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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): August 2, 2021

 

 

STAGWELL INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware   001-13718   86-1390679
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
 
  (Commission
File Number)  
  (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)

 

MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc.
(Former name or form address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ 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, $0.001 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. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introductory Note

 

On August 2, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), Stagwell Inc. (the “Company”) announced that it had consummated the previously announced combination of MDC Partners Inc. (“MDC”) and certain subsidiaries of Stagwell Media LP (“Stagwell Media”) pursuant to that certain Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020, as amended on June 4, 2021 and July 8, 2021 (the “Transaction Agreement”), by and among Stagwell, MDC, New MDC LLC (“New MDC”) and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC (“Merger Sub”) (the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the “Transactions”).

 

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, MDC domesticated from a Canadian corporation to a Delaware corporation (“MDC Delaware”). Thereafter, MDC Delaware merged with Merger Sub (the “MDC Merger”), with MDC Delaware continuing as the surviving corporation (“OpCo”) and wholly-owned subsidiary of New MDC. Following the MDC Merger, OpCo converted into a limited liability company and changed its name to “Midas OpCo Holdings LLC”. Concurrent with the MDC Merger, New MDC converted into a Delaware corporation and, after the MDC Merger, succeeded MDC Delaware as the publicly-traded company under the name “MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc.” (“MDC Stagwell Holdings”).

 

On the Closing Date, Stagwell Media contributed (i) to OpCo, the issued and outstanding equity interest of Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC (“SMGH”), the direct owner of the Stagwell Media subsidiaries that own and operate a portfolio of marketing services companies, in exchange for 179,970,051 common units of OpCo (“OpCo Common Units”) and (ii) to MDC Stagwell Holdings, $1,800 in cash in exchange for 179,970,051 shares of the Company’s class C common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“Class C Common Shares”) (such contributions, the “Stagwell Contributions”). Following the Stagwell Contributions, MDC Stagwell Holdings changed its name to “Stagwell Inc.”

 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Transaction Documents

 

On the Closing Date, pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, the Company entered into additional agreements, including, among others:

 

· a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) among the Company, Stagwell Media and certain Stagwell Media affiliates, pursuant to which, among other things and subject to certain restrictions, the Company is required to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 registering for resale certain of the Company’s Class A common shares, par value $0.001 per share (“Class A Shares”) and to conduct certain underwritten offerings upon the request of holders of registrable securities. The Registration Rights Agreement provides that no shares will be sold thereunder prior to the date that is 91 days after the Closing Date. The Registration Rights Agreement also provides holders of registrable securities with certain customary piggyback registration rights;

 

· a Tax Receivable Agreement (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”) among the Company, OpCo and Stagwell Media, pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay Stagwell Media eighty-five percent (85%) of the cash savings, if any, with respect to U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax actually realized in connection with the Transactions and the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement; and

 

· an Information Rights Letter Agreement (the “Information Rights Letter Agreement”) among Stagwell Media, Stagwell Group LLC and Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC (collectively, the “Stagwell Parties”) and the Company, pursuant to which the Stagwell Parties are provided the right to (i) receive the Company’s annual and quarterly financial statements, (ii) access the Company’s records and premises and (iii) to receive additional financial and operating data reasonably requested by the Stagwell Parties. The Information Rights Letter Agreement terminates when the Stagwell Parties no longer beneficially own more than ten percent (10%) of the then issued and outstanding voting securities of the Company.

 

Each of the foregoing descriptions does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to each of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Tax Receivable Agreement and the Information Rights Letter Agreement, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, respectively and each of which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01. A summary of the material terms of each of the agreements described above is also contained in MDC’s definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed on Form 424B3 on May 10, 2021 as supplemented on July 12, 2021 and July 19, 2021 (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”).

 

 

 

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

 

On the Closing Date, OpCo, Maxxcom LLC and Stagwell Marketing Group LLC entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among OpCo, Maxxcom LLC, Stagwell Marketing Group LLC, as borrowers, and each other subsidiary of OpCo that is a loan party, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, and various lenders party thereto (the “Combined Credit Agreement”). The Combined Credit Agreement consists of a $500 million senior secured revolving credit facility with a five year maturity and contains sub-limits for revolving loans and letters of credit of $50 million for loans denominated in pounds sterling or euros. The Combined Credit Agreement also includes an accordion feature under which the borrowers may request, subject to lender approval and certain conditions, to increase the amount of the lenders’ commitments to an aggregate amount not to exceed $650 million. The Combined Credit Agreement will be used for (i) repayment of certain existing debt including the Existing Credit Agreement and certain other indebtedness of the borrowers and (ii) general corporate purposes of the borrowers and their subsidiaries.

