so long as any shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are outstanding, New Holdco is prohibited from taking specified actions without the consent of the holders of 55% of the outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, including (i) modifying the terms, rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, (ii) altering the rights, preferences or privileges of any capital stock of New Holdco so as to affect adversely the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, (iii) issuing any security senior to the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, or any shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock other than pursuant to the Combination Agreement, (iv) entering into any agreement that expressly prohibits or restricts the payment of dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock or the common stock of New Holdco or the exercise of the Change of Control Put Option (as defined above), or (v) other than the payment of dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock or payments to purchase any of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, transferring all or a substantial portion of New Holdco’s or its subsidiaries’ cash balances or other assets to a person other than New Holdco or its subsidiaries, other than by means of a dividend payable by New Holdco pro rata to the holders of the New Holdco common stock (together with a corresponding dividend payable to the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock).

 

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After June 30, 2026, New Holdco will have the option to purchase all or any portion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, in $25.0 million increments, on a pro rata basis among all holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (subject to the ability of the holders to provide for an alternative allocation amongst themselves), at a price per share equal to (i) $25.125, plus (ii) all accrued and unpaid dividends (provided any holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall be entitled to exercise its right to convert its shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock into common stock of New Holdco not fewer than five business days before such purchase is scheduled to close).

 

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

 

(a) Financial Statements of businesses acquired.

 

The audited and unaudited financial statements required by this item will be filed by amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K no later than 71 days after the date on which this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed.

 

(b) Pro forma financial information.

 

The unaudited pro forma financial information required by this item will be filed by amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K no later than 71 days after the date on which this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

2.1*

 

Combination Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2019, between Monty J. Bennett, Archie Bennett, Jr., Remington Holdings, L.P., Remington Holdings GP, LLC, MJB Investments, LP, Ashford Inc., James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. and Ashford Merger Sub Inc.

2.2*

 

First Amendment to Combination Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2019, between Monty J. Bennett, Archie Bennett, Jr., Remington Holdings, L.P., Remington Holdings GP, LLC, MJB Investments, LP, Ashford Inc., James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. and Ashford Merger Sub Inc.

2.3*

 

Second Amendment to Combination Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2019, between Monty J. Bennett, Archie Bennett, Jr., Remington Holdings, L.P., Remington Holdings GP, LLC, MJB Investments, LP, Ashford Inc., James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. and Ashford Merger Sub Inc.

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.

3.2

 

Certificate of Designation of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock of Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.

3.3

 

Articles of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.

3.4

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.

10.1

 

Investor Rights Agreement, dated November 6, 2019, by and among Ashford Nevada Holding Corp., Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennett, MJB Investments, LP and the parties thereto.

10.2

 

Merger Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 6, 2019, by and among Ashford, Inc., Ashford Nevada Holding Corp., Ashford Merger Sub Inc., and solely for the purposes of Article V hereof, Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennett, MJB Investments, LP and the parties thereto.

10.3

 

Non-Competition Agreement, dated November 6, 2019, by and among Ashford Nevada Holding Corp., Archie Bennett, Jr. and Monty J. Bennett.

10.4

 

Transition Cost Sharing Agreement, dated November 6, 2019, by and among Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennett, MJB Investments, LP, Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. and Remington Holdings, L.P.

10.5

 

Hotel Services Agreement, dated November 6, 2019, by and among Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennet, MJB Investments, LP, Ashford Nevada Holding Corp., Remington Holdings, L.P., Ashford Hospitality Services LLC and Premier Project Management LLC.

99.1

 

Press Release, dated November 6, 2019

 


*      Previously filed.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: November 6, 2019

 

 

ASHFORD INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

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Exhibit 3.1

 

 

BARBARA K. CEGAVSKE

Secretary of State

202 North Carson Street

Carson City, Nevada 89701-4201

(775) 684-5708

Website: www.nvsos.gov

 

Certificate of Amendment

 

(PURSUANT TO NRS 78.385 AND 78.390)

 

 

USE BLACK INK ONLY - DO NOT HIGHLIGHT

ABOVE SPACE IS FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

 

 

Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation

For Nevada Profit Corporations

(Pursuant to NRS 78.385 and 78.390 - After Issuance of Stock)

 

1. Name of corporation:

 

Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.

 

2. The articles have been amended as follows: (provide article numbers, if available)

 

The articles have been amended and restated in their entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

 

NAME

 

 

The name of the corporation is Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (“Corporation”).

ARTICLE 2

 

REGISTERED AGENT

 

 

Commercial Registered Agent: Fennemore Craig, P.C. (Las Vegas).

(See the attachment hereto for a complete version of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.)

 

3. The vote by which the stockholders holding shares in the corporation entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power, or such greater proportion of the voting power as may be required in the case of a vote by classes or series, or as may be required by the provisions of the articles of Incorporation* have voted in favor of the amendment is:           100%

 

4. Effective date and time of filing: (optional)

Date:

Time:

 

(must not be later than 90 days after the certificate is filed)

 

5. Signature: (required)

 

X /s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Signature of Officer

 

 


*  If any proposed amendment would alter or change any preference or any relative or other right given to any class or series of outstanding shares, then the amendment must be approved by the vote, in addition to the affirmative vote otherwise required, of the holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of each class or series affected by the amendment regardless to limitations or restrictions on the voting power thereof.

 

IMPORTANT: Failure to include any of the above information and submit with the proper fees may cause this filing to be rejected.

 

 

This form must be accompanied by appropriate fees.

Nevada Secretary of State Amend Profit-After

 

Revised 1-5-15

 


 

AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP.

 

ARTICLE 1
NAME

 

The name of the corporation is Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (“Corporation”).

 

ARTICLE 2
REGISTERED AGENT

 

Commercial Registered Agent: Fennemore Craig, P.C. (Las Vegas).

 

ARTICLE 3
AUTHORIZED STOCK

 

Section 3.1    Authorized Capital Stock.  The total number of shares is 200,000,000 (“Capital Stock”), consisting of the following:

 

(a)   Common Stock: 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 (“Common Stock”) and an additional 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 (“Blank Check Common Stock”), which the Board shall have the authority to divide into classes or series or both, to determine the number of shares in each class and/or series, and to fix the voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of any such class or series of stock.  Such voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of any such class or series of stock shall be expressed in a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board and if required by law, a certificate of designation or other appropriate document shall be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State or other appropriate Governmental Entity; and

 

(b)   Preferred Stock: 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 (“Preferred Stock”), which the Board shall have the authority to divide into classes or series or both, to determine the number of shares in each class and/or series, and to fix the voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of any such class or series of stock.  Such voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of any such class or series of stock shall be expressed in a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board and if required by law, a certificate of designation or other appropriate document shall be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State or other appropriate Governmental Entity.

 

Section 3.2    Common Stock.  The powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions, of the Common Stock are as follows:

 

(a)   Voting.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or required by Law or any relevant Preferred Stock designation of any series of Preferred Stock or any relevant Blank Check Common Stock designation of any series of Blank Check Common Stock, each holder of record of shares of Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and shall be entitled to vote on all other matters requiring stockholder action, each share being entitled to one vote.

 

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(b)   Dividends, Subject to applicable Law and the preferential rights, if any, as to dividends of the holders of any shares of Preferred Stock at the time outstanding and to the rights, if any, as to dividends of any shares of Blank Check Common Stock at the time outstanding, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of assets of the Corporation legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board.

 

(c)   Liquidation.  In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation Event”), the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, subject to the preferential rights as to distributions upon such Liquidation Event of each of the creditors of the Corporation and the holders of any shares of Preferred Stock at the time outstanding and to the rights of any shares of Blank Check Common Stock at the time outstanding, their ratable and proportionate share of the remaining assets of the Corporation.  A Liquidation Event shall not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any voluntary consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other corporation or entity or other corporations or entities or a sale, lease, or conveyance of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets.

 

Section 3.3    Preferred Stock.

 

The rights, powers and privileges of the Common Stock shall be subject to the express terms of any series of Preferred Stock.  Except as required by a Preferred Stock designation or applicable Law, holders of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders.

 

Section 3.4    No Cumulative Voting Rights.  No holder of shares of Capital Stock shall have cumulative voting rights.

 

Section 3.5    Amendment to Certificate of Designation.  The Board may increase or decrease the number of shares of Blank Check Common Stock or Preferred Stock previously designated in a class or series, provided, such amendment will not decrease the number of shares of stock in said class or series to a number less than the number of shares of stock then outstanding plus the number of shares of stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options, rights or warrants or upon the conversion of any outstanding securities issued by the Corporation convertible into such class or series.  This Section 3.5 is specifically intended to override Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”) 78.1955(3).  Shares of stock no longer designated as part of a class or series will be restored to their original status of either Blank Check Common Stock or Preferred Stock and can thereupon be redesignated pursuant to this Article 3 as determined by the Board.

 

Section 3.6    Preemptive Rights.  The Board may grant preemptive rights in setting the terms of any class or series of Blank Check Common Stock or Preferred Stock designated in accordance with this Article 3 or as may be granted by a contract approved by the Board.  Otherwise, no holders of shares of Capital Stock shall, as such holder, have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of Capital Stock or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell.

 

Section 3.7    Stockholders’ Consent for Actions Taken Without Meeting.  Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting only if approved by the unanimous written consent of all stockholders entitled to vote on the matter.

 

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ARTICLE 4
NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF
THE INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Name

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

Monty J. Bennett

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 1100

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

 

 

J. Robison Hays, III

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 1100

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

 

 

Robert G. Haiman

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 1100

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

ARTICLE 5
PURPOSE

 

The purpose for which the Corporation is organized is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

 

ARTICLE 6
Election Not To Be Governed By Business Combinations Act

 

The Corporation hereby elects not to be governed by Sections 78.411 to 78.444, inclusive, of the NRS.

 

ARTICLE 7
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 7.1    Number.  The number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the Board but in no event shall there by less than two (2) nor more than fifteen (15) directors.

 

Section 7.2    Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships.  Unless otherwise required by Law, and subject to any certificate of designation, any vacancy on the Board, including a vacancy that results from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the Board then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.  Any director elected by the Board to fill any vacancy shall serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders, in the case of vacancies created by an increase in the number of directors, or until the end of the term of the director who is being preplaced, in all other cases, and until his or her successor is elected and qualified subject to earlier resignation or removal.

 

Section 7.3    Voting.  At all meetings of the Board or of any committee thereof at which a quorum is present, except as otherwise provide for by Law, these Articles or the Bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”), any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board shall be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then present.

 

Section 7.4    Powers.  In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon the directors herein or by applicable Law, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation which are not reserved

 

3


 

to the stockholders pursuant to applicable Law, these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles”) or the Bylaws.

 

Section 7.5    Agreements.  The Board may authorize the execution and performance by the Corporation of one or more agreements with any person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization (including, without limitation, any one or more Affiliates of the Corporation and the Corporation’s directors) whereby, subject to the supervision and control of the Board, any such other person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization (including, without limitation, any one or more Affiliates of the Corporation and/the Corporation’s directors) shall render or make available to the Corporation managerial, operational, investment, either or both advisory and related services, office space and other services and facilities (including, if deemed advisable by the Board, the management or supervision of the operations of the Corporation and its subsidiaries) upon such terms and conditions as may be provided in such agreement or agreements (including, if deemed fair and equitable by the Board, the compensation payable thereunder by the Corporation).

 

Section 7.6    Personal Liability of Directors.  To the maximum extent that Nevada law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation, its stockholders, or its creditors for money damages.  Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Section 7.6, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of these Articles or the Bylaws inconsistent with this Section 7.6 shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sentence with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

 

Section 7.7    No Written Ballot Required for Director Elections.  Unless and except to the extent that the Bylaws shall so require, the election of directors of the Corporation need not be by written ballot.

 

ARTICLE 8
INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 8.1    Director and Officer Indemnity for Claims Not in Name of Corporation.

 

(a)   The Corporation must indemnify, to the maximum extent permitted by the Law, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, except an action by or in the right of the Corporation, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or while serving as a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if he or she acted 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 Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action, suit or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.  The Corporation may not indemnify any such person if it is proven his or her act, or failure to act, constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer, and his or her breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law, making him or her liable pursuant to NRS 78.138.

 

4


 

(b)   The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the Person is liable pursuant to NRS 78.138 or 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 Corporation, or that, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

Section 8.2    Director and Officer Indemnity for Claims in Name of Corporation.

 

(a)   Subject to Section 8.2(b) below, the Corporation must indemnify, to the maximum extent permitted by the law, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or while serving as a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, against expenses, including amounts paid in settlement and attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if he or she acted 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 Corporation.  The Corporation may not indemnify any such Person if it is proven his or her act, or failure to act, constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer, and his or her breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law, making him or her liable pursuant to NRS 78.138.

 

(b)   Indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which such Person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable to the Corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the Corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such Person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.

 

Section 8.3    Indemnification of Directors and Officers of a predecessor of ANC.  The Corporation will indemnify, to the maximum extent permitted by the law, such indemnification as described in Section 8.1 and Section 8.2 above, to any current or former director or officer of Ashford Inc., a Maryland corporation (“A1NC”) or any individual who, while a director or officer of AINC and at its request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee.

 

Section 8.4    Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation, AINC, or a Predecessor of AINC.  With the approval of the Board, the Corporation will indemnify, to the maximum extent permitted by the Law, to such extent as it shall deem appropriate under the circumstances, provide such indemnification as described in Section 8.1 and Section 8.2 above, to any current or former employee or agent of the Corporation, AINC, or a predecessor of AMC.

 

Section 8.5    Success on Merits.  To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, AINC, or a predecessor of AINC has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action suit or proceeding subject to indemnification under Sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4 above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she shall be indemnified by the Corporation

 

5


 

against expenses, including attorney’s fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.

 

Section 8.6    Expenses.

 

(a)   Expenses incurred in defending a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding must be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article 8.

 

(b)   Upon the Board’s approval to indemnify an employee or agent in Section 8.4 above, expenses incurred in defending a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding must be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the employee or agent to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article 8.

 

Section 8.7    Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit.  If a claim under this Article 8 is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim.  If the indemnitee is successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit.  In any suit brought by an indemnitee who is a present or former director to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses), it shall be a defense that such indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the NRS.  In addition, in any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that the indemnitee who is a present or former director has not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the NRS.  Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel, or stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the NRS, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel or stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.  In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article 8 or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.

 

Section 8.8    Other Sources of Indemnity.  The indemnification provided by this Article 8:

 

(a)   does not exclude any other rights to which a Person seeking indemnification may be entitled under any article of incorporation or any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, for either an action in his or her official capacity or an action in another capacity while holding such office; and

 

6


 

(b)   shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a Person.

 

Section 8.9    Insurance.  The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or any director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such Person against such expense, liability or loss under the NRS.

 

Any repeal or modification of this Article 8 shall not adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of any person existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

 

ARTICLE 9
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Nevada, as the Bylaws may provide.  The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the NRS) outside the State of Nevada at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board or in the Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 10.1  Definitions.  The following definitions are used herein:

 

“Affiliate” means, with respect to a given Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such Person.  For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of Beneficial Ownership of, or the power to vote, ten percent (10%) or more of the securities having voting power for the election of directors (or other Persons acting in similar capacities) of such Person or the power otherwise to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

“Beneficial Ownership” means ownership of shares of common stock by a Person, whether the interest in the shares of common stock is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include (in addition to direct ownership and indirect ownership through a nominee or similar arrangement) interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act.  The terms “Beneficial Owner,” “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” shall have the correlative meanings.

 

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

 

“Governmental Entity” means any national, state, provincial, municipal, local or foreign government, any court, arbitral tribunal, administrative agency or commission, or other governmental or regulatory authority, commission, or agency, or any non-governmental, self-regulatory authority, commission, or agency.

 

“Law” means any statute, law, code, ordinance, rule, or regulation of any Governmental Entity.

 

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“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, estate, trust, association, private foundation, joint stock company, limited liability company, or other entity and also includes a group as that term is used for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

 

Section 10.2  Business Opportunities.  The Corporation may renounce any interest or expectancy to participate in any specified business opportunities or specified classes or categories of business opportunities that are presented to the Corporation or one or more of its officers, directors or stockholders.  If any such renunciation is later revoked in whole or in part, such revocation shall solely be prospective in nature and not be applicable to any matter that was presented to the Corporation or one or more of its officers, directors or stockholders prior to such revocation.

 

ARTICLE 11
AMENDMENTS AND REPEAL

 

The Corporation reserves the right at any time and from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in these Articles, including any amendment, alteration, change or repeal which alters the contract rights, as expressly set forth in these Articles, and substantially and adversely affects the stockholders’ rights, and other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Nevada at the time in force may be added or inserted in the manner now or hereafter prescribed in these Articles, the Bylaws or the NRS, and all rights, preferences and privileges herein conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other Person by and pursuant to these Articles in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to such reservation.

 

ARTICLE 12
FORUM

 

Pursuant to Chapter 78 of the NRS, unless the Board consents to any alternative forum in writing, the Business Court of the Eighth Judicial District in the State of Nevada (“Business Court”), or if this Business Court does not have jurisdiction because the action asserts a federal claim, the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, Southern Division, are the sole and exclusive forums for any action, suit or proceeding: (1) brought in the name or right of the Corporation or on its behalf, including, without limitation, any action subject to NRS 41.520; (2) for or based upon any breach of any fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation in such capacity; or (3) arising pursuant to, or to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of, any provision of Chapter 78 of the NRS, the Articles, the Bylaws or any agreement entered into pursuant to NRS 78.365 to which the Corporation is a party or a stated beneficiary thereof.

 

Any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of Capital Stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article 12.

 

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EXHIBIT 3.2

 

 

BARBARA K. CEGAVSKE
Secretary of State

202 North Carson Street
Carson City, Nevada 89701-4201
(775) 684-5708

Website: www.nvsos.gov

 

Certificate of Designation
(PURSUANT TO NRS 78.1955)

 

 

USE BLACK INK ONLY - DO NOT HIGHLIGHT

ABOVE SPACE IS FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

 

Certificate of Designation For
Nevada Profit Corporations

(Pursuant to NRS 78.1955)

 

1.  Name of corporation:

Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.

 

2.  By resolution of the board of directors pursuant to a provision in the articles of incorporation this certificate establishes the following regarding the voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of the following class or series of stock.

 

Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, which shall have the voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights set forth in the resolutions attached hereto at Exhibit A.

 

 

3.  Effective date of filing: (optional)

November 6, 2019, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time

 

 

(must not be later than 90 days after the certificate is filed)

 

4.Signature: (required)

 

X /s/ Deric S. Eubanks

 

Signature of Officer

Deric S. Eubanks, Chief Financial Officer

 

Filing Fee: $175.00

 

IMPORTANT: Failure to include any of the above information and submit with the proper fees may cause this filing to be rejected.

 

This form must be accompanied by appropriate fees.

Nevada Secretary of State Stock Designation

 

Revised 1-5-15

 


 

Exhibit A

 

RESOLVED, that, pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (to be known as Ashford Inc. after a corporate name change) (the “Corporation”), under its Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the “Charter”),and pursuant to Section 78.1955 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”), 19,120,000 shares of the authorized but unissued preferred stock of the Corporation, par value $0.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), be, and it hereby is, designated and established as a single class of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series D Convertible Preferred Stock”); and

 

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the powers and preferences, participating, optional and other rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereon set forth below:

 

1.              Defined Terms. For purposes hereof, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Base Strike Price” means $25 (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar transaction with respect to the Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in a manner consistent with the corresponding adjustment to the Liquidation Value).

 

Board” as defined in the first resolution, means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

Call Option Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3.

 

Certificate of Designation” means the designation supplied by this document.

 

Charter” as defined in the first resolution, means the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended.

 

Combination Agreement” means the Combination Agreement dated as of May 31, 2019, by and among the Corporation, Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennett, MJB Investments, LP, Ashford, Inc., Ashford Merger Sub Inc., Remington Holdings GP, LLC, Remington Holdings, L.P., James L. Cowen and Jeremy J. Welter.

 

Common Stock” means the Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Corporation.

 

Conversion Shares” means the shares of Common Stock or other stock of the Corporation then issuable upon conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of Section 5.

 

Convertible Securities” means any securities (directly or indirectly) convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock.

 

Corporation” as defined in the first resolution, means Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (to be known as Ashford Inc. after a corporate name change).

 

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Date of Issuance” means, for any Share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, the date on which the Corporation initially issues such Share (without regard to any subsequent transfer of such Share or reissuance of the certificate(s) representing such Share).

 

Dividend Payment Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

 

Excluded Issuances” means any issuance or sale by the Corporation after the Date of Issuance of: (a) shares of Common Stock issued on the conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock; or (b) shares of Common Stock issued as contemplated by the Investor Rights Agreement, including Section 3.02 thereof.

 

Investor Rights Agreement” means the Investor Rights Agreement, dated November 6, 2019, by and among the Corporation, Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennett, MJB Investments, LP, the Alayna Jo Bennett Max 2019 Gift Trust, the Archie Bennett, III 2019 Gift Trust, the Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell 2019 Gift Trust, the Jory Glazener 2019 Gift Trust, the Krista Koleas 2019 Gift Trust, the Matthew Wade Bennett 2019 Gift Trust, the Beverly Rene Bennett Flood 2019 Gift Trust, the Supplemental Needs Trust FBO Lucas Wade Bennett, James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Mark A. Sharkey and Marissa A. Bennett.

 

Junior Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.

 

Liquidation” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

 

Liquidation Value” means, with respect to any Share on any given date, an amount equal to the sum of: (a) twenty five United States dollars ($25) (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar transaction with respect to the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock); plus (b) all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends on such Share (whether or not declared).

 

NRS” as defined in the first resolution, means the Nevada Revised Statutes.

 

Options” means any warrants or other rights or options to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock or Convertible Securities.

 

Pari Passu Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.

 

Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association or other entity.

 

Preferred Call Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

 

Preferred Conversion Price” means $117.50, as adjusted pursuant to Section 5.

 

Preferred Stock” as defined in the first resolution, means the authorized but unissued preferred stock of the Corporation, par value $0.001 per share.

 

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Preferred Stock Cash Amount” means, at any date of determination, an amount, determined on a per Share basis, equal to the sum of: (a) the Base Strike Price multiplied by one hundred and five-tenths percent (100.5%); plus (b) all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, as provided by this Certificate of Designation.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations thereunder, that is in effect at the time.

 

Senior Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.

 

Series D Convertible Preferred Stock” as defined in the first resolution, means the Corporation’s Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share.

 

Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

 

Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.

 

Share(s)” means share(s) of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person of which a majority of the outstanding shares or other equity interests having the power to vote for directors or comparable managers are owned, directly or indirectly, by the first Person.

 

Supermajority of Holders” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.

 

Transfer Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.

 

2.              Rank. With respect to payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, all Shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall rank: (i) prior to the Corporation’s Common Stock and any class or series of stock of the Corporation hereafter created (unless, with the consent of a Supermajority of Holders obtained in accordance with Section 7 hereof, such class or series of stock specifically, by its terms, ranks senior to or pari passu with the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock) (collectively with the Common Stock, “Junior Securities”); (ii) pari passu with any class or series of stock of the Corporation hereafter created (with the written consent of a Supermajority of Holders obtained in accordance with Section 7 hereof) specifically ranking, by its terms, on parity with the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Pari Passu Securities”); and (iii) junior to any class or series of stock of the Corporation hereafter created (with the written consent of a Supermajority of Holders obtained in accordance with Section 7 hereof) specifically ranking, by its terms, senior to the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Senior Securities”).

 

3.              Dividends.

 

3.1                Accrual and Payment of Dividends. From and after the Date of Issuance of any Share, cumulative dividends on such Share shall accrue, whether or not declared by the

 

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Board and whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of dividends, on a daily basis in arrears at the rate of: (a) 6.59% per annum until the first anniversary of the Date of Issuance; (b) 6.99% per annum from the first anniversary of the Date of Issuance until the second anniversary of the Date of Issuance; and (c) 7.28% per annum from the second anniversary of the Date of Issuance, in each case, on the sum of the Liquidation Value thereof. All accrued dividends on any Share shall be paid in cash only when, as and if declared by the Board out of funds legally available therefor or upon a liquidation of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in accordance with the provisions of Section 4; provided, that to the extent not paid on April 15, July 15, October 15 and January 15 of each calendar year in respect of the quarterly periods ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, respectively (each such date, a “Dividend Payment Date”), all accrued dividends on any Share shall accumulate and compound on the applicable Dividend Payment Date whether or not declared by the Board or funds are legally available thereof and shall remain accumulated, compounding dividends until paid in cash pursuant hereto or converted pursuant to Section 5. All accrued and accumulated dividends on the Shares shall be prior and in preference to any dividend on any Junior Securities and shall be fully declared and paid before any dividends are declared and paid, or any other distributions or redemptions are made, on any Junior Securities.

 

3.2                Participating Dividends. Subject to Section 3.1, in addition to the dividends accruing on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof, if the Corporation declares or pays a dividend or distribution on the Common Stock, whether such dividend or distribution is payable in cash, securities (which may include securities of the Corporation of a class or series other than the Shares) or other property, including the purchase or redemption by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries of shares of Common Stock for cash, securities or property, the Corporation shall simultaneously declare and pay a dividend on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on a pro rata basis with the Common Stock determined on an as-converted basis assuming all Shares had been converted pursuant to Section 5 as of immediately prior to the record date of the applicable dividend or distribution (or if no record date is fixed, the date as of which the record holders of Common Stock entitled to such dividends or distributions are to be determined).

 

3.3                Partial Dividend Payments. Except as otherwise provided in these resolutions, if at any time the Corporation pays less than the total amount of dividends then accrued and accumulated with respect to the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, such payment shall be distributed pro rata among the holders thereof based upon the aggregate accrued and accumulated but unpaid dividends on the Shares held by each such holder.

 

4.              Liquidation.

 

4.1                Liquidation. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation (a “Liquidation”), the holders of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution to its stockholders, before any payment shall be made to the holders of Junior Securities by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount in cash equal to the aggregate Liquidation Value of all Shares held by such holder.

 

4.2                Participation With Common Stock on Liquidation. In addition to and after payment in full of all preferential amounts required to be paid to the holders of Series D

 

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Convertible Preferred Stock upon a Liquidation under Section 4.1, the holders of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to participate with the holders of shares of Common Stock then outstanding, pro rata as a single class based on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock on an as-converted basis held by each holder as of immediately prior to the Liquidation, in the distribution of all the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders.

 

4.3                Insufficient Assets. If upon any Liquidation the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders shall be insufficient to pay the holders of the Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock the full preferential amount to which they are entitled under Section 4.1: (a) the holders of the Shares shall share ratably in any distribution of the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation in proportion to the respective full preferential amounts which would otherwise be payable in respect of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in the aggregate upon such Liquidation if all amounts payable on or with respect to such Shares were paid in full; and (b) the Corporation shall not make or agree to make any payments to the holders of Junior Securities.

 

4.4                Notice.

 

(a)                         Notice Requirement. In the event of any Liquidation, the Corporation shall, within ten (10) days of the date the Board approves such action, or no later than twenty (20) days prior to any stockholders’ meeting called to approve such action, or within twenty (20) days of the commencement of any involuntary proceeding, whichever is earlier, give each holder of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock notice (by mail to the address of the stockholder as reflected on Corporation records) of the proposed action. Such notice shall describe the material terms and conditions of such proposed action, including a description of the stock, cash and property to be received by the holders of Shares upon consummation of the proposed action and the date of delivery thereof. If any material change in the facts set forth in the initial notice shall occur, the Corporation shall promptly give notice to each holder of Shares of such material change.

