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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): July 8, 2021

 

 

 

MDC PARTNERS INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Canada
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)

001-13718

(Commission
File Number) 

98-0364441
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

  

 

One World Trade Center, Floor 65, New York, NY 10007
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(646) 429-1800
(Registrant’s Telephone Number)

 

 

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:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Title of each class Trading symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, no par value MDCA NASDAQ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

 

Emerging growth company ¨

 

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. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

 

Transaction Agreement Amendment

 

As previously announced, MDC Partners Inc. (“MDC”) and Stagwell Media LP (“Stagwell”) entered into the transaction agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the transaction agreement (“Amendment No. 1”), dated as of June 4, 2021 (the “Transaction Agreement”), by and among MDC, Stagwell, New MDC LLC (“New MDC”) and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC (“Merger Sub”), providing for, among other things, the combination of MDC with certain subsidiaries of Stagwell (the “Transaction”, and following the Transaction, the combined company is referred to herein as “Combined Company”). On July 8, 2021, MDC, Stagwell, New MDC and Merger Sub entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 2”) to the Transaction Agreement, pursuant to which MDC and Stagwell have agreed to modify certain provisions of the Transaction Agreement to reflect, among other things, the following:

 

1) The number of common membership interests of OpCo (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) and the number of shares of a new Class C series of voting-only common stock of the Combined Company to be issued to Stagwell in exchange for the contribution by Stagwell of the equity interests of certain subsidiaries of Stagwell to OpCo and the contribution by Stagwell of an aggregate amount of cash equal to $100 to the Combined Company, respectively, will be reduced, in each case, from 216,250,000 to 180,000,000;

 

2) The Stagwell Net Debt Cap (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) is increased to $285 million from $260 million;

 

3) From and after the closing of the Transaction, for so long as Stagwell and its affiliates collectively beneficially own more than 10% of the then-issued and outstanding voting securities of the Combined Company (the “Post-Closing Governance Period”), at least seven (7) out of the nine (9) directors constituting the Combined Company board of directors (the “Combined Company Board”) shall be (a) independent with respect to the Combined Company in accordance with SEC and NASDAQ independence rules applicable to a NASDAQ-listed company that is not a controlled company pursuant to NASDAQ rules (“SEC/NASDAQ Independence Rules”) and (b) independent pursuant to the SEC/NASDAQ Independence Rules with respect to Stagwell as if Stagwell had equity securities that were traded on NASDAQ and was subject to such SEC/NASDAQ Independence Rules (such independent directors, the “Independent Directors”);

 

4) During the Post-Closing Governance Period, the Combined Company shall cause the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee to be comprised of two of the current independent MDC directors who will serve on the Combined Company Board and one additional new Independent Director on the Combined Company Board selected by such current independent MDC directors; and

 

5) From the closing of the Transaction through the first two annual meetings of the shareholders of the Combined Company for the election of directors, in the event that any Independent Director (i) is unwilling or unable to continue serving as a director of New MDC for any reason, (ii) ceases to be independent with respect to the Combined Company in accordance with SEC/NASDAQ Independence Rules or with respect to Stagwell pursuant to SEC/NASDAQ Independence Rules as if Stagwell had equity securities that were traded on NASDAQ and subject to such SEC/NASDAQ Independence Rules, or (iii) resigns, dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise removed from the Combined Company Board, the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee shall consult with Stagwell in advance and select a replacement nominee or director, provided that, solely with respect to any Independent Director who is not currently a director of MDC, any such replacement shall be approved by Stagwell in its sole discretion.

 

 

 

 

A copy of Amendment No. 2 is filed as Exhibit 2.1 hereto and incorporated by reference herein. The foregoing description of Amendment No. 2 is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.

 

Goldman Letter Agreement Amendment

 

As previously disclosed, MDC and Broad Street Principal Investments, LLC (“BSPI”) entered into letter agreements on December 21, 2020 and April 21, 2021 (the “Second Goldman Letter Agreement”). On July 8, 2021, MDC and BSPI entered into a letter agreement (the “Third Goldman Letter Agreement”) amending the Second Goldman Letter Agreement, which, among other things, reduced the accretion rate on the base liquidation preference of the Combined Company Series 8 Shares to zero percent per annum from and after the issuance date of such Combined Company Series 8 Shares until the one year anniversary thereof.

 

A copy of the Third Goldman Letter Agreement is filed as Exhibit 2.2 hereto and incorporated by reference herein. The foregoing description of the Third Goldman Letter Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.

 

Stagwell Letter Agreement Amendment

 

As previously disclosed, MDC and Stagwell entered into a letter agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020, pursuant to which, among other things, Stagwell agreed to vote its MDC Canada Series 6 Shares in favor of the Transaction. On July 8, 2021, MDC and Stagwell entered into a letter agreement (the “Second Stagwell Letter Agreement”), which, among other things, reduced the accretion rate on the base liquidation preference of the Combined Company Series 6 Shares to zero percent per annum from and after the date that is two business days following the closing of the Transaction until the one year anniversary thereof, and pursuant to which Stagwell affirmed its consent to vote its MDC Canada Series 6 Shares in favor of the Transaction after giving effect to Amendment No. 1 and Amendment No. 2.

 

A copy of the Second Stagwell Letter Agreement is filed as Exhibit 2.3 hereto and incorporated by reference herein. The foregoing description of the Second Stagwell Letter Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.

 

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On July 9, 2021, MDC issued a press release announcing MDC’s entry into Amendment No. 2. The full text of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

The information in this Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 is being furnished under Item 7.01 and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of such section, nor shall such exhibit be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This communication may contain certain forward-looking statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the U.S. Exchange Act and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities laws. Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including statements about MDC’s or Stagwell’s beliefs and expectations and recent business and economic trends, constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “potential,” “create,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “foresee,” “plan,” “will,” “guidance,” “look,” “outlook,” “future,” “assume,” “forecast,” “focus,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other variations thereof and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of current plans, estimates and projections are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined in this section. Such forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements related to: future financial performance and the future prospects of the respective businesses and operations of MDC, Stagwell and the combined company; information concerning the Transaction; the anticipated benefits of the Transaction; the likelihood of the Transaction being completed; the anticipated outcome of the Transaction; the tax impact of the Transaction on MDC and shareholders of MDC; the timing of the shareholder meeting to approve the Transaction (the “Special Meeting”); the shareholder approvals required for the Transaction; regulatory and stock exchange approval of the Transaction; and the timing of the implementation of the Transaction. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including the risks identified in our filings with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside MDC’s control. Important factors that could cause actual results and expectations to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the registration statement on Form S-4 filed on February 8, 2021, and as amended on March 29, 2021, April 21, 2021 and April 30, 2021 (the “Form S-4”), under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the proxy statement/prospectus on Form 424B3 filed on May 10, 2021 (together with the Form S-4, the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), under the caption “Risk Factors” in MDC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2020 under Item 1A and under the caption “Risk Factors” in MDC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter-ended March 31, 2021 under Item 1A. These and other risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

an inability to realize expected benefits of the Transaction or the occurrence of difficulties in connection with the Transaction;
adverse tax consequences in connection with the Transaction for MDC, its operations and its shareholders, that may differ from the expectations of MDC or Stagwell, including that future changes in tax law, potential increases to corporate tax rates in the United States and disagreements with the tax authorities on MDC’s determination of value and computations of its tax attributes may result in increased tax costs;
the occurrence of material Canadian federal income tax (including material “emigration tax”) as a result of the Transaction;
the impact of uncertainty associated with the Transaction on MDC’s and Stagwell’s respective businesses;
direct or indirect costs associated with the Transaction, which could be greater than expected;
the risk that a condition to completion of the Transaction may not be satisfied and the Transaction may not be completed; and
the risk of parties challenging the Transaction or the impact of the Transaction on MDC’s debt arrangements.

 

You can obtain copies of MDC’s filings under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, its profile on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or its website at www.mdc-partners.com. MDC does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. All forward-looking statements in this communication are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

 

 

 

 

Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Transaction, MDC and New MDC filed with the SEC the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any other document MDC may file with the SEC in connection with the Transaction.

 

INVESTORS AND SECURITYHOLDERS OF MDC ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE TRANSACTION IN ITS ENTIRETY (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION. You may obtain, free of charge, copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant documents filed by MDC or New MDC with the SEC, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and securityholders are able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant documents filed by MDC or New MDC with the SEC and from MDC’s website at http://www.mdc-partners.com.

 

The URLs in this announcement are intended to be inactive textual references only. They are not intended to be active hyperlinks to websites. The information on such websites, even if it might be accessible through a hyperlink resulting from the URLs or referenced herein, is not and shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this announcement. No assurance or representation is given as to the suitability or reliability for any purpose whatsoever of any information on such websites.

 

No Offer or Solicitation

 

This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This communication is not a substitute for any prospectus, proxy statement or any other document that MDC or New MDC may file with the SEC in connection with the Transaction. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited, and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted.

 

No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Transaction and distribution of this document may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities will be made directly or indirectly, in or into any jurisdiction where to do so would be inconsistent with the laws of such jurisdiction.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

MDC, New MDC and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from MDC’s shareholders with respect to the approvals required to complete the Transaction. More detailed information regarding the identity of these potential participants, and any direct or indirect interests they may have in the Transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC. Information regarding MDC’s directors and executive officers is set forth in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed by MDC with the SEC on May 10, 2021, in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by MDC with the SEC on March 16, 2021, as amended on April 27, 2021 and in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by MDC with the SEC on May 10, 2021. Additional information regarding the interests of participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the Special Meeting is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC. These documents are available to the shareholders of MDC free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and from MDC’s website at www.mdc-partners.com.

 

You must not construe the contents of this document as legal, tax, regulatory, financial, accounting or other advice, and you are urged to consult with your own advisors with respect to legal, tax, regulatory, financial, accounting and other consequences of the Transaction, the suitability of the Transaction for you and other relevant matters concerning the Transaction.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

2.1   Amendment No. 2 to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2021
2.2   Third Goldman Letter Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2021
2.3   Second Stagwell Letter Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2021
99.1   Press release, dated as of July 9, 2021, of MDC Partners Inc.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

Date: July 9, 2021

 

  MDC Partners Inc.  
     
  By: /s/ FRANK LANUTO
    Frank Lanuto
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 2.1

 

AMENDMENT NO. 2

 

TO THE TRANSACTION AGREEMENT

 

AMENDMENT NO. 2, dated as of July 8, 2021 (this “Amendment No. 2”), to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020 and amended as of June 4, 2021 (the “Agreement”), by and among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell), MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation, which shall domesticate to the State of Delaware and become a Delaware corporation prior to the Closing (as defined in the Agreement) in accordance with the terms of the Agreement (“MDC”), New MDC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of MDC (“New MDC”), and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of New MDC (“Merger Sub” and, together with Stagwell, MDC and New MDC, the “Parties”).

 

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to amend the Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the MDC Special Committee (as defined in the Agreement) has unanimously recommended to the MDC Board that MDC amend the Agreement, and the MDC Board, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the MDC Special Committee, has unanimously (with Mark Penn, Charlene Barshefsky and Bradley Gross abstaining from voting or participating in any deliberations with respect thereto), approved the execution, delivery and performance by MDC of this Amendment No. 2; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.09 of the Agreement, the Agreement may be amended pursuant to an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the Parties (in the case of MDC, acting upon the recommendation of the MDC Special Committee).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined herein or amended hereby, capitalized terms used herein which are defined in the Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

 

2. Definition of “Stagwell Contribution Consideration”. The definition of “Stagwell Contribution Consideration” set forth in Section 1.01 of the Transaction Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

 

“‘Stagwell Contribution Consideration’ means 180,000,000 OpCo Common Units (such OpCo Common Units, the ‘Stagwell OpCo Units’); provided, however, that to the extent that one or more of the transactions contemplated by the Stagwell Restructuring shall not have been completed as of the Closing, the number of OpCo Common Units constituting Stagwell OpCo Units issuable as Stagwell Contribution Consideration shall be reduced by the sum of (i) the product of (A) a fraction equal to (1) the aggregate Undelivered Stagwell Subject Entity EBITDA for all Undelivered Stagwell Subject Entity Equity (if any), divided by (2) the amount set forth in the row entitled ‘Total’ in the column titled ‘Proportional Ownership’ in Schedule IX, and (B) the number of shares of OpCo Common Units that would have otherwise been issued as Stagwell Contribution Consideration but for this proviso (including without duplication before any reduction pursuant to clause (ii) hereof), and (ii) the aggregate Undelivered Stagwell Incentive Award OpCo Units for all Undelivered Stagwell Incentive Awards (if any); provided further, however, that the Stagwell Contribution Consideration shall automatically be adjusted for any share splits, share dividends, reverse splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, reclassifications, recapitalizations or similar events effected by MDC or New MDC prior to the Closing in order to give effect to the intent of the substance of the transactions contemplated hereby).”

 

 

 

 

3. Stagwell Net Debt Cap. The first sentence of Section 7.14 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

 

“Stagwell covenants and agrees that, pursuant to the Stagwell Contribution, the Stagwell Subject Entities shall be contributed with no greater than $285 million in the aggregate of Net Debt (such amount, the ‘Stagwell Net Debt Cap,’ and such requirement, the ‘Stagwell Net Debt Condition’).”

 

4. Post-Closing New MDC Board and Committee Representation. Section 7.15 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“Section 7.15. Post-Closing New MDC Board and Committee Representation.

 

(a)       Prior to the consummation of the MDC Merger, MDC shall cause all directors, other than Irwin Simon, Wade Oosterman and Desiree Rogers (such persons, together with their respective successors or replacements determined in accordance with this Agreement, the “Continuing Independent Directors”), Bradley Gross and Mark Penn, to resign and shall take all requisite action such that each of Rodney Slater, Brandt Vaughan, Charlene Barshefsky and one additional individual nominated in accordance with paragraph (c) below (such persons, together with their respective successors or replacements determined in accordance with this Agreement, the “Stagwell-Nominated Directors”), be appointed to the board of directors of New MDC (the “New MDC Board”), effective as of the Closing, to serve until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or until each such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. At all times during the period from and after the Closing until such time as Stagwell and/or its Affiliates collectively Beneficially Own 10% or less of New MDC’s then-issued and outstanding voting securities (the “Post-Closing Governance Period”), at least seven of the nine members of the New MDC Board shall be Stagwell-Independent (as defined herein).

 

(b)       Subject to the fiduciary duties of the New MDC Board, during the Post-Closing Governance Period, New MDC shall cause all of the members of New MDC’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee (“the Nom/Gov Committee”) to be independent in accordance with the SEC and NASDAQ independence rules applicable to such committee of non-Controlled Companies. In addition to the foregoing, at all times during the Post-Closing Governance Period, New MDC shall cause the Nom/Gov Committee to be comprised solely of (i) two of the Continuing Independent Directors, to serve until their respective successors are duly appointed and qualified or until each such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal, and any successor or replacement thereof shall be determined by the remaining Continuing Independent Directors that are members of the Nom/Gov Committee or, if there are no Continuing Independent Directors at such time, the remaining members of the Nom/Gov Committee at such time, and (ii) one member of the New MDC Board other than a Continuing Independent Director, as determined by the members of the Nom/Gov Committee, which member shall be Stagwell-Independent.

 

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The composition of all other committees of the New MDC Board will be determined by the then-current New MDC Board.

 

(c)       Subject to the fiduciary duties of the New MDC Board, New MDC shall cause the Continuing Independent Directors and the Stagwell-Nominated Directors to be nominated as part of New MDC’s proposed slate of directors at the next two annual meetings of New MDC stockholders for the election of directors following the Closing; provided that, in the event that any such Continuing Independent Director or Stagwell-Nominated Director (i) is unwilling or unable to continue serving as a director of New MDC for any reason, (ii) ceases to be Stagwell-Independent, or (iii) resigns, dies, becomes disabled or is otherwise removed, the Nom/Gov Committee shall consult with Stagwell in advance and select a replacement nominee or director who satisfies the last sentence of clause (a) hereof; provided that, solely with respect to any Stagwell-Nominated Director, any replacement nominee or director selected by the Nom/Gov Committee shall be approved by Stagwell (in its sole discretion). During the Post-Closing Governance Period, no Continuing MDC Director nor any Stagwell-Nominated Director may be removed from the Board by Stagwell without the approval of the Nom/Gov Committee.

 

(d)       For so long as Stagwell and its Affiliates collectively Beneficially Own 30% or more of the then-issued and outstanding voting securities of New MDC, Stagwell and New MDC shall, as a condition to being nominated to the New MDC Board, cause each member of the New MDC Board to enter into an agreement setting forth that if (i) such member of the New MDC Board is a nominee to the New MDC Board (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any such nominee serving as CEO of New MDC at such time) and such nominee receives, in an uncontested election (an “Election”), a number of votes “withheld” from his or her election that is greater than the number of votes cast “for” the election of such nominee, excluding for this purpose any votes cast “for” or “withheld” in the election of such nominee by Stagwell or its Affiliates, and (ii) as of the applicable record date for such Election, Stagwell and its Affiliates collectively Beneficially Owned 30% or more of New MDC’s then-issued and outstanding voting securities, then such Person shall tender his or her resignation from his or her position as a director of the New MDC Board (a “Resignation”). In such event, the New MDC Board shall evaluate such director’s Resignation and determine its response in accordance with its fiduciary duties. Unless the New MDC Board decides to reject such Resignation or to postpone the effective date of such Resignation, such Resignation shall become effective sixty (60) days after the date of the applicable Election. In making a determination whether to reject the Resignation or postpone the effective date of the Resignation, the New MDC Board shall consider all factors it considers relevant to the best interests of New MDC. In the event a director tenders a Resignation pursuant to this Section 7.15(d), New MDC shall not permit such director to participate in the portion of any meeting of the New MDC Board during which the vote on his or her Resignation occurs. New MDC agrees that it shall issue a news release reasonably promptly following the New MDC Board's decision with respect to any such Resignation. In the event a director’s Resignation is accepted in accordance with this Section 7.15(c), (x) if such Director was a Continuing Independent Director or a Stagwell Nominated-Director or a successor of any of the foregoing, subject to the last sentence of clause (a) hereof, the resulting vacancy shall be filled by the Nom/Gov Committee; provided that, in the event that the director submitting such Resignation is a Stagwell-Nominated Director or a successor thereof, the Nom/Gov Committee shall consult in advance with Stagwell and submit any replacement nominee to Stagwell for approval prior to filling such vacancy (such approval to be exercised in Stagwell’s sole discretion), and (y) if such director was nominated or appointed by Goldman Sachs (the “Goldman Nominee”) pursuant to any rights Goldman Sachs may have pursuant to the terms of any shares of preferred stock of New MDC, the resulting vacancy shall be filled by Goldman Sachs.

 

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(e)       During the Post-Closing Governance, unless otherwise approved by the Non/Gov Committee, the New MDC Board shall consist of nine members with each member entitled to one vote.

 

5. Other Post-Closing Governance Matters. Section 7.16 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“Section 7.16 Other Post-Closing Governance Matters. The parties hereby agree that, for so long as (x) Stagwell and its Affiliates collectively Beneficially Own more than 10% of New MDC’s then-issued and outstanding voting securities, (y) Stagwell has nominated directors constituting a majority of the New MDC Board, or (z) Stagwell has the contractual right to appoint a majority of the New MDC Board:

 

(a)       any related-party transaction by and between New MDC or any of the MDC Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Stagwell or its Affiliates (other than New MDC and the MDC Subsidiaries), on the other hand, will require the approval of a majority of the independent and disinterested directors then-serving on the New MDC Board; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, any amendment or modification of (i) solely to the extent they relate to any right, power or preference unique to Stagwell or its Affiliates (other than New MDC and the MDC Subsidiaries), the New MDC Certificate of Incorporation or the New MDC Bylaws; (ii) any Ancillary Agreement; or (iii) this Agreement, including Section 7.15 and this Section 7.16, shall each be considered such a related-party transaction; and

 

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(b)       any proposed business combination following the Closing by and between New MDC, on the one hand, and Stagwell or any of its Affiliates (other than New MDC and any of the MDC Subsidiaries), on the other hand, shall require (i) approval from a “majority of the minority” of New MDC stockholders, and (ii) the creation of a special committee of the post-Closing New MDC Board comprised solely of independent and disinterested directors with authority similar to that of the MDC Special Committee. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing requirement shall not apply to any business combination solely among direct or indirect Subsidiaries (other than OpCo) of New MDC.

 

(c)       For purposes of Section 7.15 and this Section 7.16, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

(i) ‘Beneficially Owns’ shall mean beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), but, with respect to Stagwell, shall expressly exclude any shares held directly by any of its limited partners that are not Affiliates of Stagwell.

 

(ii) ‘Stagwell-Independent’ shall mean (A) independent with respect to New MDC in accordance with SEC and NASDAQ independence rules applicable to a NASDAQ-listed company that is not a controlled company pursuant to NASDAQ rules (‘SEC/NASDAQ Independence Rules’); and (B) independent pursuant to the SEC/NASDAQ Independence Rules with respect to Stagwell, as if Stagwell had equity securities that were traded on NASDAQ and was subject to such SEC/NASDAQ Independence Rules. For greater certainty, the Goldman Nominee (currently Bradley Gross) shall be considered to be Stagwell-Independent. In the event that New MDC is listed on a securities exchange other than NASDAQ, such exchange’s applicable rules regarding independent of directors for non-controlled companies will replace the rules of the NASDAQ to the extent reflected in the foregoing.

 

6. Effectiveness. This Amendment No. 2 shall become effective as of the date first written above (the “Second Amendment Effective Date”).

 

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7. Reference to and Effect on the Agreement.

 

(a) On or after the Second Amendment Effective Date, each reference in the Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “herein,” or words of like import referring to the Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Agreement as amended by this Amendment No. 2.

 

(b) Except as amended hereby, the provisions of the Agreement are and shall remain in full force and effect.

 

8. Miscellaneous. The provisions of Sections 11.01 (Notices), 11.02 (Interpretations), 11.03 (Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Specific Performance; Waiver of Jury Trial), 11.04 (Counterparts; Electronic Transmission of Signatures), 11.05 (Assignment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries), 11.07 (Severability), 11.08 (Entire Agreement) and 11.09 (Amendment) of the Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Amendment No. 2.

 

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly entered into this Amendment No. 2 as of the date first written above.

 

  MDC PARTNERS INC.
     
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto
  Name: Frank Lanuto
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer
     
     
  STAGWELL MEDIA LP
  By: The Stagwell Group LLC, its General Partner
     
  By: /s/ Mark Penn 
  Name:   Mark Penn
  Title:   Manager
     
     
  NEW MDC LLC
     
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto
  Name: Frank Lanuto
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer
     
     
  MIDAS MERGER SUB 1 LLC
     
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto 
  Name: Frank Lanuto
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer

 

Signature Page – Amendment No. 2 to the Transaction Agreement

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 2.2

 

July 8, 2021

 

Broad Street Principal Investments, L.L.C.

Stonebridge 2017, L.P.

Stonebridge 2017 Offshore, L.P.

200 West Street

New York, New York 10282

  

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”), dated as of April 21, 2021, by and among MDC Partners Inc. (the “Company”), Broad Street Principal Investments, L.L.C. (“Broad Street”), Stonebridge 2017, L.P. (“Stonebridge”) and Stonebridge 2017 Offshore, L.P. (together with Broad Street and Stonebridge, the “Holder”). Each capitalized term used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Letter Agreement.

 

Whereas, the parties desire to amend the Letter Agreement to, among other things, reduce the Accretion Rate (as defined in the certificate of designation for the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock of New MDC attached to the Letter Agreement as Exhibit C (the “Series 8 COD”)) to zero percent (0%) from and after the Series 8 Original Issuance Date (as defined in the Series 8 COD) until the one year anniversary thereof, as set forth herein.

 

Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in the Letter Agreement and in this letter agreement (this “Amendment”) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree to amend the Letter Agreement on the terms set forth herein:

 

1.      Amendments.

 

(a)   Exhibit A to the Letter Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the formal shareholder consent attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

(b)   Exhibit B to the Letter Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the amendment to SPA attached hereto as Exhibit B.

 

(c)   Exhibit C to the Letter Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the certificate of designation for the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock of New MDC attached hereto as Exhibit C.

 

2.      Ratification. This Amendment shall only serve to amend and modify the Letter Agreement to the extent specifically provided herein. All terms, conditions, provisions and references of and to the Letter Agreement which are not specifically modified and/or amended herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be altered by any provisions herein contained. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company reaffirms its obligation to reimburse the Holder’s reasonable, documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (not to exceed $300,000) in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of that certain letter agreement dated as of December 21, 2020, the Letter Agreement, this Amendment and the definitive documentation contemplated by each of the foregoing.

 

3.      Miscellaneous. Sections 6 and 7 of the Letter Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Amendment.

 

[Signature Pages Follow.]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

  MDC PARTNERS INC.
   
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto
    Name: Frank Lanuto
    Title: Chief FInancial Officer
   
  BROAD STREET PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.
   
  By: /s/ Bradley Gross
    Name: Bradley Gross
    Title: Vice President
   
  STONEBRIDGE 2017, L.P.
   
  By: Bridge Street Opportunity Advisors, L.L.C., as general partner
   
  By: /s/ Bradley Gross
    Name: Bradley Gross
    Title: Vice President
   
  STONEBRIDGE 2017 OFFSHORE, L.P.
   
  By: Bridge Street Opportunity Advisors, L.L.C., as general partner
   
  By: /s/ Bradley Gross
    Name: Bradley Gross
    Title: Vice President

 

[Signature Page to Amendment No. 1 to Letter Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Action by Written Consent

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

 

July 8, 2021

 

The undersigned holder (the “Shareholder”) of Series 4 convertible preference shares (“Series 4 Shares”) of MDC Partners Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Canada (the “Corporation”), hereby consents to and adopts the following resolutions by written consent (this “Consent”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in that certain Series 4 Articles of Amendment (as defined below).