 

Borrowings under the Combined Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the borrowers’ option, (i) the greatest of (a) the prime rate of interest announced from time to time by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.50% and (c) the LIBOR rate plus 1%, in each case, plus the applicable margin (calculated based on the borrowers’ total leverage ratio) at that time or (ii) the LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin (calculated based on the borrowers’ total leverage ratio) at that time. The borrowers are also required to pay an unused revolver fee to the lenders under the Combined Credit Agreement in respect of the unused commitments thereunder ranging from 0.15% to 0.30% of unused commitments depending on the total leverage ratio, as well as customary letter of credit fees.

 

Advances under the Combined Credit Agreement may be prepaid in whole or in part from time to time without penalty or premium. The Combined Credit Agreement commitment may be reduced by the borrowers from time to time. Principal amounts outstanding under the Combined Credit Agreement are due and payable in full at maturity within five years of the date of the Combined Credit Agreement.

 

All obligations under the Combined Credit Agreement are guaranteed by all of our present and future material domestic subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions. All obligations under the Combined Credit Agreement, and the guarantees of such obligations, are secured, subject to permitted liens, and other exceptions and exclusions, by first priority security interests in substantially all of the borrowers’, and substantially all of borrowers’ present and future material domestic subsidiaries’, now owned and subsequently acquired property and assets and all proceeds and products thereof, other than, among other customary exceptions, certain equity interests in foreign subsidiaries or holding companies thereof; and substantially all of the stock (or other ownership interests) of each of the borrowers’ present and future material domestic subsidiaries and all proceeds and products thereof.

 

The Combined Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, will restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the borrowers’ ability to: incur additional indebtedness (including hedging transactions) and issue capital stock; create liens; engage in mergers or consolidations; provide guarantees or acquire shares; sell, purchase, acquire or transfer assets; pay dividends and distributions or repurchase capital stock; make investments, loans or advances; engage in sale and leaseback transactions; make certain payments such as subordinated debt; enter into certain restrictive agreements such as negative pledges and restrictions on distributions with respect to equity; enter into banking relationships with financial institutions other than the lenders under the Combined Credit Agreement; amend governing documents if such amendments would be adverse to the lenders under the Combined Credit Agreement; enter into swap agreements, including hedges; make banking arrangements with lenders other than the syndicate lenders under the Combined Credit Agreement; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and expand our business outside of current lines. In addition, the Combined Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants, that, among other things, require the borrowers to maintain: (i) a total leverage ratio on the last day of any fiscal quarter of 4.75:1.00 from the Closing Date through and including December 31, 2021; (ii) a total leverage ratio on the last day of any fiscal quarter of 4.50:1.00 from March 31, 2022 through and including December 31, 2022; and a total leverage ratio on the last day of any fiscal quarter of 4.25:1.00 from March 31, 2023 and thereafter. The Combined Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default, including upon the occurrence of a change of control.

 

The description of the Combined Credit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the A&R Credit Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1.02 Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

In connection with the completion of the Transactions, all outstanding obligations in respect of principal, interest and fees under that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2016, by and among MDC, Maxxcom LLC, as borrowers, and each other subsidiary of MDC that is a loan party, Wells Fargo Capital Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent, and various lenders party thereto (the “Existing Credit Agreement”) were repaid in full and, on the Closing Date, all commitments under the Existing Credit Agreement were terminated.

 

 

 

 

Item 2.01 Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

The information set forth in the Introductory Note and under Items 1.01, 1.02, 3.02, 5.02 of this Current Report is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.01.

 

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, following the MDC Merger, each share of MDC Delaware’s Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share, Series 4 Convertible Preferred Stock and Series 6 Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding immediately prior to the MDC Merger was converted into the right to receive one share of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share, Series 4 Convertible Preferred Share, or Series 6 Convertible Preferred Share, as applicable, with the same rights, powers, preferences and privileges immediately prior to the MDC Merger. Following the Stagwell Contributions, the Company issued 179,970,051 Class C Common Shares to Stagwell.