 

(b)                         Notice Waiting Period. The Corporation shall not consummate any voluntary Liquidation of the Corporation before the expiration of thirty (30) days after the initial notice or ten (10) days after giving any subsequent written notice, whichever is later; provided, that any such period may be shortened upon the written consent of the holders of all the outstanding Shares.

 

5.              Conversion.

 

5.1                Right to Convert. Subject to the provisions of this Section 5, at any time and from time to time on or after the Date of Issuance, any holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the right by written election to the Corporation to convert all or any portion of the outstanding Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (including any fraction of a Share) held by such holder along with the aggregate accrued or accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon into an aggregate number of shares of Common Stock (including any fraction of a share) as is determined by: (i) multiplying the number of Shares (including any fraction of a Share) to be converted by the Liquidation Value

 

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thereof; and then (ii) dividing the result by the Preferred Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such conversion.

 

5.2                Procedures for Conversion. In order to effectuate a conversion of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 5.1, a holder shall: (a) submit a written election to the Corporation that such holder elects to convert one or more of the Shares, the number of Shares elected to be converted; and (b) surrender, along with such written election, to the Corporation the certificate or certificates representing the Shares being converted, duly assigned or endorsed for transfer to the Corporation (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers relating thereto) or, in the event the certificate or certificates are lost, stolen or missing, accompanied by an affidavit of loss executed by the holder. The conversion of such Shares hereunder shall be deemed effective as of the date of surrender of such Series D Convertible Preferred Stock certificate or certificates or delivery of such affidavit of loss. Upon the receipt by the Corporation of a written election and the surrender of such certificate(s) and accompanying materials, the Corporation shall as promptly as practicable (but in any event within twenty-one (21) days thereafter) deliver to the relevant holder: (a) a certificate in such holder’s name (or the name of such holder’s designee as stated in the written election) for the number of shares of Common Stock (including any fractional share) to which such holder shall be entitled upon conversion of the applicable Shares as calculated pursuant to Section 5.1; and, if applicable (b) a certificate in such holder’s name for the number of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (including any fractional share) represented by the certificate or certificates delivered to the Corporation for conversion but otherwise not elected to be converted pursuant to the written election. All shares of stock issued hereunder by the Corporation shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all taxes, liens, charges and encumbrances with respect to the issuance thereof.

 

5.3                Effect of Conversion. All shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock converted as provided in this Section 5 shall no longer be deemed outstanding as of the effective time of the applicable conversion and all rights with respect to such Shares shall immediately cease and terminate as of such time.

 

5.4                Reservation of Stock. The Corporation shall at all times when any Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are outstanding reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon the conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, such number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of all outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 5, taking into account any adjustment to such number of shares so issuable in accordance with Section 5.6 hereof. The Corporation shall take all such actions as may be necessary to assure that all such shares of Common Stock may be so issued without violation of any applicable law or governmental regulation. The Corporation shall not close its books against the transfer of any of its stock in any manner which would prevent the timely conversion of the Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

5.5                No Charge or Payment. The issuance of certificates for shares of Common Stock upon conversion of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 5.1 shall be made without payment of additional consideration by, or other charge, cost or tax to, the holder in respect thereof.

 

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5.6                Adjustment to Preferred Conversion Price and Number of Conversion Shares. In order to prevent dilution of the conversion rights granted under this Section 5, the Preferred Conversion Price and the number of Conversion Shares issuable on conversion of the Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Section 5.6.

 

(a)         Adjustment to Preferred Conversion Price and Conversion Shares Upon Dividend, Subdivision or Combination of Common Stock. If, other than an Excluded Issuance, the Corporation shall, at any time or from time to time after the Date of Issuance: (i) pay a dividend or make any other distribution upon the Common Stock or any other stock of the Corporation payable in shares of Common Stock or in Options or Convertible Securities; or (ii) subdivide (by any stock split, recapitalization or otherwise) its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares, then the Preferred Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to any such dividend, distribution or subdivision shall be proportionately reduced and the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall be proportionately increased. If the Corporation at any time combines (by combination, reverse stock split or otherwise) its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, the Preferred Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall be proportionately increased in order that the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall be proportionately decreased. Any adjustment under this Section 5.6(a) shall become effective at the close of business on the date the dividend, subdivision or combination becomes effective.

 

(b)         Adjustment to Preferred Conversion Price and Conversion Shares Upon Reorganization, Reclassification, Consolidation or Merger. In the event of any: (i) capital reorganization of the Corporation; (ii) reclassification of the stock of the Corporation (other than a change in par value or from par value to no par value or from no par value to par value or as a result of a stock dividend or subdivision, split-up or combination of shares); (iii) consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into another Person; (iv) sale of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets to another Person; or (v) other similar transaction (other than any such transaction covered by Section 5.6(a)), in each case which entitles the holders of Common Stock to receive (either directly or upon subsequent liquidation) stock, securities or assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Stock, each Share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall, immediately after such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale or similar transaction, remain outstanding and shall thereafter, in lieu of or in addition to (as the case may be) the number of Conversion Shares then issuable upon conversion of such Share, be exercisable for the kind and number of shares of stock or other securities or assets of the Corporation or of the successor Person resulting from such transaction to which such Share would have been entitled upon such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale or similar transaction if the Share had been converted in full immediately prior to the time of such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale or similar transaction and acquired the applicable number of Conversion Shares then issuable hereunder as a result of such conversion (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of such Share, if any); and, in such case, appropriate adjustment shall be made with respect to such holder’s rights

 

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under this Certificate of Designation to insure that the provisions of this Section 5 shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as possible, to the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in relation to any shares of stock, securities or assets thereafter acquirable upon conversion of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (including, in the case of any consolidation, merger, sale or similar transaction in which the successor or purchasing Person is other than the Corporation, an immediate adjustment in the Preferred Conversion Price to the value per share for the Common Stock reflected by the terms of such consolidation, merger, sale or similar transaction, and a corresponding immediate proportional adjustment to the number of Conversion Shares acquirable upon conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock without regard to any limitations or restrictions on conversion, if the value so reflected is less than the Preferred Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or similar transaction). The provisions of this Section 5.6(b) shall similarly apply to successive reorganizations, reclassifications, consolidations, mergers, sales or similar transactions. The Corporation shall not effect any such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale or similar transaction unless, prior to the consummation thereof, the successor Person (if other than the Corporation) resulting from such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale or similar transaction, shall assume, by written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Certificate of Designation, the obligation to deliver to the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock such shares of stock, securities or assets which, in accordance with the foregoing provisions, such holders shall be entitled to receive upon conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

(c)          Exceptions To Adjustment Upon Issuance of Common Stock. Anything in this Certificate of Designation to the contrary notwithstanding, there shall be no adjustment to the Preferred Conversion Price or the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to any Excluded Issuance.

 

(d)         Certificate as to Adjustment.

 

(i)             As promptly as reasonably practicable following any adjustment of the Preferred Conversion Ratio, but in any event not later than twenty-one (21) days thereafter, the Corporation shall furnish to each holder of record of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock at the address specified for such holder in the books and records of the Corporation (or at such other address as may be provided to the Corporation in writing by such holder) a certificate of an executive officer setting forth in reasonable detail such adjustment and the facts upon which it is based and certifying the calculation thereof.

 

(ii)          As promptly as reasonably practicable following the receipt by the Corporation of a written request by any holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, but in any event not later than twenty-one (21) days thereafter, the Corporation shall furnish to such holder a certificate of an executive officer certifying the Preferred Conversion Price then in effect and the number of Conversion Shares or the amount, if any, of other shares of stock, securities or assets then issuable to such holder upon conversion of the Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock held by such holder.

 

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(e)          Notices. In the event:

 

(i)             that the Corporation shall take a record of the holders of its Common Stock (or other stock or securities at the time issuable upon conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock) for the purpose of entitling or enabling them to receive any dividend or other distribution, to vote at a meeting (or by written consent), to receive any right to subscribe for or purchase any shares of stock of any class or any other securities, or to receive any other security; or

 

(ii)          of any capital reorganization of the Corporation, any reclassification of the Common Stock of the Corporation, any consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into another Person, or sale of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets to another Person; or

 

(iii)       of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Corporation;

 

then, and in each such case, the Corporation shall send or cause to be sent to each holder of record of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock at the address specified for such holder in the books and records of the Corporation (or at such other address as may be provided to the Corporation in writing by such holder) at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the applicable record date or the applicable expected effective date, as the case may be, for the event, a written notice specifying, as the case may be: (A) the record date for such dividend, distribution, meeting or consent or other right or action, and a description of such dividend, distribution or other right or action to be taken at such meeting or by written consent; or (B) the effective date on which such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up is proposed to take place, and the date, if any is to be fixed, as of which the books of the Corporation shall close or a record shall be taken with respect to which the holders of record of Common Stock (or such other stock or securities at the time issuable upon conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock) shall be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock (or such other stock or securities) for securities or other property deliverable upon such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up, and the amount per share and character of such exchange applicable to the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and the Conversion Shares.

 

6.              Breach of Obligations.

 

6.1                Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach. In addition to any other rights which a holder of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled under any other contract or agreement and any other rights such holder may have pursuant to applicable law, the holders of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the rights and remedies set forth in Section 6.2 in the event the Corporation fails to pay in cash any dividend on a Dividend Payment Date pursuant to Section 3.1, whether or not such payment is declared by the Board or is legally permissible or is otherwise prohibited, for two (2) consecutive quarterly periods (a “Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach”); provided, that a Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach will not be deemed to have occurred in the event that the failure to pay in cash any dividend on a Dividend Payment Date pursuant to Section 3.1 was substantially caused by any action

 

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or omission on the part of any holder of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in such holder’s capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation.

 

6.2                Consequences of Breach. If a Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach has occurred and is continuing, then, in addition to any rights provided in the Investor Rights Agreement, until such arrearage is paid in cash in full (at which time the rights hereunder shall terminate, subject to revesting in the event of each and every subsequent Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach):

 

(a)         Increased Dividend Rate. The dividend rate on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock set forth in Section 3.1 hereof shall increase immediately to 10.00% per annum until no Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach exists.

 

(b)         No Dividends on Common Stock. No dividends may be declared and paid, or any other distributions or redemptions may be made, on the Common Stock.

 

(c)          Additional Board Designation Rights. The number of directors constituting the Board shall be increased by two (2) Board seats (and the Corporation shall take all necessary action under its organizational documents, including its bylaws, to effectuate such increase and the other rights hereunder). A Supermajority of Holders, and only a Supermajority of Holders, will be entitled to designate the individuals to fill such newly created Board seats, to fill any vacancy in such Board seats and to remove and replace any individuals designated to fill such Board seats. Such additional directors shall have all voting and other rights (including for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum) as the other individuals serving on the Board. Upon the termination of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach, the term of office on the Board of all individuals who may have been designated as directors hereunder shall cease (and such individuals shall promptly resign from the Board), and the number of directors constituting the Board shall return to the number of directors that constituted the entire Board immediately prior to the occurrence or existence of the initial Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach giving rise to the foregoing rights.

 

7.              Voting Rights and Protective Provisions.

 

7.1                General. The holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote with the Common Stock on all matters submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation for approval with the number of votes attributable to each Share being determined on an as-converted basis assuming all Shares had been converted  pursuant to Section 5 as of immediately prior to the date as of which the holders of Common Stock entitled to vote on any such matter are to be determined. The holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall also have the voting rights as provided in Section 7.2 and Section 7.3.

 

7.2                Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Directors. When a Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach has occurred and is continuing, the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting as a class, to appoint two (2) directors as provided by Section 6.2.

 

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7.3                Protection Provisions. So long as any Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Corporation shall not take any of the following corporate actions (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise) without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by the NRS) of the holders of at least 55% (“Supermajority of Holders”) of the shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock at the time outstanding:

 

(a)         amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Designation or the Charter (including any amendment, alteration or repeal by means of a merger, consolidation or otherwise) so as to modify in any way the terms, rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock;

 

(b)         alter or change the rights, preferences or privileges of any stock of the Corporation so as to affect adversely the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock;

 

(c)          create or issue any Senior Securities;

 

(d)         issue any shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock other than pursuant to the Combination Agreement;

 

(e)          enter into (or suffer to exist) any agreement that expressly prohibits or restricts (i) the payment of dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock or the Common Stock or (ii) the exercise of the Change of Control Put Option (as such term is defined in the Investor Rights Agreement);

 

(f)           other than the payment of dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock or payments to purchase any of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, transfer all or any substantial portion of the Corporation’s or its Subsidiaries’ cash balances or other assets to any Person other than the Corporation or any such Subsidiary other than by means of a dividend payable by the Corporation pro rata to the holders of the Corporation’s Common Stock (together with a corresponding dividend payable to the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in accordance with Section 3.2); or

 

(g)          enter into (or suffer to exist) any agreement, commitment, understanding or other arrangement to take any of the foregoing actions.

 

8.              Preferred Call Option.

 

8.1                The Corporation has an option to require each holder of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to sell to the Corporation, and such holder is obligated to sell to the Corporation (the “Preferred Call Option”), all or any portion of the Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock then owned by such holder on a pro rata basis among all such holders (except that the Preferred Call Option will not be exercised with respect to Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price less than $25,000,000).  In the event that the Corporation elects to exercise the Preferred Call Option, then such exercise shall be directed to all holders then owning Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on a pro rata basis.  The Preferred Call Option may be exercised by the Corporation only after June 30, 2026; provided, that, in

 

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the event the Corporation exercises the Preferred Call Option, each holder of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock may, by written notice delivered to the Corporation not fewer than five (5) Business Days before the scheduled Call Option Closing, exercise such holder’s right to convert the Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock.  In the event that the Corporation exercises the Preferred Call Option, the price to be paid to each holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock then owned to such holder Investor will be paid in cash in an amount equal to the Preferred Stock Cash Amount.

 

8.2                The Preferred Call Option may be exercised by the Corporation giving notice to all of the holders then owning Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock of the Corporation’s election to exercise such option.

 

8.3                The closing for the purchase and sale pursuant to the Preferred Call Option will take place at the executive offices of the Corporation on the date specified in the Corporation’s notice of its exercise of the Preferred Call Option (a “Call Option Closing”); provided, that the date of the closing of such purchase and sale will take place no fewer than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice.  At any Call Option Closing, each holder then owning Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will deliver good and marketable title to the Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock being purchased and sold, duly endorsed in blank and otherwise in good form for transfer (if applicable), free and clear of any lien, charge, claim, or encumbrance other than this Certificate of Designation.  In consideration for the same, the Corporation will deliver the consideration set forth in Section 8.1.

 

8.4                Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.1, upon written notice delivered to the Corporation not fewer than five (5) Business Days prior to the scheduled Call Option Closing, the holders of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock participating in such notice shall be entitled to specify that the number of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock subject to the Call Option (as determined on a pro rata basis) that are held by such notifying holders shall instead be allocated among such notifying holders on the basis (other than pro rata) specified in such written notice.  The Corporation shall comply with such written direction in connection with the consummation of the Preferred Call Option at the scheduled Call Option Closing provided that the Corporation is able to purchase, in the aggregate, the number of Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock specified in the Corporation’s notice of its exercise of the Preferred Call Option.

 

9.              No Preemptive Rights. No holder of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall be entitled as a matter of right to subscribe for or purchase, or have any preemptive right or any other right to remediate dilution with respect to, any part of any new or additional issue of stock of any class whatsoever or of securities convertible into any stock of any class whatsoever, whether now or hereafter authorized and whether issued for cash or other consideration or by way of dividend. Nothing herein, however, shall prohibit the Corporation from granting one or more holders of the Shares the right to participate in offerings of additional securities of the Corporation.

 

10.       Reissuance of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. Any Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock redeemed, converted or otherwise acquired by the Corporation or any Subsidiary shall be cancelled and retired as authorized and issued shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation and no such Shares shall thereafter be reissued, sold or transferred as Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

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11.       Record Holders. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation (and any Transfer Agent for the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock) may deem and treat the record holder of any share of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and the Corporation (and any such Transfer Agent) shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

12.       Certificates. Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall be certificated and issued in registered form only. The Corporation shall keep and maintain, or shall cause to be kept and maintained, a register in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as the Corporation may prescribe, the Corporation shall provide for the registration of shares and transfers, exchanges or substitutions as provided herein.

 

13.       Transfer Restrictions and Legends. Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock may not be reoffered, sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of by a holder except pursuant to a registration statement that has become effective under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

14.       Transfer Agent. The Corporation may, its sole discretion, appoint or remove a transfer agent and registrar for the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Transfer Agent”) in accordance with the agreement between the Corporation and the Transfer Agent.

 

15.       Transfer. A holder may transfer a Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate only upon surrender of such certificate for registration of transfer, presented at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (or the offices of the Transfer Agent, if a Transfer Agent has been appointed) with a written instruction in form satisfactory to the Corporation (and Transfer Agent) duly executed by such holder, and accompanied by certification that such transfer will comply with the appropriate transfer restrictions applicable to such Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate.

 

16.       Lost or Stolen Certificates. Upon receipt by the Corporation of: (i) evidence of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Preferred Stock Certificates; and (ii) (y) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, indemnity (without bond or other security) reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation; or (z) in the case of mutilation, the Preferred Stock Certificate(s) (surrendered for cancellation); the Corporation shall execute and deliver new Preferred Stock Certificate(s) of like tenor and date. However, the Corporation shall not be obligated to reissue such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Preferred Stock Certificate(s) if the holder contemporaneously requests the Corporation to convert such Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

17.       Waiver. Notwithstanding any provision in this Certificate of Designation to the contrary, any provision contained herein and any right of the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock granted hereunder may be waived as to all shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (and the holders thereof) upon the written consent of a Supermajority of Holders, unless a higher percentage is required by applicable law, in which case the written consent of the holders of not less than such higher percentage of shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall be required.

 

18.       Notices. Except as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Designation, all notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications

 

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hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); (c) on the date sent by facsimile or e-mail of a PDF document (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next business day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient; or (d) on the third day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. The address for such communications are: (i) if to the Corporation, at its principal place of business as specified in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Attention: General Counsel; and (ii) to any stockholder, at such holder’s address at it appears in the stock records of the Corporation.

 

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EXHIBIT 3.3

 

BARBARA K. CEGAVSKE
Secretary of State

202 North Carson Street
Carson City, Nevada 89701-4201
(775) 684-5708

Website: www.nvsos.gov

 

Profit Corporation:

Certificate of Amendment (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.380 & 78 385/78 390)

Certificate to Accompany Restated Articles or Amended and

Restated Articles (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.403)

Officer’s Statement (PURSUANT TO NRS 80.030)

 

TYPE OR PRINT - USE DARK INK ONLY - DO NOT HIGHLIGHT

 

1. Entity information:

Name of entity as on file with the Nevada Secretary of State:

 

Ashford Nevada Holding Corp.

 

 

 

Entity or Nevada Business Identification Number (NVID):

E0181112019-6

 

 

2. Restated or
Amended and
Restated Articles:

(Select one)

 

(If amending and
restating only
, complete
section 1,2 3, 5 and 6)

 

o            Certificate to Accompany Restated Articles or Amended and Restated Articles

o            Restated Articles - No amendments; articles are restated only and are signed by an officer of the corporation who has been authorized to execute the certificate by resolution of the board of directors adopted on:

The certificate correctly sets forth the text of the articles or certificate as amended to the date of the certificate.

o            Amended and Restated Articles

* Restated or Amended and Restated Articles must be included with this filing type.

 

 

3. Type of
Amendment Filing Being Completed:

(Select only one box)

 

(If amending, complete section 1, 3, 5 and 6.)

o         Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (Pursuant to NRS 78.380 - Before Issuance of Stock)

The undersigned declare that they constitute at least two-thirds of the following:

(Check only one box)      o                                    incorporators                        o                                    board of directors

The undersigned affirmatively declare that to the date of this certificate, no stock of the corporation has been issued

 

 

 

x          Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (Pursuant to NRS 78.385 and 78.390 - After Issuance of Stock) The vote by which the stockholders holding shares in the corporation entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power, or such greater proportion of the voting power as may be required in the case of a vote by classes or series, or as may be required by the provisions of the articles of incorporation* have voted in favor of the amendment is: unanimous

 

 

 

o         Officer’s Statement (foreign qualified entities only) -

Name in home state, if using a modified name in Nevada:

 

Jurisdiction of formation:     

 

Changes to takes the following effect:

 

 

 

 

o The entity name has been amended.

o Dissolution

 

o The purpose of the entity has been amended.

o Merger

 

This form must be accompanied by appropriate fees.

 

 

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o The authorized shares have been amended.

o Conversion

 

o Other: (specify changes)

 

 

 

 

* Officer’s Statement must be submitted with either a certified copy of or a certificate evidencing the filing of any document, amendatory or otherwise, relating to the original articles in the place of the corporations creation.

 

 

4. Effective Date and Time: (Optional)

Date: November 6, 2019

Time: 1:01p.m. Pacific time

(must not be later than 90 days after the certificate is filed)

 

 

5. Information Being Changed: (Domestic corporations only)

Changes to takes the following effect:

x          The entity name has been amended.

o            The registered agent has been changed. (attach Certificate of Acceptance from new registered agent)

o            The purpose of the entity has been amended.

o            The authorized shares have been amended.

o            The directors, managers or general partners have been amended.

o            IRS tax language has been added.

o            Articles have been added.

o            Articles have been deleted.

o            Other.

The articles have been amended as follows: (provide article numbers, if available)

 

Article 1 - Name (amended as shown on the attached.)

 

(attach additional page(s) if necessary)

 

 

6. Signature:

X

/s/Robert G. Haiman

Secretary

 

(Required)

 

Signature of Officer or Authorized Signer

Robert G. Haiman

Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of Officer or Authorized Signer

 

Title

 

 

 

*If any proposed amendment would alter or change any preference or any relative or other right given to any class or series of outstanding shares, then the amendment must be approved by the vote, in addition to the affirmative vote otherwise required, of the holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of each class or series affected by the amendment regardless to limitations or restrictions on the voting power thereof.

Please include any required or optional information in space below:
(attach additional page(s) if necessary)

 

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ADDENDUM TO CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
OF
ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP.

 

Item 5 (Continued)

 

Information Being Changed:

 

Article 1 is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1

 

NAME

 

The name of the corporation is Ashford Inc. (“Corporation”).

 

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EXHIBIT 3.4

 

ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP.

 

BYLAWS

 

Amended and Restated August 28, 2019

 

ARTICLE I

 

STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1.                                           Place.  All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (the “Corporation”) or at such other place as shall be set by the Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) in accordance with these Bylaws and stated in the notice of the meeting.

 

Section 2.                                           Annual Meeting.  An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any other proper business shall be held on the date and at the time set by the Board.

 

Section 3.                                           Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes:  (i) may be called by the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer; and (ii) shall be called by the Chief Executive Officer or Secretary at the request in writing of a majority of the members of the Board or upon the written request of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation, and may not be called by any other person or persons.  Such request of the Board or the stockholders shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.  Business transacted at any special meeting shall be limited to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice.

 

Section 4.                                           Notice.  Notice of all meetings of stockholders stating the hour, date and place of such annual meetings and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting has been called, shall be given by the Secretary (or other person authorized by these Bylaws or by law) not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days before the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder who, under the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended or restated from time to time (the “Articles”) or under these Bylaws, is entitled to such notice, by delivering such notice, by mailing it, postage prepaid, addressed to such stockholder at the address of such stockholder as it appears on the Corporation’s stock transfer books, by electronic transmission or by any other means permitted by Nevada law.  Except in the case of the annual meeting, the notice must also include the means of electronic communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxies shall be deemed to be present in person and vote.  If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.  If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the stockholder by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholders and directed to the address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder consented to receive such electronic transmission and such transmission contains or is accompanied by information from which the recipient can determine the date of the transmission.  Waiver by a stockholder in writing of notice of a stockholders’ meeting shall

 

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constitute a waiver of notice of the meeting, whether executed and/or delivered before or after such meeting.

 

The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel a meeting of stockholders previously scheduled.  The Board must fix a new record date if the meeting is adjourned or postponed to a date more than 60 days later than the meeting date set for the original meeting.  If a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given to each stockholder of record as of the new record date.

 

Section 5.                                           Organization and Conduct.  Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by the Chairman of the Board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the Chairman of the Board, by one of the following officers present at the meeting in the following order:  the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Strategy Officer, the Vice Presidents in their order of rank and seniority, the Secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chairman chosen by a majority of the members of the Board in attendance at the meeting or if none, a chairman chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy at the meeting.  The Secretary, or, in the Secretary’s absence, an individual appointed by the Board or, in the absence of such appointment, an individual appointed by the chairman of the meeting shall act as secretary of the meeting.  In the event that the Secretary presides at a meeting of stockholders, an individual appointed by the Board or the chairman of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting.  The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chairman of the meeting.  The chairman of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of the chairman and without any action by the stockholders, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance at the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized proxies and such other individuals as the chairman of the meeting may determine; (c) limiting participation at the meeting on any matter to stockholders of record of the Corporation entitled to vote on such matter, their duly authorized proxies and other such individuals as the chairman of the meeting may determine; (d) limiting the time allotted to questions or comments; (e) determining when and for how long the polls should be opened and when the polls should be closed; (f) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (g) removing any stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chairman of the meeting; (h) convening a meeting or (for any or no reason) recessing or adjourning the meeting to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (i) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security.  The chairman of the 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 chairman should so determine, such chairman 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 otherwise determined by the chairman of the meeting, meetings of

 

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stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

Section 6.                                           Quorum.  Except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles or these Bylaws, at each meeting of stockholders, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote at such meeting shall constitute a quorum.  If such quorum is not established at any meeting of the stockholders, the chairman of the meeting or the stockholders so present by a majority of voting power thereof may adjourn the meeting until a quorum shall attend.  A meeting of stockholders convened on the date for which it was called may be adjourned from time to time without further notice to a date not more than 60 days after the original record date, if such meeting date is announced at the meeting at which adjournment is taken.  At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.

 

The stockholders present either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough stockholders to leave fewer than would be required to establish a quorum.

 

Section 7.                                           Voting.  A plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director.  Each share may be voted for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be voted.  Cumulative voting is not permitted.  A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless more than a majority of the votes cast is required by the Articles, 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.  Except as otherwise provided by law, abstentions and broker non-votes shall not be counted as votes cast for purposes of determining the outcome of any vote.  Unless otherwise provided by statute or by the Articles, 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 on the matter in question.  Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the chairman of the meeting shall order that voting be by ballot or otherwise.

 

Section 8.                                           Proxies.  A holder of record of shares of stock of the Corporation may cast votes in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholder’s duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law.  Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the Secretary before or at the meeting.  No proxy shall be valid more than 6 months after its date of creation unless a longer period is otherwise provided in the proxy.  No proxy shall be valid for more than 7 years unless such proxy is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power.

 

Section 9.                                           Voting of Stock by Certain Holders.  Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, general partner, trustee, manager, or managing member thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing

 

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individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of a partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock.  Any director or fiduciary may vote stock registered in the name of such person in the capacity of such director or fiduciary, either in person or by proxy.

 

Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, unless such shares are held by the Corporation in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the presence of a quorum.

 

Section 10.                                    Inspectors.  The Corporation shall appoint, before any meeting of stockholders, one or more inspectors 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 an inspector who fails to act.  In the event that no inspector so appointed or designated is able to act at the meeting of stockholders, the chairman of 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 inspectors shall:  (i) ascertain the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation outstanding and the voting power of each such share; (ii) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity of proxies and ballots; (iii) tabulate 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 capital stock of the Corporation represented at the meeting and such inspectors’ count of all votes and ballots.  Such certificate 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 of the Corporation, 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 11.                                    Advance Notice of Stockholder Nominees for Director and Other Stockholder Proposals.