 

WHEREAS, on December 21, 2020, the Corporation entered into a Transaction Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A, by and among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell”), the Corporation, New MDC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (“New MDC”) and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of New MDC, as amended by that certain (i) Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 4, 2021, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and (ii) Amendment No. 2, dated as of the date hereof, attached hereto as Exhibit C (including the exhibits and schedules thereto, the “Transaction Agreement”, and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the “Transactions”);

 

WHEREAS, on April 21, 2021, the Corporation and the Shareholder entered into a letter agreement (as amended on the date hereof, the “Side Letter”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, among other things, the Corporation shall change its jurisdiction of organization from the federal jurisdiction of Canada to the State of Delaware, and, subsequently, will effect a business combination with the subsidiaries of Stagwell that own and operate a portfolio of marketing services companies;

 

Consent

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Shareholder are party to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”), dated as of February 14, 2017;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the SPA, the Shareholder purchased 95,000 Series 4 Shares having the terms set forth in the articles of amendment designating the Series 4 Shares (the “Series 4 Articles of Amendment”), dated as of March 7, 2017;

 

WHEREAS, the Transactions constitute a Fundamental Change pursuant to the SPA and the Series 4 Articles of Amendment;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4.12 of the SPA, the Corporation has agreed that it shall not become party to a transaction that constitutes a Fundamental Change other than a Qualifying Transaction;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the SPA and the Series 4 Articles of Amendment, a Qualifying Transaction is a Fundamental Change that (i) with regard to which the holder of Series 4 Shares is entitled to receive, directly or indirectly, in respect of its Series 4 Shares, in connection with the consummation of such transaction (including pursuant to the conversion of the Series 4 Shares (without regard to limitations or restrictions on conversion) or the purchase or exchange of such Series 4 Shares in a tender or exchange offer), consideration consisting solely of cash, equity securities that are immediately tradable on a national securities exchange and that have (or the equity securities of the predecessor of the issuer of such equity securities have) an average trading volume per trading day over the thirty (30) trading days preceding public announcement of such transaction at least equal to that of the Class A Shares over the thirty (30) trading days preceding public announcement of such transaction, or a combination of cash and such equity consideration (collectively, “qualifying consideration”), which qualifying consideration is in an amount per outstanding Series 4 Share that is at least equal to the Base Liquidation Preference of such Series 4 Share plus all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon (with the value of any non-cash consideration being the Fair Market Value of such non-cash consideration at the time of signing of the definitive transaction agreement for the applicable transaction) or (ii) that is otherwise consented to by the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding Series 4 Shares;

 

 

 

 

WHEREAS, the Transactions do not constitute a Qualifying Transaction under clause (i) of the definition thereof under the terms of the SPA or the Series 4 Articles of Amendment; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Side Letter, the Shareholder consented to the Corporation’s entry into the Transaction Agreement and the Transactions for all purposes pursuant to the Series 4 Articles of Amendment and the SPA and confirmed that the Transactions shall be a “Fundamental Change” as defined in the SPA but shall not be a “Specified Event” or a “Qualifying Transaction” for purposes of the SPA or the Series 4 Articles of Amendment, and the Shareholder wishes to reaffirm such consent and confirmation.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Shareholder hereby reaffirms that it consents to the Corporation’s entry into the Transaction Agreement and the Transactions for all purposes pursuant to the Series 4 Articles of Amendment and the SPA and reaffirms that the Transactions shall be a “Fundamental Change” as defined in the SPA but shall not be a “Specified Event” or a “Qualifying Transaction” for purposes of the SPA or the Series 4 Articles of Amendment.

 

Conversion Price Adjustment

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the SPA and Section 5(f)(v) of the Series 4 Articles of Amendment, in the event the Corporation at any time after the Series 4 Original Issuance Date, while the Series 4 Shares are outstanding, issues Additional Class A Shares, without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the applicable Conversion Price such Conversion Price shall be subject to the adjustment as set forth in the SPA and the Series 4 Articles of Amendment.

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the SPA and Section 5(f)(ix) of the Series 4 Articles of Amendment, the Shareholder may agree that no adjustment is to be made to the Conversion Price as a result of a particular issuance of Class A Shares or other dividend or other distribution on Class A Shares;

 

WHEREAS, the Shareholder desires this Consent to constitute such a waiver pursuant to the SPA and Series 4 Articles of Amendment with respect to the Transactions.

 

 

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, pursuant to the SPA and Section 5(f)(ix) of the Series 4 Articles of Amendment, the Shareholder hereby agrees that no adjustment (other than as set forth in this Consent) is to be made to the Conversion Price as a result of the Transactions other than as contemplated by the Side Letter and that this Consent constitutes a waiver as contemplated by the SPA and Section 5(f)(ix) of Series 4 Articles of Amendment.

 

Base Liquidation Preference

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Shareholder agree that there shall be no adjustment to the Base Liquidation Preference in connection with the Transactions.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, notwithstanding any provisions in the SPA and the Series 4 Articles of Amendment to the contrary, Shareholder hereby agrees that the Base Liquidation Preference shall not be amended other than as expressly contemplated by the Side Letter.

 

Disposition Event

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the SPA and Section 5(f)(iv) of the Series 4 Articles of Amendment, the Transactions would constitute a Disposition Event, and as a result the Series 4 Shares would thus be entitled to Reference Property received upon the occurrence of such Disposition Event by a holder of Class A Shares holding, immediately prior to the Transactions, a number of Class A Shares equal to the Conversion Amount.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in the SPA or the Series 4 Articles of Amendment, the Shareholder hereby agrees that the Transactions shall not constitute a Disposition Event.

 

General

 

RESOLVED, that the Shareholder hereby waives any rights to receive notice and other procedural requirements the undersigned might be entitled to in connection with the SPA or the Series 4 Articles of Amendment, including as set forth in the SPA and Section 5(g)(v) of Series 4 Articles of Amendment;

 

RESOLVED, that the Shareholder hereby waives any right to appraisal or dissent rights in connection with the Transactions under any applicable law, including the Canada Business Corporations Act and the Delaware General Corporation Law or any similar rights that the Shareholder may have in connection with the Transactions;

 

RESOLVED, that the officers of the Corporation be, and each of them hereby is, authorized, empowered and directed to take such further action and to execute, make oath to, acknowledge and deliver, from time to time in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, such other agreements, instruments, certificates or documents and to do or cause to be done any and all such other acts and things as such officers may, in their sole discretion, deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in order to carry out the intent of the foregoing resolutions, the take of such actions to be conclusive evidence that the same have been authorized and approved by the shareholders of the Corporation; and

 

RESOLVED FURTHER, that all acts and things previously done and performed (or caused to be done and performed) in the name and on behalf of the Corporation prior to the date hereof in furtherance of any of the foregoing resolutions and the transactions contemplated therein be, and the same hereby are, ratified, confirmed and approved.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

 

 

       This action by written consent may be executed in counterparts, either via written signature or consent via electronic mail, and signature pages may be delivered by facsimile, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument. This action by written consent shall apply to all shares of the Corporation held by the undersigned.

 

 

STOCKHOLDER:  
   
BROAD STREET PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.  
   
/s/ Bradley Gross  
Signature of Stockholder  
   
Vice President  
Title of Signatory  
   
Date:  July 8, 2021  

 

 

 

  

Exhibit B

 

Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit B

 

AMENDMENT TO SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below), dated as of [●], 2021 (this “Amendment”), is by and between [New MDC], a Delaware corporation (together with any successor or assign pursuant to Section 6.07 of the Purchase Agreement (as defined below), “New MDC”), as successor to and assignee of MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation which, prior to the date hereof, domesticated as a Delaware corporation and then converted into a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and Broad Street Principal Investments, L.L.C. (together with its successors and any Purchaser Affiliate or Purchaser Related Fund that becomes a party to the Purchase Agreement in accordance with Section 4.02 and Section 6.07 thereof, the “Purchaser”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined where used shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Purchase Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser are parties to the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017 (as in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness of this Amendment, the “Purchase Agreement”) by means of which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Purchaser purchased from the Company, and the Company issued and sold to the Purchaser, 95,000 Series 4 convertible preference shares in the capital of the Company (the “Preferred Shares”);

 

WHEREAS, on December 21, 2020, the Company entered into a Transaction Agreement (the “Transaction Agreement”), by and among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell”), the Company, New MDC and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as amended by that certain (i) Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 4, 2021, and (ii) Amendment No. 2, dated as of [], 2021;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (the “Transactions”), among other things, (i) each holder of Class A common shares, Class B common shares, Series 4 convertible preference shares and Series 6 convertible preference shares of the Company received an equivalent number of shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Series 4 convertible preferred stock, or Series 6 convertible preferred stock, respectively, of New MDC, (ii) New MDC issued a number of shares of Class C common stock to Stagwell and (iii) as a result of the actions in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), Stagwell holds a majority of the total voting power of New MDC;

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the entry into this Amendment and following (i) the consummation of the Transactions and (ii) the redemption of certain of its Series 4 convertible preferred stock of New MDC, the Purchaser exchanged its remaining Series 4 convertible preferred stock of New MDC for Series 8 convertible preference stock of New MDC (the “Preferred Shares”) having the terms set forth in the Series 8 Certificate of Designation; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties desire to effect the assignment of the Purchase Agreement from the Company to New MDC and to amend the Purchase Agreement as set forth herein.

 

 

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, New MDC, the Company and the Purchaser, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

a. Section 6.07 shall be amended to add the following sentence at the end of such Section:

 

“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company may assign this Agreement with the prior written consent of Purchaser.”

 

b. Pursuant to Section 6.07 of the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby and with the consent of Purchaser, the Company hereby assigns, and New MDC hereby accepts, the Purchase Agreement (as amended by this Amendment) to New MDC and from and after the date hereof the provisions of the Purchase Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon New MDC, as assignee of the Company, and New MDC shall assume all of the Company’s rights and obligations under the Purchase Agreement.

 

c. The following definition of “Certificate of Designation” is hereby added after the definition of “CBCA” and before the definition of “Change in Control”:

 

Certificate of Designation” means both (a) the certificate of designation designating the Series 8 Preferred Shares (the “Series 8 Certificate of Designation”), and (b) the certificate of designation designating the Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares (the “Series 9 Certificate of Designation”) in substantially the form attached [as Exhibit A to the Amendment].

 

d. With the exception of the references in the definition of “Articles of Amendment,” the definition of “Alternative Preference Shares,” Section 3.01(e), Section 3.01(f), Section 4.03 and Section 4.09, each reference to “Series 4 Articles of Amendment” shall be replaced with “Series 8 Certificate of Designation” in each instance where it appears in the Purchase Agreement.

 

e. The reference to “Series 5 Articles of Amendment” in Section 4.15(f) shall be replaced with “Series 9 Certificate of Designation.”

 

f. The reference to “Articles of Amendment” in Section 4.06(f) shall be replaced with “Certificate of Designation.”

 

g. The following definition of “Series 8 Preferred Stock” is hereby added after the definition of “Selling Holders” and before the definition of “Significant Subsidiary”:

 

Series 8 Preferred Shares” means the shares of series 8 convertible preferred stock in New MDC having the terms set forth in the Series 8 Certificate of Designation.

 

h. With the exception of the references in the definition of “Articles of Amendment,” the definition of “Preferred Shares,” Article II, Article III, the first sentence of Section 4.04 and Section 4.09, all references to “Preferred Shares” shall be replaced with “Series 8 Preferred Shares” in each instance where they appear in the Purchase Agreement.

 

i. The sentence “The Purchaser is not resident in any jurisdiction of Canada, and is a non-resident of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)” in Section 3.02(d)(i) is removed and replaced with the following:

 

“The Purchaser is a United States Person as defined in section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.”

 

j. The penultimate sentence in Section 4.07 shall be deleted.

 

k. Sections 4.15 and 4.16 shall be deleted.

 

l. The following definition of “Series 9 Alternative Preferred Shares” is hereby added after the new definition of “Series 8 Preferred Shares” and before the definition of “Significant Subsidiary”:

 

Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares” has the meaning set forth in the Series 8 Certificate of Designation.

 

 

 

 

m. With the exception of the references in the definition of “Alternative Preference Shares,” the definition of “Articles of Amendment,” Article II, Article III and the first sentence of Section 4.04, all references to “Alternative Preference Shares” shall be replaced with “Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares” in each instance where they appear in the Purchase Agreement.

 

n. The following definition of “[New MDC]” is hereby added after the definition of “NASDAQ” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

“[New MDC]” means [New MDC], a Delaware corporation (together with any successor or assign pursuant to Section 6.07 of this Agreement).

 

o. The following definition of “New MDC Class A Shares” is hereby added after the new definition of “New MDC” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

New MDC Class A Shares” means the shares of Class A common stock of New MDC.

 

p. With the exception of the references in the definition of “Class A Shares,” the definition of “Material Adverse Effect,” Article II, Article III and the first sentence of Section 4.04, all references to “Class A Shares” shall be replaced with “New MDC Class A Shares” in each instance where they appear in the Purchase Agreement.

 

q. The following definition of “New MDC Class B Shares” is hereby added after the new definition of “New MDC Class A Shares” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

New MDC Class B Shares” means the shares of Class B common stock of New MDC.

 

r. With the exception of the references in the definition of “Class B Shares” and Article III, all references to “Class B Shares” shall be replaced with “New MDC Class B Shares” in each instance where they appear in the Purchase Agreement.

 

s. The following definition of “New MDC Class C Shares” is hereby added after the new definition of “New MDC Class B Shares” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

New MDC Class C Shares” means the shares of Class C common stock of New MDC.

 

t. The following definition of “New MDC Common Shares” is hereby added after the new definition of “New MDC Class C Shares” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

New MDC Common Shares” means the shares of common stock of New MDC outstanding from time to time, including the New MDC Class A Shares, the New MDC Class B Shares and the New MDC Class C Shares.

 

u. With the exception of the references in Article III, all references to “Company Common Shares” shall be replaced with “New MDC Common Shares” in each instance where they appear in the Purchase Agreement.

 

 

 

 

v. Section 4.06(a) of the Purchase Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

“The Company agrees that, subject to Section 4.06(c), the Purchaser shall have the right to nominate at each meeting of shareholders at which individuals will be elected members of the Board of Directors one nominee of the Purchaser (for the avoidance of doubt, the Purchaser shall have a right to nominate a member to the Board of Directors if and only so long as the Purchaser does not fall below the Minimum Ownership Threshold (as defined below) at any point in time). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser shall not have a right to nominate any member to the Board of Directors from and after such time as the Purchaser ceases to meet the Minimum Ownership Threshold. The Purchaser ceases to meet the “Minimum Ownership Threshold” when the Purchaser ceases to Beneficially Own at least 50% of the Series 8 Preferred Shares held by the Purchaser as of [the date of this Amendment], excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Preferred Shares subject to redemption pursuant to the side letter entered into between the Purchaser and the Company on April 21, 2021, as amended on [●], 2021.”

 

w. Section 4.11 is hereby amended by adding the following at the end of the section:

 

Until the Purchaser ceases to meet the Minimum Ownership Threshold, the foregoing participation right shall apply, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a proposed issuance of common units or preference units of [MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC], in which case, if Purchaser elects to participate in such proposed issuance, the Company shall cause [MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC] to issue to the Company such number of common or preference units of [MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC], as applicable, in accordance with Purchaser’s Participation Notice, and the Company shall issue to the Purchaser a corresponding number of common shares or preference shares of the Company, as applicable.

 

x. Section 4.12 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

“Consent Rights.

 

(a) Until the Purchaser ceases to hold Series 8 Preferred Shares representing at least 2% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding New MDC Class A Shares, assuming exercise, conversion or exchange of all outstanding securities (including the Series 8 Preferred Shares, the Alternative Preference Shares and the New MDC Class B Shares) that are exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for or into New MDC Class A Shares, without regard to any limitation or restriction on exercise, conversion or exchange or any issuance of additional securities of the Company after the Closing (other than securities issued or granted under the Company’s employee or director employment, compensation, incentive and/or benefit plans, programs, policies, agreements or other similar arrangements), the Company shall not become party to a transaction that constitutes a Fundamental Change (other than (A) a Fundamental Change not approved by the Board of Directors prior to the consummation thereof or (B) a Qualifying Transaction). A “Qualifying Transaction” has the meaning assigned to it in the Series 8 Certificate of Designation.”

 

(b) 

 

 

 

 

y. Section 6.02(b) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

“(b) If to [New MDC], to:

 

[New MDC Inc.]
One World Trade Center, Floor 65 

New York, NY 10007
Attention: David Ross
Email: DRoss@mdc-partners.com

 

and:

 

With a copy (which shall not constitute actual or constructive notice) to:

 

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
One Liberty Plaza
New York, NY 10006
Attention: Kimberly Spoerri
Email: kspoerri@cgsh.com”

 

z. Ratification of Agreement. Except as expressly provided in this Amendment, all of the terms, covenants, and other provisions of the Purchase Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall continue to be in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms. From and after the date hereof, all references to the Purchase Agreement shall refer to the Purchase Agreement as amended by this Amendment and each reference in the Purchase Agreement to the “date hereof” or the “date of this Agreement” shall be deemed to refer to February 14, 2017.

 

aa. Miscellaneous. The provisions of Article VI (Miscellaneous) (other than Section 6.01) of the Purchase Agreement, as amended pursuant to this Amendment, shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Amendment.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment has been executed by the parties hereto or by their respective duly authorized officers, all as of the date first above written.

 

  [MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC]
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

  [NEW MDC INC.]
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
     
  BROAD STREET PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

 

 

 

Exhibit C

 

Certificate of Designation

 

 

 

 

Exhibit C

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION

 

SERIES 8 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SHARES

OF

[STAGWELL INC.]

 

[Stagwell Inc.], a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

 

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”) authorizes the issuance of up to Five Hundred Million (500,000,000) shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Corporation (“Preferred Stock”) in one or more series, and expressly authorizes the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”), subject to limitations prescribed by applicable law, to authorize, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, a series of Preferred Stock, and, with respect to each such series, to fix the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares of such series of Preferred Stock; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to authority conferred by the Certificate of Incorporation and by the provision of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Board duly adopted the following resolutions on [_________ __], 2021, which resolutions remain in effect on the date hereof, creating a series of [_________ (●)] shares of Preferred Stock designated as Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Corporation, and establishing the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof:

 

RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board by the Certificate of Incorporation and by the provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Board does hereby create, authorize and provide for the issuance of a series of preferred stock of the Corporation, designated as Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock in the number and having the designations, preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and relative and other rights, including voting rights, set forth below:

 

SECTION 1. Designation and Amount. The shares of such series shall be designated as “Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock”) and the number of shares constituting such series shall be [_________ (●)].

 

SECTION 2. Dividends.

 

(a) Participating Dividends.

 

(i) Each holder of issued and outstanding shares of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares”) will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends for each Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share, dividends of the same type as any dividends or other distribution, whether in cash, in kind or in other property, payable or to be made on outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock of the Corporation (the “Class A Shares”), in an amount equal to the amount of such dividends or other distribution as would be made on the number of Class A Shares into which such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares could be converted on the applicable record date for such dividends or other distribution on the Class A Shares, without giving effect to the limitations set forth in SECTION 6(b) after aggregating all shares held by the same holder (the “Participating Dividends”) and disregarding any rounding for fractional amounts; provided, however, that notwithstanding the above, the holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or distributions for which an adjustment to the Conversion Price (as defined below) shall be made pursuant to SECTION 6(f)(i)(A) or SECTION 6(f)(ii) (and such dividends or distributions that are not payable to the holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares as a result of this proviso shall not be deemed to be Participating Dividends).

 

(ii) Participating Dividends are payable at the same time as and when such dividends or other distributions on the Class A Shares are paid to the holders of Class A Shares and are payable to holders of record of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares on the record date for the corresponding dividend or distribution on the Class A Shares.

 

 

 

 

(b) Additional Dividends.

 

(i) Following the occurrence of a Specified Event, each holder of issued and outstanding Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends for each Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share, with respect to each Dividend Period, dividends at a rate per annum equal to the Additional Rate multiplied by the Base Liquidation Preference per Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share (the “Additional Dividends” and, together with Participating Dividends, the “Dividends”). Any Additional Dividends payable pursuant to this SECTION 2(b) shall be in addition to any Participating Dividends, as applicable, payable pursuant to SECTION 2(a) hereof.

 

(ii) Additional Dividends will accrue on a daily basis and be cumulative from the date on which a Specified Event occurs and are payable in arrears on each Dividend Payment Date.

 

(iii) Additional Dividends in respect of any Dividend Period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The amount of Additional Dividends payable for any Dividend Period shorter or longer than a full quarterly Dividend Period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

(iv) Additional Dividends that are declared and payable on a Dividend Payment Date will be paid to the holders of record of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares as they appear in the records of the Corporation at the close of business on the 15th day of the calendar month prior to the month in which the applicable Dividend Payment Date falls, provided that Additional Dividends payable upon redemption or conversion of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares will be payable to the holder of record on the Redemption Date or the Conversion Date, as applicable. Any payment of an Additional Dividend will first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid Additional Dividend due with respect to each share that remains payable.

 

(v) Additional Dividends are payable only in cash. Additional Dividends will accrue and cumulate whether or not the Corporation has earnings or profits, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of Additional Dividends and whether or not Additional Dividends are declared.

 

(vi) After a Specified Event has occurred and while any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares remain outstanding, unless all Additional Dividends accrued to the end of all completed Dividend Periods have been paid in full, neither the Corporation nor any of its subsidiaries may (A) declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividends or distributions on any Junior Securities or (B) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Junior Securities.

 

(vii) The provisions of SECTION 2(b)(vi) shall not prohibit:

 

(A) the repurchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of vested or unvested Common Shares held by any future, present or former officer, director, employee, manager or consultant (or their respective permitted transferees) of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation pursuant to any equity incentive grant, plan, program or arrangement, any severance agreement or any stock subscription or equityholder agreement, in each case solely to the extent required by the terms thereof;

 

(B) payments made or expected to be made by the Corporation in respect of withholding or similar taxes payable in connection with the exercise or vesting of Common Shares or Class A Equivalents (as defined below) by any future, present or former officer, director, employee, manager or consultant (or their respective permitted transferees) of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation and repurchases or withholdings of Common Shares or Class A Equivalents in connection with any exercise or vesting of Common Shares or Class A Equivalents if such Common Shares or Class A Equivalents represent all or a portion of the exercise price of, or withholding obligation with respect to, such Common Shares or Class A Equivalents;

 

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(C) cash payments made in lieu of issuing fractional Common Shares in connection with the exercise or vesting of Common Shares or Class A Equivalents;

 

(D) payments arising from agreements of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation providing for adjustment of purchase price, deferred consideration, earn outs or similar obligations, in each case incurred in connection with the purchase or investment by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation of or in assets or capital stock of a third party; or

 

(E) payments or distributions made pursuant to any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or pursuant to any decree or order for relief or made by any custodian of the Corporation in connection with any voluntary case or proceeding under Title 11 of the U.S. Code or any similar federal, state, or non-U.S. law for the relief of debtors.

  

(c) The Corporation shall pay Dividends (less any tax required to be deducted and withheld by the Corporation), except in case of redemption or conversion in which case payment of Dividends shall be made on surrender of the certificate, if any, representing the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed or converted, by electronic funds transfer or by sending to each holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares a check for such Dividends payable to the order of such holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the order of all such holders failing written instructions from them to the contrary or in such other manner, not contrary to applicable law, as the Corporation shall reasonably determine. The making of such payment or the posting or delivery of such check on or before the date on which such Dividend is to be paid to a holder shall be deemed to be payment and shall satisfy and discharge all liabilities for the payment of such Dividends to the extent of the sum represented thereby (plus the amount of any tax required to be and in fact deducted and withheld by the Corporation from the related Dividends as aforesaid and remitted to the proper taxing authority) unless such check is not honored when presented for payment. Subject to applicable law, Dividends which are represented by a check which has not been presented to the Corporation’s bankers for payment or that otherwise remain unclaimed for a period of six years from the date on which they were declared to be payable shall be forfeited to the Corporation.

 

(d) Holders of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are not entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, in kind or other property, in excess of the Participating Dividends and, if applicable, the Additional Dividends, as provided in this SECTION 2.

 

SECTION 3. Liquidation Preference.

 

(a) Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, each Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share entitles the holder thereof to receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution, before any distribution or payment may be made to a holder of any Class A Shares, any shares of Class B Common Stock of the Corporation (the “Class B Shares”) or any shares of Class C Common Stock of the Corporation (the “Class C Shares”) or any other shares ranking junior as to capital to the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, an amount per Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share equal to the greater of (i) the Base Liquidation Preference (as defined below), as increased by the Accretion Rate (as defined below) from the most recent Quarterly Compounding Date to the date of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up (without duplication of changes to the Base Liquidation Preference as provided for in SECTION 2(b)) plus any accrued but unpaid Dividends with respect thereto, and (ii) an amount equal to the amount the holders of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares would have received per Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation had such holders converted their Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares into Class A Shares immediately prior thereto, without giving effect to the limitations set forth in SECTION 6(b) and disregarding any rounding for fractional amounts (the greater of the amount in clause (i) and clause (ii), the “Liquidation Preference”). Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in this Certificate of Designation to the contrary, immediately prior to and conditioned upon the consummation of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, if the amount set forth in clause (i) above is greater than the amount set forth in clause (ii) above, any holder of outstanding Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares shall have the right to convert its Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares into Class A Shares by substituting the Fair Market Value of a Class A Share for the then-applicable Conversion Price (as defined below) and without giving effect to the limitations set forth in SECTION 6(b) and disregarding any rounding for fractional amounts.

 

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(b) The “Base Liquidation Preference” per Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share shall initially be equal to the Original Purchase Price. From and after the one year anniversary of the Series 8 Original Issuance Date through March 14, 2024, the Base Liquidation Preference of each Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share shall increase on a daily basis, on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, at a rate of 6.0% per annum (the “Accretion Rate”) of the then-applicable Base Liquidation Preference, the amount of which increase shall compound quarterly each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 (each, a “Quarterly Compounding Date”), following which the Accretion Rate will decrease to 0% per annum and the Base Liquidation Preference per Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share will not increase during any period subsequent to March 14, 2024. The Base Liquidation Preference shall be proportionally adjusted for any stock dividends, splits, combinations and similar events on the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, from and after the Series 8 Original Issuance Date until the one year anniversary of the Series 8 Original Issuance Date, the Accretion Rate will be 0% per annum and the Base Liquidation Preference per Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share will not increase during such period.