 

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, following the MDC Merger, each holder of MDC Incentive Awards will hold the same number of the Company’s Incentive Awards as the number of MDC Incentive Awards such holder held prior to the MDC Merger, governed by the same terms and conditions, except that the security referenced under or issuable upon exercise or settlement of each such award will be the Company’s common shares.

 

The Proxy Statement/Prospectus sets forth certain additional information regarding the Transactions. In addition, the foregoing description of the Transactions is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Transaction Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibits 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2021, Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 7, 2021 and Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 9, 2021, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

 

The information set forth in the Introductory Note and Item 1.01 of this Current Report is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02. Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, on the Closing, Stagwell Inc. issued 179,970,051 Class C Common Shares to Stagwell. The Class C Common Shares were issued in reliance upon an exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Class C Common Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the SEC or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements.

 

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

 

Resignation and Appointment of Directors

 

In connection with the Transactions and effective as of the Closing Date, Asha Daniere delivered an executed letter resigning as a member of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company effective as of the Closing Date.

 

In connection with the Transactions and effective as of the Closing Date, as previously disclosed, the Board is comprised of eight directors, who are Mark Penn, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky, Brad Gross, Secretary Rodney Slater, Brandt Vaughn, Wade Oosterman, Desiree Rogers, and Irwin D. Simon. The composition of the standing committees of the Board, as of the Closing Date, are as follows: (i) the audit committee is comprised of Wade Oosterman, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky and Irwin Simon, with Mr. Oosterman as the chair, (ii) the human resources and compensation committee is comprised of Desiree Rogers, Irwin Simon and Bradley Gross, with Ms. Rogers as the chair and (iii) the nominating and corporate governance committee is comprised of Irwin Simon, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky and Desiree Rogers, with Mr. Simon as the chair.

 

Resignation and Appointment of Officers

 

In connection with the Transactions and effective as of the Closing Date, Jay Leveton, a Partner of Stagwell, became the President of the Company and Ryan Greene, the Chief Financial Officer of Stagwell, became the Chief Operating Officer of the Company.

 

 

 

 

As previously disclosed in MDC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2021, effective on the Closing Date, David Ross has ceased to be an officer of the Company.

 

Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.

 

On the Closing Date, the Company filed a Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Second A&R Certificate of Incorporation”) to (1) change its name to “Stagwell Inc.”, (2) authorize the issuance of 95,000 shares designated as the “Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock”, par value $0.001, and 30,000,000 shares designated as the “Series 9 Convertible Preferred Stock”, par value $0.001 per share, and (3) include the certificates of designation of such Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock and Series 9 Convertible Preferred Stock with the Secretary of the State of Delaware. The Second A&R Certificate of Incorporation is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Effective as of the Closing Date, the Company also adopted amended and restated by-laws, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.2 (the “A&R Bylaws”) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

The foregoing description of the Second A&R Certificate of Incorporation and A&R Bylaws is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Second A&R Certificate of Incorporation and A&R Bylaws.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

On August 2, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing the consummation of the Transactions. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(a) Financial statements of business acquired

 

The (i) audited consolidated balance sheets of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the audited consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and the notes related thereto. and (ii) unaudited consolidated balance sheets of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, and the unaudited consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are filed as Exhibit 99.2 and Exhibit 99.3, respectively, to this Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(b) Pro forma financial information

 

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

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

3.1 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Stagwell Inc., dated August 2, 2021.
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Stagwell Inc., dated August 2, 2021.
10.1 Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 2, 2021, by and among MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc. and the Stagwell Parties (as defined therein).
10.2 Tax Receivable Agreement, dated August 2, 2021, by and among the MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc., Midas OpCo Holdings LLC and Stagwell Media LP.
10.3 Information Rights Letter Agreement, dated August 2, 2021, by and among the MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc., Stagwell Media LP, Stagwell Group LLC and Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC.
10.4 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 2, 2021, by and among Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, Maxxcom LLC and Stagwell Marketing Group LLC, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as lead arranger, bookrunner and administrative agent for the lenders, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as joint bookrunner and joint lead arranger, Bank of America, N.A. as joint bookrunner, joint lead arranger and syndication agent, lenders.
99.1 Press release of Stagwell Inc., dated August 2, 2021.
99.2 The audited consolidated balance sheets of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the audited consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and the notes related thereto.
99.3 The unaudited consolidated balance sheets of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, and the unaudited consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
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: August 2, 2021

 

  STAGWELL INC.  
     