 

(a)                                 Annual Meetings of Stockholders.

 

(1)                                 Nominations of individuals for election to the Board and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders:  (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto); (ii) by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof; or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who:  (a) has beneficially owned at least 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation (the “Required Shares”) continuously for at least one year both at the time of giving of notice by the stockholder as provided for in this Section 11(a) and through and including the time of the annual meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof); (b) who is a stockholder of record of the Corporation both at the time of giving notice as provided for in this Section 11(a)

 

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and as of the time of the annual meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof); and (c) is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with this Section 11(a).

 

(2)                                 For any nomination or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 11, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary and any such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by the stockholders.  To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11 and shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article I) for the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, in order for notice by the stockholder to be timely, such notice must be so delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 90th day prior to the date of such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation.  The postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting, or the public announcement thereof, shall not commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

(3)                                 Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth:

 

(i)                                     as to each individual whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (each, a “Proposed Nominee”), all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”);

 

(ii)                                  as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a description of such business, the text of the proposal or business, the stockholder’s reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), individually or in the aggregate, including any anticipated benefit to the stockholder or the Stockholder Associated Person therefrom;

 

(iii)                               as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Proposed Nominee and any Stockholder Associated Person:

 

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(A)                               the class, series and number of all shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (collectively, the “Company Securities”), if any, which are owned (beneficially or of record) by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, the date on which each such Company Security was acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, any short interest (including any opportunity to profit or share in any benefit from any decrease in the price of such stock or other security) in any Company Securities of any such person and a representation that such stockholder intends to maintain qualifying ownership of the Required Shares through the date of the annual meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) to which the notice relates;

 

(B)                               the nominee holder for, and number of, any Company Securities owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person;

 

(C)                               whether and the extent to which such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly (through brokers, nominees or otherwise), is subject to or during the last six months has engaged in any hedging, derivative or other transaction or series of transactions or entered into any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short interest, any borrowing or lending of securities or any proxy or voting agreement), the effect or intent of which is to (I) manage risk or benefit from changes in the price of Company Securities for such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person or (II) increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof disproportionately to such person’s economic interest in the Company Securities; and

 

(D)                               any substantial interest, direct or indirect (including, without limitation, any existing or prospective commercial, business or contractual relationship with the Corporation), by security holdings or otherwise, of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof, other than an interest arising from the ownership of Company Securities where such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all other holders of the same class or series;

 

(iv)                              as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Stockholder Associated Person with an interest or ownership referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (3) of this Section 11(a) and any Proposed Nominee:

 

(A)                               the name and address of such stockholder of record, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock ledger, and the name and address

 

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of each such Stockholder Associated Person and any Proposed Nominee; and

 

(B)                               the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person who is not an individual and a copy of the prospectus, offering memorandum or similar document, if any, provided to investors or potential investors in such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person;

 

(v)                                 the name and address of any person who contacted or was contacted by the stockholder giving the notice or any Stockholder Associated Person about the Proposed Nominee or other business proposal prior to the date of such stockholder’s notice;

 

(vi)                              a representation whether the stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person intends or is part of a group which intends:  (a) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee; and/or (b) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination;

 

(vii)                           a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination;

 

(viii)                        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; and

 

(ix)                              to the extent known by the stockholder giving the notice, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the nominee for election or reelection as a director or the proposal of other business on the date of such stockholder’s notice.

 

(4)                                 Such stockholder’s notice shall, with respect to any Proposed Nominee, be accompanied by a certificate executed by the Proposed Nominee:  (i) (a) certifying that such Proposed Nominee is not, and will not become, a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation and (b) consenting to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee and serving as a director of the Corporation if elected; and (ii) attaching a completed Proposed Nominee questionnaire (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Corporation, upon request, to the stockholder providing the notice and shall include all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the

 

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solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder, or would be required pursuant to the rules of any national securities exchange on which any securities of the Corporation are listed or over-the-counter market on which any securities of the Corporation are traded).  The foregoing notice requirements of this Section 11 shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder with respect to business other than a nomination 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 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.

 

(5)                                 Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (a) of this Section 11 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board at the annual meeting is increased after the time period for which nominations would otherwise by due under paragraph (a)(2) of this Section 11, and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships at least 130 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article I) for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 11(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

 

(6)                                 For purposes of this Section 11, a “Stockholder Associated Person” of any stockholder shall mean:  (i) any person acting in concert with such stockholder; (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder (other than a stockholder that is a depositary); and (iii) any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person.

 

(b)                                           Special Meetings of Stockholders.  Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting.  Nominations of individuals for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting only:  (i) by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof; or (ii) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with Section 3 of this Article I for the purpose of electing directors, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 11 and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 11.  In the

 

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event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more individuals to the Board, any such stockholder may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a director as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice, containing the information required by paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this Section 11, is delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made by the Corporation of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board to be elected at such meeting.  The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting shall not commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

(c)                                  General.

 

(1)                                 If information submitted pursuant to this Section 11 by any stockholder proposing a nominee for election as a director or any proposal for other business at a meeting of stockholders shall be inaccurate in any material respect, such information may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 11.  Any stockholder proposing a nominee for election as a director or any proposal of other business at a meeting of stockholders shall notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change in such stockholder’s notice (within two Business Days (as defined below) of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change).  Upon written request by the Secretary or the Board, any such stockholder shall provide, within 5 Business Days of delivery of such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request):  (A) written verification, satisfactory, in the discretion of the Board or any authorized officer of the Corporation, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11; and (B) a written update of any information (including, if requested by the Corporation, written confirmation by such stockholder that it continues to intend to bring such nomination or other business proposal before the meeting) submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11 as of an earlier date.  If a stockholder fails to provide such written verification or written update within such period, the information as to which written verification or a written update was requested may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 11.  For purposes of these Bylaws, “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

 

(2)                                 Except as otherwise expressly provided in any applicable rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act, only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 11 shall be eligible for election by stockholders as directors, and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 11.  Except as otherwise required by law, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty:  (a) to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 11 (including whether the stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person solicited (or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies or votes

 

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in support of such stockholder’s nominee or proposal in compliance with such stockholder’s representation as required by clause (a)(3)(vi) of this Section 11); and (b) if any proposed nomination or business was not made or proposed in compliance with this Section 11, to declare that such nomination shall be disregarded or that such proposed business shall not be transacted.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, 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 of the Corporation 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 11, 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.

 

(3)                                 For purposes of this Section 11, “the date of the proxy statement” shall have the same meaning as “the date of the company’s proxy statement released to shareholders” as used in Rule 14a-8(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.  “Public announcement” shall mean disclosure:  (A) in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or other widely circulated news or wire service; or (B) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act.

 

(4)                                 Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 11.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall be deemed to affect any right of a stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Corporation to omit a proposal from, the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall require disclosure of revocable proxies received by the stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person pursuant to a solicitation of proxies after the filing of an effective Schedule 14A by such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

Section 12.                                    Action Taken Without A Meeting.  Any action that may be taken at a meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting if approved by the unanimous written consent of all stockholders entitled to vote on the matter.

 

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ARTICLE II

 

DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.              Powers.  All of the powers of the Corporation shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board except as otherwise provided by the Articles or required by law.

 

Section 2.              Number of Directors and Terms.  Members of the initial Board shall hold office until the first annual meeting of the stockholders and until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.  At the first annual meeting of stockholders and at each annual meeting thereafter, the stockholders shall elect directors to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting.  Each director shall hold office for the term for which he or she is elected and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any director may be removed from office at any time by the vote or written consent of stockholders representing not less than two-thirds of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote, with or without cause.  The number of directors of the Corporation shall not be less than two (2) nor more than fifteen (15).  The exact number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by the Board.

 

Section 3.              Director Independence.

 

(a)                                           Independence.  The Board shall nominate candidates for election or re-election to the Board (or recommend the election or re-election of such candidates as nominated by others) such that, and shall take such other corporate actions as may be reasonably required to provide that, to the best knowledge of the Board, if such candidates are elected by the stockholders, at least a majority of the members of the Board shall be Independent Directors (as defined below).  The Board shall only elect any person to fill a vacancy on the Board if, to the best knowledge of the Board, after such person’s election at least a majority of the members of the Board shall be Independent Directors.  The foregoing provisions of this paragraph shall not cause a director who, upon commencing such director’s service as a member of the Board was determined by the Board to be an Independent Director but did not in fact qualify as such, or who by reason of any change in circumstances ceases to qualify as an Independent Director, from serving the remainder of the term as a director for which such director was selected.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph and unless otherwise provided by law, no action of the Board shall be invalid by reason of the failure at any time of a majority of the members of the Board to be Independent Directors.

 

(b)                                           Independent Director.  The term “Independent Director” means a director who:  (i) qualifies as an “independent director” within the meaning of the corporate governance listing standards from time to time adopted by the NYSE American (or, if at any time the Corporation’s common stock is not listed on the NYSE American and is listed on a securities exchange other than the NYSE American, the applicable corporate governance listing standards of such other securities exchange) with respect to the composition of the board of directors of a listed company (without regard to any independence criteria applicable under such standards only to the members of a committee of the board of directors); and (ii) also satisfies the minimum requirements of director independence of Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act (as from time to time in effect), whether or not such director is a member of the Audit Committee of the Board.

 

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Section 4.              Qualification.  No Director need be a stockholder of the Corporation.  Unless waived by the Board, no individual may serve as a director of the Corporation if he or she has reached the age of 70 years at the time of election.  Upon attaining the age of 70, a director shall tender a letter of resignation from the Board, effective upon the expiration of the calendar year in which such director attains the age of 70.  Such director shall also tender a letter of resignation effective upon the expiration of each term served by the director after attaining the age of 70.  Additionally, upon any change in employment of a director or a change in the duties of such director in connection with his or her employment, such director shall tender a letter of resignation effective upon the expiration of the calendar year in which such change occurs.  Any such resignation shall be contingent upon acceptance by the Board, and the Board shall determine whether, in light of all the circumstances, it should accept such resignation.

 

Section 5.              Vacancies.  Except as provided in the Articles, including any certificate of designation, any vacancy occurring on the Board may be filled by the affirmative vote of the majority of the remaining directors though less than a quorum of the Board.  A Director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office, subject to removal as aforesaid.

 

Section 6.              Resignation.  Any Director may resign at any time by giving notice to the Board.  Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some other event.

 

Section 7.              Regular Meetings.  The regular annual meeting of the Board shall be held, without other notice than this Bylaw, on the same date and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders following the close of such meeting of stockholders.  Other regular meetings of the Board may be held at such hour, date and place as the Board may by resolution from time to time determine without other notice than such resolution.

 

Section 8.              Executive Sessions.  To ensure free and open discussion and communication among the non-management directors, the non-management directors shall meet in executive session at least twice a year with no members of management present.

 

Section 9.              Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the Board may be called by a majority of the members of the Board, the Chairman of the Board, if one is elected, the lead Director, or the Chief Executive Officer.  The person calling any such special meeting of the Board may fix the hour, date and place thereof.

 

Section 10.            Notice of Meetings.  Notice of the hour, date and place of all special meetings of the Board shall be given to each director by the Secretary, or in case of the death, absence, incapacity or refusal of such persons, by the Chairman of the Board, if one is elected, or the Chief Executive Officer or such other officer designated by the Chairman of the Board, if one is elected, or the Chief Executive Officer.  Notice of any special meeting of the Board shall be given to each director in person or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission or by telegram sent to his or her business or home address at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, or by written notice mailed to his or her business or home address at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.  Such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when hand delivered to such address, when read to such Director by telephone, when deposited in the mail so addressed with postage

 

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thereon prepaid, upon transmission of the message by electronic mail, upon completion of transmission of a facsimile message and receipt of a completed answer back indicating receipt or when delivered to the telegraph company if sent by telegram.  Notice of any meeting of the Board may be waived in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to the notice, whether before or after the time of the meeting.

 

A waiver of notice executed before or after a meeting by a director and filed with the records of the meeting shall be deemed to be equivalent to an effective notice of the meeting.  The attendance of a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting solely for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting was not lawfully called or convened and does not further participate in the meeting.  Except as otherwise required by law, by the Articles or by these Bylaws, neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the Board need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

 

Section 11.            Quorum.  At any meeting of the Board, a majority of the directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but if less than a quorum is present at a meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time.  Any business which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed may be transacted at such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present.

 

Section 12.            Action at Meeting.  At any meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present, a majority of the directors present may take any action on behalf of the Board, unless otherwise required by law, by the Articles or these Bylaws.

 

Section 13.            Action by Consent.  Any action required or permitted to be taken by the directors of the Corporation, or by a committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by all of the directors, or all of the members of such committee, as the case may be.

 

Section 14.            Manner of Participation.  Members of the Board or of any committee designated by the Board pursuant to Section 15 of this Article II may participate in a meeting of the Board or such committee through electronic communications, videoconferencing, teleconferencing or other available technology by means of which the Corporation has implemented reasonable measures to:  (a) verify the identity of each person participating through such means as a director or member of the Board or a committee thereof, as the case may be; and (b) provide the directors or committee members a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the directors or committee members, as the case may be, including an opportunity to communicate and to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting in a substantially concurrent manner.

 

Section 15.            Committees.  The Board may designate one or more committees, including an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, to consist of one or more of the members of the Board.  The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.  In the absence or disqualification of a member of the committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not

 

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disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board 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, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation.  Except as the Board may otherwise determine or as required by law, by the Articles or by these Bylaws, any such committee may make rules for conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the Board or in such rules, its business shall be conducted so far as possible in the same manner as is provided by the Articles and by these Bylaws for the Board.  Any committee to which the Board delegates any of its powers or duties shall keep records of its meetings and shall report its action to the Board.

 

Section 16.            Compensation of Directors.  Directors shall receive compensation for their service as a director as shall be determined by a majority of the members of the Board, provided that directors who are serving the Corporation as officers or employees and who receive compensation for their services as such (collectively, the “Employee Directors”) shall not receive any salary or other compensation for their services as directors of the Corporation; provided, however, that such Employee Directors may be paid their reasonable expenses incurred as a director.

 

ARTICLE III

 

OFFICERS

 

Section 1.              Enumeration.  The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a Chairman of the Board ,a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer and such other officers, including without limitation a Chief Operating Officer, a General Counsel, an Assistant General Counsel, a Chief Financial Officer, a Chief Accounting Officer, and one or more Vice Presidents (including Executive Vice Presidents or Senior Vice Presidents), as the Board may determine.

 

Section 2.              Election and Appointment.  At the regular annual meeting of the Board following the annual meeting of stockholders, the Board shall elect the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Treasurer and the Secretary.  Other officers may be appointed by the Board at such regular annual meeting of the Board or at any other regular or special meeting of the Board, or such other officers may be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Section 3.              Qualification.  Officers must be stockholders of the Corporation.  Any person may occupy more than one office of the Corporation at any time; however the Chief Executive Officer must be a different person than the President.

 

Section 4.              Tenure.  Except as otherwise provided by the Articles or by these Bylaws, each of the officers of the Corporation shall hold office until the regular annual meeting of the Board following the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.  Election or appointment of an officer shall not of itself create contract rights.  The Board may, however, authorize the Corporation to enter into an employment contract with any officer in accordance with law, but no

 

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such contract right shall prohibit the right of the Board to remove any officer at any time in accordance with Section 6 of this Article III.

 

Section 5.              Resignation.  Any officer may resign at any time by delivering his or her written resignation to the Corporation addressed to the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary, and such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some other event.

 

Section 6.              Removal.  The Board may remove any officer with or without cause at any time.

 

Section 7.              Absence or Disability.  In the event of the absence or disability of any officer, the Board may designate another officer to act temporarily in place of such absent or disabled officer.

 

Section 8.              Vacancies.  Any vacancy in any office may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by the Board.

 

Section 9.              Chairman of the Board.  The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board and at all meetings of stockholders.  The Chairman of the Board shall have such other powers and shall perform such other duties as the Board may from time to time designate.

 

Section 10.            Chief Executive Officer.  In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall preside, when present, at all meetings of the Board.  The Chief Executive Officer shall, subject to the direction of the Board, have general supervision and control of the Corporation’s business.

 

Section 11.            President.  The President shall have such powers and perform such duties as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time designate.

 

Section 12.            Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.  Any Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time designate.

 

Section 13.            Vice Presidents.  Any Vice President (including any Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President) shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time designate.

 

Section 14.            Treasurer.  The Chief Financial Officer shall be the Treasurer, unless the Board shall elect another officer to be the Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall, subject to the direction of the Board and except as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may otherwise provide, have general charge of the financial affairs of the Corporation and shall cause to be kept accurate books of account.  He or she shall have custody of all funds, securities and valuable documents of the Corporation.  He or she shall have such other duties and powers as may be designated from time to time by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.  In the absence of a Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and whenever the signature

 

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of the Chief Financial Officer is required on any document or instrument, by the laws of the United States or any state, or elsewhere in the Bylaws, to the extent permitted by law, the Treasurer shall have authority to affix his or her signature in such capacity.

 

Any Treasurer shall have such powers and perform such duties as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time designate.

 

Section 15.            Secretary.  The Secretary shall record all the proceedings of the meetings of the stockholders and the Board (including committees of the Board) in books kept for that purpose.  In the absence of the Secretary from any such meeting, a temporary secretary chosen at the meeting shall record the proceedings thereof.  The Secretary shall have charge of the stock ledger (which may, however, be kept by any transfer or other agent of the Corporation).  The Secretary shall have such other duties and powers as may be designated from time to time by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.  In the absence of the Secretary, any Assistant General Counsel may perform the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary.

 

Any Assistant General Counsel shall have such powers and perform such duties as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time designate.

 

Section 16.            Other Powers and Duties.  Subject to these Bylaws and to such limitations as the Board may from time to time prescribe, the officers of the Corporation shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, as well as such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

STOCK

 

Section 1.              Certificates of Stock.  The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board 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 certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation.  Each holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to a certificate of the stock of the Corporation in such form as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board.  Such certificate shall be signed by or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board or the Vice Chairman of the Board, or the President or a Vice President, and countersigned by the Treasurer or the Secretary.  Any and all signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile, including those of any transfer agent or registrar.  In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed on such 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 he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the time of its issue.  Every certificate for shares of stock which are subject to any restriction on transfer and every certificate issued when the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class or series of stock shall contain such legend with respect thereto as is required by law.

 

Section 2.              Transfers.  Subject to any restrictions on transfer and unless otherwise provided by the Board, shares of stock may be transferred only on the books of the Corporation

 

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by the surrender to the Corporation or its transfer agent of the certificate therefor properly endorsed or accompanied by a written assignment or power of attorney properly executed, with transfer stamps (if necessary) affixed, and with such proof of the authenticity of signature as the Corporation or its transfer agent may reasonably require.

 

Section 3.              Dividends.  Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the requirements of the Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”) and the provisions of the Articles, if any, may be declared by the Board at any regular or special meeting of the Board (or any action by written consent in lieu thereof in accordance with Section 13 of Article II hereof), and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock.  Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for purchasing any of the shares of capital stock, warrants, rights, options, bonds, debentures, notes, scrip or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

Section 4.              Record Holders.  Except as may otherwise be required by law, by the Articles or by these Bylaws, the Corporation shall be entitled to treat the record holder of stock as shown on its books as the owner of such stock for all purposes, including the payment of dividends and the right to vote with respect thereto, regardless of any transfer, pledge or other disposition of such stock, until the shares have been transferred on the books of the Corporation in accordance with the requirements of applicable law and these Bylaws.

 

It shall be the duty of each stockholder to notify the Corporation or its transfer agent of his or her post office address and any changes thereto.

 

Section 5.              Record Date.  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournments thereof, or 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 may fix, in advance, a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board and which shall not be more than 60 days nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting.  In such case, only stockholders of record on such record date shall be so entitled, notwithstanding any transfer of stock on the stock transfer books of the Corporation after the record date.

 

If no record date is fixed:

 

(a)                                           the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders is the close of business on the day before the day on which the notice is given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day before the meeting is held; and

 

(b)                                           the record date for determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any rights is the close of business on the day on which the resolution of the Board declaring the dividend or allotment of rights is adopted, but the payment or allotment may not be made more than 60 days after the date on which the resolution is adopted.

 

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The Board may adopt a resolution prescribing a date upon which the stockholders of record entitled to give written consent without a meeting must be determined, which date may not precede or be more than 10 days after the date such resolution is adopted by the Board.

 

Section 6.              Replacement of Certificates.  The Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in 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 against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

 

Section 7.              Transfer Agents and Registrars.  The Corporation may serve as the transfer agent and registrar of the shares of stock of the Corporation, or the Board may, in its discretion, appoint one or more responsible bank, trust company or other entity as the Board may deem advisable, from time to time, to act as transfer agent and registrar of shares of stock.

 

Section 8.              Stockholders’ Addresses.  Every stockholder or transferee shall furnish the Secretary or a transfer agent with the address to which notice of meetings and all other notices may be served upon or mailed to such stockholder or transferee.

 

Section 9.              Repurchase of Shares of Stock.  Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Corporation may purchase shares of its own stock and invest its assets in its own shares of stock, provided that in each case the consent of the Board shall have been obtained.

 

ARTICLE V

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 1.              Director and Officer Indemnity for Claims Not in Name of Corporation.

 

(a)              The Corporation must indemnify, to the maximum extent permitted by the law, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, except an action by or in the right of the Corporation, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or while serving as a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if he or she acted 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 Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action, suit or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.  The Corporation may not indemnify any such person if it is proven his or her act, or failure to act, constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer, and his or her breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law, making him or her liable pursuant to Section 78.138 of the NRS.

 

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(b)              The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person is liable pursuant to Section 78.138 of the NRS or 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 Corporation, or that, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

Section 2.              Director and Officer Indemnity for Claims in Name of Corporation.

 

(a)              Subject to Subsection (b) below, the Corporation must indemnify, to the maximum extent permitted by the law, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or while serving as a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, against expenses, including amounts paid in settlement and attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if he or she acted 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 Corporation.  The Corporation may not indemnify any such person if it is proven his or her act, or failure to act, constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer, and his or her breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law, making him or her liable pursuant to Section 78.138 of the NRS.

 

(b)              Indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable to the Corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the Corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.

 

Section 3.              Indemnification of Directors and Officers of a predecessor of AINC.  The Corporation will indemnify, to the maximum extent permitted by the law, such indemnification as described in Section 1 and 2 above, to any current or former director or officer of Ashford Inc., a Maryland corporation (“AINC”), or any individual who, while a director or officer of AINC and at its request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee.

 

Section 4.              Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation, AINC, or a Predecessor of AINC.  With the approval of the Board, the Corporation will indemnify, to the maximum extent permitted by the law, to such extent as it shall deem appropriate under the

 

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circumstances, provide such indemnification as described in Section 1 and 2 above, to any current or former employee or agent of the Corporation, AINC, or a predecessor of AINC.

 

Section 5.              Success on Merits.  To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, AINC, or a predecessor of AINC has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action suit or proceeding subject to indemnification under Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she shall be indemnified by the Corporation against expenses, including attorney’s fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.

 

Section 6.              Expenses.

 

(a)              Expenses incurred in defending a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding must be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article V.

 

(b)              Upon the Board’s approval to indemnify an employee or agent in Section 4 above, expenses incurred in defending a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding must be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the employee or agent to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article V.

 

Section 7.              Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit.  If a claim under this Article V is not paid in full by the Corporation within 60 days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be 20 days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim.  If the indemnitee is successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit.  In any suit brought by an indemnitee who is a present or former director to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses), it shall be a defense that such indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the NRS.  In addition, in any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that the indemnitee who is a present or former director has not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the NRS.  Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel, or stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the NRS, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel or stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.  In any suit

 

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brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article V or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.

 

Section 8.              Other Sources of Indemnity.  The indemnification provided by this Article V:

 

(a)              does not exclude any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification may be entitled under any article of incorporation or any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, for either an action in his or her official capacity or an action in another capacity while holding such office; and

 

(b)              shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

Section 9.              Insurance.  The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or any director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the NRS.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 1.              Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on December 31 of each year or on such other date as may be fixed by the Board.

 

Section 2.              Execution of Instruments.  All deeds, leases, transfers, contracts, bonds, notes and other obligations to be entered into by the Corporation in the ordinary course of its business without action by the Board may be executed on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, if one is elected, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Treasurer or any other officer, employee or agent of the Corporation as the Board may authorize.

 

Section 3.              Voting of Securities.  Unless the Board otherwise provides by resolution, the Chairman of the Board, if one is elected, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Treasurer 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 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, all such written proxies or other instruments as he or she may deem necessary or proper.  Any of the rights set forth in this Section 3 of Article VI which may be delegated to an

 

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attorney or agent may also be exercised directly by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Treasurer.

 

Section 4.              Registered Agent.  The Corporation shall have and maintain a registered agent in the State of Nevada upon whom legal process may be served in any action or proceeding against the Corporation.

 

Section 5.              Amendments.  These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, and new bylaws adopted, by:  (a) the vote of a majority of the entire Board; or (b) the vote of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any repeal or amendment to the indemnification provisions in Article 5 which is adverse to any director, officer, employee, or agent shall apply to such director, officer, employee, or agent only on a prospective basis, and shall not limit the rights of an indemnitee to indemnification with respect to any action or failure to act occurring prior to the time of such repeal or amendment.

 

Section 6.              Offices.  The registered office of the Corporation within the State of Nevada shall be located at such place as the Board may designate.  The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such place or places both within and without the State of Nevada as the Board may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

Section 7.              Control Share Acquisitions.  Pursuant to Section 78.378(1) of the NRS, the Corporation elects not to be governed by the provisions of Nevada state law applicable to the acquisition of a controlling interest in the stock of the Corporation, as set forth in NRS Sections 78.378 to 78.3793, involving the acquisition of a controlling interest in the stock of the Corporation by:  (i) Archie Bennett, Jr.; (ii) Monty J. Bennett; (iii) MJB Investments LP; (iv) any present or future affiliate of Archie Bennett, Jr. or Monty J. Bennett; (v) Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.; (vi) Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc.; or (vii) any other entity that is advised by the Corporation or its controlled affiliates through an advisory agreement.

 

I hereby certify that the foregoing Bylaws are a true and correct copy of the Bylaws of Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. as adopted on August 28, 2019.

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Secretary

 

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EXHIBIT 10.1

 

INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of November 6, 2019, by and among Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (to be renamed Ashford Inc.), a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennett, MJB Investments, LP (each a “Remington Holder” and collectively, the “Remington Holders”), the Alayna Jo Bennett Max 2019 Gift Trust, the Archie Bennett, III 2019 Gift Trust, the Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell 2019 Gift Trust, the Jory Glazener 2019 Gift Trust, the Krista Koleas 2019 Gift Trust, the Matthew Wade Bennett 2019 Gift Trust, the Beverly Rene Bennett Flood 2019 Gift Trust, the Supplemental Needs Trust FBO Lucas Wade Bennett (each such trust a “Trust” and collectively, the “Trusts”), James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Mark A. Sharkey, Marissa A. Bennett and any other Persons that become parties to this Agreement by joinder as provided in this Agreement.  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined have the meanings given such terms in Article 1 or in the applicable Section cross-referenced in Article 1.

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

 

A.            The Company, the Remington Holders, James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter and certain other Persons are parties to the Combination Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2019 (the “Combination Agreement”).

 

B.            As a condition to the Closing pursuant to the Combination Agreement, the parties have agreed to enter into this Agreement in order to provide, among other things, governance and operational covenants.

 

THEREFORE, the parties intending to be legally bound agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS

 

1.01        Definitions.  Terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined in this Agreement will have the following meanings.

 

Acting in Concert” has the meaning set forth in Annex A attached hereto.