 

(c) After payment to the holders of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares of the full Liquidation Preference to which they are entitled, the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares as such will have no right or claim to any of the assets of the Corporation.

 

(d) The value of any property not consisting of cash that is distributed by the Corporation to the holders of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares will equal the Fair Market Value thereof on the date of distribution.

 

(e) For the purposes of this SECTION 3, a Fundamental Change (in and of itself) shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation subject to this SECTION 3 (it being understood that an actual liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation in connection with a Fundamental Change will be subject to this SECTION 3).

 

SECTION 4. Voting Rights.

 

(a) Holders of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares shall not be entitled as such, except as required by law or as expressly set forth in this Certificate of Designation, to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting but shall be entitled to receive notice of meetings of stockholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of authorizing the dissolution of the Corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets.

 

(b) For so long as any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, in addition to any vote or consent of stockholders required by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Corporation shall not, and shall cause its subsidiaries not to, without the affirmative approval of the holders of a majority of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares (by vote or consent):

 

(i) effect, permit, approve, ratify or validate (including, but not limited to, by merger or consolidation or otherwise by operation of law):

 

(A) an increase or decrease of the maximum number of authorized Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, or an increase of the maximum number of authorized shares of a class or series having rights or privileges equal or superior to the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares;

 

(B) an exchange, replacement, reclassification or cancellation of all or part of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares;

 

(C) an amendment, alteration, change or repeal of any of the rights, privileges, preferences, powers, restrictions or conditions of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (i) a repeal or change of the rights to accrued dividends or the rights to cumulative dividends of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock that is adverse, (ii) an amendment, alteration, repeal or change of redemption rights of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock that is adverse, (iii) a reduction or repeal of a dividend preference or a liquidation preference of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock, or (iv) an amendment, alteration, repeal or change of conversion privileges, options, voting, transfer or pre-emptive rights, or rights to acquire securities of a corporation, or sinking fund provisions of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock that is adverse;

 

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(D) an amendment, alteration or change of the rights or privileges of any class or series of shares having rights or privileges equal or superior to the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares;

 

(E) the creation or authorization of a new class or series of shares having rights or privileges equal or superior to the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares;

 

(F) an exchange or the creation of a right of exchange of all or part of the shares of another class or series into the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares;

 

(G) any constraint on the issuance, transferability or ownership of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares or the change or removal of such constraint; or

 

(ii) effect, permit, approve, ratify or validate any of the foregoing with respect to the Series 8 Preferred Units (as defined in the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement) (including, but not limited to by merger or consolidation or otherwise by operation of law) by voting any of the limited liability company interests of [MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC] issued to the Corporation or otherwise.

 

(c) The approval of the holders of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to any and all matters referred to in this Certificate of Designation may be given by the affirmative vote, given in person or by proxy at any meeting called for such purpose, or by written consent, of the holders of at least a majority of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares issued and outstanding, voting as a separate class.

 

SECTION 5. Purchase for Cancellation. Subject the approval of the holders of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares and applicable law, the Corporation may at any time or times purchase (if obtainable) for cancellation all or any part of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding from time to time: (a) through the facilities of any Exchange or market on which the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are listed, (b) by invitation for tenders addressed to all the holders of record of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding, or (c) in any other manner, in each case at the lowest price or prices at which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, such shares are obtainable.

 

SECTION 6. Conversion.

 

Each Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share is convertible into Class A Shares as provided in this SECTION 5.

 

(a) Conversion at the Option of Holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares. Subject to SECTION 6(b), each holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares is entitled to convert, in whole at any time and from time to time, or in part at any time and from time to time after the date hereof, at the option and election of such holder upon receipt of all antitrust approvals required in connection with such conversion (or the lapse of any applicable waiting period relating to such required antitrust approvals), any or all outstanding Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares held by such holder into a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Shares equal to the number (the “Conversion Amount”) determined by dividing (i) the Base Liquidation Preference (as adjusted pursuant to SECTION 3(b) to the date immediately preceding the Conversion Date (as defined below)) for each Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share to be converted by (ii) the Conversion Price in effect at the time of conversion. The “Conversion Price” initially is $5.00 per share, as adjusted from time to time as provided in SECTION 6(f). In order to convert the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares into Class A Shares, the holder must surrender the certificates representing such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, accompanied by transfer instruments satisfactory to the Corporation, free of any adverse interest or liens at the office of the Corporation’s transfer agent for the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, together with written notice that such holder elects to convert all or such number of shares represented by such certificates as specified therein. With respect to a conversion pursuant to this SECTION 6(a), the date of receipt of such certificates, together with such notice and such other information or documents as may be required by the Corporation (including, but not limited to, any certificates delivered pursuant to SECTION 6(b)), by the transfer agent or the Corporation will be the date of conversion (the “Conversion Date”) and the Conversion Date with respect to a conversion pursuant to SECTION 6(c) will be as provided in such section.

 

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(b) Limitations on Conversion. Notwithstanding SECTION 6(a) or SECTION 6(c) but subject to SECTION 8, the Corporation shall not effect any conversion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares or otherwise issue Class A Shares pursuant to SECTION 6(a) or SECTION 6(c), and no holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares will be permitted to convert Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares into Class A Shares if, and to the extent that, following such conversion, either (i) such holder’s aggregate voting power on a matter being voted on by holders of Class A Shares would exceed 19.9% of the Maximum Voting Power (as defined below) or (ii) such holder would Beneficially Own more than 19.9% of the then outstanding Common Shares; provided, however, that such conversion restriction shall not apply to any conversion in connection with and subject to completion of (A) a public sale of the Class A Shares to be issued upon such conversion, if following consummation of such public sale such holder will not Beneficially Own in excess of 19.9% of the then outstanding Class A Shares or (B) a bona fide third party tender offer for the Class A Shares issuable thereupon. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of Class A Shares Beneficially Owned by a holder shall include the number of Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to which a conversion notice has been given, but shall exclude the number of Class A Shares which would be issuable upon conversion or exercise of the remaining, unconverted portion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares and any Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares Beneficially Owned by such holder. Upon the written request of the holder, the Corporation shall within two (2) Business Days confirm in writing (which may be by email) to any holder the number of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares then outstanding. In connection with any conversion and as a condition to the Corporation effecting such conversion, upon request of the Corporation, a holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares shall deliver to the Corporation a certificate, signed by a duly authorized officer of such holder, no less than twelve (12) Business Days prior to the applicable conversion, certifying that, after giving effect to such conversion, (i) such holder’s aggregate voting power on a matter being voted on by holders of Class A Shares will not exceed 19.9% of the Maximum Voting Power or (ii) such holder will not Beneficially Own more than 19.9% of the then outstanding Common Shares. For purposes hereof, “Maximum Voting Power” means, at the time of determination of the Maximum Voting Power, the total number of votes which may be cast by all shares of the Corporation’s capital on a matter subject to the vote of the Common Shares and any other securities that constitute Voting Stock voting together as a single class and after giving effect to any limitation on voting power set forth herein and the certificate of incorporation or other similar document governing other Voting Stock.

  

(c) Conversion at the Option of the Corporation. Subject to SECTION 6(b) and SECTION 8, at the Corporation’s option and election and upon its compliance with this SECTION 6(c), and in the case of the Investor and any Permitted Transferee upon receipt of all antitrust approvals required in connection with such conversion (or the lapse of any applicable waiting period relating to such required antitrust approvals), all outstanding Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares shall be converted automatically into a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Shares equal to the Conversion Amount following written notice by the Corporation to the holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares notifying such holders of the conversion contemplated by this SECTION 6(c), which conversion shall occur on the date specified in such notice, which shall not be less than ten (10) Business Days following the date of such notice (or in the case of the Investor and any Permitted Transferee the later of (A) the date of receipt of all antitrust approvals required in connection with such conversion (or the lapse of any applicable waiting period relating to such required antitrust approvals)) and (B) ten (10) Business Days following the date of such notice), provided, that (i) prior to March 7, 2022, such notice may be delivered by the Corporation (and such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares may be converted into Class A Shares pursuant to this SECTION 6(c)) only if the Closing Price per Class A Share for the thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day immediately prior to delivery of a notice of conversion pursuant to this SECTION 6(c) was at or above 125% of the then-applicable Conversion Price and (ii) following March 7, 2022, such notice may be delivered by the Corporation (and such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares may be converted into Class A Shares pursuant to this SECTION 6(c)) only if the Closing Price per Class A Share for the thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day immediately prior to delivery of a notice of conversion pursuant to this SECTION 6(c) was at or above 100% of the then-applicable Conversion Price; provided further, that following a Specified Event, the Corporation shall not be entitled to convert the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares shall continue to have the right to convert their Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares pursuant to SECTION 6(a) until and through the Conversion Date contemplated in this SECTION 6(c) and if such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are converted pursuant to SECTION 6(a) such shares shall no longer be converted pursuant to this SECTION 6(c) and the Corporation’s notice delivered to the holders pursuant to this SECTION 6(c) shall be of no effect with respect to such shares converted pursuant to SECTION 6(a).

 

(d) Fractional Shares. No fractional Class A Shares will be issued upon conversion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares. In lieu of fractional shares, the Corporation shall round, to the nearest whole number, the number of Class A Shares to be issued upon conversion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares. If more than one Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share is being converted at one time by or for the benefit of the same holder, then the number of full shares issuable upon conversion will be calculated on the basis of the aggregate number of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares converted by or for the benefit of such holder at such time.

  

(e) Mechanics of Conversion.

 

(i) Promptly after the Conversion Date (and in any event within three (3) Business Days), the Corporation shall (A) issue and deliver to such holder the number of Class A Shares to which such holder is entitled in exchange for the certificates formerly representing Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares and (B) pay to such holder, to the extent of funds legally available therefor, all declared and unpaid Dividends on the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares that are being converted into Class A Shares; provided, that any accrued and unpaid Dividends not paid to such holder pursuant to the foregoing clause (B) shall, subject to SECTION 6(b), be converted into a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Shares equal to the number determined by dividing (x) the aggregate amount of such accrued and unpaid Dividends on the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares that are being converted by (y) the then current Conversion Price. Such conversion will be deemed to have been made on the Conversion Date, and the person entitled to receive the Class A Shares issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such Class A Shares on such Conversion Date. In case fewer than all the shares represented by any such certificate are to be converted, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unconverted shares without cost to the holder thereof, except for any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due because any certificates for Class A Shares or Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder. The Corporation shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of Class A Shares upon conversion or due upon the issuance of a new certificate for any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares not converted other than any such tax due because Class A Shares or a certificate for Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder.

 

(ii) From and after the Conversion Date, the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares to be converted on such Conversion Date will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights of the holder thereof as a holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares (except the right to receive from the Corporation the Class A Shares upon conversion, together with the right to receive any accrued and unpaid Dividends thereon) shall cease and terminate with respect to such shares; provided, that in the event that a Convertible Preferred Share is not converted, such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share will remain outstanding and will be entitled to all of the rights as provided herein.

 

(iii) If the conversion is in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of the Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, the conversion may, at the option of any holder tendering any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share for conversion, be conditioned upon the closing of the sale, transfer or the disposition of Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares with the underwriter, transferee or other acquirer in such sale, transfer or disposition, in which event such conversion of such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares shall not be deemed to have occurred until immediately prior to the closing of such sale, transfer or other disposition.

 

(iv) All Class A Shares issued upon conversion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares will, upon issuance by the Corporation, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

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(f) Adjustments to Conversion Price.

 

(i) Adjustment for Change In Share Capital.

 

(A) If the Corporation shall, at any time and from time to time while any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, issue a dividend or make a distribution on its Class A Shares payable in its Class A Shares to all or substantially all holders of its Class A Shares, then the Conversion Price at the opening of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution will be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction:

  

(1)    the numerator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares outstanding at the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such Ex-Dividend Date; and

 

(2)    the denominator of which shall be the sum of the number of Class A Shares outstanding at the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution, plus the total number of Class A Shares constituting such dividend or other distribution.

 

If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this SECTION 6(f)(i)(A) is declared but not so paid or made, the Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to the Conversion Price which would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, in no event shall the Conversion Price be increased pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(i)(A).

 

(B) If the Corporation shall, at any time or from time to time while any of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, subdivide or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a greater number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the day upon which such subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately decreased, and conversely, if the Corporation shall, at any time or from time to time while any of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, combine or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a smaller number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the day upon which such combination or reclassification becomes effective shall be proportionately increased. In each such case, the Conversion Price shall be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares outstanding immediately prior to such subdivision or combination and the denominator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such subdivision, combination or reclassification. Such increase or reduction, as the case may be, shall become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day upon which such subdivision, combination or reclassification becomes effective.

 

(ii) Adjustment for Rights Issue. If the Corporation shall, at any time or from time to time, while any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, distribute rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of its Class A Shares entitling them, for a period expiring within sixty (60) days after the record date for such distribution, to purchase Class A Shares, or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Class A Shares, in either case, at less than the average of the Closing Prices for the five (5) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the first public announcement of the distribution, then the Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution by a fraction:

 

(A) the numerator of which shall be the sum of (1) the number of Class A Shares Outstanding on the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution, plus (2) the number of Class A Shares that the aggregate offering price of the total number of Class A Shares issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants would purchase at the Current Market Price of the Class A Shares on the declaration date for such distribution (determined by multiplying such total number of Class A Shares so offered by the exercise price of such rights, options or warrants and dividing the product so obtained by such Current Market Price); and

 

(B) the denominator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares Outstanding at the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution, plus the total number of additional Class A Shares issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants.

 

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The term “Class A Shares Outstanding” shall mean, without duplication, and include the following, and the following shall be included whether vested or unvested, whether contingent or non-contingent and whether exercisable or not yet exercisable, and without regard to any other limitations or restrictions on conversion or exercise:

 

(1)   the number of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares then outstanding;

 

(2)   all Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares; and

 

(3)   all Class A Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and any other Convertible Security.

 

Such adjustment shall become effective immediately after the opening of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution.

 

To the extent that Class A Shares are not delivered pursuant to such rights, options or warrants or upon the expiration or termination of such rights, options or warrants, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted to the Conversion Price that would then be in effect had the adjustments made upon the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of the delivery of only the number of Class A Shares actually delivered. In the event that such rights, options or warrants are not so distributed, the Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Price which would then be in effect if the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution had not occurred. In determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders to purchase Class A Shares at less than the average of the Closing Prices for the five (5) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the first public announcement of the relevant distribution, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such Class A Shares, there shall be taken into account any consideration received for such rights, options or warrants and the value of such consideration if other than cash, to be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. Except as set forth in this paragraph, in no event shall the Conversion Price be increased pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(ii).

 

(iii) Adjustment for Certain Tender Offers or Exchange Offers. In case the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries shall, at any time or from time to time, while any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, distribute cash or other consideration in respect of a tender offer or an exchange offer (that is treated as a “tender offer” under U.S. federal securities laws) made by the Corporation or any Subsidiary for all or any portion of the Class A Shares, where the sum of the aggregate amount of such cash distributed and the aggregate Fair Market Value, as of the Expiration Date (as defined below), of such other consideration distributed (such sum, the “Aggregate Amount”) expressed as an amount per Class A Share validly tendered or exchanged, and not withdrawn, pursuant to such tender offer or exchange offer as of the Expiration Time (as defined below) (such tendered or exchanged Class A Shares, the “Purchased Shares”) exceeds the Closing Price per share of the Class A Shares on the Trading Day immediately following the last date (such last date, the “Expiration Date”) on which tenders or exchanges could have been made pursuant to such tender offer or exchange offer (as the same may be amended through the Expiration Date), then, and in each case, immediately after the close of business on such date, the Conversion Price shall be decreased so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the Trading Day immediately following the Expiration Date by a fraction:

 

(A) the numerator of which shall be equal to the product of (1) the number of Class A Shares outstanding as of the last time (the “Expiration Time”) at which tenders or exchanges could have been made pursuant to such tender offer or exchange offer (including, but not limited to, all Purchased Shares) and (2) the Closing Price per share of the Class A Shares on the Trading Day immediately following the Expiration Date; and

 

(B) the denominator of which is equal to the sum of (x) the Aggregate Amount and (y) the product of (I) an amount equal to (1) the number of Class A Shares outstanding as of the Expiration Time, less (2) the Purchased Shares and (II) the Closing Price per share of the Class A Shares on the Trading Day immediately following the Expiration Date.

 

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An adjustment, if any, to the Conversion Price pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(iii) shall become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the second Trading Day immediately following the Expiration Date. In the event that the Corporation or a Subsidiary is obligated to purchase Class A Shares pursuant to any such tender offer or exchange offer, but the Corporation or such Subsidiary is permanently prevented by applicable law from effecting any such purchases, or all such purchases are rescinded, then the Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Price which would then be in effect if such tender offer or exchange offer had not been made. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, if the application of this SECTION 6(f)(iii) to any tender offer or exchange offer would result in an increase in the Conversion Price, no adjustment shall be made for such tender offer or exchange offer under this SECTION 6(f)(iii).

 

(iv) Disposition Events.

 

(A) If any of the following events (any such event, a “Disposition Event”) occurs:

 

(1)   any reclassification or exchange of the Class A Shares (other than as a result of a subdivision or combination);

 

(2)   any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other combination to which the Corporation is a constituent party; or

 

(3)   any sale, conveyance, lease, or other disposal of all or substantially all the properties and assets of the Corporation to any other person;

 

in each case, as a result of which all of the holders of Class A Shares shall be entitled to receive cash, securities or other property for their Class A Shares, the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares converted following the effective date of any Disposition Event shall be converted, in lieu of the Class A Shares otherwise deliverable, into the same amount and type (in the same proportion) of cash, securities or other property received by holders of Class A Shares in the relevant event (collectively, “Reference Property”) received upon the occurrence of such Disposition Event by a holder of Class A Shares holding, immediately prior to the transaction, a number of Class A Shares equal to the Conversion Amount (without giving effect to any limitations on conversion set forth in SECTION 6(b)) immediately prior to such Disposition Event; provided that if the Disposition Event provides the holders of Class A Shares with the right to receive more than a single type of consideration determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election, the Reference Property shall be comprised of the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of the Class A Shares.

 

(B) The above provisions of this SECTION 6(f)(iv) shall similarly apply to successive Disposition Events. If this SECTION 6(f)(iv) applies to any event or occurrence, neither SECTION 6(f)(i) nor SECTION 6(f)(iii) shall apply; provided, however, that this SECTION 6(f)(iv) shall not apply to any share split or combination to which SECTION 6(f)(i) is applicable or to a liquidation, dissolution or winding up to which SECTION 3 applies. To the extent that equity securities of a company are received by the holders of Class A Shares in connection with a Disposition Event, the portion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares which will be convertible into such equity securities will continue to be subject to the anti-dilution adjustments set forth in this SECTION 6(f).

  

(v) Adjustment for Certain Issuances of Additional Class A Shares.

 

(A) Other than in respect of an issuance or distribution in respect of which SECTION 6(f)(ii) applies, in the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Series 8 Original Issuance Date while the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding issue Additional Class A Shares, without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the applicable Conversion Price immediately prior to such issuance in effect on the date of and immediately prior to such issue, then and in such event, such Conversion Price shall be reduced, concurrently with such issuance, to a price determined by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction:

 

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(1) the numerator of which shall be (a) the number of Class A Shares Outstanding (as defined below) immediately prior to such issuance plus (b) the number of Class A Shares which the aggregate consideration received or to be received by the Corporation for the total number of Class A Shares so issued would purchase at such Conversion Price; and

 

(2) the denominator of which shall be (a) the number of Class A Shares Outstanding immediately prior to such issue plus (b) the number of such Additional Class A Shares so issued.

 

(B) For purposes of this SECTION 6(f)(v), the term “Additional Class A Shares” means any Class A Shares or Convertible Security (collectively, “Class A Equivalents”) issued by the Corporation after the Series 8 Original Issuance Date, provided that Additional Class A Shares will not include any of the following:

 

(1)   Class A Equivalents issued in a transaction for which an adjustment to the Conversion Price is made pursuant to SECTION 6(f)(i), SECTION 6(f)(iii) or SECTION 6(f)(iv);

 

(2)   Class A Equivalents issued or issuable upon conversion of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares or Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares or pursuant to the terms of any other Convertible Security issued and outstanding on the Series 8 Original Issuance Date;

 

(3)   All Class A Shares, as adjusted for share dividends, splits, combinations and similar events, validly reserved on the Series 8 Original Issuance Date and issued or issuable upon the exercise of options or rights issued to employees, officers or directors of, or consultants, advisors or service providers to, the Corporation or any of its majority- or wholly-owned subsidiaries pursuant to any current equity incentive plans, programs or arrangements of or adopted by the Corporation, [including, but not limited to, the Corporation’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, the Corporation’s 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, the Corporation’s 2016 Stock Incentive Plan and the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Stock Appreciation Rights Plan];

 

(4)   An unlimited number of Class A Equivalents issued pursuant to future equity incentive grants, plans, programs or arrangements adopted by the Corporation to the extent that any Class A Equivalents issued pursuant to this clause (4) shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the Corporation’s diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (as calculated for the Corporation’s financial reporting purposes) in any fiscal year, with any unused amounts in any fiscal year being carried over to succeeding fiscal years;

 

(5)   Class A Equivalents issued in connection with bona fide acquisitions of any entities, businesses and/or related assets or other business combinations by the Corporation, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets, sale or exchange of stock or otherwise, or settlement of deferred liabilities in connection therewith; or

 

(6)   Class A Equivalents issued in a transaction with respect to which holders of a majority of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares purchased securities pursuant to Section 4.11 of the Securities Purchase Agreement or otherwise.

 

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In the case of the issuance of Additional Class A Shares for cash, the consideration shall be deemed to be the amount of cash paid therefor before deducting any reasonable discounts, commissions or other expenses allowed, paid or incurred by the Corporation for any underwriting or otherwise in connection with the issuance and sale thereof. In the case of the issuance of Additional Class A Shares for consideration in whole or in part other than cash, the consideration other than cash shall be deemed to be the Fair Market Value thereof. In the case of the issuance of Convertible Securities, the aggregate maximum number of Class A Shares deliverable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities shall be deemed to have been issued at the time such Convertible Securities were issued and for a consideration equal to the consideration (determined in the manner provided in this paragraph) if any, received by the Corporation upon the issuance of such Convertible Securities plus the minimum additional consideration payable pursuant to the terms of such Convertible Securities for the Class A Shares covered thereby, but no further adjustment shall be made for the actual issuance of Class A Shares upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of any such Convertible Securities. In the event of any change in the number of Class A Shares deliverable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities subject to this SECTION 6(f)(v), including, but not limited to, a change resulting from the anti-dilution provisions thereof, the Conversion Price shall forthwith be readjusted to such Conversion Price as would have been obtained had the adjustment that was made upon the issuance of such Convertible Securities not exercised, converted or exchanged prior to such change been made upon the basis of such change. Upon the expiration or forfeiture of any Additional Class A Shares consisting of options, warrants or other rights to acquire Class A Shares or Convertible Securities, the termination of any such rights to convert or exchange or the expiration or forfeiture of any options or rights related to such convertible or exchangeable securities, the Conversion Price, to the extent in any way affected by or computed using such options, rights or securities or options or rights related to such securities, shall be recomputed to reflect the issuance of only the number of Class A Shares (and Convertible Securities that remain in effect) actually issued upon the exercise of such options, warrants or rights, upon the conversion or exchange of such securities or upon the exercise of the options or rights related to such securities.

 

(vi) Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Price will not be reduced if the amount of such reduction would be an amount less than $0.01, but any such amount will be carried forward and reduction with respect thereto will be made at the time that such amount, together with any subsequent amounts so carried forward, aggregates to $0.01 or more.

 

(vii) When No Adjustment Required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no adjustment to the Conversion Price need be made:

  

(A) for a transaction referred to in SECTION 6(f)(i) or SECTION 6(f)(ii) if the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares participate, without conversion, in the transaction or event that would otherwise give rise to an adjustment pursuant to such Section at the same time as holders of the Class A Shares participate with respect to such transaction or event and on the same terms as holders of the Class A Shares participate with respect to such transaction or event as if the holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, at such time, held a number of Class A Shares equal to the Conversion Amount at such time;

 

(B) for rights to purchase Class A Shares pursuant to any present or future plan by the Corporation for reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on the Corporation’s securities and the investment of additional optional amounts in Class A Shares under any plan; or

 

(C) for any event otherwise requiring an adjustment under this SECTION 6 if such event is not consummated.

 

(viii) Rules of Calculation; Treasury Shares. All calculations will be made to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent or to the nearest one-ten thousandth of a share. Except as explicitly provided herein, the number of Class A Shares outstanding will be calculated on the basis of the number of issued and outstanding Class A Shares.

 

(ix) Waiver. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Price will not be reduced if the Corporation receives, prior to the effective time of the adjustment to the Conversion Price, written notice from the holders representing at least a majority of the then outstanding Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, voting together as a separate class, that no adjustment is to be made as the result of a particular issuance of Class A Shares or other dividend or other distribution on Class A Shares. This waiver will be limited in scope and will not be valid for any issuance of Class A Shares or other dividend or other distribution on Class A Shares not specifically provided for in such notice.

 

(x) Tax Adjustment. Anything in this SECTION 6 notwithstanding, the Corporation shall be entitled to make such downward adjustments in the Conversion Price, in addition to those required by this SECTION 6, as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion shall determine to be advisable in order that any event treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a dividend or share split will not be taxable to the holders of Class A Shares.

 

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(xi) No Duplication. If any action would require adjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to more than one of the provisions described in this SECTION 6 in a manner such that such adjustments are duplicative, only one adjustment shall be made.