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto
    Frank Lanuto
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.1

 

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc.

 

MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), does hereby certify that:

 

1. The original name of this company was New MDC LLC, the original formation date of the company was December 16, 2020 and the company converted to a corporation under the name MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc. on July 29, 2021. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on July 29, 2021. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on July 29, 2021.

 

2. The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

3. The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation so adopted reads in full as attached hereto as Exhibit A and is hereby incorporated herein by this reference.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation has signed this Certificate on August 2, 2021.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

 

 

THE UNDERSIGNED OFFICER, for the purposes of amending the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, does make and file this Certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that the facts here stated are true and accordingly has set his hand on August 2, 2021.

 

  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto
    Name: Frank Lanuto
    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Page to Stagwell Inc. Certificate of Incorporation]

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

STAGWELL INC.

 

August 2, 2021

 

ARTICLE I

 

The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the “Corporation”) is Stagwell Inc.

 

ARTICLE II

 

SECTION 1. The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is c/o Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

 

SECTION 2. The name and address of the incorporator is as follows Frank Lanuto: One World Trade Center, Floor 65, New York, NY 10007.

 

ARTICLE III

 

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

SECTION 1. The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,450,005,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of:

 

(1) 200,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”), including (i) 95,000 shares designated as the “Series 4 Convertible Preferred Stock”, par value $0.001 per share, (ii) 30,000,000 shares designated as the “Series 5 Convertible Preferred Stock”, par value $0.001 per share, (iii) 50,000 shares designated as the “Series 6 Convertible Preferred Stock”, par value $0.001 per share, (iv) 20,000,000 shares designated as the “Series 7 Convertible Preferred Stock”, par value $0.001 per share, (v) 95,000 shares designated as the “Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock”, par value $0.001 per share and (vi) 30,000,000 shares designated as the “Series 9 Convertible Preferred Stock”, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(2) 1,000,000,000 shares of class A common stock, par value $0.001 (the “Class A Common Stock”), 5,000 shares of class B common stock, par value $0.001 (the “Class B Common Stock”), and 250,000,000 shares of class C common stock, par value $0.00001 (the “Class C Common Stock” and, together with the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, the “Common Stock”).

 

Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding class or series of Preferred Stock, the number of authorized shares of either the Preferred Stock or the Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), voting as a single class, and no vote of the holders of either the Preferred Stock or the Common Stock voting separately as a class shall be required therefor.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) is hereby expressly authorized, by resolution or resolutions and without stockholder approval, to provide, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, for series of Preferred Stock and, with respect to each such series, to fix the number of shares constituting such series and the designation of such series, the voting powers (if any) of the shares of such series, and the preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the shares of such series. The powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding.

 

SECTION 3. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or required by law, voting as a single class, each holder of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each share of Class A Common Stock, each holder of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to twenty votes in respect of each share of Class B Common Stock and each holder of outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each share of Class C Common Stock held as of the applicable date on any matter that is submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any amendment to the Designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock attached hereto as Exhibit A, B, C, D, E or F) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock attached hereto as Exhibit A, B, C, D, E or F) or pursuant to the DGCL. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of a series of Preferred Stock are entitled to amend the Designation related to such series of Preferred Stock without the vote of the holders of Common Stock or any other series of Preferred Stock.

 

(b)       Except as otherwise required by law, holders of a series of Preferred Stock, as such, shall be entitled only to such voting rights, if any, as shall expressly be granted to such holders by this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Designation relating to such series attached hereto as Exhibit A, B, C, D, E or F).

 

(c)       Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock:

 

  1) All dividends which are declared in any year in the discretion of the Board of Directors on all shares of the Class A Common Stock shall be declared and paid at the same time in an equal or, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, a greater amount per share than those dividends declared in respect of the Class B Common Stock at the time outstanding. All dividends which are declared in any year, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, on all shares of the Class B Common Stock shall be declared and paid at the same time in an equal or, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, a lesser amount per share than those declared in respect of shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