 

AINC” means Ashford Inc., a Maryland corporation that will be a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company immediately following the Merger (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

 

Agreement” as defined in the Preamble, means this Investor Rights Agreement.

 

Affiliate” and its correlative terms have the meanings ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

 

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Associate” and its correlative terms have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

 

Base Strike Price” means $25 (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar transaction with respect to the Company Preferred Stock in a manner consistent with the corresponding adjustment to the Liquidation Value).

 

Beneficially Own,” “Beneficial Owner,” and their correlative terms, has the meaning set forth in Annex A attached hereto.

 

Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks located in Dallas, Texas are authorized or required by Law to be closed for business.

 

Change of Control” means, with respect to any Covered Investor, the occurrence of any of the following, in each case that was not voted for or consented to by such Covered Investor solely in its capacity as a stockholder of the Company (but not in any other capacity): (a) any Person (other than the Remington Holders, their controlled Affiliates, any trust or other estate in which a Remington Holder has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such Remington Holder serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, any Immediate Family Member of a Remington Holder, or any Group of which any Remington Holder is a member) acquires Beneficial Ownership of securities of the Company that, together with the securities of the Company previously Beneficially Owned by the first such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities; or (b) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition (other than as collateral) of all or a majority of the Company’s (taken as a whole) assets or income or revenue generating capacity, other than to any direct or indirect majority-owned and controlled Affiliate of the Company.

 

Change of Control Put Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

 

Closing” means the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement.

 

Closing Date” means the date on which the Closing is effective.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

Combination Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preliminary Statements.

 

Company” as defined the Preamble, means Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (to be renamed Ashford Inc.).

 

Company Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company that manages the business and affairs of the Company.

 

Company Cleansed Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

 

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Company Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, entitled to cast one vote on all matters in which holders of common stock may vote.

 

Company Preferred Stock” means the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, issued to the Holder Group Investors, Marissa A. Bennett and Mark A. Sharkey at the Closing, as authorized by the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation.

 

Company Preferred Stock Cash Amount” means, at any date of determination, an amount, determined on a per share basis, equal to the sum of: (a) the Base Strike Price multiplied by one hundred and five-tenths percent (100.5%); plus (b) all accrued and unpaid dividends, as provided by the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation; plus (c) in the event that the Change of Control Put Option is exercised prior to June 30, 2026, an additional amount (the “Additional Payment”), which shall initially be twenty-four percent (24.0%) of the Base Strike Price until the first (1st) anniversary of the Closing Date, twenty percent (20.0%) of the Base Strike Price thereafter and until the second (2nd) anniversary of the Closing Date, sixteen percent (16.0%) of the Base Strike Price thereafter and until the third (3rd) anniversary of the Closing Date, twelve percent (12.0%) of the Base Strike Price thereafter and until the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Closing Date, nine percent (9.0%) of the Base Strike Price thereafter and until the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Closing Date, six percent (6.0%) of the Base Strike Price thereafter and until the sixth (6th) anniversary of the Closing Date, and three percent (3.0%) of the Base Strike Price thereafter and until June 30, 2026.

 

Company Shares” means shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock.

 

Conversion Price” means $117.50, as adjusted as provided in Section 2.03.

 

Covered Investor” means each Remington Holder, each Trust, James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Mark A. Sharkey, Marissa A. Bennett and each Person that succeeds to the interests of a Remington Holder, a Trust, James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Mark A. Sharkey or Marissa A. Bennett as a result of a Permitted Transfer.

 

Disinterested Director” means, with respect to any action or transaction, each director of the Company that: (a) is neither an officer nor an employee, nor has been an officer or employee, of the Company, any Covered Investor, or either of their respective Affiliates or Associates within five years; and (b) has no material personal or financial interest in such transaction or matter that is distinct from the holders of Company Shares that are not Affiliates or Associates of a Covered Investor.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States consistently applied.

 

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Group” has the meaning ascribed to such term under Rule 13d-5(b) under the Exchange Act.

 

Holder” means any Person Beneficially Owning Company Shares.

 

Holder Group Investor” means each Remington Holder, each Trust and each Person that succeeds to the interests of a Remington Holder or a Trust as a result of an Intra-Group Transfer.

 

Hotel Services Agreement” means that certain Hotel Services Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Remington Holders and the Company.

 

Immediate Family Member” means a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, step-sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, of a referenced natural person.

 

Intra-Group Transfer” means the Transfer of shares of Company Preferred Stock or Company Common Stock by a Remington Holder, a Holder Group Investor or a Covered Investor (including by the estate of any such Person) to: (a) an Immediate Family Member of a Covered Investor, or a trust established for the benefit of one or more such Immediate Family Members, in each case, without consideration and for bona fide estate, succession or tax planning purposes; or (b) a Person that is majority Beneficially Owned and is controlled by a Covered Investor; provided that, in each of the foregoing cases, the transferee becomes a party to this Agreement as a Covered Investor.

 

Liquidation Value” has the meaning set forth in the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation.

 

Joinder Transferees” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

 

Major Investor” means one or more Holder Group Investors that Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, no less than twenty percent (20%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock (taking into account such Person’s Company Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis).

 

Majority in Interest” of the Remington Holders, the Holder Group Investors or the Covered Investors, as applicable, means, at any time, those Remington Holders, Holder Group Investors or Covered Investors, as applicable, holding in the aggregate fifty-five percent (55%) of the total number of shares of Company Common Stock (in all cases taking into account the Company Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis) held by all Remington Holders, Holder Group Investors or Covered Investors, as applicable.

 

Merger Agreement” means that certain Merger Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among AINC, the Company, Ashford Merger Sub Inc., the Remington Holders, the Trusts, James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Mark A. Sharkey and Marissa A.

 

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Bennett, setting forth the terms and conditions upon which Ashford Merger Sub Inc. is merged with and into AINC effective as of the Closing Date.

 

New Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.06.

 

Non Cleansed Shares” means all Reference Shares held by a Covered Investor that are not Company Cleansed Shares.

 

Non-Competition Agreement” means that certain Non-Competition Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennett and the Company.

 

Participation Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.06(c).

 

Permitted Transfer” means a Transfer to any of the following transferees of shares of Company Preferred Stock: (a) an Intra-Group Transfer; (b) any Transfer as part of the exercise of the conversion rights of the Company Preferred Stock as set forth in Section 5 of the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation; (c) any Transfer as part of the exercise of the call option in respect of the Company Preferred Stock as set forth in Section 8 of the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation; (d) any Transfer to a bona fide charitable foundation; and (e) any Transfer made pursuant to or in accordance with or as permitted by Sections 2.01 or 2.02. In each of the foregoing cases (other than Section 2.02 and clause (c) of the foregoing sentence), the transferee must become a party to this Agreement as a Covered Investor.

 

Person” means any individual; any public or private entity, including any corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, or business enterprise or any governmental agency or instrumentality; and any Group.

 

PM LLC” means Premier Project Management LLC, a Maryland limited liability company owned by AINC.

 

Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation” means the Certificate of Designation authorizing the Company Preferred Stock in effect as of the Closing.

 

Prior IRA” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.14.

 

Proceedings” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.06(b).

 

Prohibited Beneficial Owner” has the meaning set forth in Annex A attached hereto.

 

Put Option Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(b).

 

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Reference Shares” means all voting securities of the Company that are (without duplication):

 

(a) Beneficially Owned by, as applicable, any Covered Investor or any Holder Group Investor, including any such voting securities as to which any, as applicable, Covered Investor or Holder Group Investor has sole or shared voting power;

 

(b) Beneficially Owned by any member of a Group of which any, as applicable, Covered Investor or Holder Group Investor is a member; or

 

(c) subject to or referenced in any derivative or synthetic interest that: (i) conveys any voting right in Company Common Stock, as applicable; or (ii) is required to be, or is capable of being, settled through delivery of Company Common Stock, as applicable, in either case, that is held or Beneficially Owned by any, as applicable, Covered Investor or Holder Group Investor or any controlled Affiliate or any, as applicable, Covered Investor or Holder Group Investor.

 

Remington Contribution Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Combination Agreement.

 

Remington Holder” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Remington LP” means Remington Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Seller Nominee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

 

Sole Voting Shares” means all voting securities of the Company that any Covered Investor has the sole power to vote and all such voting securities held by any Immediate Family Member of such Covered Investor or a trust established for the benefit of such Covered Investor or an Immediate Family Member of such Covered Investor.

 

Subscription Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.06(a).

 

Subscription Share” means, with respect to all Holder Group Investors, a percentage equal to the total number of New Securities specified in the Subscription Notice, multiplied by a fraction: (a) the numerator of which is the sum of the total number of Company Shares held by such Holder Group Investor (determined on a fully-diluted and an as-converted basis); and (b) the denominator of which is sum of the total number of Company Shares outstanding (determined on a fully-diluted and an as-converted basis), in each case calculated as of the date on which the Subscription Notice is delivered to the Holder Group Investors, such amount to be allocated ratably in accordance with each Holder Group Investor’s pro rata percentage thereof or as the exercising Holder Group Investors may mutually agree.

 

Subcription Period” means the period beginning on the date on which the Subscription Notice is delivered to the Holder Group Investors and ending thirty (30) days thereafter.

 

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Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other Person of which securities or other interests having the power to elect a majority of that corporation’s or other Person’s board of directors or similar governing body, or otherwise having the power to direct the business and policies of that corporation or other Person (other than equity securities or other interests having such power only upon the happening of a contingency that has not occurred) are held by such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries.

 

Transaction Documents” means the Combination Agreement, the Company’s certificate of incorporation as in effect on the date of the Combination Agreement, the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation, the certificate of incorporation of Ashford Merger Sub Inc. as in effect on the date of the Combination Agreement, the Remington Contribution Agreement, the Merger Agreement, this Agreement, the Transition Cost Sharing Agreement, the Hotel Services Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement.

 

Transactions” means all the transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

 

Transfer” and its correlative terms mean any sale, assignment, pledge, hypothecation, transfer, or other disposition or encumbrance of any shares of Company Preferred Stock or Company Common Stock, or any beneficial interest therein, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, but does not include a bona fide pledge of shares of Company Preferred Stock or Company Common Stock in an arm’s length lending transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate of such pledgor of shares of Company Preferred Stock or Company Common Stock.

 

Transition Cost Sharing Agreement” means that certain Transition Cost Sharing Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Remington Holders and the Company.

 

Trust” or “Trusts” have the meanings set forth in the Preamble.

 

ARTICLE 2
Restrictions on Transfer of Company Preferred Stock; Put Option

 

2.01        Restrictions on Transfer.

 

(a)           Transfers to Prohibited Beneficial Owners.  Until the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Closing Date, no Covered Investor may effect any Transfer to any Person that is or would become a Prohibited Beneficial Owner as a result of such Transfer, except: (i) pursuant to an Intra-Group Transfer; (ii) as a result of any voting agreement between Archie Bennett, Jr. and Monty J. Bennett; (iii) a Transfer in which no transferee (or group of Affiliated or Associated transferees) would purchase or receive two percent (2%) or more of the outstanding voting Company Shares (regardless of the number of voting Company Shares held by any such transferee prior to any such Transfer); (iv) in connection with any widespread public distribution of Company Shares registered under the

 

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Securities Act; or (v) a Transfer to any transferee (or group of Affiliated or Associated transferees) that would Beneficially Own more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Company Shares without any Transfer from a Covered Investor; provided, that, the restriction set forth in this Section 2.01(a) may be waived by the affirmative vote of the majority of the stockholders of the Company that are not Affiliates or Associates of the Covered Investors.

 

(b)           Status of Transferees; Joinder.  Any transferee from a Covered Investor will be bound by the terms of this Agreement as follows: (i) transferees in an Intra-Group Transfer or a Permitted Transfer (collectively, “Joinder Transferees”) will be Covered Investors for the purposes of this Agreement; and (ii) transferees that are Covered Investors will continue to be Covered Investors.  As a condition to any Transfer, Joinder Transferees and transferees that are Covered Investors must become a party to, and agree to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement as a Covered Investor by a joinder agreement that binds such transferee to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as may be amended on the date of such joinder, as though a party hereto.

 

(c)           Compliance with Securities Law.  Shares of Company Preferred Stock may not be Transferred in the absence of an effective registration statement under or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws.

 

(d)           Non-Compliant Transfers Void.  Any Transfer of shares of Company Preferred Stock that is not made in full compliance with the requirements of this Section 2.01 (or otherwise contemplated by Sections 2.02) will be null and void, and the Company will refuse to recognize such Transfer and will not reflect on its records any change in ownership of shares of Company Preferred Stock pursuant to such Transfer.

 

2.02        Put Following a Change in Control.

 

(a)           The Company hereby grants to each Covered Investor an option, exercisable with respect to each and every Change of Control that may occur following the date of this Agreement, to sell to the Company, and the Company is obligated to purchase from such Covered Investor, all or any portion of the Company Preferred Stock then owned by such Covered Investor (the “Change of Control Put Option”), which right may be waived at the option of any such Covered Investor with respect to a particular Change of Control or in its entirety, any such waiver being irrevocable.  The Change of Control Put Option may only be exercised by a Covered Investor, in its sole discretion, on the date of the consummation of each particular Change of Control, or during the ten (10) Business Day period following the date of the consummation of such Change of Control, provided that an exercising Covered Investor may provide written notice of such exercise to the Company in advance of the anticipated date of the consummation of such Change of Control as provided in Section 2.02(b). In the

 

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event that a Covered Investor exercises the Change of Control Put Option, the price to be paid by the Company to such exercising Covered Investor for each share of the Company Preferred Stock then owned by such Covered Investor which is the subject of such option exercise will be an amount equal to the Company Preferred Stock Cash Amount, payable, at each such Covered Investor’s individual election not later than five (5) Business Days before the scheduled Put Option Closing, in any combination of: (i) cash; or (ii) a number of shares of Company Common Stock determined by dividing such amount by the Conversion Price. To the extent that a Covered Investor continues to hold shares of Company Preferred Stock following the consummation of a Change of Control, such Covered Investor shall continue to have the right to exercise the Change of Control Put Option with respect to any succeeding Change of Control that may take place.

 

(b)           The closing for the purchase and sale pursuant to the Change of Control Put Option will take place at the executive offices of the Company on the date specified in the exercising Covered Investor’s written notice to the Company of its exercise of such option (a “Put Option Closing”), which written notice may be delivered by such Covered Investor in advance of the anticipated date of the consummation of the Change of Control.  The closing date specified in such written notice will be a date no fewer than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice; provided that in no event shall the closing date occur prior to the consummation of the applicable Change of Control. At any Put Option Closing, the exercising Covered Investor will deliver good and marketable title to the Company Preferred Stock being purchased and sold, duly endorsed in blank and otherwise in good form for transfer (if applicable), free and clear of any lien, charge, claim, or encumbrance other than this Agreement.  In consideration for the same, the Company will deliver the consideration set forth in this Section 2.02.

 

2.03        Adjustment to Conversion Price. If the Company, at any time or from time to time after the Closing Date: (a) pays a dividend or makes any other distribution for no consideration to holders of the Company Common Stock in any other capital stock of the Company or in shares of Company Common Stock or securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Company Common Stock; or (b) subdivides (by any stock split, recapitalization or otherwise) its outstanding shares of Company Common Stock into a greater number of shares, the Conversion Price applicable to the Change of Control Put Option in effect immediately prior to any such dividend, distribution or subdivision will be proportionately reduced.  If the Company at any time combines (by combination, reverse stock split or otherwise) its outstanding shares of Company Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price applicable to the Change of Control Put Option in effect immediately prior to such combination will be proportionately increased.  Any adjustment under this Section 2.03 shall become effective at the close of business on the date the dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination becomes effective.

 

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ARTICLE 3
Additional Covenants

 

3.01        Company Board Nomination Rights.

 

(a)           In addition to the Company Board nomination rights specified in Section 3.01(c), for so long as the Covered Investors are, in the aggregate, a Major Investor, Archie Bennett, Jr., during his lifetime, and a Majority in Interest of the Covered Investors thereafter, will be entitled to nominate one individual (other than Archie Bennett, Jr.), and Monty J. Bennett, during his lifetime, and a Majority in Interest of the Covered Investors thereafter, will be entitled to nominate one additional individual (other than Archie Bennett, Jr.) (each such individual so nominated, and any successor to each such individual as contemplated by this Section 3.01(a), individually, the “Seller Nominee” and collectively, the “Seller Nominees”) for election as a member of the Company Board.  Initially, Monty J. Bennett shall serve as the Seller Nominee of Monty J. Bennett, and W. Michael Murphy shall serve as the Seller Nominee of Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

(b)           The Company agrees: (i) to assure that the size of the Company Board will accommodate the Seller Nominees; (ii) that at each annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, the Company: (A) will cause the slate of nominees standing for election, and recommended by the Company Board, at each such meeting to include the Seller Nominees; (B) will nominate and reflect in the proxy statement on Schedule 14A for each such meeting the nomination of the Seller Nominees for election as a director of the Company at each such meeting; and (C) cause all proxies received by the Company to be voted in the manner specified by such proxies and, to the extent permitted under applicable law and stock exchange rules, cause all proxies for which a vote is not specified to be voted for the Seller Nominees; and (iv) that if any Seller Nominee ceases to be a director of the Company other than because the Holder Group Investors, in the aggregate, cease to be a Major Investor, then the nominating party pursuant to Section 3.01(a) may propose to the Company a replacement nominee for election as a director of the Company, in which event such individual will be appointed to fill the vacancy created as a result of the prior Seller Nominee ceasing to be a director of the Company.

 

(c)           In addition to the Company Board nomination rights specified in Section 3.01(a), as provided in Section 6.2(c) of the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Breach (as defined in the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation), a Supermajority of Holders (as defined in the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation), and only a Supermajority of Holders, of the Company Preferred Stock shall have the right to designate two individuals to fill the newly created seats on the Company Board and to exercise the other rights contemplated by such Section 6.2. The Covered Investors agree that one such Company Board designation right shall be vested in Archie Bennett, Jr., during

 

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his lifetime, and the other such Company Board designation right shall be vested in Monty J. Bennett, during his lifetime. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Covered Investor agrees that it will vote all of such Covered Investor’s Company Preferred Stock, and consent to any action by the holders of the Company Preferred Stock without a meeting as permitted under appropriate state law, as may be directed Archie Bennett, Jr. or Monty J. Bennett, respectively, in connection with their designation of the individuals to fill such Company Board seats.

 

3.02        Voting Rights.  The Covered Investors agree that:

 

(a)           Each Covered Investor will cause to be present, in person or represented by proxy, all voting securities of the Company that such Covered Investor Beneficially Owns at all stockholder meetings of the Company so that all voting securities of the Company that the Covered Investors Beneficially Own will be counted for the purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at such meetings.

 

(b)           On any and all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of voting securities of the Company (other than the matters specified in Section 3.01(c)), the Covered Investors will have the right to vote or direct or cause the vote of the Sole Voting Shares as the Covered Investors determine, in their sole discretion, except as provided in this Section 3.02(b).  If, prior to August 8, 2023, the combined voting power of the Reference Shares of the Company exceeds forty percent (40.0%) (plus the combined voting power of any Company Common Stock acquired by any Covered Investor in an arm’s length transaction after the date of this Agreement from a Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company, including through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or any distributions of Company Common Stock by either of Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. or Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc., to its respective stockholders pro rata) of the combined voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote on any given matter, then Reference Shares of the Company representing voting power equal to such excess will be deemed to be “Company Cleansed Shares” under this Agreement. The Covered Investors irrevocably agree with the Company that, with respect to the Company Cleansed Shares, they will vote, or cause to be voted, out of the Covered Investors’ Sole Voting Shares of the Company, shares constituting voting power equal to the voting power of the Company Cleansed Shares in the same proportion as the holders of such class or series of voting securities of the Company vote their shares with respect to such matters, exclusive of the Reference Shares of the Company voted by the Covered Investors; provided, that the foregoing restriction may be waived by a majority of the Disinterested Directors. The Covered Investors also irrevocably agree solely amongst themselves that the total number of votes attributable to the Non-Cleansed Shares will be proportionately allocated among each Covered Investor based on a percentage, the numerator of which is the number of Reference Shares held by such Covered Investor, and the denominator of which is the total number of

 

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Reference Shares held by all Covered Investors in the aggregate. Each Covered Investor hereby irrevocably grants: (i) to the Company or its designee with respect to the voting agreement referenced in the second immediately preceding sentence; and (ii) to each other Covered Investor or its designee with respect to the voting agreement referenced in the immediately preceding sentence, a proxy with full power of substitution and resubstitution, which is coupled with an interest, during the term of this Agreement, to vote and give or withhold consent on behalf and in the name of such Covered Investor in order to effect the terms of Sections 3.02(a) and (b), and the Company and the Covered Investors, as applicable, each covenant to cause any such designee to carry into effect the terms of this Agreement.

 

(c)           The Covered Investors hereby revoke any and all other proxies and voting agreements, other than any voting agreement between Archie Bennett, Jr. and Monty J. Bennett (which will nonetheless be subject to the terms of this Agreement), given by the Covered Investors with respect to Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned by them and will cause their Affiliates to revoke any and all proxies and voting agreements, other than any voting agreement between Archie Bennett, Jr. and Monty J. Bennett to which such Affiliate is a party (but subject, nonetheless, to the terms of this Agreement), given by any such Affiliate with respect to Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock.

 

3.03        Special Protective Provisions.  Until the aggregate voting power of the Reference Shares held by the Holder Group Investors is less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Company on any given matter, no Holder Group Investor will until the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Closing Date: (i) take any action, vote such Holder Group Investor’s securities, or enter into any transaction, including by Acting in Concert (as defined in Annex A) with another Person, which would result in the Company being treated as a “controlled company” under the applicable rules of the NYSE MKT; or (ii) take any action, vote such Holder Group Investor’s securities, or enter into any transaction, by Acting in Concert (as defined in Annex A) with another Person engaging in a Rule 13e-3 Transaction, that results in the Company engaging in a Rule 13e-3 Transaction (as defined in the rules and regulations issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended); provided, that the restriction set forth in this clause (ii) may be waived by the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s voting stock (taking into account the Company Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis) that are not Beneficially Owned by the Holder Group Investors (provided that, for purposes of clause (ii), the Company’s voting stock that is owned of record by Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. or Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. shall not be deemed to be Beneficially Owned by the Holder Group Investors so long as the decision to vote such shares on such waiver is solely determined by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the applicable entity who are independent within the meaning of applicable rules of the NYSE American (or any exchange on which the Company’s voting stock is then listed) and do not have a material financial interest in such Rule 13e-3 Transaction (or a duly

 

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appointed board committee consisting only of such independent and disinterested board members)).

 

3.04        Authorized Capital.  The Company will at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares the number of shares of Company Common Stock as may from time to time be required to comply with the provisions of this Agreement and the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation.

 

3.05        Reporting.  If the Company intends to take the position (on any tax return or otherwise) that a holder of the Company Preferred Stock has received (or is deemed for tax purposes to have received) a taxable stock distribution (other than as a result of the receipt of common stock), the Company shall notify each of Archie Bennett, Jr. and Monty J. Bennett (or, in either case, his applicable designated representative, in the event of disability, or estate, in the event of death) of such position and give each of Archie Bennett, Jr. and Monty J. Bennett (or, in either case, his applicable designated representative, in the event of disability, or estate, in the event of death) a reasonable opportunity to dispute such position.

 

3.06        New Security Subscription Rights.  The Company will not issue any equity securities, rights to acquire equity securities of the Company or debt convertible into equity securities of the Company (the “New Securities”) unless the Company complies with the provisions of this Section 3.06, except for: (a) the conversion of Company Preferred Stock as provided by the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation; and (b) the issuance of Company Common Stock pursuant to Article 2 of this Agreement.

 

(a)           The Company must give to each Holder Group Investor notice of its respective intention to issue New Securities (a “Subscription Notice”) prior to accepting any offer or proposal, or making any commitment, relating thereto and at least thirty (30) days prior to the anticipated issuance date of the New Securities.  The Subscription Notice must state the class or series of New Securities to be issued or describe in reasonable detail the rights and preferences of the New Securities, the aggregate number of such New Securities to be issued, the aggregate consideration to be paid in exchange therefor, the anticipated issuance date and the other material terms upon which the Company proposes to issue or sell such New Securities.

 

(b)           Upon receipt of a Subscription Notice, each Holder Group Investor shall have the right to acquire, on the terms specified in the Subscription Notice, such Holder Group Investor’s Subscription Share of the New Securities specified in the Subscription Notice.  Each Holder Group Investor will be entitled to exercise such right within the Subscription Period.

 

(c)           To exercise the rights provided by this Section 3.06, a Holder Group Investor must give a written notice of exercise (a “Participation Notice”) to the Company during the Subscription Period.  The Participation Notice must contain the irrevocable offer of such Holder Group Investor to acquire all or any portion, of such Holder Group Investor’s Subscription Share of the New

 

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Securities specified in the Subscription Notice. Failure of a Holder Group Investor to deliver a valid Participation Notice during the Subscription Period will be deemed a waiver of such Member’s subscription right with respect to the New Securities described in the Subscription Notice.  If a subscription right is exercised in accordance with this Section 3.06, the closing of the purchase of the New Securities will occur no later than the thirtieth (30th) day after the expiration of the Subscription Period, unless the Company and the purchasing Holder Group Investors agree upon a different place or date.

 

ARTICLE 4
MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.01        Legends on Certificates.  During the term of this Agreement, each certificate or other instrument representing Company Preferred Stock will bear legends in substantially the following form:

 

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SALE, ASSIGNMENT, TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER DISPOSITION THEREOF ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AND AGREEMENTS CONTAINED IN AN INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 6, 2019, AMONG ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP. (TO BE RENAMED ASHFORD INC.), ARCHIE BENNETT, JR., MONTY J. BENNETT, MJB INVESTMENTS, LP, THE ALAYNA JO BENNETT MAX 2019 GIFT TRUST, THE ARCHIE BENNETT, III 2019 GIFT TRUST, THE AUDRA MARIE BENNETT MAXWELL 2019 GIFT TRUST, THE JORY GLAZENER 2019 GIFT TRUST, THE KRISTA KOLEAS 2019 GIFT TRUST, THE MATTHEW WADE BENNETT 2019 GIFT TRUST, THE BEVERLY RENE BENNETT FLOOD 2019 GIFT TRUST, THE SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUST FBO LUCAS WADE BENNETT, JAMES L. COWEN, JEREMY J. WELTER, MARK A. SHARKEY, MARISSA A. BENNETT AND ANY OTHER PERSONS THAT BECOME PARTIES TO SUCH AGREEMENT. A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT WILL BE FURNISHED BY ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP. TO THE RECORD HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE WITHOUT CHARGE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP. AT ITS PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS OR REGISTERED OFFICE.

 

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. WITHOUT SUCH REGISTRATION, SUCH SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, EXCEPT UPON DELIVERY TO ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP. (TO BE RENAMED ASHFORD INC.) OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP. THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR SUCH TRANSFER OR THE

 

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SUBMISSION TO ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP. OF SUCH OTHER EVIDENCE AS MAY BE SATISFACTORY TO ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP. TO THE EFFECT THAT ANY SUCH TRANSFER SHALL NOT BE IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR ANY RULE OR REGULATION PROMULGATED THEREUNDER.”

 

The Company will make a notation on its records and give instructions to any transfer agent of its equity securities to implement the restrictions on transfer established in this Agreement.

 

4.02        Assignment.  The rights and obligations of the Remington Holders, Holder Group Investors and Covered Investors pursuant to this Agreement are assignable and transferable only in connection with a Transfer complying with this Agreement.  The Company’s rights with respect to the Preferred Call Option are not assignable or transferable.

 

4.03        Binding Effect.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, every covenant, term and provision of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives and permitted successors, transferees and assigns.