 

(xii) Provisions Governing Adjustment to Conversion Price.  Rights, options or warrants distributed by the Corporation to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Corporation’s capital (either initially or under certain circumstances), which rights, options or warrants, until the occurrence of a specified event or events (“Rights Trigger”): (A) are deemed to be transferred with such Class A Shares; (B) are not exercisable; and (C) are also issued in respect of future issuances of Class A Shares, shall be deemed not to have been distributed for purposes of SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) (and no adjustment to the Conversion Price under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) will be required) until the occurrence of the earliest Rights Trigger, whereupon such rights, options and warrants shall be deemed to have been distributed, and (x) if and to the extent such rights, options and warrants are exercisable for Class A Shares or the equivalents thereof, an appropriate adjustment (if any is required) to the Conversion Price shall be made under SECTION 6(f)(ii) (without giving effect to the sixty (60) day limit on the exercisability of rights, options and warrants ordinarily subject to such SECTION 6(f)(ii)), and/or (y) if and to the extent such rights, options and warrants are exercisable for cash and/or any shares of the Corporation’s capital other than Class A Shares or Class A Share equivalents, shall be subject to the provisions of SECTION 2(a) applicable to Participating Dividends and shall be distributed to the holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares.  If any such right, option or warrant, including, but not limited to, any such existing rights, options or warrants distributed prior to the Series 8 Original Issuance Date, are subject to events, upon the occurrence of which such rights, options or warrants become exercisable to purchase different securities, evidences of indebtedness or other assets, then the date of the occurrence of any and each such event shall be deemed to be the date of distribution and Ex-Dividend Date with respect to new rights, options or warrants with such rights (and a termination or expiration of the existing rights, options or warrants without exercise by any of the holders thereof).  In addition, in the event of any distribution (or deemed distribution) of rights, options or warrants, or any Rights Trigger or other event (of the type described in the preceding sentence) with respect thereto that was counted for purposes of calculating a distribution amount for which an adjustment to the Conversion Price under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) was made, (1) in the case of any such rights, options or warrants that shall all have been redeemed or repurchased without exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted at the opening of business of the Corporation immediately following such final redemption or repurchase by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be the Current Market Price per Class A Share on such date, less the amount equal to the per share redemption or repurchase price received by a holder or holders of Class A Shares with respect to such rights, options or warrants (assuming such holder had retained such rights, options or warrants), made to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares as of the date of such redemption or repurchase and (y) the denominator of which shall be the Current Market Price, and (2) in the case of such rights, options or warrants that shall have expired or been terminated without exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted as if such rights, options and warrants had not been issued. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) to the extent any such rights, options or warrants are redeemed by the Corporation prior to a Rights Trigger or are exchanged by the Corporation, in either case for Class A Shares, the Conversion Price shall be appropriately readjusted (if and to the extent previously adjusted pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(xii)) as if such rights, options or warrants had not been issued, and instead the Conversion Price will be adjusted as if the Corporation had issued the Class A Shares issued upon such redemption or exchange as a dividend or distribution of Class A Shares subject to SECTION 6(f)(i)(A) and (B) to the extent any such rights, options or warrants are redeemed by the Corporation prior to a Rights Trigger or are exchanged by the Corporation, in either case for any shares of the Corporation’s capital (other than Class A Shares) or any other assets of the Corporation, such redemption or exchange shall be deemed to be a distribution and shall be subject to, and paid to the holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares pursuant to, the provisions of SECTION 2(a) applicable to Participating Dividends.

 

(xiii) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any adjustment of the Conversion Price or entitlement to acquire Class A Shares pursuant to this Certificate of Designation shall be subject to the rules of the Exchange to the extent required to comply with such rules. If after the Series 8 Original Issuance Date there is a change in the applicable rules of the Exchange on which the Class A Shares are listed at the time such change becomes effective or in the interpretation of such applicable rules that would cause the Class A Shares to be delisted by such Exchange as a result of the terms of this Certificate of Designation, the rights of the holders of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares set forth in this Certificate of Designation shall thereafter be limited to the extent required by such changed rules in order for the Class A Shares to continue to be listed on such Exchange.

 

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(xiv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designation, if an adjustment to the Conversion Price becomes effective on any Ex-Dividend Date as described herein, and a holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares that have been converted on or after such Ex-Dividend Date and on or prior to the related record date would be treated as the record holder of Class A Shares as of the related Conversion Date based on an adjusted Conversion Price for such Ex-Dividend Date, then, notwithstanding such Conversion Price adjustment provisions, the Conversion Price adjustment relating to such Ex-Dividend Date will not be made for such converted Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares. Instead, the holder of such converted Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares will be treated as if such holder were the record owner of the Class A Shares on an unadjusted basis and participate in the related dividend, distribution or other event giving rise to such adjustment.

 

(g) Notice of Record Date. In the event of:

 

(i) any share split or combination of the outstanding Class A Shares;

 

(ii) any declaration or making of a dividend or other distribution to holders of Class A Shares in additional Class A Shares, any other share capital, other securities or other property (including, but not limited to, cash and evidences of indebtedness);

 

(iii) any reclassification or change to which SECTION 6(f)(i)(B) applies;

 

(iv) the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation; or

 

(v) any other event constituting a Disposition Event;

 

then the Corporation shall file with its corporate records and mail to the holders of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares at their last addresses as shown on the records of the Corporation, at least ten (10) days prior to the record date specified in (A) below or ten (10) days prior to the date specified in (B) below, a notice stating:

 

(A) the record date of such share split, combination, dividend or other distribution, or, if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of Class A Shares of record to be entitled to such share split, combination, dividend or other distribution are to be determined, or

 

(B) the date on which such reclassification, change, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or other event constituting a Disposition Event, is estimated to become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of Class A Shares of record will be entitled to exchange their Class A Shares for the share capital, other securities or other property (including, but not limited to, cash and evidences of indebtedness) deliverable upon such reclassification, change, liquidation, dissolution, winding up or other Disposition Event.

 

Disclosures made by the Corporation in any public filings made under the Exchange Act shall be deemed to satisfy the notice requirements set forth in this SECTION 6(g).

 

(h) Certificate of Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of each adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to this SECTION 6, the Corporation shall compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the terms hereof and furnish to each holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares a certificate, signed by an officer of the Corporation, setting forth such adjustment or readjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based. The Corporation shall, upon the reasonable written request of any holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, furnish to such holder a similar certificate setting forth (i) the calculation of such adjustments and readjustments in reasonable detail, (ii) the Conversion Price then in effect, and (iii) the number of Class A Shares and the amount, if any, of share capital, other securities or other property (including, but not limited to, cash and evidences of indebtedness) which then would be received upon the conversion of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares.

 

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SECTION 7. Redemption.

 

(a) Redemption at the Option of the Corporation.

 

(i) In connection with or following any Specified Event, the Corporation, at its option and (if applicable) subject to consummation of such Specified Event, may redeem (out of funds legally available therefor) for cash all of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares then outstanding at a price (the “Redemption Price”) per Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share equal to the greater of (i) the Base Liquidation Preference per such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon and (ii) an amount equal to the amount the holder of such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares would have received in respect of such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share had such holder converted such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share into Class A Shares immediately prior to such redemption based on the Current Market Price, in each case on the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”).

 

(ii) If the Corporation elects to redeem the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares pursuant to this SECTION 7, on or prior to the fifteenth (15th) Business Day prior to the applicable Redemption Date, the Corporation shall mail a written notice of redemption (the “Redemption Notice”) by first-class mail addressed to the holders of record of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares as they appear in the records of the Corporation; provided, however, that accidental failure to give any such notice to one or more of such holders shall not affect the validity of such redemption. The Redemption Notice must state: (A) the expected Redemption Price as of the expected Redemption Date, and specify the individual components thereof (it being understood that the actual Redemption Price will be determined as of the actual Redemption Date); (B) the name of the redemption agent to whom, and the address of the place to where, the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; (C) if applicable, that the consummation of the Redemption and the payment of the Redemption Price shall be subject to the consummation of the Specified Event, and (D) the anticipated Redemption Date.

 

(b) Mechanics of Redemption.

 

(i) On the Redemption Date, the Corporation shall pay the applicable Redemption Price, upon surrender of the certificates representing the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Corporation shall so require, and letters of transmittal and instructions therefor on reasonable terms are included in the notice sent by the Corporation); provided that payment of the Redemption Price for certificates (and accompanying documentation, if required) surrendered to the Corporation after 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Redemption Date may, at the Corporation’s option, be made on the Business Day immediately following the Redemption Date.

 

(ii) Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed on the Redemption Date will from and after such date, no longer be deemed to be outstanding; and all powers, designations, preferences and other rights of the holder thereof as a holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares (except the right to receive from the Corporation the applicable Redemption Price) shall cease and terminate with respect to such shares; provided, that in the event that a Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share is not redeemed due to a default in payment by the Corporation or because the Corporation is otherwise unable to pay the applicable Redemption Price in cash in full, such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share will remain outstanding and will be entitled to all of the powers, designations, preferences and other rights as provided herein.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding anything in this SECTION 7 to the contrary, each holder shall retain the right to convert Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed at any time on or prior to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares for which a holder delivers a conversion notice to the Corporation prior to the Redemption Date shall not be redeemed pursuant to this SECTION 7.

 

SECTION 8. Antitrust and Conversion Into Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares.

 

(a) If (i) the Corporation validly delivers a notice of conversion pursuant to SECTION 6(c) to the Investor or any Permitted Transferee at any time on and after the date hereof and (ii) the Investor or such Permitted Transferee would not be permitted to convert one or more of its Beneficially Owned Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares into Class A Shares because any applicable waiting period has not lapsed, or approval has not been obtained, under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or other applicable law, the Accretion Rate will decrease to 0% per annum following, and the Base Liquidation Preference per Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share will not increase during any period subsequent to, ten (10) Business Days following the date of such validly delivered notice.

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(b) With respect to any holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares other than the Investor or any Permitted Transferee, after receiving a notice of conversion pursuant to SECTION 6(c), any such holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares as to whom the relevant provisions of the following sentence are applicable may, at such holder’s option, convert Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares subject to such conversion at any time on or prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Conversion Date, as the case may be, specified in such notice into Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares to the extent necessary to address the conditions described in SECTION 8(c).

 

(c) (i) If any holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares would not be permitted to convert one or more of its Beneficially Owned Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares into Class A Shares due to the restrictions contained in SECTION 6(b) or (ii) if any holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares other than the Investor or any Permitted Transferee would not be permitted to convert one more of its Beneficially Owned Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares into Class A Shares (the shares described in clause (i) and (ii), the “Special Conversion Shares”) because any applicable waiting period has not lapsed, or approval has not been obtained, under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or other applicable law, then in each case each Special Conversion Share of such holder shall be converted into a number of Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares equal to the number of Class A Shares such holder would have received if such holder would have been permitted to convert such Special Conversion Shares into Class A Shares on the Conversion Date.

 

(d) As soon as practicable (and in any event within three (3) Business Days) after receipt of notice of either of the events described in SECTION 8(c), which notice shall include the amount of Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares to which such holder is entitled and the basis for such conversion into Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares, the Corporation shall (i) issue and deliver to such holder a certificate for the number of Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares, if any, to which such holder is entitled in exchange for the certificates formerly representing the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares and (ii) pay to such holder, to the extent of funds legally available therefor, all declared and unpaid Dividends on the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares that are being converted into Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares. Such conversion will be deemed to have been made on the Conversion Date, and the person entitled to receive the Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares on such Conversion Date. In case fewer than all of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares represented by any such certificate are to be converted into Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unconverted shares without cost to the holder thereof, except for any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due because any certificates for Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares or Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder. The Corporation shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares upon conversion or due upon the issuance of a new certificate for any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares not converted other than any such tax due because Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares or a certificate for Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder.

 

SECTION 9. Additional Definitions. For purposes of this Certificate of Designation, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)  A&R OpCo LLC Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of [MDC OpCo], dated as of [•], by and among [MDC OpCo] (“OpCo”) and its Members (as defined therein), as such agreement may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

(b) “Additional Rate” means an annual rate initially equal to 7.0% per annum, increasing by 1.0% on every anniversary of the occurrence of the Specified Event.

 

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(c)  Affiliate” means, with respect to any person, any other person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such specified person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation, its subsidiaries and its other controlled Affiliates shall not be considered Affiliates of the Investor.

 

(d)  “Beneficially Own,” “Beneficially Owned” or “Beneficial Ownership” has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act, except that for purposes hereof the words “within sixty days” in Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) shall not apply, to the effect that a person shall be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of a security if that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such security at any time. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes hereof, except where otherwise expressly provided herein, the Investor (or any other person) shall at all times be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership of Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares directly or indirectly held by them, irrespective of any applicable restrictions on transfer, conversion or voting.

 

(e)  Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

 

(f)   Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in New York City, New York.

 

(g) “Certificate of Designation” means the Certificate of Designation creating the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

(h) “Closing Price” of the Class A Shares on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as reported in composite transactions for the Exchange or, if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted for trading on an Exchange, as reported on the quotation system on which such security is quoted. If the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted for trading on an Exchange and not reported on a quotation system on the relevant date, the “closing price” will be the last quoted bid price for the Class A Shares in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or similar organization. If the Class A Shares are not so quoted, the last reported sale price will be the average of the mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for the Class A Shares on the relevant date from each of at least three (3) nationally recognized investment banking firms selected by the Corporation for this purpose.

 

(i)    “Common Shares” means the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares of the Corporation.

 

(j)   Common Unit” means a unit representing limited liability company interests in [MDC OpCo] and constituting a “Common Unit” as defined in the A&R OpCo Operating Agreement.

 

(k)  “control,” “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” with respect to any person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by contract or otherwise.

 

(l)  Convertible Security” means any debt or other evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Shares, including for the avoidance of doubt, but not limited to, the Common Units and the Class C Shares which are exchangeable for Class A Shares subject to the terms and conditions of the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement.

 

(m) Corporation” means [New MDC Inc.], a Delaware corporation.

 

(n) “Current Market Price” of Class A Shares on any day means the average of the Closing Prices per Class A Share for each of the five (5) consecutive Trading Days ending on the earlier of the day in question and the day before the Ex-Dividend Date with respect to the issuance or distribution requiring such computation.

 

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(o) “Dividend Payment Date” means (i) each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, or (ii) with respect to any Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share that is to be converted or redeemed, the Conversion Date or the Redemption Date, as applicable; provided that if any such Dividend Payment Date would otherwise occur on a day that is not a Business Day, such Dividend Payment Date shall instead be (and any dividend payable on Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares on such Dividend Date shall instead be payable on) the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

(p) “Dividend Period” means the period which commences on and includes a Dividend Payment Date (other than the initial Dividend Period which shall commence on and include the date on which the Specified Event occurs) pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of the definition of “Dividend Payment Date” and ends on and includes the calendar day next preceding the next Dividend Payment Date.

 

(q)  “Ex-Dividend Date” means, with respect to any issuance or distribution, the first date on which the Class A Shares trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such issuance or distribution.

 

(r)   Exchange” means Nasdaq and, if the Class A Shares are not then listed on Nasdaq, the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange or market on which the Class A Shares are then listed.

 

(s)  “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(t)  “Fair Market Value” of the Class A Shares or any other security or property means the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, which determination must be set forth in a written resolution of the Board of Directors, in accordance with the following rules: 

 

(i) for Class A Shares or other security traded or quoted on an Exchange, the Fair Market Value will be the average of the Closing Prices of such security on such Exchange over a ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period, ending on the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of determination; and

 

(ii) for any other property, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Board of Directors assuming a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction.

 

(u)  Fundamental Change” shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as any of the following events shall occur:

 

(i)                  any “person” or “group”, other than the Corporation, its Subsidiaries, any employee benefits plan of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries or Stagwell and its Permitted Transferees (as such term is defined in the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement), files, or is required by applicable law to file, a Schedule 13D or Schedule TO (or any successor schedule, form or report) pursuant to the Exchange Act, disclosing that such person has become the direct or indirect beneficial owner of shares with a majority of the total voting power of the Corporation’s outstanding Voting Stock; unless such beneficial ownership arises solely as a result of a revocable proxy delivered in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act;

 

(ii)                the Corporation or OpCo amalgamates, consolidates with or merges with or into another person (other than through a Permitted Transaction), or sells, conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of the consolidated properties and assets of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (excluding for purposes of the calculation non-controlling interests and third party minority interests) to any person (other than a Subsidiary of the Corporation or, with respect to OpCo, the Corporation) or any person amalgamates, consolidates with or merges with or into the Corporation or OpCo (other than through a Permitted Transaction);

 

(iii)              any transaction consummated by Stagwell which would qualify the Corporation for being deregistered under Section 12(b) and Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or which would result in Stagwell owning, directly or indirectly, 100% of the outstanding common equity interests of the Corporation; and

 

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(iv)               any transactions similar to those described in clause (iii) that materially and adversely impacts the liquidity of the Class A Shares as compared to the liquidity of the Class A Shares as of the date hereof.

 

(v) “group” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

 

(w) hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Certificate of Designation as a whole and not merely to any particular clause, provision, section or subsection.

 

(x)  “Investor” means Broad Street Principal Investments, L.L.C.

 

(y)  “Junior Securities” means the Common Shares and each other class or series of shares in the capital of the Corporation the terms of which do not expressly provide that they rank senior in preference or priority to or on parity, without preference or priority, with the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

(z)  Market Disruption Event” means, with respect to the Class A Shares, (i) a failure by the Exchange to open for trading during its regular trading session or (ii) the occurrence or existence for more than one half hour period in the aggregate on any scheduled Trading Day for the Class A Shares of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the Exchange, or otherwise) in the Class A Shares or in any options, contracts or future contracts relating to the Class A Shares, and such suspension or limitation occurs or exists at any time before 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such day.

 

(aa) Nasdaq” means The NASDAQ Global Market.

 

(bb)Original Purchase Price” means $[__] per Convertible Preferred Share.1

 

(cc) Parity Securities” means any shares in the capital of the Corporation the terms of which expressly provide that they will rank on parity, without preference or priority, with the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

(dd) Permitted Transactions” means an amalgamation, consolidation or merger (1) of the Corporation with or into a Subsidiary of the Corporation (including OpCo), (2) of a Subsidiary of the Corporation (including OpCo) with or into the Corporation, (3) of the Corporation with or into a person of which the Corporation is a Subsidiary, or of such person with or into the Corporation, or (4) in which (A) all of the persons that beneficially own the Voting Stock of the Corporation immediately prior to the transaction and Permitted Transferees (as such term is defined in the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement) own, directly or indirectly, shares with a majority of the total voting power of all outstanding Voting Stock of the surviving or transferee person immediately after the transaction in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Corporation’s Voting Stock immediately prior to the transaction or (B) with respect to OpCo, if persons that beneficially own the equity interests of OpCo immediately prior to the transaction and Permitted Transferees (as defined in the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement) own, directly or indirectly, a majority of the equity interests of OpCo immediately after the transaction in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of OpCo’s equity interests immediately prior to the transaction, in each case of the foregoing items (1) through (4) which does not result in any of the following:

 

 

1 Note to Draft: Original Purchase Price of the Series 8 to take into account the increase in the Base Liquidation Preference since the Series 4 issuance date through the last Quarterly Compounding Date prior to closing, as increased by the Accretion Rate from the most recent Quarterly Compounding Date to the date of the Series 8 Original Issuance Date, as increased by the Accretion Rate from the most recent Quarterly Compounding Date to the date of the Series 8 Original Issuance Date plus any accrued but unpaid Dividends with respect thereto, of the New MDC Series 4 Preferred as of the most recent Quarterly Compounding Date.

 

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(i)                 any of the items set forth in Section 4(b) with respect to which the approval of the holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares is required;

 

(ii)                the conversion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares into cash, stock or other property, or the right to receive cash, stock or property, or some combination thereof; other than conversion, in a transaction as described in clause (dd)(4) above, of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares into a series of preferred shares having the same rights, preferences and privileges as the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares; or

 

(iii)              the cancellation of such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares.

 

(ee)  Permitted Transferee” means any holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares who received such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares in a Permitted Transfer (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement), provided that such holder agrees, for the benefit of the Corporation, to comply with Section 4.05 of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

(ff) “person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, limited or general partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government, any agency or political subdivisions thereof or other “person” as contemplated by Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

(gg) Qualifying Transaction” means a Fundamental Change

 

(i)                 with regard to which the holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares is entitled to receive, directly or indirectly, in respect of its Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, in connection with the consummation of such transaction (including, but not limited to, pursuant to the conversion of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares (without regard to limitations or restrictions on conversion) or the purchase or exchange of such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares in a tender or exchange offer), consideration consisting solely of cash, equity securities that are immediately tradable on a national securities exchange and that have (or the equity securities of the predecessor of the issuer of such equity securities have) an average trading volume per trading day over the thirty (30) trading days preceding public announcement of such transaction at least equal to that of the Class A Shares over the thirty (30) trading days preceding public announcement of such transaction, or a combination of cash and such equity consideration (collectively, “qualifying consideration”), which qualifying consideration is in an amount per outstanding Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share that is at least equal to the Base Liquidation Preference of such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Share plus all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon (with the value of any non-cash consideration being the Fair Market Value of such non-cash consideration at the time of signing of the definitive transaction agreement for the applicable transaction) or

 

(ii)                that is otherwise consented to by the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares.

 

(hh) Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(ii)    “Securities Purchase Agreement” means that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017, between the MDC Partners Inc. and the Investor.

 

(jj)  “Senior Securities” means any shares in the capital of the Corporation the terms of which expressly provide that they will rank senior in preference or priority to the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

(kk)Series 8 Original Issuance Date” means [  ]2.

 

 

2 Note to Draft: To be two business days after the Stagwell Contribution, and concurrently with the redemption of the Series 4.

 

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(ll)  “Series 9 Alternative Preference Shares” means the Series 9 Convertible Preferred Shares authorized by the Corporation concurrently with the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares.

 

(mm) share capital” means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether voting or non-voting) of capital, partnership interests (whether general or limited) or equivalent ownership interests in or issued by such person, and with respect to the Corporation includes, without limitation, any and all Common Shares and the Preference Shares.

 

(nn) Specified Event” means the tenth (10th) Business Day after the consummation of a Fundamental Change that does not constitute a Qualifying Transaction.

 

(oo) Stagwell” means Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

 

(pp)  “Subsidiary” means with respect to any person, any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by, or, in the case of a partnership, the sole general partner or the managing partner or the only general partners of which are, such person and one or more Subsidiaries of such person (or a combination thereof). Unless otherwise specified, “Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Corporation.

 

(qq)  “Trading Day” means any day on which (i) there is no Market Disruption Event and (ii) the Exchange is open for trading or, if the Class A Shares are not so listed, admitted for trading or quoted, any Business Day. A Trading Day only includes those days that have a scheduled closing time of 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) or the then standard closing time for regular trading on the relevant Exchange.

 

(rr) “Voting Stock” means the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares, the Class C Shares and securities of any class or kind ordinarily having the power to vote generally for the election of directors of the Board of Directors of the Corporation or its successor.

 

(ss) Each of the following terms is defined in the Section set forth opposite such term:

 

 Term   Section
Accretion Rate   SECTION 3(b)
Additional Class A Shares   SECTION 6(f)(v)(B)
Additional Dividends   SECTION 2(b)(i)
Aggregate Amount   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Base Liquidation Preference   SECTION 3(b)
Class A Equivalents   SECTION 6(f)(v)(B)
Class A Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class A Shares Outstanding   SECTION 6(f)(ii)
Class B Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class C Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Conversion Amount   SECTION 6(a)
Conversion Date   SECTION 6(a)
Conversion Price   SECTION 6(a)
Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares   Preamble
Disposition Event   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Dividends   SECTION 2(b)(i)
Expiration Date   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Expiration Time   SECTION 6(f)(iii)(A)
Liquidation Preference   SECTION 3(a)
Maximum Voting Power   SECTION 3(b)
Participating Dividends   SECTION 2(a)
Preference Shares   Preamble
Purchased Shares   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
qualifying consideration   SECTION 9(gg)
Quarterly Compounding Date   SECTION 3(b)
Redemption Date   SECTION 7(a)(i)
Redemption Notice   SECTION 7(a)(ii)
Redemption Price   SECTION 7(a)(i)
Reference Property   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Rights Trigger   SECTION 6(f)(xii)
Special Conversion Shares   SECTION 8(c)

 

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SECTION 10. Miscellaneous. For purposes of this Certificate of Designation, the following provisions shall apply:

 

(a) Withholding Tax. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Designation, the Corporation may deduct or withhold from any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery (whether in cash or in shares) to be made pursuant to this Certificate of Designation any amounts required or permitted by law to be deducted or withheld from any such payment, distribution, issuance or delivery and shall remit any such amounts to the relevant tax authority as required. If the cash component of any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery to be made pursuant to this Certificate of Designation is less than the amount that the Corporation is so required or permitted to deduct or withhold, the Corporation shall be permitted to deduct and withhold from any noncash payment, distribution, issuance or delivery to be made pursuant to this Certificate of Designation any amounts required or permitted by law to be deducted or withheld from any such payment, distribution, issuance or delivery and to dispose of such property in order to remit any amount required to be remitted to any relevant tax authority. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the amount of any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery made to a holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares pursuant to this Certificate of Designation shall be considered to be the amount of the payment, distribution, issuance or delivery received by such holder plus any amount deducted or withheld pursuant to this SECTION 10. In the absence of any such deduction or withholding by the Corporation, and unless agreed otherwise by the Corporation in writing, holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares shall be responsible for all withholding taxes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Tax Code”) in respect of any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery made or credited to them pursuant to this Certificate of Designation and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Corporation on an after-tax basis (for this purpose, having regard only to taxes for which the Corporation is liable under the Tax Code for any such taxes imposed on any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery made or credited to them pursuant to this Certificate of Designation.