  2) If any stock dividend is declared on shares of Class A Common Stock, such dividend may be paid in shares of Class A Common Stock or in shares of Class B Common Stock, or partly in one class and partly in the other, if stock dividends in equal or, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, lesser amounts per share are declared at the same time on shares of the Class B Common Stock and are payable in either shares of Class A Common Stock or in shares of Class B Common Stock, or partly in one class and partly in the other, regardless of which class the stock dividend was paid on shares of Class A Common Stock. If any stock dividend is declared on shares of Class B Common Stock, such dividend may be paid in shares of Class A Common Stock or in shares of Class B Common Stock, or partly in one class and partly in the other, if stock dividends in equal or, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, greater amounts per share are paid at the same time on shares of the Class A Common Stock and are payable in either shares of Class A Common Stock or in shares of Class B Common Stock, or partly in one class and partly in the other, regardless of which class the stock dividend was paid on shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

 

 

 

  3) All distributions other than dividends (including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any distribution of rights, warrants or options to purchase securities of the Corporation), and all such distributions which may at any time or from time to time be authorized or made:

 

  i) in respect of shares of the Class A Common Stock, shall be authorized and made at the same time in equal, or in the discretion of the Board of Directors, greater quantities or amounts per share than on shares of Class B Common Stock without preference or distinction; and

 

  ii) in respect of shares of the Class B Common Stock, shall be authorized and made at the same time in equal, or in the discretion of the directors, lesser quantities or amounts per share than on shares of Class A Common Stock without preference or distinction.

 

(d)    Except as contemplated by Section 8 of this Article IV, dividends or other distributions shall not be declared or paid on the Class C Common Stock.

 

(e)    Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, the holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to receive the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them. For the avoidance of doubt, a dissolution, liquidation or winding up shall not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include, without limitation, any voluntary consolidation, reorganization, conversion or merger of the Corporation with or into any other corporation or entity or other corporation or entities or a sale, lease, transfer, exchange or conveyance of all or a part of the Corporation’s assets. The holders of the Class C Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to receive any assets of the Corporation upon any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation.

 

SECTION 4. Each share of Class B Common Stock shall be convertible at any time, at the option of the holder thereof, into a share of Class A Common Stock, on the basis of one share of Class A Common Stock for each share of Class B Common Stock so converted.

 

SECTION 5. (a) For the purposes of this Section 5:

 

  1) affiliate” has the meaning ascribed thereto under the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

 

  2) Conversion Period” means the period of time commencing on the eighth day after the Offer Date and terminating on the Expiry Date;

 

  3) Converted Shares” means the shares of Class B Common Stock resulting from the conversion of shares of Class A Common Stock into shares of Class B Common Stock pursuant to Section 5(b) of this Article IV;

 

  4) Exclusionary Offer” means an offer to purchase shares of Class B Common Stock that:

 

i)                 must, by reason of applicable securities legislation or the requirements of a stock exchange on which the shares of Class B Common Stock are listed, be made to all or substantially all holders of shares of Class B Common Stock; and

 

ii)               is not made concurrently with an offer to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock that is identical to the offer to purchase shares of Class B Common Stock in terms of price per share and percentage of outstanding shares to be taken up exclusive of shares owned immediately prior to the offer by the Offeror, and in all other material respects, and that has no condition attached other than the right not to take up and pay for shares tendered if no shares are tendered pursuant to the offer for shares of Class B Common Stock,

 

 

 

 

and for the purposes of this definition, if an offer to purchase shares of Class B Common Stock is not an Exclusionary Offer as defined above but would be an Exclusionary Offer if it were not for sub-clause (ii), the varying of any term of such offer shall be deemed to constitute the making of a new offer unless an identical variation concurrently is made to the corresponding offer to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock;

 

  5) Expiry Date” means the last date upon which holders of shares of Class B Common Stock may accept an Exclusionary Offer;

 

  6) Offer Date” means the date on which an Exclusionary Offer is made;

 

  7) Offeror” means a person or company that makes an offer to purchase shares of Class B Common Stock (the “bidder”), and includes any associate or affiliate of the bidder or any person or company that is disclosed in the offering document to be acting jointly or in concert with the bidder; and

 

  8) transfer agent” means the transfer agent for the time being of the Corporation’s shares of Common Stock.