 

4.04        Termination.

 

(a)           This Agreement will terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the written agreement of the Company and a Majority in Interest of the Covered Investors; or (ii) the date on which the Covered Investors no longer own any Company Preferred Stock or Company Common Stock; provided, however, that the provisions of Sections 2.01, 3.01, 3.02 and 3.03 shall remain in effect for the periods of time specified therein and the provisions of Sections 2.02 and 2.03 shall survive indefinitely.

 

(b)           A Covered Investor shall automatically cease to be bound by this Agreement solely in its capacity as a Covered Investor at such time as such Covered Investor no longer owns any Company Preferred Stock or Company Common Stock.

 

4.05        Notices.  Whenever this Agreement provides that any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration, or other communication be given to or served upon any of the parties or any other Person, such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration, or other communication will be in writing and will be deemed to have been validly served, given, or delivered (and “the date of such notice” or words of similar effect will mean the date) upon actual, confirmed receipt thereof (whether by non-certified mail, telecopy, telegram, express delivery, or otherwise), addressed to the Company and the Covered Investors at the street or post office addresses, facsimile numbers or e-mail addresses set forth on the signature pages to this Agreement (or to such other addresses or facsimile number as such party may have specified by notice

 

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given pursuant to this provision) and to any other equity holders in the Company at the addresses or facsimile numbers set forth on the books and records of the Company.  No notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration, or other communication will be deemed to have been given or received unless and until it sets forth all items of information required to be set forth therein pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

4.06        Choice of Law; Forum; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

(a)           THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE INTERPRETED AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES APPLICABLE THERETO AND THE SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEVADA APPLICABLE TO AN AGREEMENT EXECUTED, DELIVERED, AND PERFORMED THEREIN WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CHOICE-OF-LAW RULES THEREOF OR ANY OTHER PRINCIPLE THAT COULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION; AND

 

(b)           EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, SITTING IN CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA AND HAVING PROPER SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, OR THE FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEVADA FOR ALL PURPOSES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT (COLLECTIVELY, “PROCEEDINGS”).  EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES THAT SERVICE OF SUMMONS, COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PROCEEDINGS MAY BE MADE AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO SERVICE OF NOTICES, AND THAT SERVICE SO MADE WILL BE AS EFFECTIVE AS IF PERSONALLY MADE IN THE STATE OF NEVADA.  IT IS THE INTENT OF EACH OF THE PARTIES THAT ALL PROCEEDINGS BE HEARD AND LITIGATED EXCLUSIVELY IN A COURT LOCATED IN CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS FREELY AGREED THAT: (i) ALL PROCEEDINGS WILL BE HEARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 4.06; (ii) THE AGREEMENT TO CHOOSE COURTS LOCATED IN CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA TO HEAR ALL PROCEEDINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 4.06 IS REASONABLE AND WILL NOT PLACE SUCH PARTY AT A DISADVANTAGE OR OTHERWISE DENY IT ITS DAY IN COURT; (iii) IT IS A KNOWLEDGEABLE, INFORMED, SOPHISTICATED PERSON CAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING AND EVALUATING THE PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THIS SECTION 4.06; AND (iv) IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY SUCH COUNSEL AND OTHER ADVISORS OF ITS CHOOSING AS SUCH PARTY HAS DEEMED APPROPRIATE IN CONNECTION WITH THE DECISION TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THIS SECTION 4.06.  THE COMPANY AND THE COVERED INVESTORS HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY, WITH AND UPON THE ADVICE OF COMPETENT COUNSEL, WAIVE,

 

16


 

RELINQUISH AND FOREVER FORGO ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS ENTERED INTO IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING OR STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OF THE COMPANY OR THE COVERED INVESTORS.

 

4.07        Integration; Amendment; Waivers.  This Agreement, together with the other Transaction Documents, constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and supersede all previous written, and all previous or contemporaneous oral, negotiations, drafts, proposals, terms sheets, understandings, arrangements, understandings, or agreements.  Except for the addition of Covered Investors as parties to this Agreement as provided for herein, this Agreement may not be amended, modified, or supplemented, or any provision of this Agreement waived, except by the written agreement of the Company and a Majority in Interest of the Holder Group Investors, it being agreed that any such amendment, modification or supplement shall be binding on all Covered Investors.  The parties agree that no custom, practice, course of dealing, or similar conduct will be deemed to amend, modify, or supplement any term of this Agreement.  The failure of any party to enforce any right or remedy under this Agreement, or to enforce any such right or remedy promptly, will not constitute a waiver thereof, nor give rise to any estoppel against such party, nor excuse any other party from its obligations under this Agreement.  Any waiver of any such right or remedy by any party must be in writing and signed by the party against which such waiver is sought to be enforced.  No waiver will be deemed a continuing waiver or a waiver of any right beyond the specific right waived in such waiver.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.07, the provisions contained in this Agreement specifying instances requiring: (a) the affirmative vote of the majority of the stockholders of the Company that are not Affiliates or Associates of the Covered Investors; or (b) the approval or determination by a majority of the Disinterested Directors may, in each case, only be amended, modified or supplemented by the affirmative vote of a majority of the stockholders of the Company that are not Affiliates or Associates of the Covered Investors.

 

4.08        Further Assurances.  Each party to this Agreement hereby covenants and agrees, without the necessity of any further consideration, to execute and deliver any and all such further documents and take any and all such other actions as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

4.09        Construction of Agreement.

 

(a)           Interpretation.  For the purposes this Agreement:

 

(i)            the word “include” and its derivatives means to include without limitation;

 

17


 

(ii)           the word “or” is not exclusive;

 

(iii)          inclusion of items in a list or specification of a particular instance of an item will not be deemed to exclude other items of similar import;

 

(iv)          unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Agreement: (A) to Preambles, Preliminary Statements, Articles and Sections mean the Preambles, Preliminary Statements, Articles and Sections of this Agreement; (B) to an agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof; and (C) to a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder and in effect from time to time;

 

(v)           this Agreement will be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting or causing any provision or document to be drafted;

 

(vi)          use of terms that imply gender will include all genders;

 

(vii)         defined terms will have their meanings in the singular and the plural case;

 

(viii)        the headings in this Agreement are for reference only and will not affect the interpretation of this Agreement; and

 

(ix)          the word “will” will not be deemed a mere prediction of future events.

 

(b)           Severability.  The parties to this Agreement expressly agree that it is not the intention of any of them to violate any public policy, statutory or common law rules, regulations, or decisions of any governmental or regulatory body.  If any provision of this Agreement is interpreted or construed as being in violation of any such policy, rule, regulation, or decision, the provision, section, sentence, word, clause, or combination thereof causing such violation will be inoperative (and in lieu thereof there will be inserted such provision, sentence, word, clause, or combination thereof as may be valid and consistent with the intent of the parties under this Agreement) and the remainder of this Agreement, as amended, will remain binding upon the parties to this Agreement, unless the inoperative provision would cause enforcement of the remainder of this Agreement to be inequitable under the circumstances.

 

(c)           Time.  Time is of the essence with respect to this Agreement.

 

18


 

4.10        Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, by means of facsimile or portable document format (pdf), which will individually and collectively constitute one agreement.

 

4.11        Specific Performance.  The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and that the Parties will be entitled to specific performance of the terms of this Agreement, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity without the need to demonstrate irreparable harm or to post any bond or surety.

 

4.12        Timing.  The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement was executed: (a) simultaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Remington Contribution Agreement, the Hotel Services Agreement, the Non-Competition Agreement and the Transition Cost Sharing Agreement; (b) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the Articles of Merger (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (with a delayed effective time, as specified therein); (c) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Nevada Secretary of State of the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation (with a delayed effective time, as specified therein); and (d) prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement). This Agreement will be effective upon issuance of the Aggregate Consideration (as defined in the Combination Agreement) pursuant to the Combination Agreement.

 

4.13        Archie Bennett, Jr. Rights.  Archie Bennett, Jr. shall continue to have substantially the same rights and privileges as he currently has from Remington LP, including without limitation: (a) the title of Chairman of Remington LP; (b) the right to continue his current level of involvement with Remington LP (e.g., first class travel to the hotels to act as an ambassador for hotel staff members, report back (verbally) to Remington LP’s President/COO with his observations and advice for changes or improvements); and (c) reimbursement of the actual out-of-pocket costs (including first class travel) incurred by him in connection with the foregoing activities.  In addition: (i) Archie Bennett, Jr. may participate in Company or Company Board social functions; and (ii) if and to the extent requested by the Company’s directors, Archie Bennett, Jr. agrees to make himself available for the purpose of sharing his opinions, insights and analyses related to the Company’s business, prospects, finances and similar matters.

 

4.14        Termination of Prior IRA.  The Covered Investors, joined by AINC, as hereinafter provided, agree that this Agreement supersedes and replaces in all respects that certain Investor Rights Agreement (the “Prior IRA”), dated as of August 8, 2018, among AINC, the Remington Holders, Mark A. Sharkey and certain other parties thereto, which Prior IRA shall be deemed terminated and of no further force or effect as of the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that such parties agree that such termination shall not apply to the breach of any provision of the Prior IRA that may have occurred prior to the date hereof and that the rights of the non-breaching parties against any breaching party shall be preserved.

 

19


 

[Signature pages follow]

 

20


 

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

 

 

THE COMPANY:

 

 

 

ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

Address:

14185 Dallas Parkway,
Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

with copies to:

 

 

 

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

 

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 3600

 

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Attn: Head of Corporate Group

 

[Signature Page to Investor Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

THE REMINGTON HOLDERS:

 

 

 

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

 

Address:

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

Monty J. Bennett

 

 

 

Address:

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

MJB INVESTMENTS, LP

 

 

 

By MJB Investments GP, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

 

Monty J. Bennett, Sole Member

 

 

 

Address:

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

[Signature Page to Investor Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

THE TRUSTS:

 

 

 

ALAYNA JO BENNETT MAX 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Alayna Jo Bennett Max

 

 

Trustee: Alayna Jo Bennett Max

 

 

 

ARCHIE BENNETT, III 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

Trustee: Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

 

AUDRA MARIE BENNETT MAXWELL 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell

 

 

Trustee: Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell

 

 

 

JORY GLAZENER 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

Trustee: Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

 

KRISTA KOLEAS 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Krista Koleas

 

 

Trustee: Krista Koleas

 

[Signature Page to Investor Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

MATTHEW WADE BENNETT 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew Wade Bennett

 

 

Trustee: Matthew Wade Bennett

 

 

 

BEVERLY RENE BENNETT FLOOD 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Beverly Rene Bennett Flood

 

 

Trustee: Beverly Rene Bennett Flood

 

[Signature Page to Investor Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUST FBO LUCAS WADE BENNETT

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

 

Trustee: Monty J. Bennett

 

 

 

with copies to:

 

 

 

Baker Botts L.L.P.

 

2001 Ross Avenue

 

Suite 900

 

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Attn: Neel Lemon

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

General Counsel

 

Remington Holdings, LP

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

[Signature Page to Investor Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

JAMES L. COWEN

 

 

 

/s/ James L. Cowen

 

James L. Cowen

 

 

 

Address:

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

with copies to:

 

 

 

Baker Botts L.L.P.

 

2001 Ross Avenue

 

Suite 900

 

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Attn: Neel Lemon

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

General Counsel

 

Remington Holdings, LP

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

JEREMY J. WELTER

 

 

 

/s/ Jeremy J. Welter

 

Jeremy J. Welter

 

 

 

Address:

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

with copies to:

 

 

 

Baker Botts L.L.P.

 

2001 Ross Avenue

 

Suite 900

 

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Attn: Neel Lemon

 

 

 

and

 

[Signature Page to Investor Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

General Counsel

 

Remington Holdings, LP

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

MARK A. SHARKEY

 

 

 

/s/ Mark A. Sharkey

 

Mark A. Sharkey

 

 

 

Address:

2725 Summit Ridge

 

 

Southlake, Texas 76092

 

 

 

with copies to:

 

 

 

Baker Botts L.L.P.

 

2001 Ross Avenue

 

Suite 900

 

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Attn: Neel Lemon

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

General Counsel

 

Remington Holdings, LP

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

Ashford Inc., a Maryland corporation and a party to the Prior IRA, hereby confirms the termination of the Prior IRA as provided in Section 4.14 of this Agreement:

 

 

ASHFORD INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

 

Name: Robert G. Haiman

 

 

Title: Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

[Signature Page to Investor Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

MARISSA A. BENNETT

 

 

 

/s/ Marissa A. Bennett

 

Marissa A. Bennett

 

 

 

Address:

3465 Purdue Ave

 

 

Dallas, Texas 75225

 

 

 

with copies to:

 

 

 

Baker Botts L.L.P.

 

2001 Ross Avenue

 

Suite 900

 

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Attn: Neel Lemon

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

General Counsel

 

Remington Holdings, LP

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

 

Dallas, Texas 75254

 

[Signature Page to Investor Rights Agreement]

 


 

Annex A

 

A Person shall be deemed to be “Acting in Concert” with another Person if such Person knowingly acts (whether or not pursuant to an express agreement, arrangement or understanding) in concert or in parallel with such other Person, or towards a common goal with such other Person, relating to: (a) acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of voting securities of the Company; or (b) changing or influencing the control of the Company or in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, where: (i) each Person is conscious of the other Person’s conduct or intent and this awareness is an element in their decision-making processes; and (ii) at least one additional factor indicating that such Persons intended to act in concert or in parallel, which such additional factors may include, without limitation, exchanging information, attending meetings, conducting discussions, or making or soliciting invitations to act in concert or in parallel. A Person that is Acting in Concert with another Person will also be deemed to be Acting in Concert with any third Person that is also Acting in Concert with such other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person will be deemed to be Acting in Concert with another Person solely as a result of: (x) making or receiving a solicitation of, or granting or receiving, revocable proxies or consents given in response to a public proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act by means of a proxy or solicitation statement filed on Schedule 14A; or (y) soliciting or being solicited for, or tendering or receiving tenders of securities in a public tender or exchange offer made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act by means of a tender offer statement filed on Schedule TO.

 

A Person shall be deemed the “Beneficial Owner” of, shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of and shall be deemed to “beneficially own” any securities:

 

(a)       which such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement;

 

(b)       which such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates has: (i) the right or the obligation to acquire (whether such right is exercisable, or such obligation is required to be performed, immediately or only after the passage of time or upon the satisfaction of conditions) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (other than customary agreements with and between underwriters and selling group members with respect to a bona fide public offering of securities), written or otherwise, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a Person will not be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of, or to beneficially own: (x) securities tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act by or on behalf of such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates until such tendered

 


 

securities are accepted for purchase or exchange; (y) securities which such Person has a right to acquire upon the exercise of rights under a shareholder rights plan under which such rights have been distributed to all holders of Company Common Stock, which rights have become exercisable prior to the time that such Person becomes a Prohibited Beneficial Owner; or (z) securities which such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates may acquire, does or do acquire or may be deemed to have the right to acquire, pursuant to any merger or other acquisition agreement between the Company and such Person (or one or more of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates) pursuant to which such Person would acquire beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting Company Shares without any Transfer from a Covered Investor if such agreement has been approved by the Board of Directors prior to such Person’s becoming a Prohibited Beneficial Owner; or (ii) the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or to beneficially own, any security by reason of such agreement, arrangement or understanding if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such security: (A) arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given to such Person in response to a public proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act; and (B) is not also then reportable on Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act (or any comparable or successor report);

 

(c)       which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other Person (or any Affiliate or Associate of such other Person) with which such first Person or any of such first Person’s Affiliates or Associates or any other Person (or any Affiliate or Associate of such other Person) with whom such first Person (or any Affiliates or Associates of such first Person) is Acting in Concert, has any agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether or not in writing, for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any voting securities of the Company;

 

(d)       which are the subject of, or the reference securities for, or that underlie, any Derivative Interest of such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates, with the number of Company Shares deemed Beneficially Owned being the notional or other number of Company Shares specified in the documentation evidencing the Derivative Interest as being subject to be acquired upon the exercise or settlement of the Derivative Interest or as the basis upon which the value or settlement amount of such Derivative Interest is to be calculated in whole or in part or, if no such number of Company Shares is specified in such documentation, as determined by the Company Board to be the number of Company Shares to which the Derivative Interest relates;

 

Notwithstanding anything in this definition of “Beneficial Owner” to the contrary, the phrase “then outstanding,” when used with reference to a Person’s beneficial ownership of securities of the Company, means the number of such securities then issued and outstanding together with the number of such securities not then actually issued and

 


 

outstanding which such Person would be deemed to beneficially own hereunder but the number of securities not outstanding that such Person is otherwise deemed to beneficially own for purposes of this Agreement shall not be included for the purpose of computing the percentage of the outstanding securities beneficially owned by any other Person (unless such other Person is also deemed to beneficially own for purposes of this Agreement such securities not outstanding).

 

Derivative Interest” means any derivative securities (as defined under Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement) that increase in value as the value of the underlying equity increases, including, but not limited to, a long convertible security, a long call option and a short put option position, in each case, regardless of whether: (a) such interest conveys any voting rights in such security; (b) such interest is required to be, or is capable of being, settled through delivery of such security; or (c) transactions hedge the economic effect of such interest.

 

Prohibited Beneficial Owner” means any Person that, together with all Affiliates and Associates of such Person, is or becomes the Beneficial Owner of ten percent (10%) or more of the Company Common Stock then outstanding taking the Company Preferred Stock into account on an as-converted basis, but will not include: (a) Archie Bennett, Jr. or Monty J. Bennett; (b) any Person which is one hundred percent (100%) Beneficially Owned by either Archie Bennett, Jr. or Monty J. Bennett; (c) any Person that otherwise is or would become a Prohibited Beneficial Owner as a result of an Intra-Group Transfer; (d) any Person that otherwise is or would become a Prohibited Beneficial Owner as a result of any voting agreement between Archie Bennett, Jr. and Monty J. Bennett; (e) the Company; (f) any Subsidiary of the Company; (g) any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company; (h) any entity or trustee holding (or acting in a fiduciary capacity in respect of) Company Shares for or pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit plan or for the purpose of funding any such plan or funding other employee benefits for employees of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company; or (i) any Person that, on the Closing Date, was a Beneficial Owner of ten percent (10%) or more of the Company Shares then outstanding, other than a Person that is not an Affiliate or Associate of such Beneficial Owner on the Closing Date and that subsequently becomes an Affiliate or Associate of such Beneficial Owner (the Person referred to in clause (i) above, referred to herein as a “Grandfathered Stockholder”); provided, that if a Grandfathered Stockholder becomes, after the Closing Date, the Beneficial Owner of additional Company Shares (other than Company Shares acquired solely as a result of corporate action of the Company not caused, directly or indirectly, by such Person) at any time such that the Grandfathered Stockholder is or thereby becomes the Beneficial Owner of ten percent (10%) or more of the Company Shares then outstanding (or such other percentage as would otherwise result in such Person becoming a Prohibited Beneficial Owner), then such Grandfathered Stockholder will be deemed a Prohibited Beneficial Owner; provided, further, that upon the first (1st) decrease of a Grandfathered Stockholder’s the Beneficial Ownership below ten percent (10%), such Grandfathered Stockholder will no longer be considered a Grandfathered Stockholder and this proviso will have no further force or effect with respect to such Grandfathered Stockholder.

 


 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person will become a Prohibited Beneficial Owner as the result of an acquisition of Company Shares by the Company that, by reducing the number of shares outstanding, increases the proportionate number of Company Shares Beneficially Owned by such Person to ten percent (10%) or more of the then outstanding Company Shares (or such other percentage as would otherwise result in such Person becoming a Prohibited Beneficial Owner); provided, that if a Person would, but for the provisions of this paragraph, become a Prohibited Beneficial Owner by reason of an acquisition of Company Shares by the Company and, after such share purchases by the Company, becomes the Beneficial Owner of any additional Company Shares at any time such that the Person is or thereby becomes the Beneficial Owner of ten percent (10%) or more of the Company Shares then outstanding (or such other percentage as would otherwise result in such Person becoming a Prohibited Beneficial Owner) (other than Company Shares acquired solely as a result of corporate action of the Company not caused, directly or indirectly, by such Person), then such Person will be deemed to be a Prohibited Beneficial Owner.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Person that would otherwise be a Prohibited Beneficial Owner has become such inadvertently (including, without limitation, because: (A) such Person was unaware that it Beneficially Owned that number of Company Shares that would otherwise cause such Person to be an “Prohibited Beneficial Owner;” or (B) such Person was aware of the extent of its Beneficial Ownership of Company Shares but had no actual knowledge of the consequences of such Beneficial Ownership under this Agreement) and without any intention of obtaining, changing or influencing control of the Company, and such Person divests as promptly as practicable a sufficient number of Company Shares so that such Person would no longer be a Prohibited Beneficial Owner, then such Person will not be deemed to have become a Prohibited Beneficial Owner for any purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a bona fide swaps or derivatives dealer who would otherwise be a “Prohibited Beneficial Owner” has become so as a result of its actions in the ordinary course of its business that were taken without the intent or effect of evading or assisting any other Person to evade the purposes and intent of this Agreement, or otherwise seeking to control or influence the management or policies of the Company, then such Person shall not be deemed to be a “Prohibited Beneficial Owner” for any purposes of this Agreement.

 


EXHIBIT 10.2

 

MERGER AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

MERGER AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT dated as of November 6, 2019 (this “Agreement”), by and among Ashford Inc., a Maryland corporation (“AINC”), Ashford Nevada Holding Corp., a Nevada corporation (“New Holdco”), and Ashford Merger Sub Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Merger Sub” and, together with AINC and New Holdco, the “Merger Parties”), and, solely for the purposes of Article V hereof, Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennett (together with Archie Bennett, Jr., the “Bennetts”), MJB Investments, LP (“MJB Investments”), the Alayna Jo Bennett Max 2019 Gift Trust, the Archie Bennett, III 2019 Gift Trust, the Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell 2019 Gift Trust, the Jory Glazener 2019 Gift Trust, the Krista Koleas 2019 Gift Trust, the Matthew Wade Bennett 2019 Gift Trust, the Beverly Rene Bennett Flood 2019 Gift Trust, the Supplemental Needs Trust FBO Lucas Wade Bennett (together with such other trusts, the “Trusts”), James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Mark A. Sharkey and Marissa A. Bennett (together with the Bennetts, Remington Holdings, MJB Investments, the Trusts, James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter and Mark A. Sharkey, the “Investors”).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, AINC is the sole stockholder of New Holdco and New Holdco is the sole stockholder of Merger Sub;

 

WHEREAS, in conjunction with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2019, among Archie Bennett, Jr., Monty J. Bennett, Remington Holdings, L.P., Remington Holdings GP, LLC, MJB Investments, LP, AINC, New Holdco, Merger Sub, James L. Cowen and Jeremy J. Welter (the “Combination Agreement”), among other things, Merger Sub will merge with and into AINC with AINC as the surviving merger party (the “Merger”), and as a result of such Merger, (i) each share of the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of AINC (“Existing AINC Common Stock”) outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined herein) will be converted into one share of the Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of New Holdco (“New Holdco Common Stock”), (ii) each share of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of AINC (“Existing AINC Preferred Stock”) outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into one share of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of New Holdco (“New Holdco Preferred Stock”), (iii) each share of the Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of Merger Sub (“Merger Sub Common Stock”) outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into one share of the Existing AINC Common Stock, (iv) each share of the Preferred Stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of Merger Sub (“Merger Sub Preferred Stock”) outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into one share of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of AINC which will be created by AINC through its filing of Articles Supplementary with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (“New AINC Articles Supplementary”) with an effective date and time concurrent with the Effective Time (“New AINC Preferred Stock”), and (v) the shares of New Holdco Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled;

 

WHEREAS, the purpose of the Merger is, in part, to cause the holding company of AINC and its subsidiaries to be organized under the laws of the Nevada.  The Board of Directors of AINC has determined that the creation of a holding company organized under the laws of Nevada is consistent with, and will further, the business strategies and goals of AINC and its Affiliates and is in the best interests of AINC and its shareholders;

 

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WHEREAS, the board of directors of AINC has declared advisable the merger of Merger Sub with and into AINC in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Combination Agreement, with AINC to be the surviving entity in the Merger and to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Holdco and the outstanding shares of AINC Common Stock and AINC Preferred Stock to be converted into shares of New Holdco Common Stock and New Holdco Preferred Stock, respectively, and recommended to the AINC voting shareholders that they vote in favor of the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Combination Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, under the Combination Agreement, the following AINC stockholder votes are required (the “Required Stockholder Vote”) in order to approve the Merger, this Agreement and the other transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement: (a) with respect to the Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (i) the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding voting power of the AINC voting stock (taking into account the Existing AINC Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis), (ii) the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 55% of the outstanding shares of the Existing AINC Preferred Stock, and (iii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of AINC voting stock (taking into account the Existing AINC Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis) that are not Beneficially Owned (as defined in the Combination Agreement) by the Bennetts, MJB Investments or the Trusts (provided that, for purposes of this clause (iii), the AINC voting stock that is owned of record by Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. or Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. shall not be deemed to be Beneficially Owned (as defined in the Contribution Agreement) by the Bennetts, MJB Investments or the Trusts so long as the decision to vote such shares on the Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, is solely determined by the members of the Board of Directors of the applicable entity who are independent within the meaning of applicable rules of the NYSE American (or any exchange on which the common stock is listed on the record date for the Stockholder Meeting (as defined below)) and do not have a material financial interest within the meaning of Section 2-419 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) in the transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement and the Merger Agreement (or a duly appointed board committee consisting only of such independent and disinterested board members); and (b) with respect to the to the issuance of the New Holdco Preferred Stock to the Bennetts, MJB Investments, James L. Cowen and Jeremy J. Welter, the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding voting power of the AINC voting stock (taking into account the Existing AINC Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis) represented in person or by proxy at the Stockholder Meeting (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS, it is intended that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and, where applicable, state and local tax purposes): (i) the Merger shall qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and this Agreement together with the Combination Agreement shall constitute a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder; and (ii) the exchange of Transferred Securities (as defined in the Combination Agreement) for New Holdco Preferred Stock pursuant to the Remington Contribution Agreement (as defined in the Combination Agreement) and the Combination Agreement (the “Remington Exchange”), together with the exchange of Existing AINC Common Stock for New Holdco Common Stock and the Existing AINC Preferred Stock for New Holdco Preferred Stock pursuant to the Merger, qualify as an exchange under Section 351 of the Code, and the Combination Agreement, the PM Contribution Agreement

 

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and this Agreement will together be taken as a single plan of exchange under Section 351 of the Code.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
THE MERGER

 

Section 1.1            Merger and New Holdco Common Stock and New Holdco Preferred Stock. In accordance with the provisions of (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Articles of Merger (as defined below) and (iii) the MGCL, at the Effective Time (as defined below), Merger Sub shall be merged with and into AINC, the separate existence of Merger Sub shall cease, and AINC shall continue as the surviving corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland.

 

Section 1.2            Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place at such time, date and place as the parties may agree, but in no event prior to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

 

Section 1.3            Effective Time and Execution. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, the parties hereto shall cause the Articles of Merger with respect to the Merger (the “Articles of Merger”) to be filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation in the manner provided under Section 3-109 of the MGCL. The Merger shall become effective at the effective time set forth in the Articles of Merger as filed with and accepted for record by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (the “Effective Time”). The Effective Time shall occur after the execution and delivery of the Remington Contribution Agreement. AINC, as it will exist from and after the Effective Time, is herein sometimes referred to as the “Surviving Corporation.” The day on which the Effective Time occurs is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Effective Date.” The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement was executed (a) simultaneously with the execution of the Investor Rights Agreement, the Remington Contribution Agreement, the Hotel Services Agreement, the Transition Cost Sharing Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement (each, as defined in the Combination Agreement), (b) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the Articles of Merger and the New AINC Articles Supplementary (each with a delayed effective time, as specified therein), (c) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Nevada Secretary of State of the New Holdco Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation (as defined in the Combination Agreement) (with an effective time, as specified therein), and (d) prior to the Effective Time.