 

(b) Wire or Electronic Transfer of Funds. Notwithstanding any other right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares, the Corporation may, at its option, make any payment due to registered holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares by way of a wire or electronic transfer of funds to such holders. If a payment is made by way of a wire or electronic transfer of funds, the Corporation shall be responsible for any applicable charges or fees relating to the making of such transfer. As soon as practicable following the determination by the Corporation that a payment is to be made by way of a wire or electronic transfer of funds, the Corporation shall provide a notice to the applicable registered holders of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares at their respective addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation. Such notice shall request that each applicable registered holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares provide the particulars of an account of such holder with a chartered bank in the United States to which the wire or electronic transfer of funds shall be directed. If the Corporation does not receive account particulars from a registered holder of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares prior to the date such payment is to be made, the Corporation shall deposit the funds otherwise payable to such holder in a special account or accounts in trust for such holder. The making of a payment by way of a wire or electronic transfer of funds or the deposit by the Corporation of funds otherwise payable to a holder in a special account or accounts in trust for such holder shall be deemed to constitute payment by the Corporation on the date thereof and shall satisfy and discharge all liabilities of the Corporation for such payment to the extent of the amount represented by such transfer or deposit.

 

(c) Amendments. The terms of the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Shares may be altered, modified, amended, supplemented or repealed with such approval as may then be required by this Certificate of Designation and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

(d) U.S. Currency. Unless otherwise stated, all references herein to sums of money are expressed in lawful money of the United States.

  

[Rest of page intentionally left blank.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, a duly authorized officer of the Corporation, has executed this Certificate of Designation this [__] day of [____________,] 2021.

 

  [NEW MDC INC.]
   
  By:                    
  Name:
  Title:

 

23

 

Exhibit 2.3

 

July 8, 2021

Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC

1808 I Street, NW, 6th Floor

Washington DC 20006

 

Re:       MDC Partners Inc. (the “Company”) – Series 6 Convertible Preferred Shares

 

This letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) is made in reference to: (a) the articles of amendment designating the Series 6 convertible preference shares (the “Preferred Shares”) in the capital of the Company (the “Articles of Amendment”) filed by the Company on March 14, 2019 under the Canada Business Corporations Act, (b) the securities purchase agreement between the Company and Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC (the “Holder”) dated March 14, 2019 (the “SPA”), and (c) the Letter Agreement between the Company and the Holder, dated as of December 21, 2020 (the “Transaction Consent”). Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Letter Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Articles of Amendment.

 

1.      Consent and Waiver. Provided that both (i) the Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020 (as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 dated as of June 4, 2021, and that certain Amendment No. 2 dated as of July 8, 2021, the “Transaction Agreement”), by and among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership, the Company, New MDC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“New MDC”) and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of New MDC, and (ii) the Ancillary Agreements (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) remain in substantially the same form as of the date hereof, without waiver, modification or amendment of any term, condition or agreement that has a material and adverse impact on the Holder, solely in its capacity as the holder of all of the issued and outstanding Preferred Shares, the Holder hereby: (A) ratifies in all respects the Holder’s consent pursuant to the Transaction Consent to the Company’s entry into the Transaction Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (collectively, the “Contemplated Stagwell Transaction”) for all purposes pursuant to the Articles of Amendment and the SPA; (B) agrees to execute and deliver to the Company the formal shareholder consent in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A; (C) agrees that it shall, at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company, duly called for purposes of approving the Contemplated Stagwell Transaction, appear at such meeting in person or by proxy or otherwise cause the Preferred Shares to be counted as present thereat for purpose of establishing a quorum and vote, or cause to be voted at such meeting, all of the Preferred Shares in favor of the Contemplated Stagwell Transaction, and (D) waives and releases any and all rights of dissent or appraisal under the Delaware General Corporation Law in connection with the MDC Merger (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) (the foregoing (A) – (D), the “Consent and Waiver”).

 

2.      Amendment to the Certificate of Designation. In connection with the Consent and Waiver, on the second business day following the Closing (as defined below) (the “Preferred Closing Date”):

 

(a)   the Company shall, and shall cause New MDC to, as applicable, (i) execute and deliver to the Holder the amendment to the SPA in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “SPA Amendment”), and (ii) file with the Delaware Secretary of State the certificate of designation for the Series 6 Convertible Preferred Stock of New MDC in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C; and

 

 

 

 

(b)   the Holder shall execute and deliver to New MDC (i) the SPA Amendment and (ii) the formal shareholder consent in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.

 

3.      Conditions Precedent. The obligations set forth in section 2 of this Letter Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the consummation of the Contemplated Stagwell Transaction (such consummation, the “Closing”).

 

4.      Further Assurances. Each of the Company and the Holder shall and shall cause its respective Affiliates to, from time to time at the request of the other party hereto, furnish such other party such further information or assurances, execute and deliver such additional documents, instruments and conveyances, and take such other actions and do such other things, as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to carry out the provisions of this Letter Agreement and give effect to the transactions contemplated hereby (the “Transactions”).

 

5.      Miscellaneous.

 

(a)   THIS LETTER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OR CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THE LAWS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO ARE MANDATORILY APPLICABLE. All actions arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Letter Agreement or any of the Transactions shall be heard and determined exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Chancery Court”) and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (or if, but only if, the Chancery Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located in the State of Delaware and any appellate court therefrom). Each of the Company and the Holder (i) irrevocably submits itself to the personal jurisdiction of the Chancery Court or, if, but only if, the Chancery Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located in the State of Delaware and any appellate court therefrom with respect to any dispute arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Letter Agreement or any of the Transactions, (ii) irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert by way of motion, defense or otherwise, in any action or proceeding arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Letter Agreement or any of the Transactions, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the action or proceeding arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Letter Agreement or any of the Transactions is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the action or proceeding arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Letter Agreement or any of the Transactions is improper, or that this Letter Agreement or any of the Transactions may not be enforced in or by the above-named courts, (iii) agrees that it will not bring any action arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Letter Agreement or any of the Transactions in any court other than the courts of the State of Delaware, as described above, and (iv) agrees to service of process in the manner set forth in Section 6.02 of the SPA. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent any party from bringing an action or proceeding in any jurisdiction to enforce any judgment of the Chancery Court or any other state or federal court located in the State of Delaware or any appellate court therefrom, as applicable.

 

2 

 

 

(b)   Each of the Company and the Holder agrees that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Letter Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached and that monetary damages, even if available, would be not be an adequate remedy therefor. Each party agrees that, in the event of any breach or threatened breach by any other party of any covenant or obligation contained in this Letter Agreement, the non-breaching party shall be entitled, prior to the valid termination of this Letter Agreement (in addition to any other remedy that may be available to it whether in law or equity, including monetary damages), to (i) a decree or order of specific performance to enforce the observance and performance of such covenant or obligation, and (ii) an injunction restraining such breach or threatened breach, in each case, without the posting of any bond or other security.

 

(c)   This Letter Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, and delivered by means of electronic mail transmission or otherwise, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. This Letter Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Company’s successors and assigns and the Holder’s successor and assigns and no other person; provided that neither party may assign its respective rights or delegate its respective obligations under this Letter Agreement, whether by operation of law or otherwise and any assignment by the Company or the Holder in contravention hereof shall be null and void; provided further that no transaction contemplated by the Transaction Agreement shall be deemed to be an assignment by the Company of its rights hereunder.

 

(d)   If any provision of this Letter Agreement shall be held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any applicable Law, then such contravention or invalidity shall not invalidate the entire Letter Agreement. Such provision shall be deemed to be modified to the extent necessary to render it legal, valid and enforceable, and if no such modification shall render it legal, valid and enforceable, then this Letter Agreement shall be construed as if not containing the provision held to be invalid, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be construed and enforced accordingly.

 

(e)   This Letter Agreement (including the exhibits hereto) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings (both written and oral), between the Company and the Holder with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

[Signature Pages Follow.]

 

3 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

  MDC PARTNERS INC.
   
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto
    Name: Frank Lanuto
    Title: Chief Financial Officer
   
  STAGWELL AGENCY HOLDINGS LLC, as Holder
   
  By: THE STAGWELL GROUP LLC, its Manager
   
  By: /s/ Mark Penn 
    Name: Mark Penn
    Title: Manager

 

[Signature Page to Amendment No. 1 to Stagwell Letter Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Shareholder Consent

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A 

 

ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

 

July 8, 2021

 

The undersigned holder (the “Shareholder”) of all of the Series 6 convertible preference shares (“Series 6 Shares”) of MDC Partners Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Canada (the “Corporation”), hereby consents to and adopts the following resolutions by written consent (this “Consent”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in that certain Series 6 Articles of Amendment (as defined below).

 

WHEREAS, on December 21, 2020, the Corporation entered into a Transaction Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A, by and among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell”), the Corporation, New MDC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (“New MDC”) and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of New MDC, as amended by that certain (i) Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 4, 2021, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and (ii) Amendment No. 2, dated as of the date hereof, attached hereto as Exhibit C (including the exhibits and schedules thereto, the “Transaction Agreement”, and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the “Transactions”);

 

WHEREAS, on July 8, 2021, the Corporation and the Shareholder entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, among other things, the Corporation shall change its jurisdiction of organization from the federal jurisdiction of Canada to the State of Delaware, and, subsequently, will effect a business combination with the subsidiaries of Stagwell that own and operate a portfolio of marketing services companies;

 

Consent

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Shareholder are party to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”), dated as of March 14, 2019;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the SPA, the Shareholder purchased 50,000 Series 6 Shares having the terms set forth in the articles of amendment designating the Series 6 Shares (the “Series 6 Articles of Amendment”), dated as of March 14, 2019;

 

WHEREAS, the Transactions constitute a Fundamental Change pursuant to the SPA and the Series 6 Articles of Amendment;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4.12 of the SPA, the Corporation has agreed that it shall not become party to a transaction that constitutes a Fundamental Change other than a Qualifying Transaction;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the SPA and the Series 6 Articles of Amendment, a Qualifying Transaction is a Fundamental Change that (i) with regard to which the holder of Series 6 Shares is entitled to receive, directly or indirectly, in respect of its Series 6 Shares, in connection with the consummation of such transaction (including pursuant to the conversion of the Series 6 Shares (without regard to limitations or restrictions on conversion) or the purchase or exchange of such Series 6 Shares in a tender or exchange offer), consideration consisting solely of cash, equity securities that are immediately tradable on a national securities exchange and that have (or the equity securities of the predecessor of the issuer of such equity securities have) an average trading volume per trading day over the thirty (30) trading days preceding public announcement of such transaction at least equal to that of the Class A Shares over the thirty (30) trading days preceding public announcement of such transaction, or a combination of cash and such equity consideration (collectively, “qualifying consideration”), which qualifying consideration is in an amount per outstanding Series 6 Share that is at least equal to the Base Liquidation Preference of such Series 6 Share plus all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon (with the value of any non-cash consideration being the Fair Market Value of such non-cash consideration at the time of signing of the definitive transaction agreement for the applicable transaction) or (ii) that is otherwise consented to by the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding Series 6 Shares;

 

 

 

 

WHEREAS, the Transactions do not constitute a Qualifying Transaction under clause (i) of the definition thereof under the terms of the SPA or the Series 6 Articles of Amendment; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Letter Agreement, the Shareholder consented to the Corporation’s entry into the Transaction Agreement and the Transactions for all purposes pursuant to the Series 6 Articles of Amendment and the SPA and confirmed that the Transactions shall be a “Fundamental Change” as defined in the SPA but shall not be a “Specified Event” or a “Qualifying Transaction” for purposes of the SPA or the Series 6 Articles of Amendment, and the Shareholder wishes to reaffirm such consent and confirmation.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Shareholder hereby reaffirms that it consents to the Corporation’s entry into the Transaction Agreement and the Transactions for all purposes pursuant to the Series 6 Articles of Amendment and the SPA and reaffirms that the Transactions shall be a “Fundamental Change” as defined in the SPA but shall not be a “Specified Event” or a “Qualifying Transaction” for purposes of the SPA or the Series 6 Articles of Amendment.

 

Conversion Price Adjustment

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the SPA and Section 5(f)(v) of the Series 6 Articles of Amendment, in the event the Corporation at any time after the Series 6 Original Issuance Date, while the Series 6 Shares are outstanding, issues Additional Class A Shares, without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the applicable Conversion Price such Conversion Price shall be subject to the adjustment as set forth in the SPA and the Series 6 Articles of Amendment.

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the SPA and Section 5(f)(ix) of the Series 6 Articles of Amendment, the Shareholder may agree that no adjustment is to be made to the Conversion Price as a result of a particular issuance of Class A Shares or other dividend or other distribution on Class A Shares;

 

WHEREAS, the Shareholder desires this Consent to constitute such a waiver pursuant to the SPA and Series 6 Articles of Amendment with respect to the Transactions.

 

 

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, pursuant to the SPA and Section 5(f)(ix) of the Series 6 Articles of Amendment, the Shareholder hereby agrees that no adjustment (other than as set forth in this Consent) is to be made to the Conversion Price as a result of the Transactions other than as contemplated by the Letter Agreement and that this Consent constitutes a waiver as contemplated by the SPA and Section 5(f)(ix) of Series 6 Articles of Amendment.

 

Base Liquidation Preference

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Shareholder agree that there shall be no adjustment to the Base Liquidation Preference in connection with the Transactions.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, notwithstanding any provisions in the SPA and the Series 6 Articles of Amendment to the contrary, Shareholder hereby agrees that the Base Liquidation Preference shall not be amended other than as expressly contemplated by the Letter Agreement.

 

Disposition Event

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the SPA and Section 5(f)(iv) of the Series 6 Articles of Amendment, the Transactions would constitute a Disposition Event, and as a result the Series 6 Shares would thus be entitled to Reference Property received upon the occurrence of such Disposition Event by a holder of Class A Shares holding, immediately prior to the Transactions, a number of Class A Shares equal to the Conversion Amount.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in the SPA or the Series 6 Articles of Amendment, the Shareholder hereby agrees that the Transactions shall not constitute a Disposition Event.

 

General

 

RESOLVED, that the Shareholder hereby waives any rights to receive notice and other procedural requirements the undersigned might be entitled to in connection with the SPA or the Series 6 Articles of Amendment, including as set forth in the SPA and Section 5(g)(v) of Series 6 Articles of Amendment;

 

RESOLVED, that the Shareholder hereby waives any right to appraisal or dissent rights in connection with the Transactions under any applicable law, including the Canada Business Corporations Act and the Delaware General Corporation Law or any similar rights that the Shareholder may have in connection with the Transactions;

 

 

 

 

RESOLVED, that the officers of the Corporation be, and each of them hereby is, authorized, empowered and directed to take such further action and to execute, make oath to, acknowledge and deliver, from time to time in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, such other agreements, instruments, certificates or documents and to do or cause to be done any and all such other acts and things as such officers may, in their sole discretion, deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in order to carry out the intent of the foregoing resolutions, the take of such actions to be conclusive evidence that the same have been authorized and approved by the shareholders of the Corporation; and

 

RESOLVED FURTHER, that all acts and things previously done and performed (or caused to be done and performed) in the name and on behalf of the Corporation prior to the date hereof in furtherance of any of the foregoing resolutions and the transactions contemplated therein be, and the same hereby are, ratified, confirmed and approved.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

 

 

This action by written consent may be executed in counterparts, either via written signature or consent via electronic mail, and signature pages may be delivered by facsimile, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument. This action by written consent shall apply to all shares of the Corporation held by the undersigned.

 

STOCKHOLDER:  
   
Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC, as Holder  
   
By: The Stagwell Group LLC, its Manager  
   
   
Signature of Stockholder  
   
   
Title of Signatory  
   
Date:    

 

 

 

  

Exhibit B

 

Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement

 

 

 

 

Exhibit B

 

AMENDMENT TO SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below), dated as of [●], 2021 (this “Amendment”), is by and between Stagwell Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with any successor or assign pursuant to Section 6.07 of the Purchase Agreement (as defined below), the “Company”), as successor to and assignee of Midas OpCo LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“OpCo”), and Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together with its successors and any Purchaser Affiliate or Purchaser Related Fund that becomes a party to the Purchase Agreement in accordance with Section 4.02 and Section 6.07 thereof, the “Purchaser”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined where used shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Purchase Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation, (“MDC”) and the Purchaser are parties to the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2019 (as in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness of this Amendment, the “Purchase Agreement”) by means of which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Purchaser purchased from MDC, and MDC issued and sold to the Purchaser, 14,285,714 class A common shares and 50,000 Series 6 convertible preference shares in the capital of MDC;

 

WHEREAS, on December 21, 2020, MDC entered into a Transaction Agreement (as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 4, 2021, and that certain Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 8, 2021, the “Transaction Agreement”), by and among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell”), MDC, New MDC LLC and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company;

 

WHEREAS, prior to the date hereof, MDC domesticated as a Delaware corporation and then converted into a Delaware limited liability company and changed its name to Midas OpCo LLC;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (the “Transactions”), among other things, (i) each holder of Class A common shares, Class B common shares, Series 4 convertible preference shares and Series 6 convertible preference shares of MDC received an equivalent number of shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Series 4 convertible preferred stock, or Series 6 convertible preferred stock, respectively, of the Company, (ii) the Company issued a number of shares of Class C common stock to Stagwell and (iii) as a result of the actions in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), Stagwell holds a majority of the total voting power of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties desire to effect the assignment of the Purchase Agreement from OpCo to the Company and to amend the Purchase Agreement as set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company, OpCo and the Purchaser, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

a. Section 6.07 shall be amended to add the following sentence at the end of such Section:

 

“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company may assign this Agreement with the prior written consent of Purchaser.”

 

b. Pursuant to Section 6.07 of the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby and with the consent of Purchaser, OpCo hereby assigns, and the Company hereby accepts, the Purchase Agreement (as amended by this Amendment) to the Company and from and after the date hereof the provisions of the Purchase Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company, as assignee of OpCo, and the Company shall assume all of the OpCo’s rights and obligations under the Purchase Agreement.

 

 

 

 

c. The following definition of “Certificate of Designation” is hereby added after the definition of “CBCA” and before the definition of “Change in Control”:

 

Certificate of Designation” means both (a) the certificate of designation designating the Series 6 Preferred Shares (the “Series 6 Certificate of Designation”), and (b) the certificate of designation designating the Alternative Preference Shares (the “Series 7 Certificate of Designation”) in substantially the form attached as Exhibit A to the Amendment.

 

d. With the exception of the references in the definition of “Convertible Preference Shares” and Article III, each reference to the “Series 6 Articles of Amendment” shall be replaced with “Series 6 Certificate of Designation”.

 

e. Each reference to “Series 7 Articles of Amendment” shall be replaced with “Series 7 Certificate of Designation”.

 

f. With the exception of the references in Article III, each reference to the “Articles of Amendment” shall be replaced with “Certificate of Designation”.

 

g. The following definition of “Series 6 Preferred Shares” is hereby added after the definition of “Selling Holders” and before the definition of “Shares”:

 

Series 6 Preferred Shares” means the shares of series 6 convertible preferred stock in the Company having the terms set forth in the Series 6 Certificate of Designation.

 

h. With the exception of the references in Article II, Article III and the first sentence of Section 4.04, all references to “Preferred Shares” shall be replaced with “Series 6 Preferred Shares” in each instance where they appear in the Purchase Agreement.

 

i. The sentence “The Purchaser is not resident in any jurisdiction of Canada, and is a non-resident of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)” in Section 3.02(d)(i) is removed and replaced with the following:

 

“The Purchaser is a United States Person as defined in section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.”

 

j. Section 4.06 is hereby amended to include the following as a new subsection (h):

 

“(h) For the avoidance of doubt, if and solely to the extent that this Section 4.06 is in conflict with or is inconsistent with the Transaction Agreement (as defined above), the terms of the Transaction Agreement shall supersede and control.”

 

k. The penultimate sentence in Section 4.07 is hereby deleted.

 

l. Sections 4.14 and 4.15 are hereby amended and restated as follows:

 

Section 4.14. [RESERVED]

 

 

 

 

Section 4.15. [RESERVED]

 

m. The following definition of “Class C Shares” is hereby added after the definition of “Class B Shares” and before the definition of “Closing”:

 

Class C Shares” means Class C Shares of the Company.

 

n. The definition of “Company Common Shares” is hereby amended and restated as follows:

 

Company Common Shares” means the common shares of the Company outstanding from time to time, including the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares.

 

o. The following definition of “New MDC” is hereby added after the definition of “NASDAQ” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

New MDC” means Stagwell Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with any successor or assign pursuant to Section 6.07 of this Agreement).

 

p. The following definition of “New MDC Class A Shares” is hereby added after the new definition of “New MDC” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

New MDC Class A Shares” means the shares of Class A common stock of New MDC.

 

q. With the exception of the references in the definition of “Class A Shares,” the definition of “Material Adverse Effect,” Article II, Article III and the first sentence of Section 4.04, all references to “Class A Shares” shall be replaced with “New MDC Class A Shares” in each instance where they appear in the Purchase Agreement.

 

r. The following definition of “New MDC Class B Shares” is hereby added after the new definition of “New MDC Class A Shares” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

New MDC Class B Shares” means the shares of Class B common stock of New MDC.

 

s. With the exception of the references in the definition of “Class B Shares” and Article III, all references to “Class B Shares” shall be replaced with “New MDC Class B Shares” in each instance where they appear in the Purchase Agreement.

 

t. The following definition of “New MDC Class C Shares” is hereby added after the new definition of “New MDC Class B Shares” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

New MDC Class C Shares” means the shares of Class C common stock of New MDC.

 

u. The following definition of “New MDC Common Shares” is hereby added after the new definition of “New MDC Class C Shares” and before the definition of “Offer Notice”:

 

New MDC Common Shares” means the shares of common stock of New MDC outstanding from time to time, including the New MDC Class A Shares, the New MDC Class B Shares and the New MDC Class C Shares.

 

v. With the exception of the references in Article III, all references to “Company Common Shares” shall be replaced with “New MDC Common Shares” in each instance where they appear in the Purchase Agreement.

 

 

 

 

w. Section 6.02(b) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

“(b) If to Stagwell Inc., to:

 

Stagwell Inc.
One World Trade Center, Floor 65
New York, NY 10007
Attention: David Ross
Email: DRoss@mdc-partners.com

 

and:

 

With a copy (which shall not constitute actual or constructive notice) to:

 

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
One Liberty Plaza
New York, NY 10006
Attention: Kimberly Spoerri
Email: kspoerri@cgsh.com”

 

x. Ratification of Agreement. Except as expressly provided in this Amendment, all of the terms, covenants, and other provisions of the Purchase Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall continue to be in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms. From and after the date hereof, all references to the Purchase Agreement shall refer to the Purchase Agreement as amended by this Amendment and each reference in the Purchase Agreement to the “date hereof” or the “date of this Agreement” shall be deemed to refer to March 14, 2019.

 

y. Effectiveness; No Waiver. This Amendment shall become effective as of the date first written above. The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of any party under the Agreement (including, without limitation, in respect of any breach of the Agreement occurring prior to or existing as of the date hereof) or any other document, instrument or agreement executed in connection therewith, nor constitute a waiver of any provision contained therein, except as specifically set forth herein.

 

z. Miscellaneous. The provisions of Article VI (Miscellaneous) (other than Section 6.01 and the proviso of Section 6.06) of the Purchase Agreement, as amended pursuant to this Amendment, shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Amendment.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment has been executed by the parties hereto or by their respective duly authorized officers, all as of the date first above written.

 

  Midas Opco LLC
       
  By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

 

  Stagwell Inc.
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
 

 

 

Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC

     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

 

 

  

Exhibit C

 

Certificate of Designation of Series 6 Convertible Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

Exhibit C

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

DESIGNATION
OF
SERIES 6 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
STAGWELL INC.

 

SECTION 1.        Designation and Amount. The designation of this series of Preferred Stock is “Series 6 Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Series 6 Preferred Shares”), no par value, and the number of shares constituting such series is Fifty Thousand (50,000). Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, such number of shares may be increased or decreased by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares of Series 6 Preferred Shares to less than the number of shares then issued and outstanding plus the number of shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding rights, options or warrants or upon conversion of outstanding securities issued by the Corporation.

 

SECTION 2. Dividends.

 

(a)          Participating Dividends.

 

(i)          Each holder of issued and outstanding Series 6 Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends for each Series 6 Preferred Share, dividends of the same type as any dividends or other distribution, whether in cash, in kind or in other property, payable or to be made on outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Shares of the Corporation (the “Class A Shares”), in an amount equal to the amount of such dividends or other distribution as would be made on the number of Class A Shares into which such Series 6 Preferred Shares could be converted on the applicable record date for such dividends or other distribution on the Class A Shares, without giving effect to the limitations set forth in SECTION 6(b) after aggregating all shares held by the same holder (the “Participating Dividends”) and disregarding any rounding for fractional amounts; provided, however, that notwithstanding the above, the holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or distributions for which an adjustment to the Conversion Price (as defined below) shall be made pursuant to SECTION 6(f)(i)(A) or SECTION 6(f)(ii) (and such dividends or distributions that are not payable to the holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares as a result of this proviso shall not be deemed to be Participating Dividends).

 

(ii)         Participating Dividends are payable at the same time as and when such dividends or other distributions on the Class A Shares are paid to the holders of Class A Shares and are payable to holders of record of Series 6 Preferred Shares on the record date for the corresponding dividend or distribution on the Class A Shares.

 

(b)          Additional Dividends.

 

(i)          Following the occurrence of a Specified Event, each holder of issued and outstanding Series 6 Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends for each Series 6 Preferred Share, with respect to each Dividend Period, dividends at a rate per annum equal to the Additional Rate multiplied by the Base Liquidation Preference per Series 6 Preferred Share (the “Additional Dividends” and, together with Participating Dividends, the “Dividends”). Any Additional Dividends payable pursuant to this SECTION 2(b) shall be in addition to any Participating Dividends, as applicable, payable pursuant to SECTION 2(a) hereof.

 

 

 

 

(ii)         Additional Dividends will accrue on a daily basis and be cumulative from the date on which a Specified Event occurs and are payable in arrears on each Dividend Payment Date.