 

(b) Subject to paragraphs (e) and (j) of this Section 5, if an Exclusionary Offer is made, each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock shall be convertible into one share of Class B Common Stock at the option of the holder during the Conversion Period. The conversion right may be exercised by notice in writing given to the transfer agent accompanied by, if applicable, the share certificate or certificates representing the shares of Class A Common Stock which the holder desires to convert, and such notice shall be executed by such holder, or by his attorney duly authorized in writing, and shall specify the number of shares of Class A Common Stock which the holder desires to have converted. The holder shall pay any governmental or other tax imposed on or in respect of such conversion. Upon receipt by the transfer agent of such notice and, if applicable, share certificate or certificates, the Corporation shall issue shares of Class B Common Stock as above prescribed and in accordance with paragraph of this Section 5.

 

(c) An election by a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock to exercise the conversion right provided for in paragraph (b) of this Section 5 shall be deemed to also constitute an irrevocable election by such holder to deposit the Converted Shares pursuant to the Exclusionary Offer (subject to such holder's right to subsequently withdraw the shares from the offer) and to exercise the right to convert into shares of Class A Common Stock all Converted Shares in respect of which such holder exercises his right of withdrawal from the Exclusionary Offer or which are not otherwise ultimately taken up under the Exclusionary Offer. Any conversion into shares of Class A Common Stock, pursuant to such deemed election, of Converted Shares in respect of which the holder exercises his or her right of withdrawal from the Exclusionary Offer shall become effective at the time such right of withdrawal is exercised. If the right of withdrawal is not exercised, any conversion into shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to such deemed election shall become effective,

 

  1) in respect of an Exclusionary Offer which is completed, immediately following the time by which the Offeror is required by applicable securities legislation to take up and pay for all shares to be acquired by the Offeror under the Exclusionary Offer; and

 

  2) in respect of an Exclusionary Offer which is abandoned or withdrawn, at the time at which the Exclusionary Offer is abandoned or withdrawn.

 

 

 

 

(d) Upon completion of the offer, the transfer agent shall deliver to the holders entitled thereto all consideration paid by the Offeror pursuant to the offer. The Corporation shall make all arrangements with the transfer agent necessary or desirable to give effect to this subparagraph.

 

(e) Subject to paragraph (f) of this Section 5, the conversion right provided for in paragraph (b) of this Section 5 shall not come into effect if:

 

  1) prior to the time at which the Exclusionary Offer is made there is delivered to the transfer agent and to the Secretary of the Corporation certificate or certificates signed by or on behalf of one or more stockholders of the Corporation owning in the aggregate, as at the time the Exclusionary Offer is made, more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, exclusive of shares owned immediately prior to the Exclusionary Offer by the Offeror, which certificate or certificates shall confirm, in the case of each such stockholder, that such stockholder shall not:

 

  i) accept any Exclusionary Offer without giving the transfer agent and the Secretary of the Corporation written notice of such acceptance or intended acceptance at least seven days prior to the Expiry Date;

 

  ii) make any Exclusionary Offer;

 

  iii) act jointly or in concert with any person or company that makes any Exclusionary Offer; or

 

  iv) transfer any shares of Class B Common Stock, directly or indirectly, during the time at which any Exclusionary Offer is outstanding without giving the transfer agent and the Secretary of the Corporation written notice of such transfer or intended transfer at least seven days prior to the Expiry Date, which notice shall state, if known to the transferor, the names of the transferees and the number of shares of Class B Common Stock transferred or to be transferred to each transferee;

 

  2) within seven days after the Offer Date there is delivered to the transfer agent and to the Secretary of the Corporation a certificate or certificates signed by or on behalf of one or more stockholders of the Corporation owning in the aggregate more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, exclusive of shares owned immediately prior to the Exclusionary Offer by the Offeror, which certificate or certificates shall confirm, in the case of each such stockholder:

 

  i) the number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the stockholder;

 

  ii) that such stockholder is not making the offer and is not an affiliate of, or acting jointly or in concert with, the person or company making the offer;

 

  iii) that such stockholder shall not accept the offer, including any varied form of the offer, without giving the transfer agent and the Secretary of the Corporation written notice of such acceptance or intended acceptance at least seven days prior to the Expiry Date; and

 

  iv) that such stockholder shall not transfer any shares of Class B Common Stock, directly or indirectly, prior to the Expiry Date without giving the transfer agent and the Secretary of the Corporation written notice of such transfer or intended transfer at least seven days prior to the Expiry Date, which notice shall state, if known to the transferor, the names of the transferees and the number of shares of Class B Common Stock transferred or to be transferred to each transferee if this information is known to the transferor; or

 

 

 

 

3) any shares of Class C Common Stock are outstanding.