 

Section 1.4            Name of Surviving Corporation. The name of the Surviving Corporation of the Merger shall be OAINC II Inc.

 

Section 1.5            Effect of the Merger.

 

(A)                               MGCL. The Merger shall, from and after the Effective Time, have the effects provided for in the MGCL, including Section 3-114 thereof.

 

(B)                               Surviving Corporation Vesting. Without limitation of paragraph (A) above, at the Effective Time, (i) all of the rights, privileges, powers and franchises and all property (real, personal and mixed) of Merger Sub shall automatically vest in the Surviving Corporation, (ii) all debts, liabilities and duties of Merger Sub

 

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shall automatically attach to and become the responsibility of the Surviving Corporation, (iii) all corporate acts, plans, policies, contracts, approvals and authorizations of Merger Sub and the sole stockholder of Merger Sub, all committees elected or appointed by the sole stockholder of Merger Sub and all officers and agents of Merger Sub, that were valid and effective immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be taken for all purposes as the acts, plans, policies, contracts, approvals and authorizations of the Surviving Corporation and shall be effective and binding on the Surviving Corporation as the same were with respect to Merger Sub, (iv) any action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal or administrative, pending by or against Merger Sub may be prosecuted as if the Merger had not taken place or the Surviving Corporation may be substituted for Merger Sub in any such action or proceeding and (v) any employees of Merger Sub at the Effective Time shall become employees of the Surviving Corporation.

 

Section 1.6            Governing Documents. At and after the Effective Time, the articles of incorporation of AINC, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Charter”), as supplemented by the New AINC Articles Supplementary, shall be the charter of the Surviving Corporation unless and until amended in accordance with the MGCL and the Charter subsequently to the Effective Time. At and after the Effective Time, the bylaws of AINC, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation (the “Surviving Corporation Bylaws”) unless and until amended in accordance with the MGCL and the Charter subsequent to the Effective Time.

 

Section 1.7            Officers and Directors. The persons serving as officers and directors of AINC immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation until changed in accordance with the Surviving Corporation Bylaws and applicable law subsequently to the Effective Time.

 

Section 1.8            Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and this Agreement and without any action on the part of AINC, New Holdco or Merger Sub:

 

(A)                               Existing AINC Common Stock. Each share of Existing AINC Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically convert, on a one-for-one basis, into one share of New Holdco Common Stock.

 

(B)                               Existing AINC Preferred Stock. Subject to Section 1.9, each share of Existing AINC Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically convert, on a one-for-one basis, into one share of New Holdco Preferred Stock.

 

(C)                               Merger Sub Common Stock. Each share of Merger Sub Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically convert, on a one-for-one basis, into one share of Existing AINC Common Stock.

 

(D)                               Merger Sub Preferred Stock. Each share of Merger Sub Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically convert, on a one-for-one basis, into one share of New AINC Preferred Stock.

 

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(E)                                New Holdco Common Stock. Each share of New Holdco Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of this Agreement, automatically be cancelled for no consideration and cease to be issued or outstanding.

 

Section 1.9                                    Dissenting Shares.

 

(A)                               Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (but subject to the other provisions of this Section 1.9), any shares of Existing AINC Preferred Stock for which the holder thereof (i) files with AINC a written objection to the Merger within the time required by the MGCL, (ii) has not voted in favor of the Merger or consented to it in writing, and (ii) has made a written demand on New Holdco for the payment of the fair value such holder’s Existing AINC Preferred Stock and has complied in all respects with, the MGCL (collectively, the “Dissenting Shares”), shall not be converted into the right to receive the New Holdco Preferred Stock in accordance with Section 1.8(b). At the Effective Time, (i) all Dissenting Shares shall be canceled and cease to exist and (ii) the holders of Dissenting Shares shall be entitled only to such rights as may be granted to them under the MGCL.

 

(B)                               Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.9(A), if any holder of Dissenting Shares effectively withdraws or loses such appraisal rights (through failure to perfect such appraisal rights or otherwise), then that holder’s shares (i) shall be deemed no longer to be Dissenting Shares and (ii) shall be treated as if they had been converted automatically at the Effective Time into the right to receive the New Holdco Preferred Stock in accordance with Section 1.8(B).

 

(C)                               AINC shall give New Holdco (i) prompt notice of any written demand for appraisal of any shares of Existing AINC Preferred Stock (including copies of any written demands), any withdrawals or attempted withdrawals of such demands and any other instrument served on AINC under the MGCL and (ii) the right to direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands for appraisal. Except to the extent required by applicable Law, AINC shall not offer to make or make any payment with respect to any such demands for appraisal or otherwise settle any such demands without the prior written consent of New Holdco, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

 

(D)                               Prior to the Effective Time, AINC shall not, except with the prior written consent of New Holdco, voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demands for appraisal of any shares of Existing AINC Preferred Stock, offer to settle or settle any such demands or approve any withdrawal of any such demands.

 

Section 1.10                             No Required Surrender of Stock Certificates.

 

(A)                               Excluding any Dissenting Shares, at and after the Effective Time: (i) where no physical certificate representing the shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock has been issued in the name of a holder of shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock, as applicable, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, a “book-entry” (i.e., a computerized or manual entry) shall be made in the

 

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stockholder records of New Holdco to evidence the issuance to such holder of the number of uncertificated shares of New Holdco Common Stock or New Holdco Preferred Stock into which such shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock, as applicable, have been converted pursuant to Section 1.8 and New Holdco shall cause each stockholder holding New Holdco Common Stock or New Holdco Preferred Stock, as applicable, in book entry form to be provided such information as shall be required by or necessary to comply with Nevada law; and (ii) each certificate which, immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented outstanding shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock, as applicable (an “AINC Certificate”), shall be deemed for all purposes to evidence ownership of, and to represent, the number of shares of New Holdco Common Stock or New Holdco Preferred Stock, as applicable, into which the shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock, as applicable, represented by such AINC Certificate immediately prior to the Effective Time have been converted pursuant to Section 1.8.

 

(B)                               Excluding any Dissenting Shares, the registered holder of any AINC Certificate outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, as such holder appears in the books and records of AINC, or of the transfer agent in respect of the shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock, as applicable, immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall, until such AINC Certificate is surrendered for transfer or exchange, have and be entitled to exercise any voting and other rights with respect to, and to receive any dividends or other distributions on, the shares of New Holdco Common Stock or New Holdco Preferred Stock, as applicable, into which the shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock, as applicable, represented by any such AINC Certificate have been converted pursuant to Section 1.8, subject to the provisions of applicable Nevada law.

 

(C)                               Excluding any Dissenting Shares, within a reasonable period of time following the Effective Time, New Holdco shall mail, or shall cause to be mailed, to the persons who were registered holders of AINC Certificates immediately prior to the Effective Time, a letter of transmittal, in customary form, containing instructions for use in effecting the surrender of such AINC Certificates, if the holder so chooses, in exchange for a certificate (a “New Holdco  Certificate”), or uncertificated shares in book-entry form, representing the number of shares of New Holdco Common Stock or New Holdco Preferred Stock, as applicable, into which the shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock, as applicable, represented by such AINC Certificate have been converted pursuant to Section 1.8.

 

(D)                               Excluding any Dissenting Shares, if any AINC Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, New Holdco may, in its discretion and as a condition to the issuance of any New Holdco Certificate or uncertificated shares of New Holdco Common Stock or New Holdco Preferred Stock, as applicable, in book-entry form, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed AINC Certificate to post a bond, in such reasonable and customary amount as New Holdco may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be made against New Holdco or the Surviving Corporation with respect to such AINC Certificate.

 

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(E)                                Excluding any Dissenting Shares, if any New Holdco Certificate is to be issued in a name other than that in which the AINC Certificate surrendered for exchange is registered, such exchange shall be conditioned upon: (i) the AINC Certificate so surrendered being properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer; and (ii) the person requesting such exchange either paying any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of the New Holdco Certificate in a name other than that of the registered holder of the AINC Certificate surrendered, or establishing to the satisfaction of New Holdco, or the transfer agent in respect of the New Holdco Common Stock or New Holdco Preferred Stock, as applicable, that such tax has been paid or is not applicable.

 

(F)                                 Each New Holdco Certificate shall comply with all requirements set forth in New Holdco’s charter or bylaws and applicable law with respect to notice of certain restrictions on ownership and transferability.

 

(G)                               AINC and New Holdco expect that the New Holdco Certificates delivered to former AINC stockholders will reflect the change of New Holdco’s name to “Ashford Inc.”

 

Section 1.11          Dividends. At the Effective Time and by operation of the Merger and this Agreement, AINC’s obligations with respect to any dividends or other distributions to holders of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock that have been declared by AINC, but not paid prior to the Effective Time will be assumed by New Holdco in accordance with the terms of the declaration or accrual, as applicable.  Immediately prior to the Effective Time, AINC will pay a dividend on the Existing AINC Preferred Stock in an amount equal to the amount of accrued but unpaid dividends on the Existing AINC Preferred Stock immediately prior to such time.

 

Section 1.12          Stock Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of AINC shall be closed and thereafter there shall be no further registration of transfers of shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock theretofore outstanding on the records of AINC.

 

Section 1.13          Plan of Reorganization and Plan of Exchange. This Agreement, together with the Combination Agreement, is intended to constitute a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-2(g), and this Agreement, the Combination Agreement and the Remington Contribution Agreement together are intended to constitute a single plan of exchange under Section 351 of the Code. Each party hereto shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and will not take any actions or cause any actions to be taken which would prevent the Merger from qualifying, as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Each party hereto shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Merger and the Remington Exchange collectively to qualify, and will not knowingly take any actions or cause any actions to be taken which would prevent the Merger and the Remington Exchange collectively from qualifying, as an exchange under Section 351 of the Code.

 

Section 1.14        Successor Issuer. It is the intent of the parties hereto that New Holdco be deemed a “successor issuer” of AINC in accordance with Rule 12g-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) solely for purposes of the Exchange Act, and in accordance with Rule 414 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) solely for purposes of the Securities Act. At or after the Effective Time, New Holdco shall file: (i) an appropriate report on Form 8-K describing the Merger; and (ii) appropriate amendments to any registration statements of AINC on Form S-8 in accordance with Section 2.2.

 

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ARTICLE II
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER

 

Section 2.1            Assumption of AINC Plan and Outstanding Stock Options and Obligations under the AINC Plan. At the Effective Time, New Holdco shall assume the rights and obligations of AINC under the Ashford Inc. 2014 Incentive Plan (including all amendments or modifications thereto, the “AINC Plan”) and the rights and obligations of AINC under: (i) all unexercised and unexpired options to purchase shares of Existing AINC Common Stock (“AINC Options”), as well as all outstanding restricted stock grants, that are then outstanding under the AINC Plan immediately prior to the Effective Time; (ii) all obligations to issue shares of Existing AINC Common Stock under the deferred compensation obligations assumed by AINC in connection with its spin-off from Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. in 2014 (the “AINC Deferred Compensation Obligations”); and (iii) the remaining unallocated reserve of shares of Existing AINC Common Stock issuable under the AINC Plan. At the Effective Time, the reserve of shares of Existing AINC Common Stock under the AINC Plan, whether allocated to existing AINC Options, existing AINC Deferred Compensation Obligations or existing restricted stock grants, or unallocated at that time, shall be converted on a one-share-for-one-share basis into a reserve of shares of New Holdco Common Stock, and each AINC Option and each AINC Deferred Compensation Obligation assumed by New Holdco, as well as each outstanding restricted stock grant, shall continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions as set forth in the AINC Plan, the AINC Options and the AINC Deferred Compensation Obligations and the agreement(s) evidencing each of the AINC Options, the AINC Deferred Compensation Obligations and the restricted stock grants as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time (including, without limitation, the vesting schedule and applicable issuance dates (without acceleration thereof by virtue of the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Combination Agreement), the per share exercise price of the AINC Options, the expiration date of the AINC Options and other applicable termination provisions and the tax withholding procedures), except that from and after the Effective Time: (i) each AINC Option will be exercisable (or will become exercisable in accordance with its terms) for that number of shares of New Holdco Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Existing AINC Common Stock that were subject to each such AINC Option immediately prior to the Effective Time and any applicable exercise price shall be payable to New Holdco; (ii) each AINC Deferred Compensation Obligation may be settled for that number of shares of New Holdco Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Existing AINC Common Stock for which such AINC Deferred Compensation Obligation could be settled; and (iii) each outstanding restricted stock grant shall be with respect to that number of shares of New Holdco Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Existing AINC Common Stock that were subject to such restricted stock grant immediately prior to the Effective Time.

 

Section 2.2            Assignment and Assumption of Agreements. Effective as of the Effective Time, AINC hereby assigns and delegates to New Holdco, and New Holdco hereby assumes and agrees to perform, all rights and obligations of AINC pursuant to the AINC Plan, under each option agreement relating to AINC Stock Options outstanding under the AINC Plan immediately prior to the Effective Time and under each AINC Deferred Compensation Obligation outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. Effective as of the Effective Time, New Holdco shall become the successor issuer of securities under the AINC Plan in accordance with Rule 12g-3 under the Exchange Act solely for purposes of the Exchange Act and in accordance with Rule 414 under the Securities Act solely for purposes of the Securities Act and shall, as soon as practicable following the Effective Time, file a post-effective amendment to each existing registration statement on Form S-8 covering the AINC Plan, pursuant to which New Holdco as successor to AINC shall expressly adopt such registration statements on Form S-8 as its own in accordance with Rule 414 under the Securities Act.

 

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Section 2.3            Reservation of Shares. On or prior to the Effective Time, New Holdco shall reserve sufficient shares of New Holdco Common Stock to provide for the issuance of New Holdco Common Stock upon the exercise or other settlement of all AINC Options and AINC Deferred Compensation Obligations and to cover any additional shares of New Holdco Common Stock that may become issuable under future awards made with respect to the remaining share reserve under the assumed AINC Plan that is, in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Agreement, converted into a reserve of shares of New Holdco Common Stock.

 

Section 2.4            Registration Statement; Prospectus/Proxy Statement. In connection with the Stockholder Meeting (as defined below), New Holdco has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of New Holdco Common Stock to be issued to the stockholders of AINC pursuant to the Merger. The Registration Statement shall, at such time as it is declared effective by order of the SEC, include: (i) a prospectus for the issuance of shares of New Holdco Common Stock in the Merger; and (ii) a proxy statement relating to the Stockholder Meeting (such prospectus and proxy statement collectively, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Prospectus/Proxy Statement”). Each of New Holdco and AINC shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement to be cleared by the SEC as promptly as practicable, and, prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement, New Holdco shall take all actions reasonably required under any applicable federal securities laws or state blue sky laws in connection with the issuance of shares of New Holdco Common Stock pursuant to the Merger. As promptly as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement shall have become effective and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement shall have been cleared by the SEC, AINC shall mail or cause to be mailed or otherwise make available in accordance with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement to its stockholders; provided, however, that the parties shall consult and cooperate with each other in determining the appropriate time for mailing or otherwise making available to AINC’s stockholders the Prospectus/Proxy Statement in light of the date set for the Stockholder Meeting.

 

Section 2.5            Meeting of AINC Stockholders; Board Recommendation. AINC shall take all action necessary in accordance with the MGCL and its governing documents to call, hold and convene a meeting of its stockholders to consider and vote upon the matters referenced within the definition of the term Required Stockholder Vote (the “Stockholder Meeting”). AINC shall use its reasonable best efforts to solicit from its stockholders proxies in favor of the matters referenced within the definition of Required Stockholder Vote. AINC may adjourn or postpone the Stockholder Meeting: (i) to the extent necessary to ensure that any necessary supplement or amendment to the Prospectus/Proxy Statement is provided to its stockholders in advance of any vote on the matters referenced within the definition of Required Stockholder Vote or (ii) if as of the time for which the Stockholder Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement) insufficient shares of Existing AINC Common Stock and Existing AINC Preferred Stock are voting in favor of the approval of the of the matters referenced within the definition of Required Stockholder Vote or represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of such Stockholder Meeting.

 

Section 2.6            Listing of New Holdco Common Stock. AINC and New Holdco shall use their reasonable best efforts to obtain, at or before the Effective Time, confirmation of listing on the NYSE American LLC stock exchange (the “NYSE American”) of the New Holdco Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger.

 

Section 2.7            Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, the Boards of Directors of AINC and New Holdco or an appropriate committee of non-employee directors (as such term is

 

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defined for purposes of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) shall adopt resolutions consistent with the interpretive guidance of the SEC so that the disposition by any officer or director of AINC or New Holdco who is a covered person for purposes of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act of shares of Existing AINC Common Stock or Existing AINC Preferred Stock (or derivative securities) and the receipt of shares of New Holdco Common Stock or New Holdco Preferred Stock (or derivative securities) in exchange therefor by virtue of this Agreement and the Merger will be an exempt transaction for purposes of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

 

Section 2.8            Other Employee Benefit Plans and Arrangements. Effective as of the Effective Time: (i) AINC transfers, assigns and delegates to New Holdco, and New Holdco hereby assumes, each of AINC’s other employee benefit plans and arrangements and all rights and obligations of AINC thereunder, if any, by AINC to New Holdco prior to the Effective Time; and (ii) New Holdco hereby assumes and agrees to perform the obligations of AINC thereunder upon the same terms and conditions as set forth in each such designated plan and arrangement as in effect at the Effective Time.

 

ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

 

Section 3.1            Conditions to Obligations of Merger Sub. The obligations of Merger Sub to perform this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, prior to the proposed Effective Time, of each of the following conditions:

 

(A)                               AINC shall have performed all agreements, covenants and obligations required to be performed, complied with or discharged by it under this Agreement and the Combination Agreement prior to or as of the Effective Time.

 

(B)                               All actions necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Combination Agreement by AINC and the enforceability of this Agreement and the Combination Agreement against AINC shall have been duly and validly taken.

 

Section 3.2            Conditions to Obligations of New Holdco. The obligations of New Holdco to perform this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, prior to the proposed Effective Time, of the following conditions:

 

(A)                               Each of AINC and Merger Sub shall have performed all agreements, covenants and obligations required to be performed, complied with or discharged by it under this Agreement and the Combination Agreement prior to or as of the Effective Time.

 

(B)                               All actions necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Combination Agreement by each of AINC and Merger Sub and the enforceability of this Agreement and the Combination Agreement against each of AINC and Merger Sub shall have been duly and validly taken.

 

(C)                               Each of the matters referenced within the definition of Required Stockholder Vote shall have been approved by the Requisite Stockholder Vote at the Stockholder Meeting.

 

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(D)                               Immediately prior to the Effective Time, the shares of New Holdco Common Stock to be issued in the Merger shall be approved to be listed for trading on the NYSE American upon issuance.

 

Section 3.3                                    Conditions to Obligations of AINC. The obligations of AINC to perform this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, prior to the proposed Effective Time, of the following conditions:

 

(A)                               Each of New Holdco and Merger Sub shall have performed all agreements, covenants and obligations required to be performed, complied with or discharged by it under this Agreement and the Combination Agreement prior to or as of the Effective Time.

 

(B)                               All actions necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Combination Agreement by Merger Sub and the enforceability of this Agreement and the Combination Agreement against Merger Sub shall have been duly and validly taken.

 

(C)                               Each of the matters referenced within the definition of Required Stockholder Vote shall have been approved by the Requisite Stockholder Vote at the Stockholder Meeting.

 

(D)                               Immediately prior to the Effective Time, the shares of New Holdco Common Stock to be issued in the Merger shall be approved to be listed for trading on the NYSE American upon issuance.

 

ARTICLE IV
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

 

Section 4.1                                    Expenses. AINC and New Holdco shall pay all of their own expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 4.2                                    Activities of New Holdco and Merger Sub. Prior to the Effective Time, New Holdco and Merger Sub shall not conduct any business activities and shall not conduct any other activities except in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Transaction Documents (as defined in the Combination Agreement) or the Combination Agreement.

 

ARTICLE V
REGISTRATION RIGHTS

 

Section 5.1                                    Resale Registration. No later than 120 days following the Effective Time, New Holdco shall prepare and file a registration statement under the Securities Act to permit the public resale of Registrable Securities (as defined below) then outstanding from time to time as permitted by Rule 415 of the Securities Act with respect to all of the Registrable Securities (the “Resale Registration Statement”). The Resale Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement shall be on such appropriate registration form of the SEC as shall be selected by New Holdco so long as it permits the continuous offering of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act or such other rule as is then applicable. New Holdco shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Resale Registration Statement to become effective on or as soon as practicable after the filing thereof. Any Resale Registration Statement shall provide for the resale pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, the Holders (as defined below) of

 

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any and all Registrable Securities covered by such Resale Registration Statement. New Holdco shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Resale Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement to be effective, supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for the resale of all Registrable Securities by the Holders until all Registrable Securities covered by such Resale Registration Statement have ceased to be Registrable Securities (the “Effectiveness Period”). The Resale Registration Statement when effective (including the documents incorporated therein by reference) will comply as to form in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any prospectus contained in such Resale Registration Statement, in the light of the circumstances under which a statement is made).

 

Section 5.2                                    Obligations of New Holdco. Whenever required under this Article V to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, New Holdco will, as expeditiously as possible:

 

(A)                               prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to the Resale Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection with such Resale Registration Statement as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by the Resale Registration Statement;

 

(B)                               furnish to the Holders such numbers of copies of a prospectus including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by the Resale Registration Statement;

 

(C)                               use its best efforts to register and qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Resale Registration Statement under such other securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as reasonably requested by the Holders of Registrable Securities; provided that New Holdco will not be required to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions, unless New Holdco is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and except as may be required by the Securities Act;

 

(D)                               cause the Registrable Securities registered for resale to be listed on a national securities exchange or trading system and each securities exchange and trading system on which similar securities issued by AINC are then listed;

 

(E)                                provide a transfer agent and a registrar for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration;

 

(F)                                 if requested by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities, retain one or more nationally-recognized investment banking firms to act as underwriter for the offering, and enter into such customary agreements (including underwriting and lock-up agreements in customary form) and take all such customary actions as the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities or the managing underwriter of such offering request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the all such Registrable Securities (including, without limitation, making appropriate officers of New Holdco available to participate in “road show” and other customary marketing activities (including one-on-one meetings with prospective purchasers of the Registrable Securities)); and

 

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(G)                               use its best efforts to furnish, on the date on which such Registrable Securities are sold to any underwriter: (i) an opinion, dated such date, of the counsel representing New Holdco for the purposes of such registration, in form and substance as is customarily given to underwriters in an underwritten public offering, addressed to the underwriters, if any; and (ii) a “comfort letter” dated such date, from the independent certified public accountants of New Holdco, in form and substance as is customarily given by independent certified public accountants to underwriters in an underwritten public offering, addressed to the underwriters, if any.

 

Section 5.3                                    Delay Rights. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, New Holdco may, upon written notice to all Holders whose Registrable Securities are included in the Resale Registration Statement, suspend such Holder’s use of any prospectus which is a part of the Resale Registration Statement (a “Blackout Period”) (in which event the Holder shall discontinue sales of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Resale Registration Statement) if New Holdco is contemplating or has experienced a material non-public event, the disclosure of which at such time, in the good faith judgment of New Holdco, would materially adversely affect New Holdco or, as to each Holder that is subject to the securities trading policies of New Holdco applicable to insiders of New Holdco, during any period in which insiders of New Holdco are not permitted to trade in securities of New Holdco under the securities trading policies of New Holdco applicable to insiders of New Holdco. Upon disclosure of such information or the termination of the condition or expiration of such period described above, New Holdco shall provide prompt notice to the Holders whose Registrable Securities are included in the Resale Registration Statement, and shall promptly terminate any suspension of sales it has put into effect. Any such Blackout Period will be no longer than 60 days in the aggregate in any 365-day period and New Holdco will not utilize this right more than once in any twelve -month period.

 

Section 5.4                                    Cooperation by Holders. New Holdco shall have no obligation to include in the Resale Registration Statement Registrable Securities of a Holder who has failed to timely furnish upon written request timely delivered to such Holder such information that New Holdco determines, after consultation with counsel, is reasonably required in order for the registration statement or prospectus supplement, as applicable, to comply with the Securities Act.

 

Section 5.5                                    Expenses. New Holdco will pay all reasonable expenses incurred pursuant to this Article V with respect to the registration of the Registrable Securities as determined in good faith; provided that New Holdco shall not be responsible for legal fees incurred by Holders in connection with the exercise of such Holders’ rights under this this Article V.

 

Section 5.6                                    Termination of Purchaser’s Rights. A Holder’s rights under this Agreement shall terminate upon the termination of the Effectiveness Period.

 

Section 5.7                                    Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Article V, the following capitalized terms have the definitions set forth below:

 

(A)                               Converted Common Stock” means shares of New Holdco Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the New Holdco Preferred Stock.

 

(B)                               Holder” means any Covered Investor (as such term is defined in that certain Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2019, by and among New Holdco and the Investors (the “Investor Rights Agreement”)).

 

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(C)                               Registrable Securities” means: (i) the New Holdco Preferred Stock; (ii) any Converted Common Stock; and (iii) any shares of capital stock issued in respect of the New Holdco Preferred Stock or any Converted Common Stock in the event of any recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or similar transaction or event; provided that any such Registrable Security will cease to be a Registrable Security when (a) a registration statement covering such Registrable Security becomes or has been declared effective by the SEC and such Registrable Security has been sold or disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement; (b) such Registrable Security has been disposed of pursuant to any section of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (“Rule 144”) (or any similar provision then in force) under the Securities Act; (c) such Registrable Security is held by New Holdco or one of its subsidiaries or Affiliates (other than the Investors); or (d) such Registrable Security becomes eligible for resale in accordance with Rule 144 without volume or holding period limitations and, in the event New Holdco is not in compliance with the requirements of Rule 144(c) promulgated under the Securities Act, without the need for current public information.

 

ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

Section 6.1                                    Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or supplemented in any manner and from time to time prior to the Effective Time by a written instrument duly executed and delivered by all of the parties hereto.

 

Section 6.2                                    Termination. If permitted under the Combination Agreement, this Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by action taken by the Board of Directors of AINC or the sole stockholder of Merger Sub for any reason whatsoever, such termination to be effected by giving written notice to the other parties hereto. In the event of the permitted termination and abandonment of this Agreement, this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any party or its directors, managers, officers, stockholders, members or partners.

 

ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 7.1                                    Descriptive Headings. Descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.2                                    Counterparts. For the convenience of the parties, any number of counterparts of this Agreement may be executed by one or more parties hereto and each such executed counterpart shall be, and shall be deemed to be, an original instrument.

 

Section 7.3                                    Successors and Assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned by a party without the written consent of the other parties hereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

Section 7.4                                    Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such

 

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prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 7.5                                    Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland.

 

Section 7.6                                    Third-Party Beneficiaries. Any Investor or Covered Investor (as defined in the Investor Rights Agreement), even if not a party to this Agreement, shall be deemed an express third-party beneficiary of the provisions contained in Article V hereof with full rights to enforce and access such obligations directly in their own respective name and on their own respective behalf.

 

(Signature pages follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as all of the day and year first above written.