 

(iii)        Additional Dividends in respect of any Dividend Period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The amount of Additional Dividends payable for any Dividend Period shorter or longer than a full quarterly Dividend Period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

(iv)        Additional Dividends that are declared and payable on a Dividend Payment Date will be paid to the holders of record of Series 6 Preferred Shares as they appear in the records of the Corporation at the close of business on the 15th day of the calendar month prior to the month in which the applicable Dividend Payment Date falls, provided that Additional Dividends payable upon redemption or conversion of Series 6 Preferred Shares will be payable to the holder of record on the Redemption Date or the Conversion Date, as applicable. Any payment of an Additional Dividend will first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid Additional Dividend due with respect to each share that remains payable.

 

(v)         Additional Dividends are payable only in cash. Additional Dividends will accrue and cumulate whether or not the Corporation has earnings or profits, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of Additional Dividends and whether or not Additional Dividends are declared.

 

(vi)        After a Specified Event has occurred and while any Series 6 Preferred Shares remain outstanding, unless all Additional Dividends accrued to the end of all completed Dividend Periods have been paid in full, neither the Corporation nor any of its subsidiaries may (A) declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividends or distributions on any Junior Securities or (B) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Junior Securities.

 

(vii)       The provisions of SECTION 2(b)(vi) shall not prohibit:

 

(A) the repurchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of vested or unvested Common Shares held by any future, present or former officer, director, employee, manager or consultant (or their respective permitted transferees) of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation pursuant to any equity incentive grant, plan, program or arrangement, any severance agreement or any stock subscription or equityholder agreement, in each case solely to the extent required by the terms thereof;

 

(B) payments made or expected to be made by the Corporation in respect of withholding or similar taxes payable in connection with the exercise or vesting of Common Shares or Class A Equivalents (as defined below) by any future, present or former officer, director, employee, manager or consultant (or their respective permitted transferees) of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation and repurchases or withholdings of Common Shares or Class A Equivalents in connection with any exercise or vesting of Common Shares or Class A Equivalents if such Common Shares or Class A Equivalents represent all or a portion of the exercise price of, or withholding obligation with respect to, such Common Shares or Class A Equivalents;

 

C-2

 

 

(C) cash payments made in lieu of issuing fractional Common Shares in connection with the exercise or vesting of Common Shares or Class A Equivalents;

 

(D) payments arising from agreements of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation providing for adjustment of purchase price, deferred consideration, earn outs or similar obligations, in each case incurred in connection with the purchase or investment by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation of or in assets or capital stock of a third party; or

 

(E) payments or distributions made pursuant to any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or pursuant to any decree or order for relief or made by any custodian of the Corporation in connection with any voluntary case or proceeding under Title 11 of the U.S. Code or any similar federal, state or non-U.S. law for the relief of debtors.

  

(c)          The Corporation shall pay Dividends (less any tax required to be deducted and withheld by the Corporation), except in case of redemption or conversion in which case payment of Dividends shall be made on surrender of the certificate, if any, representing the Series 6 Preferred Shares to be redeemed or converted, by electronic funds transfer or by sending to each holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares a check for such Dividends payable to the order of such holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the order of all such holders failing written instructions from them to the contrary or in such other manner, not contrary to applicable law, as the Corporation shall reasonably determine. The making of such payment or the posting or delivery of such check on or before the date on which such Dividend is to be paid to a holder shall be deemed to be payment and shall satisfy and discharge all liabilities for the payment of such Dividends to the extent of the sum represented thereby (plus the amount of any tax required to be and in fact deducted and withheld by the Corporation from the related Dividends as aforesaid and remitted to the proper taxing authority) unless such check is not honored when presented for payment. Subject to applicable law, Dividends which are represented by a check which has not been presented to the Corporation’s bankers for payment or that otherwise remain unclaimed for a period of six years from the date on which they were declared to be payable shall be forfeited to the Corporation.

 

(d)          Holders of the Series 6 Preferred Shares are not entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, in kind or other property, in excess of the Participating Dividends and, if applicable, the Additional Dividends, as provided in this SECTION 2.

 

C-3

 

 

SECTION 3.        Liquidation Preference.

 

(a)          Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, each Series 6 Preferred Share entitles the holder thereof to receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution, before any distribution or payment may be made to a holder of any Class A Shares, any Class B Shares of the Corporation (the “Class B Shares”), any Class C Shares of the Corporation (“Class C Shares”) or any other shares ranking junior as to capital to the Series 6 Preferred Shares, an amount per Series 6 Preferred Share equal to the greater of (i) the Base Liquidation Preference (as defined below), as increased by the Accretion Rate (as defined below) from the most recent Quarterly Compounding Date to the date of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up (without duplication of changes to the Base Liquidation Preference as provided for in SECTION 3(b)) plus any accrued but unpaid Dividends with respect thereto, and (ii) an amount equal to the amount the holders of the Series 6 Preferred Shares would have received per Series 6 Preferred Share upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation had such holders converted their Series 6 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares immediately prior thereto, without giving effect to the limitations set forth in SECTION 6(b) and disregarding any rounding for fractional amounts (the greater of the amount in clause (i) and clause (ii), the “Liquidation Preference”). Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in this Designation to the contrary, immediately prior to and conditioned upon the consummation of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, if the amount set forth in clause (i) above is greater than the amount set forth in clause (ii) above, any holder of outstanding Series 6 Preferred Shares shall have the right to convert its Series 6 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares by substituting the Fair Market Value of a Class A Share for the then-applicable Conversion Price (as defined below) and without giving effect to the limitations set forth in SECTION 6(b) and disregarding any rounding for fractional amounts.

 

(b)          The “Base Liquidation Preference” per Series 6 Preferred Share shall initially be equal to the Original Purchase Price. From and after the one year anniversary of the Series 6 Original Issuance Date through March 14, 2024, the Base Liquidation Preference of each Series 6 Preferred Share shall increase on a daily basis, on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, at a rate of 8.0% per annum (the “Accretion Rate”) of the then-applicable Base Liquidation Preference, the amount of which increase shall compound quarterly on each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 (each, a “Quarterly Compounding Date”), following which the Accretion Rate will decrease to 0% per annum and the Base Liquidation Preference per Series 6 Preferred Share will not increase during any period subsequent to March 14, 2024. The Base Liquidation Preference shall be proportionally adjusted for any stock dividends, splits, combinations and similar events on the Series 6 Preferred Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, from and after the Series 6 Original Issuance Date until the one year anniversary of the Series 6 Original Issuance Date, the Accretion Rate will be 0% per annum and the Base Liquidation Preference per Series 6 Convertible Preferred Share will not increase during such period.

  

(c)          After payment to the holders of the Series 6 Preferred Shares of the full Liquidation Preference to which they are entitled, the Series 6 Preferred Shares as such will have no right or claim to any of the assets of the Corporation.

 

(d)          The value of any property not consisting of cash that is distributed by the Corporation to the holders of the Series 6 Preferred Shares will equal the Fair Market Value thereof on the date of distribution.

 

(e)          For the purposes of this SECTION 3, a Fundamental Change (in and of itself) shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation subject to this SECTION 3 (it being understood that an actual liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation in connection with a Fundamental Change will be subject to this SECTION 3).

 

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SECTION 4.        Voting Rights.

 

(a)          Holders of the Series 6 Preferred Shares shall not be entitled as such, except as required by law or as expressly set forth in this Certificate of Designation, to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting but shall be entitled to receive notice of meetings of stockholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of authorizing the dissolution of the Corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets.

 

(b) For so long as any Series 6 Preferred Shares are outstanding, in addition to any vote or consent of stockholders required by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Corporation shall not, and shall cause its subsidiaries not to, without the affirmative approval of the holders of a majority of the Series 6 Preferred Shares (by vote or consent):

 

(i) effect, permit, approve, ratify or validate (including, but not limited to, by merger or consolidation or otherwise by operation of law):

 

(A) an increase or decrease of the maximum number of authorized Series 6 Preferred Shares, or an increase of the maximum number of authorized shares of a class or series having rights or privileges equal or superior to the Series 6 Preferred Shares;

 

(B) an exchange, replacement, reclassification or cancellation of all or part of the Series 6 Preferred Shares;

 

(C) an amendment, alteration, change or repeal of any of the rights, privileges, preferences, powers, restrictions or conditions of the Series 6 Preferred Shares and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (i) a repeal or change of the rights to accrued dividends or the rights to cumulative dividends of the Series 6 Preferred Shares that is adverse, (ii) an amendment, alteration, repeal or change of redemption rights of the Series 6 Preferred Shares that is adverse, (iii) a reduction or repeal of a dividend preference or a liquidation preference of the Series 6 Preferred Shares, or (iv) an amendment, alteration, repeal or change of conversion privileges, options, voting, transfer or pre-emptive rights, or rights to acquire securities of a corporation, or sinking fund provisions of the Series 6 Preferred Shares that is adverse;

 

(D) an amendment, alteration or change of the rights or privileges of any class or series of shares having rights or privileges equal or superior to the Series 6 Preferred Shares;

 

(E) the creation or authorization of a new class or series of shares having rights or privileges equal or superior to the Series 6 Preferred Shares;

 

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(F) an exchange or the creation of a right of exchange of all or part of the shares of another class or series into the Series 6 Preferred Shares;

 

(G) any constraint on the issuance, transferability or ownership of the Series 6 Preferred Shares or the change or removal of such constraint; or

 

(ii) effect, permit, approve, ratify or validate any of the foregoing with respect to the Series 6 Preferred Units (as defined in the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement) (including, but not limited to by merger or consolidation or otherwise by operation of law) by voting any of the limited liability company interests of Midas OpCo LLC issued to the Corporation or otherwise.

 

(c) The approval of the holders of the Series 6 Preferred Shares with respect to any and all matters referred to in this Designation may be given by the affirmative vote, given in person or by proxy at any meeting called for such purpose, or by written consent, of the holders of at least a majority of the Series 6 Preferred Shares issued and outstanding, voting as a separate class.

 

  

SECTION 5.        Purchase for Cancellation. Subject to such provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as may be applicable, the Corporation may at any time or times purchase (if obtainable) for cancellation all or any part of the Series 6 Preferred Shares outstanding from time to time: (a) through the facilities of any Exchange or market on which the Series 6 Preferred Shares are listed, (b) by invitation for tenders addressed to all the holders of record of the Series 6 Preferred Shares outstanding, or (c) in any other manner, in each case at the lowest price or prices at which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, such shares are obtainable.

 

SECTION 6.        Conversion.

 

Each Series 6 Preferred Share is convertible into Class A Shares as provided in this SECTION 6.

 

(a)          Conversion at the Option of Holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares. Subject to SECTION 6(b), each holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares is entitled to convert, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time, at the option and election of such holder upon receipt of all antitrust approvals required in connection with such conversion (or the lapse of any applicable waiting period relating to such required antitrust approvals), any or all outstanding Series 6 Preferred Shares held by such holder into a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Shares equal to the number (the “Conversion Amount”) determined by dividing (i) the Base Liquidation Preference (as adjusted pursuant to SECTION 3(b) to the date immediately preceding the Conversion Date (as defined below)) for each Series 6 Preferred Share to be converted by (ii) the Conversion Price in effect at the time of conversion. The “Conversion Price” initially is $5.00 per share, as adjusted from time to time as provided in SECTION 6(f). In order to convert the Series 6 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares, the holder must surrender the certificates representing such Series 6 Preferred Shares, accompanied by transfer instruments satisfactory to the Corporation, free of any adverse interest or liens at the office of the Corporation’s transfer agent for the Series 6 Preferred Shares, together with written notice that such holder elects to convert all or such number of shares represented by such certificates as specified therein. With respect to a conversion pursuant to this SECTION 6(a), the date of receipt of such certificates, together with such notice and such other information or documents as may be required by the Corporation (including any certificates delivered pursuant to SECTION 6(b)), by the transfer agent or the Corporation will be the date of conversion (the “Conversion Date”) and the Conversion Date with respect to a conversion pursuant to SECTION 6(c) will be as provided in such section.

 

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(b)          Limitations on Conversion. Notwithstanding SECTION 6(a) or SECTION 6(c) but subject to SECTION 8, the Corporation shall not effect any conversion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares or otherwise issue Class A Shares pursuant to SECTION 6(a) or SECTION 6(c), and no holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares will be permitted to convert Series 6 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares if, and to the extent that, following such conversion, either (i) such holder’s aggregate voting power on a matter being voted on by holders of Class A Shares would exceed 19.9% of the Maximum Voting Power (as defined below) or (ii) such holder would Beneficially Own more than 19.9% of the then outstanding Common Shares; provided, however, that such conversion restriction shall not apply to any conversion in connection with and subject to completion of (A) a public sale of the Class A Shares to be issued upon such conversion, if following consummation of such public sale such holder will not Beneficially Own in excess of 19.9% of the then outstanding Class A Shares or (B) a bona fide third party tender offer for the Class A Shares issuable thereupon. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of Class A Shares Beneficially Owned by a holder shall include the number of Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares with respect to which a conversion notice has been given, but shall exclude the number of Class A Shares which would be issuable upon conversion or exercise of the remaining, unconverted portion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares and any Alternative Preference Shares Beneficially Owned by such holder. Upon the written request of the holder, the Corporation shall within two (2) Business Days confirm in writing (which may be by email) to any holder the number of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares then outstanding. In connection with any conversion and as a condition to the Corporation effecting such conversion, upon request of the Corporation, a holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares shall deliver to the Corporation a certificate, signed by a duly authorized officer of such holder, no less than twelve (12) Business Days prior to the applicable conversion, certifying that, after giving effect to such conversion, (i) such holder’s aggregate voting power on a matter being voted on by holders of Class A Shares will not exceed 19.9% of the Maximum Voting Power or (ii) such holder will not Beneficially Own more than 19.9% of the then outstanding Common Shares. For purposes hereof, “Maximum Voting Power” means, at the time of determination of the Maximum Voting Power, the total number of votes which may be cast by all shares of the Corporation’s capital on a matter subject to the vote of the Common Shares and any other securities that constitute Voting Stock voting together as a single class and after giving effect to any limitation on voting power set forth herein and the Certificate of Incorporation, the certificate of designation or other similar document governing other Voting Stock. For purposes of this SECTION 6(b), the aggregate voting power and Beneficial Ownership of Common Shares held by the Affiliates of a holder shall be attributed to such holder.

 

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(c)          Conversion at the Option of the Corporation. Subject to SECTION 6(b) and SECTION 8, at the Corporation’s option and election and upon its compliance with this SECTION 6(c), and in the case of the Investor and any Permitted Transferee upon receipt of all antitrust approvals required in connection with such conversion (or the lapse of any applicable waiting period relating to such required antitrust approvals), all outstanding Series 6 Preferred Shares shall be converted automatically into a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Shares equal to the Conversion Amount following written notice by the Corporation to the holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares notifying such holders of the conversion contemplated by this SECTION 6(c), which conversion shall occur on the date specified in such notice, which shall not be less than ten (10) Business Days following the date of such notice (or in the case of the Investor and any Permitted Transferee the later of (A) the date of receipt of all antitrust approvals required in connection with such conversion (or the lapse of any applicable waiting period relating to such required antitrust approvals)) and (B) ten (10) Business Days following the date of such notice), provided, that (i) prior to March 14, 2024, such notice may be delivered by the Corporation (and such Series 6 Preferred Shares may be converted into Class A Shares pursuant to this SECTION 6(c)) only if the Closing Price per Class A Share for the thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day immediately prior to delivery of a notice of conversion pursuant to this SECTION 6(c) was at or above 125% of the then-applicable Conversion Price and (ii) following March 14, 2024, such notice may be delivered by the Corporation (and such Series 6 Preferred Shares may be converted into Class A Shares pursuant to this SECTION 6(c)) only if the Closing Price per Class A Share for the thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day immediately prior to delivery of a notice of conversion pursuant to this SECTION 6(c) was at or above 100% of the then-applicable Conversion Price; provided further, that following a Specified Event, the Corporation shall not be entitled to convert the Series 6 Preferred Shares.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares shall continue to have the right to convert their Series 6 Preferred Shares pursuant to SECTION 6(a) until and through the Conversion Date contemplated in this SECTION 6(c) and if such Series 6 Preferred Shares are converted pursuant to SECTION 6(a) such shares shall no longer be converted pursuant to this SECTION 6(c) and the Corporation’s notice delivered to the holders pursuant to this SECTION 6(c) shall be of no effect with respect to such shares converted pursuant to SECTION 6(a).

 

(d)          Fractional Shares. No fractional Class A Shares will be issued upon conversion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares. In lieu of fractional shares, the Corporation shall round, to the nearest whole number, the number of Class A Shares to be issued upon conversion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares. If more than one Series 6 Preferred Share is being converted at one time by or for the benefit of the same holder, then the number of full shares issuable upon conversion will be calculated on the basis of the aggregate number of Series 6 Preferred Shares converted by or for the benefit of such holder at such time.

 

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(e)          Mechanics of Conversion.

 

(i)          Promptly after the Conversion Date (and in any event within three (3) Business Days), the Corporation shall (A) issue and deliver to such holder the number of Class A Shares to which such holder is entitled in exchange for the certificates formerly representing Series 6 Preferred Shares and (B) pay to such holder, to the extent of funds legally available therefor, all declared and unpaid Dividends on the Series 6 Preferred Shares that are being converted into Class A Shares; provided, that any accrued and unpaid Dividends not paid to such holder pursuant to the foregoing clause (B) shall, subject to SECTION 6(b), be converted into a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Shares equal to the number determined by dividing (x) the aggregate amount of such accrued and unpaid Dividends on the Series 6 Preferred Shares that are being converted by (y) the then current Conversion Price. Such conversion will be deemed to have been made on the Conversion Date, and the person entitled to receive the Class A Shares issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such Class A Shares on such Conversion Date. In case fewer than all the shares represented by any such certificate are to be converted, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unconverted shares without cost to the holder thereof, except for any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due because any certificates for Class A Shares or Series 6 Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder. The Corporation shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of Class A Shares upon conversion or due upon the issuance of a new certificate for any Series 6 Preferred Shares not converted other than any such tax due because Class A Shares or a certificate for Series 6 Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder.

 

(ii)         From and after the Conversion Date, the Series 6 Preferred Shares to be converted on such Conversion Date will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights of the holder thereof as a holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares (except the right to receive from the Corporation the Class A Shares upon conversion, together with the right to receive any accrued and unpaid Dividends thereon) shall cease and terminate with respect to such shares; provided, that in the event that a Series 6 Preferred Share is not converted, such Series 6 Preferred Share will remain outstanding and will be entitled to all of the rights as provided herein.

 

(iii)        If the conversion is in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of the Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares, the conversion may, at the option of any holder tendering any Series 6 Preferred Share for conversion, be conditioned upon the closing of the sale, transfer or the disposition of Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Series 6 Preferred Shares with the underwriter, transferee or other acquirer in such sale, transfer or disposition, in which event such conversion of such Series 6 Preferred Shares shall not be deemed to have occurred until immediately prior to the closing of such sale, transfer or other disposition.

 

(iv)        All Class A Shares issued upon conversion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares will, upon issuance by the Corporation, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(f)          Adjustments to Conversion Price.

 

(i)          Adjustment for Change In Share Capital.

 

(A) If the Corporation shall, at any time and from time to time while any Series 6 Preferred Shares are outstanding, issue a dividend or make a distribution on its Class A Shares payable in its Class A Shares to all or substantially all holders of its Class A Shares, then the Conversion Price at the opening of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution will be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction:

  

(1)    the numerator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares outstanding at the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such Ex-Dividend Date; and

 

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(2)    the denominator of which shall be the sum of the number of Class A Shares outstanding at the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution, plus the total number of Class A Shares constituting such dividend or other distribution.

 

If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this SECTION 6(f)(i)(A) is declared but not so paid or made, the Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to the Conversion Price which would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, in no event shall the Conversion Price be increased pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(i)(A).

 

(B) If the Corporation shall, at any time or from time to time while any of the Series 6 Preferred Shares are outstanding, subdivide or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a greater number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the day upon which such subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately decreased, and conversely, if the Corporation shall, at any time or from time to time while any of the Series 6 Preferred Shares are outstanding, combine or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a smaller number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the day upon which such combination or reclassification becomes effective shall be proportionately increased. In each such case, the Conversion Price shall be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares outstanding immediately prior to such subdivision or combination and the denominator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such subdivision, combination or reclassification. Such increase or reduction, as the case may be, shall become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day upon which such subdivision, combination or reclassification becomes effective.

 

(ii)         Adjustment for Rights Issue. If the Corporation shall, at any time or from time to time, while any Series 6 Preferred Shares are outstanding, distribute rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of its Class A Shares entitling them, for a period expiring within sixty (60) days after the record date for such distribution, to purchase Class A Shares, or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Class A Shares, in either case, at less than the average of the Closing Prices for the five (5) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the first public announcement of the distribution, then the Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution by a fraction:

 

(A) the numerator of which shall be the sum of (1) the number of Class A Shares Outstanding on the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution, plus (2) the number of Class A Shares that the aggregate offering price of the total number of Class A Shares issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants would purchase at the Current Market Price of the Class A Shares on the declaration date for such distribution (determined by multiplying such total number of Class A Shares so offered by the exercise price of such rights, options or warrants and dividing the product so obtained by such Current Market Price); and

 

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(B) the denominator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares Outstanding at the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution, plus the total number of additional Class A Shares issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants.

 

The term “Class A Shares Outstanding” shall mean, without duplication, and include the following, and the following shall be included whether vested or unvested, whether contingent or non-contingent and whether exercisable or not yet exercisable, and without regard to any other limitations or restrictions on conversion or exercise:

 

(1)   the number of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares then outstanding;

 

(2)   all Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding Series 6 Preferred Shares; and

 

(3)   all Class A Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and any other Convertible Security.

 

Such adjustment shall become effective immediately after the opening of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution.

 

To the extent that Class A Shares are not delivered pursuant to such rights, options or warrants or upon the expiration or termination of such rights, options or warrants, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted to the Conversion Price that would then be in effect had the adjustments made upon the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of the delivery of only the number of Class A Shares actually delivered. In the event that such rights, options or warrants are not so distributed, the Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Price which would then be in effect if the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution had not occurred. In determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders to purchase Class A Shares at less than the average of the Closing Prices for the five (5) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the first public announcement of the relevant distribution, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such Class A Shares, there shall be taken into account any consideration received for such rights, options or warrants and the value of such consideration if other than cash, to be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. Except as set forth in this paragraph, in no event shall the Conversion Price be increased pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(ii).

 

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(iii)        Adjustment for Certain Tender Offers or Exchange Offers. In case the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries shall, at any time or from time to time, while any Series 6 Preferred Shares are outstanding, distribute cash or other consideration in respect of a tender offer or an exchange offer (that is treated as a “tender offer” under U.S. federal securities laws) made by the Corporation or any Subsidiary for all or any portion of the Class A Shares, where the sum of the aggregate amount of such cash distributed and the aggregate Fair Market Value, as of the Expiration Date (as defined below), of such other consideration distributed (such sum, the “Aggregate Amount”) expressed as an amount per Class A Share validly tendered or exchanged, and not withdrawn, pursuant to such tender offer or exchange offer as of the Expiration Time (as defined below) (such tendered or exchanged Class A Shares, the “Purchased Shares”) exceeds the Closing Price per share of the Class A Shares on the Trading Day immediately following the last date (such last date, the “Expiration Date”) on which tenders or exchanges could have been made pursuant to such tender offer or exchange offer (as the same may be amended through the Expiration Date), then, and in each case, immediately after the close of business on such date, the Conversion Price shall be decreased so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the Trading Day immediately following the Expiration Date by a fraction:

 

(A) the numerator of which shall be equal to the product of (1) the number of Class A Shares outstanding as of the last time (the “Expiration Time”) at which tenders or exchanges could have been made pursuant to such tender offer or exchange offer (including all Purchased Shares) and (2) the Closing Price per share of the Class A Shares on the Trading Day immediately following the Expiration Date; and

  

(B) the denominator of which is equal to the sum of (x) the Aggregate Amount and (y) the product of (I) an amount equal to (1) the number of Class A Shares outstanding as of the Expiration Time, less (2) the Purchased Shares and (II) the Closing Price per share of the Class A Shares on the Trading Day immediately following the Expiration Date.

 

An adjustment, if any, to the Conversion Price pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(iii) shall become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the second Trading Day immediately following the Expiration Date. In the event that the Corporation or a Subsidiary is obligated to purchase Class A Shares pursuant to any such tender offer or exchange offer, but the Corporation or such Subsidiary is permanently prevented by applicable law from effecting any such purchases, or all such purchases are rescinded, then the Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Price which would then be in effect if such tender offer or exchange offer had not been made. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, if the application of this SECTION 6(f)(iii) to any tender offer or exchange offer would result in an increase in the Conversion Price, no adjustment shall be made for such tender offer or exchange offer under this SECTION 6(f)(iii).

 

(iv)        Disposition Events.

 

(A) If any of the following events (any such event, a “Disposition Event”) occurs:

 

(1)   any reclassification or exchange of the Class A Shares (other than as a result of a subdivision or combination);

 

(2)   any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other combination to which the Corporation is a constituent party; or

 

(3)   any sale, conveyance, lease, or other disposal of all or substantially all the properties and assets of the Corporation to any other person;

 

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in each case, as a result of which all of the holders of Class A Shares shall be entitled to receive cash, securities or other property for their Class A Shares, the Series 6 Preferred Shares converted following the effective date of any Disposition Event shall be converted, in lieu of the Class A Shares otherwise deliverable, into the same amount and type (in the same proportion) of cash, securities or other property received by holders of Class A Shares in the relevant event (collectively, “Reference Property”) received upon the occurrence of such Disposition Event by a holder of Class A Shares holding, immediately prior to the transaction, a number of Class A Shares equal to the Conversion Amount (without giving effect to any limitations on conversion set forth in SECTION 6(b)) immediately prior to such Disposition Event; provided that if the Disposition Event provides the holders of Class A Shares with the right to receive more than a single type of consideration determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election, the Reference Property shall be comprised of the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of the Class A Shares.