 

(f) If a notice referred to in sub-clause (e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(iv), (e)(2)(iii) or (e)(2)(iv) of this Section 5 is given and the conversion right provided for in paragraph (b) of this Section 5 has not come into effect, the transfer agent shall either forthwith upon receipt of the notice or forthwith after the seventh day following the Offer Date, whichever is later, make a determination as to whether there are subsisting certifications that comply with either sub-clause (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this Section 5 from stockholders of the Corporation who own in the aggregate more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, exclusive of shares owned immediately prior to the offer by the Offeror. For the purposes of this determination the transaction that is the subject of such notice shall be deemed to have taken place at the time of the determination, and the shares that are the subject of such notice shall be deemed to have been transferred to a person or company from whom the transfer agent had not received such a certification unless the transfer agent is otherwise advised either by such notice or by the transferee in writing. If the transfer agent determines that there are not such subsisting certifications, paragraph (e) of this Section 5 shall cease to apply and the conversion right provided for in paragraph (b) of this Section 5 shall be in effect for the remainder of the Conversion Period.

 

(g) As soon as reasonably possible after the seventh day after the Offer Date, the Corporation shall send to each holder of shares of Class A Common Stock a notice advising the holders as to whether they are entitled to convert their shares of Class A Common Stock into shares of Class B Common Stock and the reasons therefor. If such notice disclosed that they are not so entitled but if subsequently determined that they are so entitled by virtue of paragraph (f) of this Section 5 or otherwise, the Corporation shall forthwith send another notice to them advising them of that fact and the reasons therefor.

 

(h) If a notice referred to in paragraph (g) of this Section 5 discloses that the conversion right has come into effect, the notice shall:

 

  1) include a description of the procedure to be followed to effect the conversion and to have the Converted Shares tendered under the offer;

 

  2) include the information set out in paragraph (c) of this Section 5; and

 

  3) be accompanied by a copy of the offer and all other material sent to holders of shares of Class B Common Stock in respect of the offer, and as soon as reasonably possible after any additional material, including a notice of variation, is sent to the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock in respect of the offer, the Corporation shall send a copy of such additional material to each holder of shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

(i) Prior to or forthwith after sending any notice referred to in paragraph (g) of this Section 5, the Corporation shall cause a press release describing the contents of the notice.

 

(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Incorporation, for the avoidance of doubt, no holder of Class A Common Stock shall have any conversion rights under this Section 5 of Article IV for so long as any shares of Class C Common Stock are outstanding.

 

SECTION 6. (a) For the purposes of this Section 6:

 

  1) Midas OpCo” means Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability and any successor entity thereto;

 

  2) LLC Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Midas OpCo, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Midas 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; and

 

 

 

 

  3) Common Unit” means a unit representing limited liability company interests in Midas OpCo and constituting a “Common Unit” as defined in the LLC Agreement as in effect on the effective date of this Certificate of Incorporation.

 

(b) Permitted Owners. Shares of Class C Common Stock (1) may be issued only in connection with (A) the issuance by Midas OpCo of a corresponding number of Common Units and only to the person or entity to whom such Common Units are issued, or (B) Section 8 of this Article IV and (2) may be registered only in the name of (A) a person or entity to whom shares of Class C Common Stock are issued in accordance with clause (1), (B) its successors and assigns, (C) their respective transferees permitted in accordance with Section 6(d) or (D) any subsequent successors, assigns and permitted transferees (collectively, “Permitted Class C Owners”).

 

(c) Voting. Except as otherwise required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Designation), for so long as any shares of Class C Common Stock shall remain outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the prior vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Class C Common Stock then outstanding, voting separately as a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, if such amendment, alteration or repeal would alter or change the powers, preferences or relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the Class C Common Stock.

 

(d) Transfer of Class C Common Stock.

 

i)                   A holder of Class C Common Stock may transfer shares of Class C Common Stock to any transferee (other than the Corporation) only if, and only to the extent permitted by the LLC Agreement, such holder also simultaneously transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units to such transferee in compliance with the LLC Agreement. Upon a transfer of Common Units in accordance with the LLC Agreement, a corresponding number of shares of Class C Common Stock held by the holder of such Common Units will automatically and simultaneously be transferred to the same transferee of such Common Units. The transfer restrictions described in this Section 6(d)(i)) are referred to as the “Restrictions.”