 

 

ASHFORD INC.,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

 

 

ASHFORD MERGER SUB INC.,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

 

 

ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP.,

 

a Nevada corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

Solely for the purposes of Article V hereof:

 

 

 

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

 

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

Monty J. Bennett

 

 

 

MJB INVESTMENTS, LP

 

 

 

By:

MJB Investments GP, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

Name:

Monty J. Bennett

 

Title:

Sole Member

 

[Signature Page to Merger and Registration Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

ALAYNA JO BENNETT MAX 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Alayna Jo Bennett Max

 

 

Trustee: Alayna Jo Bennett Max

 

 

 

ARCHIE BENNETT, III 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

Trustee: Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

 

AUDRA MARIE BENNETT MAXWELL 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell

 

 

Trustee: Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell

 

 

 

JORY GLAZENER 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

Trustee: Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

 

KRISTA KOLEAS 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Krista Koleas

 

 

Trustee: Krista Koleas

 

 

 

MATTHEW WADE BENNETT 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew Wade Bennett

 

 

Trustee: Matthew Wade Bennett

 

 

 

BEVERLY RENE BENNETT FLOOD 2019 GIFT TRUST

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Beverly Rene Bennett Flood

 

 

Trustee: Beverly Rene Bennett Flood

 

 

 

/s/ James L. Cowen

 

James L. Cowen

 

 

 

/s/ Jeremy J. Welter

 

Jeremy J. Welter

 

 

 

/s/ Mark A. Sharkey

 

Mark A. Sharkey

 

[Signature Page to Merger and Registration Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUST FBO LUCAS WADE BENNETT

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

 

Trustee: Monty J. Bennett

 

[Signature Page to Merger and Registration Rights Agreement]

 


 

 

/s/ Marissa A. Bennett

 

Marissa A. Bennett

 

 

[Signature Page to Merger and Registration Rights Agreement]

 


 

Exhibit A

 

New AINC Articles Supplementary

 

[See attached]

 


EXHIBIT 10.3

 

NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT

 

This NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of November 6, 2019, by and among Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (to be renamed Ashford Inc.), a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), Archie Bennett, Jr. (“AB”) and Monty J. Bennett (“MB” and together with AB, the “Bennetts”).  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined have the meanings given such terms in Article 1 or in the applicable Section cross-referenced in Article 1.

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

 

A.                                    The Company, the Bennetts and certain other Persons are parties to the Combination Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2019 (the “Combination Agreement”).

 

B.                                    As a condition to the Closing pursuant to the Combination Agreement, the Company and Bennetts have agreed to enter into this Agreement.

 

THEREFORE, the parties intending to be legally bound agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS

 

1.01                        Definitions.  Terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined in this Agreement will have the following meanings.

 

AB” as defined in the Preamble, means Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

AINC” means Ashford, Inc., a Maryland corporation that will be a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company immediately following the Merger (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

 

Agreement” as defined in the Preamble, means this Non-Competition Agreement.

 

Affiliate” and its correlative terms have the meanings ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

 

Associate” and its correlative terms have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

 

Bennetts” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Bennett-Owned Properties” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(c).

 

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Closing” means the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement.

 

Closing Date” means the date on which the Closing is effective.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

Combination Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preliminary Statements.

 

Commencement Date” means the date on or after which Monty J. Bennett is not the principal executive officer of the Company.

 

Company” as defined the Preamble, means Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (to be renamed Ashford Inc.).

 

Company Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company that manages the business and affairs of the Company.

 

Disinterested Director” means, with respect to any action or transaction, each director of any Person that: (a) is neither an officer nor an employee, nor has been an officer or employee, of such Person, Seller, or either of their respective Affiliates or Associates within five years; and (b) has no material personal or financial interest in such transaction or matter that is distinct from Persons that are not Affiliates or Associates of Seller.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Hotel Management Business” means the hotel management activities conducted, prior to the Closing, by Remington LP and its Subsidiaries, and after the Closing, by Remington LP and its Subsidiaries as Subsidiaries of the Company, within the lodging industry, including hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue management, budget oversight, guest service, asset maintenance (not involving capital expenditures), and related services. The Hotel Management Business shall not include any portion of the Project Management Business.

 

Hotel Properties” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

 

Hotel Services Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Combination Agreement.

 

In-Scope Service Providers” means the executive officers of Remington LP or PM LLC, and any independent contractors or consultants spending a majority of their respective time on the Project Management Business or the Hotel Management Business.

 

MB” as defined in the Preamble, means Monty J. Bennett.

 

Merger Agreement” means that certain Merger Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among AINC, the Company, Ashford Merger Sub Inc., the Remington Holders, the Trusts, James L. Cowen, Jeremy J. Welter, Mark A. Sharkey and Marissa A.

 

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Bennett, setting forth the terms and conditions upon which Ashford Merger Sub Inc. is merged with and into AINC effective as of the Closing Date.

 

Person” means any individual; any public or private entity, including any corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, or business enterprise or any governmental agency or instrumentality; and any Group.

 

PM LLC” means Premier Project Management LLC, a Maryland limited liability company owned by AINC.

 

Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation” means the Certificate of Designation authorizing the Company Preferred Stock in effect as of the Closing.

 

Proceedings” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.06(b).

 

Project Management Business” means the project management activities conducted by PM LLC within the lodging industry, including construction management, interior design, architectural oversight, and the purchasing, expediting, warehousing, freight management, installation and supervision of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and related services.  The Project Management Business shall not include any portion of the Hotel Management Business or any other business conducted by the Company through PM LLC that does not constitute the Project Management Business; provided, that the conduct of any business through PM LLC other than the Project Management Business will not be deemed to diminish the scope of the Project Management Business for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

Remington Contribution Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Combination Agreement.

 

Remington Holder” means each of the Bennetts and MJB Investments, LP.

 

Remington LP” means Remington Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

 

Restricted Period” means the period commencing as of the date of this Agreement and continuing for a period of the greater of (i) five (5) years following the Closing Date and (i) three (3) years from the Commencement Date.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Self-Manage” means the formation by either or both of the Bennetts of one or more entities that would hire the necessary staff to conduct, solely in respect of the Bennett-Owned Properties and not third parties, the Hotel Management Business and/or Project Management Business.

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other Person of which securities or other interests having the power to elect a majority of that corporation’s or other Person’s board of directors or similar governing body, or otherwise having the power to direct the business and policies of that corporation or

 

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other Person (other than equity securities or other interests having such power only upon the happening of a contingency that has not occurred) are held by such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries.

 

Transaction Documents” means the Combination Agreement, the Company’s certificate of incorporation as in effect on the date of the Combination Agreement, the Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation, the certificate of incorporation of Ashford Merger Sub Inc. as in effect on the date of the Combination Agreement, the Remington Contribution Agreement, the Merger Agreement, this Agreement, the Transition Cost Sharing Agreement, and the Hotel Services Agreement.

 

Transactions” means all the transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

 

Transition Cost Sharing Agreement” means that certain Transition Cost Sharing Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Remington Holders and the Company.

 

Trusts” means the Alayna Jo Bennett Max 2019 Gift Trust, the Archie Bennett, III 2019 Gift Trust, the Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell 2019 Gift Trust, the Jory Glazener 2019 Gift Trust, the Krista Koleas 2019 Gift Trust, the Matthew Wade Bennett 2019 Gift Trust, the Beverly Rene Bennett Flood 2019 Gift Trust and the Supplemental Needs Trust FBO Lucas Wade Bennett.

 

ARTICLE 2
Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation

 

2.01                        Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation.  Ancillary to the Combination Agreement, each of the Bennetts, severally as to himself and not jointly, covenants and agrees to the following:

 

(a)                                 During the Restricted Period, except as expressly set forth in Sections 2.01(b) and 2.01(c), each Bennett will not, and will not permit any of his controlled Affiliates to, directly or indirectly: (i) engage in or assist others in engaging in the Project Management Business or the Hotel Management Business anywhere in the United States, including any metropolitan statistical area in the United States of America in which PM LLC or Remington LP provides services or otherwise conducts its respective business as of the Closing Date or the Commencement Date, as applicable; (ii) have an interest in any Person that engages directly or indirectly in the Project Management Business or the Hotel Management Business anywhere in the United States in any capacity, including as a partner, shareholder, member, employee, principal, agent, trustee, consultant or advisor; or (iii) intentionally interfere in any material respect with the business relationships (whether formed prior to or after the date of this Agreement) between Remington LP, PM LLC and their respective customers, clients or vendors.

 

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(b)                                 Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) each Bennett may provide service as an officer, director, advisor or consultant, or be the owner of the securities, of the Company, Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Select, Inc., AIM Real Estate Hedged Equity Master Fund, LP, AIM Performance Holdco, LP, AIM Management Holdco, LLC or any of the Affiliates of the foregoing Persons that are controlled by the immediately foregoing Persons prior to the Closing Date or the Commencement Date, as applicable; (ii) each Bennett may freely pursue any opportunity to acquire ownership, directly or indirectly, in any interest in real properties in the lodging industry if he has presented such opportunity to the Company Board and the Board of Directors of each of Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and any of their respective Affiliates in the lodging industry and none of the foregoing (based on a determination by a majority of the Disinterested Directors of each such Person), elects to pursue or participate in such opportunity (such real properties, “Hotel Properties”), provided each Bennett and his controlled Affiliates (other than the Company, PM LLC and Remington LP and their respective Subsidiaries) acknowledge and agree that its ownership of a Hotel Property shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.01(c); (iii) each Bennett may own, directly or indirectly, solely as a passive investment, securities of or other interests in any Person (publicly traded or privately held) if such Bennett is not a controlling Person of, or a member of a group that controls, such Person and does not, directly or indirectly, own nine and nine-tenths percent (9.9%) or more of any class of securities of or other interests in such Person, provided that the restrictions set forth in this Section 2.01(b) shall not apply to ownership or management of securities by AIM Real Estate Hedged Equity Master Fund, LP, AIM Performance Holdco, LP or AIM Management Holdco, LLC or any of their respective controlled Affiliates, whether currently existing or created in the future; (iv) each Bennett may own, directly and indirectly, stock in the Company and its Affiliates; (v) each Bennett may continue to hold director and/or executive officer positions with the Company and its Affiliates after the Closing; and (vi) no Person shall be treated as directly or indirectly engaging in, or assisting others in engaging in, the Project Management Business or the Hotel Management Business solely by reason of providing or receiving services or taking any other actions pursuant to the Transition Cost Sharing Agreement, the Hotel Services Agreement or the Remington Contribution Agreement or at the request of the Company or its Affiliates.

 

(c)                                  During the Restricted Period, with respect to any Hotel Properties in which the Bennetts, or any of their controlled Affiliates, own, directly or indirectly (other than through their ownership interests in Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. or Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc.), in the aggregate at least a five percent (5%) interest (such Hotel Properties, “Bennett-Owned Properties”), each Bennett, and any of his controlled Affiliates, directly or indirectly: (i) may Self-Manage the provision of Project Management Business services and/or Hotel Management Business services to such Bennett-Owned Properties, but may not provide any such services to any other hotels not constituting Bennett-Owned Properties, or

 

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(ii) may require that the Company provide Hotel Management Business services and Property Management Business services pursuant to the terms of the Hotel Services Agreement.

 

(d)                                 During the Restricted Period, each Bennett will not, and will not permit any of his controlled Affiliates to, directly or indirectly, hire or solicit any In-Scope Service Providers or encourage any such In-Scope Service Provider to leave such position or hire any such In-Scope Service Provider who has left such position, except pursuant to a general solicitation that is not directed specifically to any such In-Scope Service Providers; provided, that nothing in this Section 2.01(d) will prevent each Bennett or any of his controlled Affiliates from hiring: (i) any In-Scope Service Provider whose employment has been terminated by Remington LP, PM LLC or the Company; (ii) after one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of termination of employment, any In-Scope Service Providers whose employment has been terminated by the employee; or (iii) any In-Scope Service Provider on a shared basis with each Bennett.

 

(e)                                  During the Restricted Period, each Bennett will not, and will not permit any of his controlled Affiliates to, directly or indirectly, solicit or entice, or attempt to solicit or entice, any clients or customers of Remington LP or PM LLC or potential clients or customers of Remington LP or PM LLC for purposes of diverting their Project Management Business or Hotel Management Business from Remington LP or PM LLC.

 

(f)                                   Each Bennett acknowledges that a breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 2.01 would give rise to irreparable harm to the Company, Remington LP and PM LLC, for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy, and agree that in the event of a breach or a threatened breach by each Bennett of any such obligations, the Company will, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies that may be available to it in respect of such breach, be entitled to equitable relief, including temporary restraining orders, injunctions, specific performance and any other relief that may be available from a court of competent jurisdiction (without any requirement to post bond or to further demonstrate irreparable harm).

 

(g)                                  Each Bennett acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Section 2.01 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the Company, Remington LP and PM LLC and constitute a material inducement to the Company to enter into the Combination Agreement and consummate the Transactions.  In the event that any covenant contained in this Section 2.01 should ever be adjudicated to exceed the time, geographic, product or service, or other limitations permitted by applicable law in any jurisdiction, then any court is expressly empowered and requested to reform such covenant, and such covenant will be deemed reformed, in such jurisdiction to the maximum time, geographic, product or service, or other limitations permitted by applicable law.  The covenants contained in this Section 2.01 and each provision of this Agreement are severable and distinct covenants and provisions.  The invalidity or

 

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unenforceability of any such covenant or provision as written will not invalidate or render unenforceable the remaining covenants or provisions of this Agreement, and any such invalidity or unenforceability in any jurisdiction will not invalidate or render unenforceable such covenant or provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

(h)                                 The Company (on behalf of itself and any Subsidiaries thereof) and MB acknowledge and agree that the provisions set forth in this Section 2.01 (insofar as they pertain to MB or any of his controlled Affiliates) shall supersede and replace, and shall be deemed to have amended, in their entirety any conflicting provisions of the following agreements: (i) Section 10 (Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Interference) of that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2014, as amended as of September 13, 2017, between MB and Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC; and (ii) Section 4 (Ashford Inc. Exclusivity Rights) of that certain Ashford Inc. Amended and Restated Mutual Exclusivity Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2018, among Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, AINC, Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC and MB. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company agrees to cause any Subsidiary thereof to enter into any additional agreements that may be necessary to carry out the intent of foregoing provisions of this Section 2.1(h), as and to the extent reasonably requested by MB from time to time.

 

ARTICLE 3
MISCELLANEOUS

 

3.01                        Assignment.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Company may assign this Agreement to any of its Affiliates, or to any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company. Each Bennett may not assign this Agreement or any part hereof. Any purported assignment by each Bennett shall be null and void from the initial date of purported assignment.

 

3.02                        Binding Effect.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, every covenant, term and provision of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives and permitted successors, transferees and assigns.

 

3.03                        Notices.  Whenever this Agreement provides that any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration, or other communication be given to or served upon any of the parties or any other Person, such notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration, or other communication will be in writing and will be deemed to have been validly served, given, or delivered (and “the date of such notice” or words of similar effect will mean the date) upon actual, confirmed receipt thereof (whether by non-certified mail, telecopy, telegram, express delivery, or otherwise), addressed to the Company and each Bennett at the street or post office addresses, facsimile numbers or e-mail addresses set forth on the signature pages to this Agreement (or to such other addresses or facsimile number as such party may have specified by notice given pursuant to this provision).  No notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration,

 

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or other communication will be deemed to have been given or received unless and until it sets forth all items of information required to be set forth therein pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

3.04                        Choice of Law; Forum; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

(a)                                 THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE INTERPRETED AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES APPLICABLE THERETO AND THE SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE APPLICABLE TO AN AGREEMENT EXECUTED, DELIVERED, AND PERFORMED THEREIN WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CHOICE-OF-LAW RULES THEREOF OR ANY OTHER PRINCIPLE THAT COULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION; AND

 

(b)                                 EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR THE FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE FOR ALL PURPOSES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT (COLLECTIVELY, “PROCEEDINGS”).  EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES THAT SERVICE OF SUMMONS, COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PROCEEDINGS MAY BE MADE AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO SERVICE OF NOTICES, AND THAT SERVICE SO MADE WILL BE AS EFFECTIVE AS IF PERSONALLY MADE IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.  IT IS THE INTENT OF EACH OF THE PARTIES THAT ALL PROCEEDINGS BE HEARD AND LITIGATED EXCLUSIVELY IN A COURT LOCATED IN NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DELAWARE.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS FREELY AGREED THAT: (i) ALL PROCEEDINGS WILL BE HEARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 3.04; (ii) THE AGREEMENT TO CHOOSE COURTS LOCATED IN NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DELAWARE TO HEAR ALL PROCEEDINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 3.04 IS REASONABLE AND WILL NOT PLACE SUCH PARTY AT A DISADVANTAGE OR OTHERWISE DENY IT ITS DAY IN COURT; (iii) IT IS A KNOWLEDGEABLE, INFORMED, SOPHISTICATED PERSON CAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING AND EVALUATING THE PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THIS SECTION 3.04; AND (iv) IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY SUCH COUNSEL AND OTHER ADVISORS OF ITS CHOOSING AS SUCH PARTY HAS DEEMED APPROPRIATE IN CONNECTION WITH THE DECISION TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THIS SECTION 3.04.  THE COMPANY AND EACH BENNETT HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY, WITH AND UPON THE ADVICE OF COMPETENT COUNSEL, WAIVE, RELINQUISH AND FOREVER FORGO ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN

 

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CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS ENTERED INTO IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING OR STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OF THE COMPANY OR SELLER.

 

3.05                        Integration; Amendment; Waivers.  This Agreement, together with the other Transaction Documents, constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and supersede all previous written, and all previous or contemporaneous oral, negotiations, drafts, proposals, terms sheets, understandings, arrangements, understandings, or agreements.  This Agreement may not be amended, modified, or supplemented, or any provision of this Agreement waived, except by the written agreement of the Company and each Bennett.  The parties agree that no custom, practice, course of dealing, or similar conduct will be deemed to amend, modify, or supplement any term of this Agreement.  The failure of any party to enforce any right or remedy under this Agreement, or to enforce any such right or remedy promptly, will not constitute a waiver thereof, nor give rise to any estoppel against such party, nor excuse any other party from its obligations under this Agreement.  Any waiver of any such right or remedy by any party must be in writing and signed by the party against which such waiver is sought to be enforced.  No waiver will be deemed a continuing waiver or a waiver of any right beyond the specific right waived in such waiver.

 

3.06                        Construction of Agreement.

 

(a)                                 Interpretation.  For the purposes this Agreement:

 

(i)                                     the word “include” and its derivatives means to include without limitation;

 

(ii)                                  the word “or” is not exclusive;

 

(iii)                               inclusion of items in a list or specification of a particular instance of an item will not be deemed to exclude other items of similar import;

 

(iv)                              unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Agreement: (A) to Preambles, Preliminary Statements, Articles and Sections mean the Preambles, Preliminary Statements, Articles and Sections of this Agreement; (B) to an agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof; and (C) to a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder and in effect from time to time;

 

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(v)                                 this Agreement will be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting or causing any provision or document to be drafted;

 

(vi)                              use of terms that imply gender will include all genders;

 

(vii)                           defined terms will have their meanings in the singular and the plural case;

 

(viii)                        the headings in this Agreement are for reference only and will not affect the interpretation of this Agreement; and

 

(ix)                              the word “will” will not be deemed a mere prediction of future events.

 

(b)                                 Severability.  The parties to this Agreement expressly agree that it is not the intention of any of them to violate any public policy, statutory or common law rules, regulations, or decisions of any governmental or regulatory body.  If any provision of this Agreement is interpreted or construed as being in violation of any such policy, rule, regulation, or decision, the provision, section, sentence, word, clause, or combination thereof causing such violation will be inoperative (and in lieu thereof there will be inserted such provision, sentence, word, clause, or combination thereof as may be valid and consistent with the intent of the parties under this Agreement) and the remainder of this Agreement, as amended, will remain binding upon the parties to this Agreement, unless the inoperative provision would cause enforcement of the remainder of this Agreement to be inequitable under the circumstances.

 

(c)                                  Time.  Time is of the essence with respect to this Agreement.

 

3.07                        Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, by means of facsimile or portable document format (pdf), which will individually and collectively constitute one agreement.

 

3.08                        Specific Performance.  The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and that the Parties will be entitled to specific performance of the terms of this Agreement, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity without the need to demonstrate irreparable harm or to post any bond or surety.

 

3.09                        Timing.  The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement was executed: (a) simultaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Remington Contribution Agreement, the Hotel Services Agreement, and the Transition Cost Sharing Agreement; (b) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the Articles of Merger (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (with a delayed effective time, as specified therein); (c) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Nevada Secretary of State of the

 

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Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation (with a delayed effective time, as specified therein); and (d) prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement). This Agreement will be effective upon issuance of the Aggregate Consideration (as defined in the Combination Agreement) pursuant to the Combination Agreement.

 

[Signature pages follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and each Bennett have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first above written.

 

 

THE COMPANY:

 

 

 

ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

Address:

14185 Dallas Parkway,
Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

with copies to:

 

 

 

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

 

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 3600

 

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Attn: Head of Corporate Group

 

[Signature Page to Non-Competition Agreement]

 


 

 

BENNETTS:

 

 

 

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

 

Address:

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150
Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

 

 

with copies to:

 

 

 

Baker Botts LLP

 

2001 Ross Avenue

 

Suite 900

 

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Attn: Neel Lemon

 

 

 

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

Monty J. Bennett

 

 

 

Address:

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150
Dallas, Texas 75254

 

 

 

 

 

with copies to:

 

 

 

Baker Botts L.L.P.

 

2001 Ross Avenue

 

Suite 900

 

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Attn: Neel Lemon

 

[Signature Page to Non-Competition Agreement]

 


EXHIBIT 10.4

 

TRANSITION COST SHARING AGREEMENT

 

This TRANSITION COST SHARING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of November 6, 2019, is entered into by and among Archie Bennett, Jr. (“ABennett”), Monty J. Bennett (“MBennett”), MJB Investments, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“MJB Investments” and collectively, with ABennett and MBennett, the “Services Recipients”), Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (to be renamed Ashford Inc.), a Nevada corporation (“New Holdco”), and Remington Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Holdings”). Each of ABennett, MBennett, MJB Investments, New Holdco and Holdings is referred to herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”  As provided in Section 1.1(e), the estate of ABennett (upon his death) and the estate of MBennett (upon his death) each shall have the option to become a “Party” and a “Services Recipient” (as hereinafter defined) under this Agreement.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Combination Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2019, among ABennett, MBennett, MJB Investments, New Holdco and certain other parties (the “Combination Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, prior to the date hereof pursuant to that certain Cost Sharing Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2018, among Holdings, Ashford Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Old AINC”), and certain other parties (the “Cost Sharing Agreement”): (i) Holdings (and/or its Affiliates) (collectively, “Remington”), on the one hand, and Old AINC (and/or its Affiliates) (collectively, “Ashford”), on the other hand, have shared office space in the building located at 14185 Dallas Parkway in Dallas, Texas, which has been leased to Remington Hotel Corporation (the “Office Space”); and (ii) Remington and Ashford have shared the cost of certain employees of Remington who provide human resources, information technology and general office and administrative support for both Ashford and Remington (collectively, the “Remington Employees,” and together with the Office Space, the “Operational Services”);

 

WHEREAS, prior to the date hereof and pursuant to the Cost Sharing Agreement, Ashford has reimbursed Remington for the actual cost of Ashford’s allocable portion of: (i) rent, utilities, parking, office equipment and other expenses related to the Office Space; and (ii) salary, bonus, taxes and other withholding, and other expenses paid to, on behalf of, or otherwise with respect to, the Operational Services provided by the Remington Employees, all pursuant to an allocation which is mutually agreed upon by such parties on a quarterly basis;

 

WHEREAS, prior to the date hereof, certain employees of Remington (collectively, the “Transition Services Employees”) have provided certain family office related services to or on behalf of the Services Recipients, including accounting, tax, legal and general office and administrative support services (the “Transition Services”);

 

WHEREAS, as of the date of this Agreement and pursuant to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Combination Agreement, Holdings will become a wholly owned Subsidiary of New Holdco and the underlying lease relating to the Office Space will be held or subleased by New Holdco and/or its Subsidiaries (the “New Holdco Parties”);

 

WHEREAS, as a result of the foregoing, the Remington Employees will be deemed to be employees of the New Holdco Parties, and, therefore, there is no longer a need for the allocation

 

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of costs relating to the Office Space or with respect to the provision of the Operational Services by the Remington Employees under the Cost Sharing Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, in replacement of the Cost Sharing Agreement, the New Holdco Parties, on the one hand, and the Services Recipients, on the other hand, desire to enter into this Agreement in order to document their agreement regarding: (i) the provision by certain of the Transition Services Employees of Transition Services to or on behalf of the Services Recipients; and (ii) the payment by the Services Recipients of the Allocated Costs (as hereinafter defined in Section 2.1(a)) for such Transition Services; and

 

WHEREAS, it is a condition under the Combination Agreement that the parties to this Agreement (the “Parties”) enter into this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the above premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto hereby covenant and agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
TRANSITION SERVICES

 

Section 1.1                                    Provision of Transition Services; Term of Agreement.

 

(a)                                 During the period referenced in Section 1.1(b) (the “Term”), the New Holdco Parties hereby agree to provide the Transition Services to the Services Recipients, as directed by ABennett, MBennett or their respective designated representatives, generally in accordance with past practice, and the Services Recipients hereby agree to reimburse and pay the New Holdco Parties for the Allocated Costs of the Transition Services received.

 

(b)                                 Subject to the succeeding sentence, the Transition Services shall be provided hereunder by the New Holdco Parties from the date of this Agreement until the last to occur of: (i) the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of this Agreement; (ii) the death of Archie Bennett, Jr.; and (iii) 30 days following the date on which MBennett is no longer employed by New Holdco as its Chief Executive Officer, or substantially similar executive position, or ceases to serve as a member of the board of directors of New Holdco.  This Agreement may be terminated: (1) on the date on which all of the Services Recipients request (upon not less than thirty (30) days advance written notice) that such Transition Services shall be terminated; (2) at the option of either Party following a material breach of this Agreement by the other Party, which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes, without limitation, failure by any Service Recipient to pay the invoices submitted by the New Holdco Parties in accordance with Section 2.1(c) for the Transition Services, and which breach is not cured within 30 days from the delivery of notice of such breach to the breaching Party; or (3) as set forth in Section 3.4.

 

(c)                                  The scope, quality and quantity of the Transition Services, and the amount and quality of the time and resources to be allocated by the New Holdco Parties to provide the Transition Services, will be substantially consistent with the scope, quality and quantity of the comparable services provided by Remington to the Services Recipients prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

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(d)                                 Upon the execution of this Agreement, the Cost Sharing Agreement shall be immediately terminated as of the date hereof.

 

(e)                                  During the Term and subject to the execution of a written joinder agreement pursuant to which it shall become a party to this Agreement, the estate of ABennett (upon his death) and the estate of MBennett (upon his death) each shall have the option to become a “Party” and a “Services Recipient” under this Agreement and, therefore, entitled to the benefits (and subject to the obligations) of the Services Recipients hereunder, including the right to receive Transition Services and the obligation to reimburse the New Holdco Parties for the Allocated Costs of the Transition Services.  Unless and until such estate executes such joinder agreement, it shall not be treated as a Party or a Services Recipient under this Agreement or entitled to any of the benefits (or subject to any of the obligations) hereunder.

 

Section 1.2                                    Additional Services.  The New Holdco Parties acknowledge that there may be additional services not described above that may be desired by the Services Recipients in order for the Services Recipients to handle their respective affairs (the “Additional Transition Services”).  Accordingly, the Services Recipients may request that the New Holdco Parties provide such Additional Transition Services; provided, however, that the New Holdco Parties shall not be required to provide any such Additional Transition Services unless the New Holdco Parties, in their sole discretion, determine to do so. If the New Holdco Parties determine to provide any such Additional Transition Services, then any such Additional Transition Service will be deemed to be a Transition Service hereunder and such Additional Service shall be taken into account by the Parties in determining the Allocated Costs of the Transition Services received.