 

(B) The above provisions of this SECTION 6(f)(iv) shall similarly apply to successive Disposition Events. If this SECTION 6(f)(iv) applies to any event or occurrence, neither SECTION 6(f)(i) nor SECTION 6(f)(iii) shall apply; provided, however, that this SECTION 6(f)(iv) shall not apply to any share split or combination to which SECTION 6(f)(i) is applicable or to a liquidation, dissolution or winding up to which SECTION 3 applies. To the extent that equity securities of a company are received by the holders of Class A Shares in connection with a Disposition Event, the portion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares which will be convertible into such equity securities will continue to be subject to the anti-dilution adjustments set forth in this SECTION 6(f).

  

(v)         Adjustment for Certain Issuances of Additional Class A Shares.

 

(A) Other than in respect of an issuance or distribution in respect of which SECTION 6(f)(ii) applies, in the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Series 6 Original Issuance Date while the Series 6 Preferred Shares are outstanding issue Additional Class A Shares, without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the applicable Conversion Price immediately prior to such issuance in effect on the date of and immediately prior to such issue, then and in such event, such Conversion Price shall be reduced, concurrently with such issuance, to a price determined by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction:

 

(1)         the numerator of which shall be (a) the number of Class A Shares Outstanding (as defined below) immediately prior to such issuance plus (b) the number of Class A Shares which the aggregate consideration received or to be received by the Corporation for the total number of Class A Shares so issued would purchase at such Conversion Price; and

 

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(2)         the denominator of which shall be (a) the number of Class A Shares Outstanding immediately prior to such issue plus (b) the number of such Additional Class A Shares so issued.

 

(B) For purposes of this SECTION 6(f)(v), the term “Additional Class A Shares” means any Class A Shares or Convertible Security (collectively, “Class A Equivalents”) issued by the Corporation after the Series 6 Original Issuance Date, provided that Additional Class A Shares will not include any of the following:

 

(1)   Class A Equivalents issued in a transaction for which an adjustment to the Conversion Price is made pursuant to SECTION 6(f)(i), SECTION 6(f)(iii) or SECTION 6(f)(iv);

 

(2)   Class A Equivalents issued or issuable upon conversion of Series 6 Preferred Shares or Alternative Preference Shares or pursuant to the terms of any other Convertible Security issued and outstanding on the Series 6 Original Issuance Date;

 

(3)   All Class A Shares, as adjusted for share dividends, splits, combinations and similar events, validly reserved on the Series 6 Original Issuance Date and issued or issuable upon the exercise of options or rights issued to employees, officers or directors of, or consultants, advisors or service providers to, the Corporation or any of its majority- or wholly-owned subsidiaries pursuant to any current equity incentive plans, programs or arrangements of or adopted by the Corporation, including the Corporation’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, the Corporation’s 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, the Corporation’s 2016 Stock Incentive Plan and the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Stock Appreciation Rights Plan;

 

(4)   An unlimited number of Class A Equivalents issued pursuant to future equity incentive grants, plans, programs or arrangements adopted by the Corporation to the extent that any Class A Equivalents issued pursuant to this clause (4) shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the Corporation’s diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (as calculated for the Corporation’s financial reporting purposes) in any fiscal year, with any unused amounts in any fiscal year being carried over to succeeding fiscal years;

 

(5)   Class A Equivalents issued in connection with bona fide acquisitions of any entities, businesses and/or related assets or other business combinations by the Corporation, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets, sale or exchange of stock or otherwise, or settlement of deferred liabilities in connection therewith; or

 

(6)   Class A Equivalents issued in a transaction with respect to which holders of a majority of the Series 6 Preferred Shares purchased securities pursuant to Section 4.11 of the Securities Purchase Agreement or otherwise; or

 

(7)   Class A Equivalents issued in exchange for the redemption of Series 4 Preferred Shares of the Corporation or Series 5 Preferred Shares of the Corporation as contemplated by that certain letter agreement by and among Broad Street Principal Investments L.L.C., an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, Stonebridge 2017, L.P., Stonebridge 2017 Offshore L.P. and MDC Partners Inc., dated as of April 21, 2021, as it may be amended, modified or restated from time to time in accordance with its terms (the “Letter Agreement”).

 

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In the case of the issuance of Additional Class A Shares for cash, the consideration shall be deemed to be the amount of cash paid therefor before deducting any reasonable discounts, commissions or other expenses allowed, paid or incurred by the Corporation for any underwriting or otherwise in connection with the issuance and sale thereof. In the case of the issuance of Additional Class A Shares for consideration in whole or in part other than cash, the consideration other than cash shall be deemed to be the Fair Market Value thereof. In the case of the issuance of Convertible Securities, the aggregate maximum number of Class A Shares deliverable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities shall be deemed to have been issued at the time such Convertible Securities were issued and for a consideration equal to the consideration (determined in the manner provided in this paragraph) if any, received by the Corporation upon the issuance of such Convertible Securities plus the minimum additional consideration payable pursuant to the terms of such Convertible Securities for the Class A Shares covered thereby, but no further adjustment shall be made for the actual issuance of Class A Shares upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of any such Convertible Securities. In the event of any change in the number of Class A Shares deliverable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities subject to this SECTION 6(f)(v), including, but not limited to, a change resulting from the anti-dilution provisions thereof, the Conversion Price shall forthwith be readjusted to such Conversion Price as would have been obtained had the adjustment that was made upon the issuance of such Convertible Securities not exercised, converted or exchanged prior to such change been made upon the basis of such change. Upon the expiration or forfeiture of any Additional Class A Shares consisting of options, warrants or other rights to acquire Class A Shares or Convertible Securities, the termination of any such rights to convert or exchange or the expiration or forfeiture of any options or rights related to such convertible or exchangeable securities, the Conversion Price, to the extent in any way affected by or computed using such options, rights or securities or options or rights related to such securities, shall be recomputed to reflect the issuance of only the number of Class A Shares (and Convertible Securities that remain in effect) actually issued upon the exercise of such options, warrants or rights, upon the conversion or exchange of such securities or upon the exercise of the options or rights related to such securities.

 

(vi)        Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Price will not be reduced if the amount of such reduction would be an amount less than $0.01, but any such amount will be carried forward and reduction with respect thereto will be made at the time that such amount, together with any subsequent amounts so carried forward, aggregates to $0.01 or more.

 

(vii)       When No Adjustment Required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no adjustment to the Conversion Price need be made:

  

(A) for a transaction referred to in SECTION 6(f)(i) or SECTION 6(f)(ii) if the Series 6 Preferred Shares participate, without conversion, in the transaction or event that would otherwise give rise to an adjustment pursuant to such Section at the same time as holders of the Class A Shares participate with respect to such transaction or event and on the same terms as holders of the Class A Shares participate with respect to such transaction or event as if the holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares, at such time, held a number of Class A Shares equal to the Conversion Amount at such time;

 

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(B) for rights to purchase Class A Shares pursuant to any present or future plan by the Corporation for reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on the Corporation’s securities and the investment of additional optional amounts in Class A Shares under any plan; or

 

(C) for any event otherwise requiring an adjustment under this SECTION 6 if such event is not consummated.

 

(viii)      Rules of Calculation; Treasury Shares. All calculations will be made to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent or to the nearest one-ten thousandth of a share. Except as explicitly provided herein, the number of Class A Shares outstanding will be calculated on the basis of the number of issued and outstanding Class A Shares.

 

(ix)         Waiver. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Price will not be reduced if the Corporation receives, prior to the effective time of the adjustment to the Conversion Price, written notice from the holders representing at least a majority of the then outstanding Series 6 Preferred Shares, voting together as a separate class, that no adjustment is to be made as the result of a particular issuance of Class A Shares or other dividend or other distribution on Class A Shares. This waiver will be limited in scope and will not be valid for any issuance of Class A Shares or other dividend or other distribution on Class A Shares not specifically provided for in such notice.

 

(x)          Tax Adjustment. Anything in this SECTION 6 notwithstanding, the Corporation shall be entitled to make such downward adjustments in the Conversion Price, in addition to those required by this SECTION 6, as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion shall determine to be advisable in order that any event treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a dividend or share split will not be taxable to the holders of Class A Shares.

 

(xi)         No Duplication. If any action would require adjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to more than one of the provisions described in this SECTION 6 in a manner such that such adjustments are duplicative, only one adjustment shall be made.

 

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(xii)        Provisions Governing Adjustment to Conversion Price.  Rights, options or warrants distributed by the Corporation to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Corporation’s capital (either initially or under certain circumstances), which rights, options or warrants, until the occurrence of a specified event or events (“Rights Trigger”): (A) are deemed to be transferred with such Class A Shares; (B) are not exercisable; and (C) are also issued in respect of future issuances of Class A Shares, shall be deemed not to have been distributed for purposes of SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) (and no adjustment to the Conversion Price under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) will be required) until the occurrence of the earliest Rights Trigger, whereupon such rights, options and warrants shall be deemed to have been distributed, and (x) if and to the extent such rights, options and warrants are exercisable for Class A Shares or the equivalents thereof, an appropriate adjustment (if any is required) to the Conversion Price shall be made under SECTION 6(f)(ii) (without giving effect to the sixty (60) day limit on the exercisability of rights, options and warrants ordinarily subject to such SECTION 6(f)(ii)), and/or (y) if and to the extent such rights, options and warrants are exercisable for cash and/or any shares of the Corporation’s capital other than Class A Shares or Class A Share equivalents, shall be subject to the provisions of SECTION 2(a) applicable to Participating Dividends and shall be distributed to the holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares.  If any such right, option or warrant, including any such existing rights, options or warrants distributed prior to the Series 6 Original Issuance Date, are subject to events, upon the occurrence of which such rights, options or warrants become exercisable to purchase different securities, evidences of indebtedness or other assets, then the date of the occurrence of any and each such event shall be deemed to be the date of distribution and Ex-Dividend Date with respect to new rights, options or warrants with such rights (and a termination or expiration of the existing rights, options or warrants without exercise by any of the holders thereof).  In addition, in the event of any distribution (or deemed distribution) of rights, options or warrants, or any Rights Trigger or other event (of the type described in the preceding sentence) with respect thereto that was counted for purposes of calculating a distribution amount for which an adjustment to the Conversion Price under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) was made, (1) in the case of any such rights, options or warrants that shall all have been redeemed or repurchased without exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted at the opening of business of the Corporation immediately following such final redemption or repurchase by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be the Current Market Price per Class A Share on such date, less the amount equal to the per share redemption or repurchase price received by a holder or holders of Class A Shares with respect to such rights, options or warrants (assuming such holder had retained such rights, options or warrants), made to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares as of the date of such redemption or repurchase and (y) the denominator of which shall be the Current Market Price, and (2) in the case of such rights, options or warrants that shall have expired or been terminated without exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted as if such rights, options and warrants had not been issued. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) to the extent any such rights, options or warrants are redeemed by the Corporation prior to a Rights Trigger or are exchanged by the Corporation, in either case for Class A Shares, the Conversion Price shall be appropriately readjusted (if and to the extent previously adjusted pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(xii)) as if such rights, options or warrants had not been issued, and instead the Conversion Price will be adjusted as if the Corporation had issued the Class A Shares issued upon such redemption or exchange as a dividend or distribution of Class A Shares subject to SECTION 6(f)(i)(A) and (B) to the extent any such rights, options or warrants are redeemed by the Corporation prior to a Rights Trigger or are exchanged by the Corporation, in either case for any shares of the Corporation’s capital (other than Class A Shares) or any other assets of the Corporation, such redemption or exchange shall be deemed to be a distribution and shall be subject to, and paid to the holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares pursuant to, the provisions of SECTION 2(a) applicable to Participating Dividends.

 

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(xiii)       Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any adjustment of the Conversion Price or entitlement to acquire Class A Shares pursuant to this Designation shall be subject to the rules of the Exchange to the extent required to comply with such rules. If after the Series 6 Original Issuance Date there is a change in the applicable rules of the Exchange on which the Class A Shares are listed at the time such change becomes effective or in the interpretation of such applicable rules that would cause the Class A Shares to be delisted by such Exchange as a result of the terms of this Designation, the rights of the holders of the Series 6 Preferred Shares set forth in this Designation shall thereafter be limited to the extent required by such changed rules in order for the Class A Shares to continue to be listed on such Exchange. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Designation, in no event shall the Conversion Price be adjusted pursuant to SECTION 6(f)(v) to a price that is less than the lower of: (i) the closing price of the Class A Shares (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) immediately preceding the signing of the Securities Purchase Agreement; or (ii) the average closing price of the Class A Shares (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

(xiv)      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Designation, if an adjustment to the Conversion Price becomes effective on any Ex-Dividend Date as described herein, and a holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares that have been converted on or after such Ex-Dividend Date and on or prior to the related record date would be treated as the record holder of Class A Shares as of the related Conversion Date based on an adjusted Conversion Price for such Ex-Dividend Date, then, notwithstanding such Conversion Price adjustment provisions, the Conversion Price adjustment relating to such Ex-Dividend Date will not be made for such converted Series 6 Preferred Shares. Instead, the holder of such converted Series 6 Preferred Shares will be treated as if such holder were the record owner of the Class A Shares on an unadjusted basis and participate in the related dividend, distribution or other event giving rise to such adjustment.

 

(g)          Notice of Record Date. In the event of:

 

(i)          any share split or combination of the outstanding Class A Shares;

 

(ii)         any declaration or making of a dividend or other distribution to holders of Class A Shares in additional Class A Shares, any other share capital, other securities or other property (including, but not limited to, cash and evidences of indebtedness);

 

(iii)        any reclassification or change to which SECTION 6(f)(i)(B) applies;

 

(iv)        the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation; or

 

(v)         any other event constituting a Disposition Event;

 

then the Corporation shall file with its corporate records and mail to the holders of the Series 6 Preferred Shares at their last addresses as shown on the records of the Corporation, at least ten (10) days prior to the record date specified in (A) below or ten (10) days prior to the date specified in (B) below, a notice stating:

 

(A) the record date of such share split, combination, dividend or other distribution, or, if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of Class A Shares of record to be entitled to such share split, combination, dividend or other distribution are to be determined, or

 

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(B) the date on which such reclassification, change, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or other event constituting a Disposition Event, is estimated to become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of Class A Shares of record will be entitled to exchange their Class A Shares for the share capital, other securities or other property (including, but not limited to, cash and evidences of indebtedness) deliverable upon such reclassification, change, liquidation, dissolution, winding up or other Disposition Event.

 

Disclosures made by the Corporation in any public filings made under the Exchange Act shall be deemed to satisfy the notice requirements set forth in this SECTION 6(g).

 

(h)          Certificate of Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of each adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to this SECTION 6, the Corporation shall compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the terms hereof and furnish to each holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares a certificate, signed by an officer of the Corporation, setting forth such adjustment or readjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based. The Corporation shall, upon the reasonable written request of any holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares, furnish to such holder a similar certificate setting forth (i) the calculation of such adjustments and readjustments in reasonable detail, (ii) the Conversion Price then in effect, and (iii) the number of Class A Shares and the amount, if any, of share capital, other securities or other property (including, but not limited to, cash and evidences of indebtedness) which then would be received upon the conversion of Series 6 Preferred Shares.

 

SECTION 7.        Redemption.

 

(a)          Redemption at the Option of the Corporation.

 

(i)          In connection with or following any Specified Event, the Corporation, at its option and (if applicable) subject to consummation of such Specified Event, may redeem (out of funds legally available therefor) for cash all of the Series 6 Preferred Shares then outstanding at a price (the “Redemption Price”) per Series 6 Preferred Share equal to the greater of (i) the Base Liquidation Preference per such Series 6 Preferred Share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon and (ii) an amount equal to the amount the holder of such Series 6 Preferred Shares would have received in respect of such Series 6 Preferred Share had such holder converted such Series 6 Preferred Share into Class A Shares immediately prior to such redemption based on the Current Market Price, in each case on the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”).

  

(ii)         If the Corporation elects to redeem the Series 6 Preferred Shares pursuant to this SECTION 7, on or prior to the fifteenth (15th) Business Day prior to the applicable Redemption Date, the Corporation shall mail a written notice of redemption (the “Redemption Notice”) by first-class mail addressed to the holders of record of the Series 6 Preferred Shares as they appear in the records of the Corporation; provided, however, that accidental failure to give any such notice to one or more of such holders shall not affect the validity of such redemption. The Redemption Notice must state: (A) the expected Redemption Price as of the expected Redemption Date, and specify the individual components thereof (it being understood that the actual Redemption Price will be determined as of the actual Redemption Date); (B) the name of the redemption agent to whom, and the address of the place to where, the Series 6 Preferred Shares are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; (C) if applicable, that the consummation of the Redemption and the payment of the Redemption Price shall be subject to the consummation of the Specified Event, and (D) the anticipated Redemption Date.

 

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(b)          Mechanics of Redemption.

 

(i)          On the Redemption Date, the Corporation shall pay the applicable Redemption Price, upon surrender of the certificates representing the Series 6 Preferred Shares to be redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Corporation shall so require, and letters of transmittal and instructions therefor on reasonable terms are included in the notice sent by the Corporation); provided that payment of the Redemption Price for certificates (and accompanying documentation, if required) surrendered to the Corporation after 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Redemption Date may, at the Corporation’s option, be made on the Business Day immediately following the Redemption Date.

 

(ii)         Series 6 Preferred Shares to be redeemed on the Redemption Date will from and after such date, no longer be deemed to be outstanding; and all powers, designations, preferences and other rights of the holder thereof as a holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares (except the right to receive from the Corporation the applicable Redemption Price) shall cease and terminate with respect to such shares; provided, that in the event that a Series 6 Preferred Share is not redeemed due to a default in payment by the Corporation or because the Corporation is otherwise unable to pay the applicable Redemption Price in cash in full, such Series 6 Preferred Share will remain outstanding and will be entitled to all of the powers, designations, preferences and other rights as provided herein.

 

(iii)        Notwithstanding anything in this SECTION 7 to the contrary, each holder shall retain the right to convert Series 6 Preferred Shares to be redeemed at any time on or prior to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that any Series 6 Preferred Shares for which a holder delivers a conversion notice to the Corporation prior to the Redemption Date shall not be redeemed pursuant to this SECTION 7.

 

SECTION 8.        Antitrust and Conversion Into Alternative Preference Shares.

 

(a)          If (i) the Corporation validly delivers a notice of conversion pursuant to SECTION 6(c) to the Investor or any Permitted Transferee at any time on and after the date hereof and (ii) the Investor or such Permitted Transferee would not be permitted to convert one or more of its Beneficially Owned Series 6 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares because any applicable waiting period has not lapsed, or approval has not been obtained, under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or other applicable law, the Accretion Rate will decrease to 0% per annum following, and the Base Liquidation Preference per Series 6 Preferred Share will not increase during any period subsequent to, ten (10) Business Days following the date of such validly delivered notice.

 

(b)          With respect to any holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares other than the Investor or any Permitted Transferee, after receiving a notice of conversion pursuant to SECTION 6(c), any such holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares as to whom the relevant provisions of the following sentence are applicable may, at such holder’s option, convert Series 6 Preferred Shares subject to such conversion at any time on or prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Conversion Date, as the case may be, specified in such notice into Alternative Preference Shares to the extent necessary to address the conditions described in SECTION 8(c).

 

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(c)          (i) If any holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares would not be permitted to convert one or more of its Beneficially Owned Series 6 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares due to the restrictions contained in SECTION 6(b) or (ii) if any holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares other than the Investor or any Permitted Transferee would not be permitted to convert one more of its Beneficially Owned Series 6 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares (the shares described in clause (i) and (ii), the “Special Conversion Shares”) because any applicable waiting period has not lapsed, or approval has not been obtained, under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or other applicable law, then in each case each Special Conversion Share of such holder shall be converted into a number of Alternative Preference Shares equal to the number of Class A Shares such holder would have received if such holder would have been permitted to convert such Special Conversion Shares into Class A Shares on the Conversion Date.

 

(d)          As soon as practicable (and in any event within three (3) Business Days) after receipt of notice of either of the events described in SECTION 8(c), which notice shall include the amount of Alternative Preference Shares to which such holder is entitled and the basis for such conversion into Alternative Preference Shares, the Corporation shall (i) issue and deliver to such holder a certificate for the number of Alternative Preference Shares, if any, to which such holder is entitled in exchange for the certificates formerly representing the Series 6 Preferred Shares and (ii) pay to such holder, to the extent of funds legally available therefor, all declared and unpaid Dividends on the Series 6 Preferred Shares that are being converted into Alternative Preference Shares. Such conversion will be deemed to have been made on the Conversion Date, and the person entitled to receive the Alternative Preference Shares issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such Alternative Preference Shares on such Conversion Date. In case fewer than all of the Series 6 Preferred Shares represented by any such certificate are to be converted into Alternative Preference Shares, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unconverted shares without cost to the holder thereof, except for any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due because any certificates for Alternative Preference Shares or Series 6 Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder. The Corporation shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of Alternative Preference Shares upon conversion or due upon the issuance of a new certificate for any Series 6 Preferred Shares not converted other than any such tax due because Alternative Preference Shares or a certificate for Series 6 Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder.

 

SECTION 9.        Additional Definitions. For purposes of this Designation, the following terms shall have the following meanings

 

(a)          “A&R OpCo LLC Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Midas OpCo LLC, dated as of [--], by and among Midas OpCo LLC (“OpCo”) and its Members (as defined therein), as such agreement may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

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(b)          “Additional Rate” means an annual rate initially equal to 7.0% per annum, increasing by 1.0% on every anniversary of the occurrence of the Specified Event.

 

(c)          “Affiliate” means, with respect to any person, any other person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such specified person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation, its subsidiaries and its other controlled Affiliates shall not be considered Affiliates of the Investor.

  

(d)         “Alternative Preference Shares” means the Series 7 Preferred Shares so denominated and authorized by the Corporation concurrently with the Series 6 Preferred Shares.

 

(e)         “Beneficially Own,” “Beneficially Owned” or “Beneficial Ownership” has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act, except that for purposes hereof the words “within sixty days” in Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) shall not apply, to the effect that a person shall be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of a security if that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such security at any time. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes hereof, except where otherwise expressly provided herein, the Investor (or any other person) shall at all times be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership of Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares directly or indirectly held by them, irrespective of any applicable restrictions on transfer, conversion or voting.

 

(f)          “Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

 

(g)         “Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in New York City, New York.

 

(h)        “Closing Price” of the Class A Shares on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as reported in composite transactions for the Exchange or, if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted for trading on an Exchange, as reported on the quotation system on which such security is quoted. If the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted for trading on an Exchange and not reported on a quotation system on the relevant date, the “closing price” will be the last quoted bid price for the Class A Shares in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or similar organization. If the Class A Shares are not so quoted, the last reported sale price will be the average of the mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for the Class A Shares on the relevant date from each of at least three (3) nationally recognized investment banking firms selected by the Corporation for this purpose.

 

(i)          “Common Shares” means the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and any other common shares in the capital of the Corporation.

 

(j)          “Common Unit” means a unit representing limited liability company interests in OpCo and constituting a “Common Unit” as defined in the A&R OpCo Operating Agreement.

 

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(k)          “control,” “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” with respect to any person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by contract or otherwise.

 

(l)         “Convertible Security” means any debt or other evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Shares, including for the avoidance of doubt, but not limited to, the Common Units and the Class C Shares which are exchangeable for Class A Shares subject to the terms and conditions of the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement.

 

(m)          “Corporation” means MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation .

 

(n)        “Current Market Price” of Class A Shares on any day means the average of the Closing Prices per Class A Share for each of the five (5) consecutive Trading Days ending on the earlier of the day in question and the day before the Ex-Dividend Date with respect to the issuance or distribution requiring such computation.

 

(o)        “Designation” mean this Designation of the Series 6 Preferred Shares.

 

(p)         “Dividend Payment Date” means (i) each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, or (ii) with respect to any Series 6 Preferred Share that is to be converted or redeemed, the Conversion Date or the Redemption Date, as applicable; provided that if any such Dividend Payment Date would otherwise occur on a day that is not a Business Day, such Dividend Payment Date shall instead be (and any dividend payable on Series 6 Preferred Shares on such Dividend Date shall instead be payable on) the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

(q)         “Dividend Period” means the period which commences on and includes a Dividend Payment Date (other than the initial Dividend Period which shall commence on and include the date on which the Specified Event occurs) pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of the definition of “Dividend Payment Date” and ends on and includes the calendar day next preceding the next Dividend Payment Date.

 

(r)         “Ex-Dividend Date” means, with respect to any issuance or distribution, the first date on which the Class A Shares trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such issuance or distribution.

 

(s)         “Exchange” means Nasdaq and, if the Class A Shares are not then listed on Nasdaq, the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange or market on which the Class A Shares are then listed.

 

(t)          “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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(u)         “Fair Market Value” of the Class A Shares or any other security or property means the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, which determination must be set forth in a written resolution of the Board of Directors, in accordance with the following rules:

 

(i)          for Class A Shares or other security traded or quoted on an Exchange, the Fair Market Value will be the average of the Closing Prices of such security on such Exchange over a ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period, ending on the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of determination; and

 

(ii)         for any other property, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Board of Directors assuming a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction.

 

(v)          “Fundamental Change” shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as any of the following events shall occur:

 

(i)          any “person” or “group”, other than the Corporation, its Subsidiaries or any employee benefits plan of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries or Stagwell and its Permitted Transferees (as such term is defined in the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement), files, or is required by applicable law to file, a Schedule 13D or Schedule TO (or any successor schedule, form or report) pursuant to the Exchange Act, disclosing that such person has become the direct or indirect beneficial owner of shares with a majority of the total voting power of the Corporation’s outstanding Voting Stock; unless such beneficial ownership arises solely as a result of a revocable proxy delivered in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act; or

 

(ii)         the Corporation or OpCo amalgamates, consolidates with or merges with or into another person (other than through a Permitted Transaction), or sells, conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of the consolidated properties and assets of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (excluding for purposes of the calculation non-controlling interests and third party minority interests) to any person (other than a Subsidiary of the Corporation or, with respect to OpCo, the Corporation) or any person (other than a Subsidiary of the Corporation or, with respect to OpCo, the Corporation) consolidates with, amalgamates or merges with or into the Corporation or OpCo (other than through a Permitted Transaction).