 

Section 1.3                                    Disclaimer; Independent Contractor; Limitation of Liability.  Except as expressly provided in Section 1.1, the New Holdco Parties make no express or implied representation, warranty or guarantee relating to the Transition Services or the quality or results of the Transition Services to be provided under this Agreement, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, which are specifically disclaimed. The Services Recipients acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship, partnership, joint venture or relationships of trust or agency between the Parties and that all Services are provided by New Holdco Parties as an independent contractor. The Parties are not joint employers for any purpose, and the New Holdco Parties will have the sole right to exercise all authority with respect to the employment (including termination of employment), assignment and compensation of its employees and representatives providing Transition Services hereunder. In no event shall the liability of the New Holdco Parties arising under or related to this Agreement exceed the total amount received by such New Holdco Parties with respect to such Transition Services in the prior one-year term hereunder except in the case of the intentional fraud or misconduct undertaken with the specific intent to engage in misconduct of the New Holdco Parties. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the New Holdco Parties will have no liability for any action taken by any Person at the express direction of any Service Recipient.

 

Section 1.4                                    No Representations Regarding Tax Treatment of Transition Services.  Each Party acknowledges and agrees that the other Parties make no representations as to any tax treatment or tax consequences to any Party of the provision or receipt of Transition Services

 

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provided under this Agreement, and the Parties agree to consult their own independent tax advisers concerning such treatment.

 

ARTICLE II
DETERMINATION OF ALLOCATED COSTS

 

Section 2.1                                    Determination of Allocated Costs; Dispute Resolution; Payment.

 

(a)                                 From and after the date hereof and during the Term, the actual costs to the New Holdco Parties of providing the Transition Services to the Services Recipients, including, without limitation, the salaries, employment taxes and benefits applicable to the employees of the New Holdco Parties actually engaged in providing the Transition Services, based on the percentage of time spent by such employees in providing such services relative to the time spent by such employees on matters not relating to such services, plus applicable allocated overhead and other expenses incurred, in each case without mark-up (the “Allocated Costs”), will be determined and allocated in good faith by the Parties jointly, on a quarterly basis, commencing as of the end of the third (3rd) calendar month following the date of this Agreement and continuing thereafter as of the end of each succeeding three (3) calendar month period. The Allocated Costs so determined by the Parties shall be subject to quarterly review and approval by the Audit Committee of New Holdco (the “Audit Committee”).

 

(b)                                 In the event of a dispute between the Service Recipients, on the one hand, and the New Holdco Parties and/or the Audit Committee, on the other hand, concerning the proposed Allocated Costs in respect of any quarterly period, then the Service Recipients, on the one hand, and the New Holdco Parties and/or the Audit Committee, on the other hand, shall mutually engage a recognized certified public accountant acceptable to each of the them to review disputed items and to determine the Allocated Costs for the quarterly period in question; provided, however, if such Parties cannot agree on a mutually acceptable certified public accountant, the Service Recipients, on the one hand, and the New Holdco Parties and/or the Audit Committee, on the other hand, each shall name a recognized certified public accountant and those two certified public accountants shall select a third recognized certified public accountant which shall be used for the purposes of this Section 2.1(b).  The selected certified public accountant’s opinion concerning the Allocated Costs for the quarterly period in question shall be final and binding on all Parties.  The expenses of the certified public accountant will be borne by the New Holdco Parties, on the one hand, and the Service Recipients, on the other hand, in the same proportion by which their respective positions as initially presented to the consultant differs from the final resolution as determined by the certified public accountant.

 

(c)                                  The Allocated Costs for each quarterly period during the Term, as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.1(a) or Section 2.1(b), as applicable, will be invoiced, in arrears, by the New Holdco Parties to the Services Recipients. The Services Recipients will reimburse the New Holdco Parties within thirty (30) days of the receipt by the Services Recipients of such invoice.  All reimbursement payments by the Services Recipients to the New Holdco Parties pursuant to this Section 2.1(c) will be made in U.S. dollars in immediately available funds. Although the Services Recipients will be jointly responsible for reimbursing the New Holdco Parties for the cost of the Transition Services, the Services Recipients may

 

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separately agree upon their own respective allocation of such costs between and among themselves.

 

ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.1                                    Notices.  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be delivered by hand or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or transmitted by facsimile to the Parties at their respective addresses specified in the Combination Agreement (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and shall be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received.

 

Section 3.2                                    Representations and Warranties.  Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other that such Party has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 3.3                                    Timing.  The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement was executed (a) simultaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Remington Contribution Agreement, the Hotel Services Agreement, the Investor Rights Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement, (b) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the Articles of Merger (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (with a delayed effective time, as specified therein), (c) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Nevada Secretary of State of the New Holdco Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation (with a delayed effective time, as specified therein), and (d) prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).  This Agreement will be effective upon the contribution of the Remington Securities to New Holdco pursuant to the Remington Contribution Agreement.

 

Section 3.4                                    Force Majeure.  New Holdco shall not be liable or responsible to the Services Recipients, nor be deemed to have defaulted or breached this Agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from acts or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of New Holdco including, without limitation, acts of God, flood, fire, earthquake, explosion, governmental actions, war, invasion or hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot, or other civil unrest, national emergency, revolution, insurrection, epidemic, lock-outs, strikes or other labor disputes (whether or not relating to either party’s workforce), or restraints or delays affecting carriers or inability or delay in obtaining supplies of adequate or suitable materials, materials or telecommunication breakdown or power outage, provided that, if the event in question continues for a continuous period in excess of one hundred twenty (120) days, Services Recipients shall be entitled to give notice in writing to New Holdco to terminate this Agreement.

 

Section 3.5                                    Entire Agreement.  This Agreement supersedes all prior discussions and agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of hereof (other than the Combination Agreement) and contains the sole and entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Parties agree that this Agreement supersedes and replaces in its entirety the Cost Sharing Agreement, which is deemed terminated, cancelled and

 

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of no further force or effect as of the date of this Agreement except for already accrued rights and obligations thereunder which remain pending as of such date.

 

Section 3.6                                    No Waiver.  No failure or delay on the part of any Party to exercise, and no course of dealing with respect to, any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement preclude any other or further exercise of such right, remedy, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.  The rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by applicable Law.

 

Section 3.7                                    Amendments.  Any provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented or waived only by an instrument in writing duly executed by the New Holdco Parties and the Services Recipients.  Any such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver shall be for such period and subject to such conditions as shall be specified in the instrument affecting the same and shall be binding upon the New Holdco Parties and the Services Recipients.

 

Section 3.8                                    Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction, and in lieu of such prohibited or unenforceable provision, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such prohibited or unenforceable provision as may be permitted and enforceable in the applicable jurisdiction(s) shall be deemed added as a part of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.9                                    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by facsimile or PDF), all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument and any of the Parties may execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart.  If any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by PDF, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the Party executing (or on whose behalf the signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or PDF signature were an original thereof.

 

Section 3.10                             Successors and Assigns.  Subject to Section 1.1(e), this Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of each other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 3.11                             Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, ACTION, DISPUTE OR REMEDY ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE APPLICABLE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO

 

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BE PERFORMED IN THAT STATE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO CHOICE OF LAW RULES THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

 

Section 3.12                             Submission to Jurisdiction; Service; Waivers.

 

(a)                                 For all purposes of this Agreement, and for all purposes of any Action arising out of or relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, each Party submits to the personal jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in Dallas County, Texas, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that any such Action, claim, dispute or remedy may be heard and determined in such Texas court or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, in such federal court.  Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any such Action may be enforced in any other jurisdiction by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by applicable Law.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that any Party may otherwise have to bring any Action relating to this Agreement against the other Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(b)                                 Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so: (i) any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any related matter in any Texas state or federal court located in Dallas County, Texas; and (ii) the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such Action in any such court.

 

(c)                                  Each Party irrevocably consents to service of process by registered mail, return receipt requested, as provided in Section 3.1.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the right of any Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law.

 

(d)                                 TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION TO ENFORCE OR INTERPRET THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THAT OTHERWISE RELATES TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

Section 3.13                             No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the Parties and their permitted successors and assigns and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.14                             Titles and Headings.  Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

[Signatures on Following Pages]

 

7


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each Party as of the date first above written.

 

 

REMINGTON HOLDINGS, L.P.

 

 

 

By:

Remington Holdings GP, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

Name:

Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

Title:

Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

 

Name:

Monty J. Bennett

 

 

Title:

Member

 

 

 

 

ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

 

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

 

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

Monty J. Bennett

 

 

 

MJB INVESTMENTS, LP

 

 

 

By:

MJB Investments GP, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

 

Name:

Monty J. Bennett

 

 

Title:

Sole Member

 

[Signature Page to Transition Cost Sharing Agreement]

 


 

Remington Holdings GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Ashford Inc. (to be renamed OAINC II Inc.), a Maryland corporation, Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Premier Project Management LLC, a Maryland limited liability company, each a party to the Cost Sharing Agreement, hereby confirm the termination of the Cost Sharing Agreement as provided in Section 3.5 of this Agreement:

 

 

REMINGTON HOLDINGS GP, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

Name:

Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

Title:

Member

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

Name:

Monty J. Bennett

 

Title:

Member

 

 

 

 

ASHFORD INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

 

 

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY ADVISORS LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

Ashford Advisors Inc., its managing member

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

[Signature Page to Transition Cost Sharing Agreement]

 


 

 

PREMIER PROJECT MANAGEMENT LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, its managing member

 

 

 

 

 

By:

Ashford Advisors Inc., its managing member

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

[Signature Page to Transition Cost Sharing Agreement]

 


EXHIBIT 10.5

 

HOTEL SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

This HOTEL SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of November 6, 2019, is entered into by and among Archie Bennett, Jr. (“ABennett”), Monty J. Bennett (“MBennett” and collectively with ABennett, the “Bennetts”), MJB Investments, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“MJB Investments” and collectively with the Bennetts, the “Bennett Parties,” and each of the Bennett Parties, individually, a “Bennett Party”), Ashford Nevada Holding Corp. (to be renamed Ashford Inc.), a Nevada corporation (“New Holdco”), Remington Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Remington”), Ashford Hospitality Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“AHS”), and Premier Project Management LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Premier” and collectively with New Holdco, Remington and AHS, the “Ashford Parties”). Each of the Bennetts, MJB Investments and the Ashford Parties is referred to herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”  As provided in Section 1.1(e), the estate of ABennett (upon his death) and the estate of MBennett (upon his death) each shall have the option to become a “Bennett Party” and a “Party” under this Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, for purposes of this Agreement, the following additional capitalized terms have the indicated meanings:

 

Bennett-Owned Properties” means, with respect to any Hotel Properties in which any Bennett Party, together or separately, owns, directly or indirectly (other than through their respective ownership interests in Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. or Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc.), in the aggregate at least a five percent (5%) interest;

 

Combination Agreement” means the Combination Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2019, as amended to date, among New Holdco, the Bennett Parties, Remington and certain other persons and entities;

 

Existing Hotel Services Agreements” means the following agreements, each dated as of August 8, 2018: (i) Braemar Master Project Management Agreement, among Braemar TRS Corporation, CHH III Tenant Parent Corp., RC Hotels (Virgin Islands), Inc., Project Management, LLC and Braemar Hospitality Limited Partnership; (ii) Amended and Restated Braemar Hotel Master Management Agreement, among Braemar TRS Corporation, CHH III Tenant Parent Corp., RC Hotels (Virgin Islands), Inc. and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC; (iii) Master Project Management Agreement, among Ashford TRS Corporation, RI Manchester Tenant Corporation, CY Manchester Tenant Corporation, Project Management, LLC and Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership; (iv) Consolidated, Amended and Restated Hotel Master Management Agreement, among Ashford TRS Corporation, RI Manchester Tenant Corporation; CY Manchester Tenant Corporation and Remington Lodging & Hospitalilty, LLC; (v) Project Management Agreement, among Marietta Leasehold, LP and Project Management, LLC; and (vi) Amended and Restated Hotel Management Agreement, among Marietta Leasehold, LP and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, pursuant to which the providers of the Hotel Services thereunder have provided such services to the recipients of such services thereunder on the terms set forth therein;

 

Hotel Management Business” means hotel management activities conducted by AHS or Remington within the lodging industry, including hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue

 

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management, budget oversight, guest service, asset maintenance (not involving capital expenditures), and related services.

 

Hotel Properties” means the ownership, directly or indirectly, of any interest in real properties in the lodging industry;

 

Hotel Services” means the provision of Project Management Business services and/or Hotel Management Business services in respect of any Bennett-Owned Property upon the occurrence of a Hotel Services Triggering Event;

 

Hotel Services Recipients” means any Bennett-Owned Property in respect of which Hotel Services are being provided by the Ashford Parties upon the occurrence of a Hotel Services Triggering Event;

 

Hotel Services Triggering Event” means the exercise by any Bennett Party or any of their respective affiliates of the right to require the Ashford Parties to provide Hotel Services in respect of any Bennett-Owned Property pursuant to this Agreement;

 

Project Management Business” means project management activities conducted by Premier within the lodging industry, including general project management, construction management, interior design, architectural services, and the purchasing, expediting, warehousing, freight management, installation and supervision of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and related services; and

 

Any other capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Combination Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into this Agreement in connection with the potential provision of Hotel Services by the Ashford Parties in respect of any Bennett-Owned Properties upon the occurrence of a Hotel Services Triggering Event with respect to any Bennett-Owned Property; and

 

WHEREAS, it is a condition under the Combination Agreement that the Parties enter into this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the above premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto hereby covenant and agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
HOTEL SERVICES

 

Section 1.1            Provision of Hotel Services; Term of Agreement.

 

(a)           During the period referenced in Section 1.1(b) (the “Term”) and subject to the occurrence of a Hotel Services Triggering Event (which may individually occur with respect to each Bennett-Owned Property from time to time), the Ashford Parties hereby agree to provide the Hotel Services to the Hotel Services Recipients, as directed by any of the Bennett Parties or

 

2


 

their respective designated representatives, and the Hotel Services Recipients hereby agree to pay the Ashford Parties for the Hotel Services Costs as provided in Section 2.1.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Hotel Management Business services shall be performed by AHS, Remington or one or more of their respective Subsidiaries, and the Project Management Business services shall be performed by Premier, or another Subsidiary of Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC.

 

(b)           Subject to the succeeding sentence, the Hotel Services shall be provided hereunder by the Ashford Parties on a property-by-property basis in respect of each Bennett-Owned Property from the date of the Hotel Services Triggering Event for such Bennett-Owned Property until the last to occur of: (i) the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of the Hotel Services Triggering Event for such property; (ii) the death of ABennett; and (iii) the death of MBennett.  This Agreement may be terminated: (1) on the date on which all of the Bennett Parties and all of the Hotel Services Recipients request (upon not less than thirty (30) days advance written notice) that all Hotel Services then being provided in respect of all Bennett-Owned Properties shall be terminated; or (2) at the option of the non-breaching Party, following a material breach of this Agreement by the breaching Party, which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes, without limitation, failure by any Hotel Services Recipient to pay the invoices submitted by the Ashford Parties in accordance with Section 2.1(c) for the Hotel Services, and which breach is not cured within sixty (60) days from the delivery of written notice of such breach to the breaching Party.

 

(c)           The scope, quality and quantity of the Hotel Services, and the amount and quality of the time and resources to be devoted by the Ashford Parties to provide the Hotel Services, will generally be in accordance with the historical practices of Premier, Remington, and/or their respective Affiliates prior to the date of this Agreement, as generally evidenced by and generally on the terms contemplated in the Existing Hotel Services Agreements, but appropriately modified to reflect the terms of this Agreement and the circumstances of any Bennett-Owned Property in respect of which the Hotel Services are being provided.

 

(d)           Upon the occurrence of a Hotel Services Triggering Event in respect of any Bennett-Owned Property, the applicable Hotel Services Recipient and the applicable Ashford Parties, as well as the applicable Bennett Party or Parties, to the extent any of such Bennett Parties has a direct or indirect ownership interest in the applicable Bennett-Owned Property, each acting on a good-faith basis, will enter into a separate agreement (which may individually occur with respect to each Bennett-Owned Property from time to time) detailing the terms of the Hotel Services to be provided in respect of such Bennett-Owned Property.  Any such agreement will be consistent with the standards specified in Section 1.1(c) and the other applicable provisions of this Agreement.  In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Existing Hotel Services Agreements, then the provisions of this Agreement will govern the applicable matter.

 

(e)           During the Term and subject to the execution of a written joinder agreement pursuant to which it shall become a party to this Agreement, the estate of ABennett (upon his death) and the estate of MBennett (upon his death) each shall have the option to become a “Bennett Party” and a “Party” under this Agreement and, therefore, entitled to the benefits (and subject to the obligations) of the Bennett Parties and the Parties hereunder, including the right to receive the Hotel Services and the obligation to pay for the Hotel Services

 

3


 

Costs as provided in Section 2.1.  Unless and until such estate executes such joinder agreement, it shall not be treated as a “Bennett Party” or a “Party” under this Agreement or entitled to any of the benefits (or subject to any of the obligations) hereunder.

 

Section 1.2            Independent Contractor.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship, partnership, joint venture or relationships of trust or agency between or among the Parties and that all Hotel Services are provided by Ashford Parties as an independent contractor. The Parties are not joint employers for any purpose, and the Ashford Parties will have the sole right to exercise all authority with respect to the employment (including termination of employment), assignment and compensation of its employees and representatives providing Hotel Services hereunder.

 

Section 1.3            No Representations Regarding Tax Treatment of Transition Services.  Each Party acknowledges and agrees that the other Parties make no representations as to any tax treatment or tax consequences to any Party of the provision or receipt of Hotel Services provided under this Agreement, and the Parties agree to consult their own independent tax advisers concerning such treatment.

 

ARTICLE II
PAYMENT FOR HOTEL SERVICES RECEIVED

 

Section 2.1            Determination of Costs; Dispute Resolution; Payment.

 

(a)           From and after the date hereof and during the Term, and notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in the Existing Hotel Services Agreements, the actual costs to the Ashford Parties of providing the Hotel Services to the Hotel Services Recipients, based on which employees of the Ashford Parties are actually engaged in providing the Hotel Services, based on the percentage of time spent by such employees in providing such services relative to the time spent by such employees on matters not relating to such Hotel Services, including applicable overhead and other expenses (based on the same percentage calculation) directly relating to the employees providing the Hotel Services, plus 5% (collectively, the “Hotel Services Costs”), will be determined, in good faith by the Parties jointly, on a monthly basis, in respect of each Bennett-Owned Property receiving Hotel Services, in each case commencing as of the calendar month following the commencement of Hotel Services in respect of such Bennett-Owned Property, and continuing thereafter as of the end of each succeeding month. The Hotel Services Costs will not include any sales, marketing and/or account management costs relating to the pursuit by the Ashford Parties of business from third parties.

 

(b)           In the event of a dispute between the Hotel Services Recipients, on the one hand, and the Ashford Parties, on the other hand, concerning the Hotel Services Costs in respect of any period, and notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in the Existing Hotel Services Agreements, then the Hotel Services Recipients, on the one hand, and the Ashford Parties, on the other hand, shall mutually engage a recognized certified public accountant acceptable to each of the them to review disputed items and to determine the Hotel Services Costs for the period in question; provided, however, if such Parties cannot agree on a mutually acceptable certified public accountant, the Hotel Services Recipients, on the one hand, and the Ashford Parties, on the other hand, each shall name a recognized certified public accountant and

 

4


 

those two certified public accountants shall select a third recognized certified public accountant which shall be used for the purposes of this Section 2.1(b).  The selected certified public accountant’s opinion concerning the Hotel Services Costs for the period in question shall be final and binding on all Parties.  The expenses of the certified public accountant will be borne by the Ashford Parties, on the one hand, and the Hotel Services Recipients, on the other hand, in the same proportion by which their respective positions as initially presented to the consultant differs from the final resolution as determined by the certified public accountant.

 

(c)           The Hotel Services Costs for each period during the Term, as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.1(a) or Section 2.1(b), as applicable, and notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in the Existing Hotel Services Agreements, will be invoiced, in arrears, by the Ashford Parties to the applicable Hotel Services Recipients and the applicable Hotel Services Recipients will reimburse the Ashford Parties within ten (10) days of the receipt by the Hotel Services Recipients of such invoice.  All reimbursement payments by the applicable Hotel Services Recipients to the Ashford Parties pursuant to this Section 2.1(c) will be made in U.S. dollars in immediately available funds.

 

ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.1            Notices.  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be delivered by hand or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or transmitted by facsimile to the Parties at their respective addresses specified in the Combination Agreement (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and shall be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received.

 

Section 3.2            Representations and Warranties.  Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other that such Party has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 3.3            Timing.  The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement was executed (a) simultaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Remington Contribution Agreement, the Transition Cost Sharing Agreement, the Investor Rights Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement, (b) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the Articles of Merger (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (with a delayed effective time, as specified therein), (c) simultaneously with the filing for record with the Nevada Secretary of State of the New Holdco Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation (with a delayed effective time, as specified therein), and (d) prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).  This Agreement will be effective upon the contribution of the Remington Securities to New Holdco pursuant to the Remington Contribution Agreement.  This Agreement shall be effective upon consummation of the Remington Contribution.

 

Section 3.4            Entire Agreement.  This Agreement supersedes all prior written, and prior and contemporaneous oral, discussions and agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of hereof and contains the sole and entire agreement between the Parties with

 

5


 

respect to the subject matter hereof, but subject to the terms of any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d).

 

Section 3.5            No Waiver.  Subject to the terms of any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d), no failure or delay on the part of any Party to exercise, and no course of dealing with respect to, any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement preclude any other or further exercise of such right, remedy, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.  The rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by applicable Law.

 

Section 3.6            Amendments.  Any provision of this Agreement, or of any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d), may be amended, modified, supplemented or waived only by an instrument in writing duly executed by the Parties and the applicable Hotel Services Recipients.  Any such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver shall be for such period and subject to such conditions as shall be specified in the instrument affecting the same and shall be binding upon the Parties and the applicable Hotel Services Recipients.

 

Section 3.7            Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement, or of any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d), that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction, and in lieu of such prohibited or unenforceable provision, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such prohibited or unenforceable provision as may be permitted and enforceable in the applicable jurisdiction(s) shall be deemed added as a part of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.8            Counterparts.  This Agreement, and any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d), may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by facsimile or PDF), all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument and any of the Parties may execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart.  If any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by PDF, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the Party executing (or on whose behalf the signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or PDF signature were an original thereof.

 

Section 3.9            Successors and Assigns.  Subject to Section 1.1(e), neither this Agreement, nor any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d), shall be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of each other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void.  This Agreement, and any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d), shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

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Section 3.10          Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT, AND  ANY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 1.1(D), AND ANY CLAIM, ACTION, DISPUTE OR REMEDY ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY SUCH AGREEMENT, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE APPLICABLE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THAT STATE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO CHOICE OF LAW RULES THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

 

Section 3.11          Submission to Jurisdiction; Service; Waivers.

 

(a)           For all purposes of this Agreement, and any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d), and for all purposes of any Action arising out of or relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any such agreement or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, each Party submits to the personal jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in Dallas County, Texas, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that any such Action, claim, dispute or remedy may be heard and determined in such Texas court or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, in such federal court.  Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any such Action may be enforced in any other jurisdiction by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by applicable Law.

 

(b)           Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so: (i) any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d) or any related matter in any Texas state or federal court located in Dallas County, Texas; and (ii) the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such Action in any such court.

 

(c)           Each Party irrevocably consents to service of process by registered mail, return receipt requested, as provided in Section 3.1.  Nothing in this Agreement or any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d) shall affect the right of any Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law.

 

(d)           EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION TO ENFORCE OR INTERPRET THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR OF ANY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 1.1(D) OR THAT OTHERWISE RELATES TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY SUCH AGREEMENT.

 

Section 3.12          No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement, and any agreement entered into as provided in Section 1.1(d), is for the sole benefit of the Parties, any applicable Hotel Services Recipient and their permitted successors and assigns and nothing in this Agreement or any such other agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement or any such other agreement.

 

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Section 3.13          Titles and Headings.  Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

[Signatures on Following Page]

 

8


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each Party as of the date first above written.

 

 

 

ASHFORD NEVADA HOLDING CORP.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY SERVICES LLC

 

By: Ashford Advisors, Inc., its member

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

PREMIER PROJECT MANAGEMENT LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert G. Haiman

 

Name:

 Robert G. Haiman

 

Title:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

REMINGTON HOLDINGS, LP

 

 

 

By:

Remington Holdings GP, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

Name:

Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

Title:

Member

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

Name:

Monty J. Bennett

 

Title:

Member

 

[Signature Page to Hotel Services Agreement]

 


 

 

/s/ Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

Archie Bennett, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

Monty J. Bennett

 

 

 

 

 

MJB INVESTMENTS, LP

 

By:

MJB Investments GP, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

 

 

Name:

Monty J. Bennett

 

 

Title:

Sole Member

 

[Signature Page to Hotel Services Agreement]

 


Exhibit 99.1

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

Contact:

Deric Eubanks

Jordan Jennings

Joe Calabrese

 

Chief Financial Officer

Investor Relations

Financial Relations Board

 

(972) 490-9600

(972) 778-9487

(212) 827-3772

 

ASHFORD COMPLETES COMBINATION WITH REMINGTON

 

DALLAS, November 6, 2019 - Ashford Inc. (NYSE American: AINC) (the “Company”) today announced it has completed the previously announced combination with Remington Holdings, LP (“Remington”).  The combination with Remington rapidly builds operating scale, increases the Company’s earnings potential and facilitates additional growth from third-party hotel management business.

 

“This is a very compelling transaction for Ashford,” commented Monty J. Bennett, Ashford’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  “Adding this high-margin, low-capex, fee-for-service hotel management business to our platform immediately enhances our competitive position in the hospitality industry by adding hotel property management to our growing list of hotel-related businesses as well as expanding the breadth of services we offer to our advised REITs.  With deep industry experience, we look forward to Remington further unlocking value in our platform by diversifying our earnings stream and, moving forward, expanding business to other third-party clients.”

 

Ashford provides global asset management, investment management and related services to the real estate and hospitality sectors.

 

Follow Chairman and CEO Monty Bennett on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBennettAshford or @MBennettAshford.

 

Ashford has created an Ashford App for the hospitality REIT investor community.  The Ashford App is available for free download at Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store by searching “Ashford.”

 

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Safe Harbor for Forward Looking Statements

 

Certain statements and assumptions in this press release contain or are based upon “forward-looking” information and are being made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties.  When we use the words “will likely result,” “may,” “can,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside Ashford Inc.’s control.

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation: adverse litigation or regulatory developments; general volatility of the capital markets and the market price of our common stock and preferred stock; changes in our business or investment strategy; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; changes in our industry and the market in which we operate, interest rates or the local economic conditions; the degree and nature of our competition; actual and potential conflicts of interest with Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., Braemar Hotels and Resorts Inc., our executive officers and our non-independent directors and other related parties; changes in governmental regulations, accounting rules, tax rates and similar matters; legislative and regulatory changes, including changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and related rules, regulations and interpretations governing the taxation of REITs; limitations imposed on our business and Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.’s and Braemar Hotels and Resorts Inc.’s ability to satisfy complex rules in order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; risks associated with the consummation of the Remington Hotel Management business combination transaction, such as the risk that the Hotel Management business will not be integrated successfully, that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that the expected benefits of the acquisition will not be realized.  These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in Ashford Inc.’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including Ashford Inc.’s definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 23, 2019, Ashford Inc.’s 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2019 and Ashford Inc.’s 10-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2019.

 

The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release.  Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

 

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