 

(w)         “group” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

 

(x)         “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Designation as a whole and not merely to any particular clause, provision, section or subsection.

 

(y)        “Investor” means Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC.

 

(z)         “Junior Securities” means the Common Shares and each other class or series of shares in the capital of the Corporation the terms of which do not expressly provide that they rank senior in preference or priority to or on parity, without preference or priority, with the Series 6 Preferred Shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

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(aa)         “Market Disruption Event” means, with respect to the Class A Shares, (i) a failure by the Exchange to open for trading during its regular trading session or (ii) the occurrence or existence for more than one half hour period in the aggregate on any scheduled Trading Day for the Class A Shares of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the Exchange, or otherwise) in the Class A Shares or in any options, contracts or future contracts relating to the Class A Shares, and such suspension or limitation occurs or exists at any time before 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such day.

 

(bb)         “Nasdaq” means The NASDAQ Global Market.

 

(cc)       “Original Purchase Price” means $[ ]1 per Series 6 Preferred Share.

 

(dd)       “Parity Securities” means any shares in the capital of the Corporation the terms of which expressly provide that they will rank on parity, without preference or priority, with the Series 6 Preferred Shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, the Series 4 Preferred Shares of the Corporation, the Series 5 Preferred Shares of the Corporation, the Alternative Shares and, upon and subject to their issuance as contemplated by the Letter Agreement, the Series 8 Preferred Shares and Series 9 Preferred Shares of the Corporation are Parity Securities.

 

(ee)        “Permitted Transactions” means an amalgamation, consolidation or merger (1) of the Corporation with or into a Subsidiary of the Corporation (including OpCo), (2) of a Subsidiary of the Corporation (including OpCo) with or into the Corporation, (3) of the Corporation with or into a person of which the Corporation is a Subsidiary, or of such person with or into the Corporation, or (4) in which (A) all of the persons that beneficially own the Voting Stock of the Corporation immediately prior to the transaction and Permitted Transferees (as such term is defined in the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement) own, directly or indirectly, shares with a majority of the total voting power of all outstanding Voting Stock of the surviving or transferee person immediately after the transaction in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Corporation’s Voting Stock immediately prior to the transaction or (B) with respect to OpCo, if persons that beneficially own the equity interests of OpCo immediately prior to the transaction and Permitted Transferees (as defined in the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement) own, directly or indirectly, a majority of the equity interests of OpCo immediately after the transaction in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of OpCo’s equity interests immediately prior to the transaction, in each case of the foregoing items (1) through (4) which does not result in any of the following:

 

(i)       any of the items set forth in SECTION 3(b) with respect to which the approval of the holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares is required;

 

 

1 Note to Draft: To reflect any accretion as of the revised Series 6 Original Issuance Date set forth below.

 

C-25

 

 

(ii)       the conversion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares into cash, stock or other property, or the right to receive cash, stock or property, or some combination thereof; other than conversion, in a transaction as described in clause (dd)(4) above, of the Series 6 Preferred Shares into a series of preferred shares having the same rights, preferences and privileges as the Series 6 Preferred Shares; or

 

(iii)      the cancellation of such Series 6 Preferred Shares.

 

(ee)       “Permitted Transferee” means any holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares who received such Series 6 Preferred Shares in a Permitted Transfer (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement), provided that such holder agrees, for the benefit of the Corporation, to comply with Section 4.05 of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

(ff)       “person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, limited or general partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government, any agency or political subdivisions thereof or other “person” as contemplated by Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.

  

(gg)       “Qualifying Transaction” means a Fundamental Change: (i) with regard to which the holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares is entitled to receive, directly or indirectly, in respect of its Series 6 Preferred Shares, in connection with the consummation of such transaction (including pursuant to the conversion of the Series 6 Preferred Shares (without regard to limitations or restrictions on conversion) or the purchase or exchange of such Series 6 Preferred Shares in a tender or exchange offer), consideration consisting solely of cash, equity securities that are immediately tradable on a national securities exchange and that have (or the equity securities of the predecessor of the issuer of such equity securities have) an average trading volume per trading day over the thirty (30) trading days preceding public announcement of such transaction at least equal to that of the Class A Shares over the thirty (30) trading days preceding public announcement of such transaction, or a combination of cash and such equity consideration (collectively, “qualifying consideration”), which qualifying consideration is in an amount per outstanding Series 6 Preferred Share that is at least equal to the Base Liquidation Preference of such Series 6 Preferred Share plus all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon (with the value of any non-cash consideration being the Fair Market Value of such non-cash consideration at the time of signing of the definitive transaction agreement for the applicable transaction) or (ii) that is otherwise consented to by the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding Series 6 Preferred Shares.

 

(hh)         “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(ii)       “Securities Purchase Agreement” means that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2019, between MDC Partners Inc. and the Investor.

 

(jj)       “Senior Securities” means any shares in the capital of the Corporation the terms of which expressly provide that they will rank senior in preference or priority to the Series 6 Preferred Shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

C-26

 

 

(kk)         “Series 6 Original Issuance Date” means [ ]2.

 

(ll)         “share capital” means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether voting or non-voting) of capital, partnership interests (whether general or limited) or equivalent ownership interests in or issued by such person, and with respect to the Corporation includes, without limitation, any and all Common Shares and the Preference Shares.

 

(mm)       “Specified Event” means the tenth (10th) Business Day after the consummation of a Fundamental Change that does not constitute a Qualifying Transaction.

 

(nn)         “Stagwell” means Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

 

(nn)         “Subsidiary” means with respect to any person, any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by, or, in the case of a partnership, the sole general partner or the managing partner or the only general partners of which are, such person and one or more Subsidiaries of such person (or a combination thereof). Unless otherwise specified, “Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Corporation.

 

(oo)     “Trading Day” means any day on which (i) there is no Market Disruption Event and (ii) the Exchange is open for trading or, if the Class A Shares are not so listed, admitted for trading or quoted, any Business Day. A Trading Day only includes those days that have a scheduled closing time of 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) or the then standard closing time for regular trading on the relevant Exchange.

 

(pp)      “Voting Stock” means the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares and securities of any class or kind ordinarily having the power to vote generally for the election of directors of the Board of Directors of the Corporation or its successor.

  

(qq)       Each of the following terms is defined in the Section set forth opposite such term:

 

Term   Section
Accretion Rate   SECTION 3(b)
Additional Class A Shares   SECTION 6(f)(v)(B)
Additional Dividends   SECTION 2(b)(i)
Aggregate Amount   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Base Liquidation Preference   SECTION 3(b)
Class A Equivalents   SECTION 6(f)(v)(B)
Class A Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class A Shares Outstanding   SECTION 6(f)(ii)
Class B Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class C Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Conversion Amount   SECTION 6(a)

 

 

2 Note to Draft: Two business days after the Stagwell Contribution and concurrently with the adoption of this Amended & Restated Certificate of Designation.

 

C-27

 

 

Conversion Date   SECTION 6(a)
Conversion Price   SECTION 6(a)
Disposition Event   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Dividends   SECTION 2(b)(i)
Expiration Date   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Expiration Time   SECTION 6(f)(iii)(A)
Letter Agreement   SECTION 6(f)(v)(B)(7)
Liquidation Preference   SECTION 3(a)
Maximum Voting Power   SECTION 6(b)
Participating Dividends   SECTION 2(a)
Purchased Shares   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
qualifying consideration   SECTION 9(ee)
Quarterly Compounding Date   SECTION 3(b)
Redemption Date   SECTION 7(a)(i)
Redemption Notice   SECTION 7(a)(ii)
Redemption Price   SECTION 7(a)(i)
Reference Property   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Rights Trigger   SECTION 6(f)(xii)
Series 6 Preferred Shares   SECTION 1
Special Conversion Shares   SECTION 8(c)

 

SECTION 10.        Miscellaneous. For purposes of this Designation, the following provisions shall apply:

 

(a)          Withholding Tax. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Designation, the Corporation may deduct or withhold from any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery (whether in cash or in shares) to be made pursuant to this Designation any amounts required or permitted by law to be deducted or withheld from any such payment, distribution, issuance or delivery and shall remit any such amounts to the relevant tax authority as required. If the cash component of any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery to be made pursuant to this Designation is less than the amount that the Corporation is so required or permitted to deduct or withhold, the Corporation shall be permitted to deduct and withhold from any noncash payment, distribution, issuance or delivery to be made pursuant to this Designation any amounts required or permitted by law to be deducted or withheld from any such payment, distribution, issuance or delivery and to dispose of such property in order to remit any amount required to be remitted to any relevant tax authority. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the amount of any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery made to a holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares pursuant to this Designation shall be considered to be the amount of the payment, distribution, issuance or delivery received by such holder plus any amount deducted or withheld pursuant to this SECTION 10. In the absence of any such deduction or withholding by the Corporation, and unless agreed otherwise by the Corporation in writing, holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares shall be responsible for all withholding taxes in respect of any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery made or credited to them pursuant to this Designation and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Corporation on an after-tax basis (for this purpose, having regard only to taxes for which the Corporation is liable for any such taxes imposed on any payment, distribution, issuance or delivery made or credited to them pursuant to this Designation.

 

C-28

 

 

(b)          Wire or Electronic Transfer of Funds. Notwithstanding any other right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Series 6 Preferred Shares, the Corporation may, at its option, make any payment due to registered holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares by way of a wire or electronic transfer of funds to such holders. If a payment is made by way of a wire or electronic transfer of funds, the Corporation shall be responsible for any applicable charges or fees relating to the making of such transfer. As soon as practicable following the determination by the Corporation that a payment is to be made by way of a wire or electronic transfer of funds, the Corporation shall provide a notice to the applicable registered holders of Series 6 Preferred Shares at their respective addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation. Such notice shall request that each applicable registered holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares provide the particulars of an account of such holder with a chartered bank in the United States to which the wire or electronic transfer of funds shall be directed. If the Corporation does not receive account particulars from a registered holder of Series 6 Preferred Shares prior to the date such payment is to be made, the Corporation shall deposit the funds otherwise payable to such holder in a special account or accounts in trust for such holder. The making of a payment by way of a wire or electronic transfer of funds or the deposit by the Corporation of funds otherwise payable to a holder in a special account or accounts in trust for such holder shall be deemed to constitute payment by the Corporation on the date thereof and shall satisfy and discharge all liabilities of the Corporation for such payment to the extent of the amount represented by such transfer or deposit.

 

(c)          Amendments. The provisions attaching to the Series 6 Preferred Shares may be deleted, varied, modified, amended or amplified by amendment with such approval as may then be required by this Designation and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

(d)          U.S. Currency. Unless otherwise stated, all references herein to sums of money are expressed in lawful money of the United States.

 

C-29

 

 

Exhibit D

 

Shareholder Consent

 

 

 

  

Exhibit D 

 

ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

 

[●], 2021

 

The undersigned holder (the “Shareholder”) of all of the shares of Series 6 convertible preferred stock (“Series 6 Shares”) of Stagwell Inc. (f/k/a MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc.), a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), hereby consents to and adopts the following resolutions by written consent (this “Consent”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Designation of Series 6 Convertible Preferred Stock of Stagwell Inc. (the “Series 6 Designation”).

 

Consent

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4(b)(i)(C) of the Series 6 Designation, the Corporation may not, without the affirmative approval of the holders of a majority of the Series 6 Shares, effect any amendment of the rights, privileges, preferences, powers, restrictions or conditions of the Series 6 Shares; and

 

WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Shareholder desire to amend the Series 6 Designation to reflect a one-year abatement of the Accretion Rate on the Base Liquidation Preference (the “Amendment”), and the Shareholder consented to the Amendment pursuant to that certain Letter Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2021.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in connection with the Amendment, the Shareholder hereby reaffirms that it consents to the Corporation’s entry into the Amended and Restated Designation of Series 6 Convertible Preferred Stock of Stagwell Inc. in form attached hereto as Exhibit A and to the filing thereof with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

 

General

 

RESOLVED, that the Shareholder hereby waives any rights to receive notice and other procedural requirements the undersigned might be entitled to in connection with the Series 6 Designation;

 

RESOLVED, that the officers of the Corporation be, and each of them hereby is, authorized, empowered and directed to take such further action and to execute, make oath to, acknowledge and deliver, from time to time in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, such other agreements, instruments, certificates or documents and to do or cause to be done any and all such other acts and things as such officers may, in their sole discretion, deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in order to carry out the intent of the foregoing resolutions, the take of such actions to be conclusive evidence that the same have been authorized and approved by the shareholders of the Corporation; and

 

RESOLVED FURTHER, that all acts and things previously done and performed (or caused to be done and performed) in the name and on behalf of the Corporation prior to the date hereof in furtherance of any of the foregoing resolutions and the transactions contemplated therein be, and the same hereby are, ratified, confirmed and approved.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

 

 

       This action by written consent may be executed in counterparts, either via written signature or consent via electronic mail, and signature pages may be delivered by facsimile, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument. This action by written consent shall apply to all shares of the Corporation held by the undersigned.

  

STOCKHOLDER:  
   
Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC, as Holder  
   
By: The Stagwell Group LLC, its Manager  

 

/s/ Mark Penn  
Signature of Stockholder  
Manager  
Title of Signatory  
   
Date: July 8, 2021  

     

[Signature Page to Stagwell Amended and Restated Preferred Shares Consent]

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

FOR IMMEDIATE ISSUE

 

 

FOR: MDC Partners Inc. CONTACT: Michaela Pewarski
  One World Trade Center, FL. 65   MDC Partners
  New York, NY 10007   646 429 1812
      mpewarski@MDC-Partners.com

 

MDC Partners (MDCA) and Stagwell Media LP Reach Agreement on Amended Transaction that Offers MDC Shareholders Greater Stake in Combined Business

 

New Proposal with Improved Financial Terms Provides Increased Value for MDC Shareholders, Further Enhanced Governance and Offers Best Chance to Create Global Modern Marketing Company with Near- and Long-Term Growth Prospects

 

Special Committee Recommends Shareholders Vote “FOR” the Amended Transaction

 

New Meeting Date Set for July 26, 2021

 

New York, NY, July 9, 2021 (NASDAQ: MDCA) – MDC Partners Inc. (“MDC” or the “Company”) announced today that the Special Committee of MDC’s Board of Directors (the “MDC Special Committee”), working with its independent legal and financial advisors, has completed its evaluation of the revised offer from Stagwell Media LP (“Stagwell”) and reached an agreement on amended terms (the “Amendment”) for the business combination of the Company and certain operating businesses of Stagwell (the “Transaction”). The Amendment was unanimously recommended by the MDC Special Committee and unanimously approved by MDC’s Board of Directors (other than the interested directors). The Company expects to file a supplement to its proxy statement/prospectus as soon as practicable.

 

The Amendment, which took into account input and feedback from MDC shareholders and reflects extensive negotiations between the MDC Special Committee and Stagwell, provides for a decrease in the share consideration that Stagwell will receive in the Transaction to equity interests equivalent to 180 million common shares, a reduction of approximately 36 million common shares from the 216.25 million common shares agreed to in the transaction agreement entered into on December 21, 2020. Based on this change in share consideration, on a pro forma basis, the existing MDC common shareholders (including Stagwell) would own approximately 31% of the common equity of the combined company (the “Combined Company”) immediately following the closing of the Transaction.

 

MDC and Stagwell have also agreed to additional governance enhancements, including to provide that seven of the nine members of the Board of Directors of the Combined Company will be independent directors and two out of three of the members of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee will be continuing independent directors of the Company. Stagwell has further agreed that it will relinquish its right to nominate a fourth director, and in lieu thereof, the ninth director of the Combined Company will be selected by mutual consent. In addition to these governance changes, each of Stagwell and Goldman Sachs have agreed to abate for one year following the closing of the Transaction any accretion on the Combined Company’s Series 6 preferred shares and Series 8 preferred shares, respectively.

 

 

 

 

The MDC Special Committee worked closely with its legal and financial advisors over the past several weeks to negotiate the revised agreement, conduct additional due diligence (including a review of updated financial projections from both MDC and Stagwell), assess the relative value of each company in the transaction and consider the fairness of the revised offer.

 

After giving effect to the Amendment, the MDC Board of Directors, following the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, recommends that MDC shareholders vote “FOR” the Transaction for the following reasons:

 

· The combination with Stagwell affords MDC shareholders the best opportunity for value creation and growth through a meaningful ownership stake in a large company that is well positioned in the marketing and advertising communication sectors that are growing most quickly;
· The Combined Company will have lower leverage and more scale than MDC today, providing greater financial flexibility;
· The combination of MDC and Stagwell provides opportunities for cost savings and revenue synergies that will create additional value for MDC shareholders;
· With increased market capitalization, revenue and cash flow and participation in the growing sectors of the market, there is an improved chance for greater liquidity in the trading of the Combined Company’s stock and coverage from sell-side analysts, which may improve the valuation of the stock;
· The Special Committee received a fairness opinion from Moelis & Company LLC, financial advisor to the Special Committee in respect of the Transaction, providing that, as of the date thereof and based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated in such opinion, the percentage ownership of New MDC to be held by the holders of MDC Class A and Class B shares (together, the “MDC Common Shares”) upon completion of the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of MDC Common Shares, other than Mark Penn, Stagwell, Goldman Sachs and their respective affiliates (other than MDC and its subsidiaries) (collectively, the “interested shareholders”);
· The governance protections provide meaningful protection of the interests of MDC shareholders going forward (including the ability for the minority shareholders to have meaningful influence over the composition of the entire Board of Directors of the Combined Company); and
· There is no better alternative available to MDC for creating value, gaining scale, reducing leverage, increasing trading liquidity, reducing costs and positioning the company in the growth sectors of the market.

 

Commenting on their support for the amended Transaction, the MDC Special Committee offered the following:

 

“We have negotiated the revised terms with Stagwell and believe that they deliver significant value for MDC shareholders and appropriately reflect Stagwell’s high-growth businesses and its financial performance and success, which has continued and gained momentum through a challenging year. Over the course of this process, we have spoken with many MDC shareholders and have advocated on their behalf to Stagwell to create even more value for them in this transaction. Our efforts have garnered additional financial and governance improvements from Stagwell that reward MDC shareholders for their contributions to the combined company and that protect their interests over time.

 

“Beyond that, we know that this combination makes strategic sense. Coming together with Stagwell puts MDC on the right path to growth with a stronger balance sheet, a better combination of digital capabilities and the right leadership for the future.

 

 

 

 

We are fully convinced that the transaction we announced today is the single best path forward for MDC and its shareholders and will maximize value for MDC shareholders. To be clear, we do not believe there is a better or different transaction to be done with Stagwell, no other suitors have emerged and the standalone prospects of MDC are not nearly as attractive as the combination with Stagwell under the terms we announced this morning.

 

“Our Special Committee therefore fully endorses this transaction and strongly encourages MDC shareholders to embrace this chance to maximize value. The Board of Directors of MDC, following a unanimous recommendation of the members of the Special Committee, recommends that the Company’s shareholders to vote ‘FOR’ this business combination.”

 

It is anticipated that the special meeting of shareholders of the Company to vote on the Transaction currently scheduled for July 19, 2021 will be commenced and adjourned with the new time and date for the Special Meeting of Shareholders to vote on the Transaction (the “Special Meeting”) expected to be Monday, July 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM ET, to be accessed virtually at https://web.lumiagm.com/401933402. The Company will extend the scheduled proxy cut-off time for the Special Meeting and accept proxies and voting instructions, including electronic voting, until Thursday, July 22, 2021.

 

Your vote is very important regardless of the number of shares you own and encourage shareholders to vote in advance of the new deadline. Shareholders with questions regarding the Special Meeting and Amended Transaction should contact Kingsdale Advisors, MDC’s strategic shareholder advisor and proxy solicitation agent, at 1-877-659-1821 (toll-free within North America) or at 1-416-867-2272 (outside of North America) or by email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com.

 

About MDC Partners Inc.

 

MDC Partners is one of the most influential marketing and communications networks in the world. As “The Place Where Great Talent Lives,” MDC Partners is celebrated for its innovative advertising, public relations, branding, digital, social and event marketing agency partners, which are responsible for some of the most memorable and effective campaigns for the world’s most respected brands. By leveraging technology, data analytics, insights and strategic consulting solutions, MDC Partners drives creative excellence, business growth and measurable return on marketing investment for over 1,700 clients worldwide. For more information about MDC Partners and its partner firms, visit our website at mdc-partners.com, sign up for investor-related updates and alerts, and follow us on LinkedIn.

 

About Stagwell

 

Stagwell is a private equity fund that owns all interests in Stagwell Marketing Group LLC through a wholly owned holding company named Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC. Stagwell Media, Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and its businesses are managed by The Stagwell Group, a registered investment advisor. The address of Stagwell is 1808 Eye Street, Floor 6, Washington, D.C., 20006. As of the date hereof, Stagwell and its affiliates beneficially own 50,000 series 6 preference shares (representing 100% of the outstanding Series 6 preference shares) and 14,425,714 Class A shares (representing 18.7% of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares) of MDC, collectively representing 19.9% of the issued and outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares of MDC, as calculated on an as-converted basis. There will be no change in the beneficial ownership of Stagwell and its affiliates of MDC securities following the announcement of the foregoing. The information set out above regarding the amended terms of the Transaction and Stagwell’s holdings in MDC is provided by Stagwell for the purpose of satisfying its early warning disclosure obligations under applicable Canadian securities laws.

 

 

 

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This communication may contain certain forward-looking statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the U.S. Exchange Act and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities laws. Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including statements about MDC’s or Stagwell’s beliefs and expectations and recent business and economic trends, constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “potential,” “create,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “foresee,” “plan,” “will,” “guidance,” “look,” “outlook,” “future,” “assume,” “forecast,” “focus,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other variations thereof and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of current plans, estimates and projections are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined in this section. Such forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements related to: future financial performance and the future prospects of the respective businesses and operations of MDC, Stagwell and the Combined Company; information concerning the Transaction; the anticipated benefits of the Transaction; the likelihood of the Transaction being completed; the anticipated outcome of the Transaction; the tax impact of the Transaction on MDC and shareholders of MDC; the timing of the shareholder meeting to approve the Transaction (the “Special Meeting”); the shareholder approvals required for the Transaction; regulatory and stock exchange approval of the Transaction; and the timing of the implementation of the Transaction. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including the risks identified in our filings with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside MDC’s control. Important factors that could cause actual results and expectations to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the registration statement on Form S-4 filed on February 8, 2021, and as amended on March 29, 2021, April 21, 2021 and April 30, 2021 (the “Form S-4”), under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the proxy statement/prospectus on Form 424B3 filed on May 10, 2021 (together with the Form S-4, the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), under the caption “Risk Factors” in MDC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2020 under Item 1A and under the caption “Risk Factors” in MDC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter-ended March 31, 2021 under Item 1A. These and other risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

· an inability to realize expected benefits of the Transaction or the occurrence of difficulties in connection with the Transaction;
· adverse tax consequences in connection with the Transaction for MDC, its operations and its shareholders, that may differ from the expectations of MDC or Stagwell, including that future changes in tax law, potential increases to corporate tax rates in the United States and disagreements with the tax authorities on MDC’s determination of value and computations of its tax attributes may result in increased tax costs;
· the occurrence of material Canadian federal income tax (including material “emigration tax”) as a result of the Transaction;
· the impact of uncertainty associated with the Transaction on MDC’s and Stagwell’s respective businesses;
· direct or indirect costs associated with the Transaction, which could be greater than expected;
· the risk that a condition to completion of the Transaction may not be satisfied and the Transaction may not be completed; and
· the risk of parties challenging the Transaction or the impact of the Transaction on MDC’s debt arrangements.

 

 

 

 

You can obtain copies of MDC’s filings under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, its profile on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or its website at www.mdc-partners.com. MDC does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. All forward-looking statements in this communication are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

 

Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Transaction, MDC and New MDC filed with the SEC the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any other document MDC may file with the SEC in connection with the Transaction.

 

INVESTORS AND SECURITYHOLDERS OF MDC ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE TRANSACTION IN ITS ENTIRETY (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) OR ANY DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION. You may obtain, free of charge, copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant documents filed by MDC or New MDC with the SEC, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and securityholders are able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant documents filed by MDC or New MDC with the SEC and from MDC’s website at http://www.mdc-partners.com.

 

The URLs in this announcement are intended to be inactive textual references only. They are not intended to be active hyperlinks to websites. The information on such websites, even if it might be accessible through a hyperlink resulting from the URLs or referenced herein, is not and shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this announcement. No assurance or representation is given as to the suitability or reliability for any purpose whatsoever of any information on such websites.

 

No Offer or Solicitation

 

This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This communication is not a substitute for any prospectus, proxy statement or any other document that MDC or New MDC may file with the SEC in connection with the Transaction. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited, and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted.

 

No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Transaction and distribution of this document may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities will be made directly or indirectly, in or into any jurisdiction where to do so would be inconsistent with the laws of such jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

MDC, New MDC and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from MDC’s shareholders with respect to the approvals required to complete the Transaction. More detailed information regarding the identity of these potential participants, and any direct or indirect interests they may have in the Transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC. Information regarding MDC’s directors and executive officers is set forth in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed by MDC with the SEC on May 10, 2021, in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by MDC with the SEC on March 16, 2021, as amended on April 27, 2021 and in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by MDC with the SEC on May 10, 2021. Additional information regarding the interests of participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the Special Meeting is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC. These documents are available to the shareholders of MDC free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and from MDC’s website at www.mdc-partners.com.

 

You must not construe the contents of this document as legal, tax, regulatory, financial, accounting or other advice, and you are urged to consult with your own advisors with respect to legal, tax, regulatory, financial, accounting and other consequences of the Transaction, the suitability of the Transaction for you and other relevant matters concerning the Transaction.