 

ii)                 Any purported transfer of shares of Class C Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions shall be null and void. If, notwithstanding the Restrictions, a person shall, voluntarily or involuntarily, purportedly become or attempt to become the purported owner (“Purported Owner”) of shares of Class C Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions, then the Purported Owner shall not obtain any rights in and to such shares of Class C Common Stock (the “Restricted Shares”), and the purported transfer of the Restricted Shares to the Purported Owner shall not be recognized by the Corporation or its transfer agent.

 

iii)               Upon a determination by the Board of Directors that a person has attempted or may attempt to transfer or to acquire Restricted Shares in violation of the Restrictions, the Board of Directors may take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to such transfer or acquisition on the books and records of the Corporation, including without limitation, to cause the transfer agent to record the Purported Owner’s transferor as the record owner of the Restricted Shares and to institute proceedings to enjoin or rescind any such transfer or acquisition.

 

iv)               The Board of Directors may, to the extent permitted by law, from time to time establish, modify, amend or rescind, by bylaw or otherwise, regulations and procedures that are consistent with the provisions of this Section 6(d) for determining whether any transfer or acquisition of shares of Class C Common Stock would violate the Restrictions and for the orderly application, administration and implementation of the provisions of this Section 6(d). Any such procedures and regulations shall be kept on file with the Secretary of the Corporation and with the transfer agent and shall be made available for inspection by any prospective transferee and, upon written request, shall be mailed to holders of shares of Class C Common Stock.

 

 

 

 

v)                  The Board of Directors shall have all powers necessary to implement the Restrictions, including without limitation, the power to prohibit the transfer of any shares of Class C Common Stock in violation thereof.

 

(e) Reservation of Class A Common Stock. The Corporation will at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon exchange of shares of Class C Common Stock and Common Units for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the LLC Agreement, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock that shall be issuable upon any such exchange pursuant to the LLC Agreement. All shares of Class A Common Stock that shall be issued upon any such exchange of shares of Class C Common Stock and Common Units pursuant to the LLC Agreement will, upon issuance in accordance with the LLC Agreement, be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

SECTION 7. Shares of Common Stock shall not entitle any holder thereof to any pre-emptive, subscription or redemption rights.

 

SECTION 8. If the Corporation at any time effects any subdivision (by any stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the Class A Common Stock into a greater or lesser number of shares, the shares of Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such subdivision or combination shall be proportionately similarly subdivided or combined such that the ratio of shares of outstanding Class A Common Stock to shares of outstanding Class B Common Stock immediately prior to such subdivision or combination shall be maintained immediately after such subdivision or combination and the ratio of shares of outstanding Class A Common Stock to shares of outstanding Class B Common Stock immediately prior to such subdivision or combination shall be maintained immediately after such subdivision or combination. If the Corporation at any time effects any subdivision (by any stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the Class B Common Stock into a greater or lesser number of shares, the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class C Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such subdivision or combination shall be proportionately similarly subdivided or combined such that the ratio of shares of outstanding Class B Common Stock to shares of outstanding Class A Common Stock immediately prior to such subdivision or combination shall be maintained immediately after such subdivision or combination and the ratio of shares of outstanding Class B Common Stock to shares of outstanding Class C Common Stock immediately prior to such subdivision or combination shall be maintained immediately after such subdivision or combination. If the Corporation at any time effects any subdivision (by any stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the Class C Common Stock into a greater or lesser number of shares, the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such subdivision or combination shall be proportionately similarly subdivided or combined such that the ratio of shares of outstanding Class C Common Stock to shares of outstanding Class A Common Stock immediately prior to such subdivision or combination shall be maintained immediately after such subdivision or combination and the ratio of shares of outstanding Class C Common Stock to shares of outstanding Class B Common Stock immediately prior to such subdivision or combination shall be maintained immediately after such subdivision or combination.

 

SECTION 9. As of the date of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors has provided for the issuance of Series 4 Convertible Preferred Stock with the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, and qualifications as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto.

 

SECTION 10. As of the date of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors has provided for the issuance of Series 5 Convertible Preferred Stock with the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, and qualifications as set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto.

 

SECTION 11. As of the date of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors has provided for the issuance of Series 6 Convertible Preferred Stock with the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, and qualifications as set forth in Exhibit C attached hereto.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 12. As of the date of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors has provided for the issuance of Series 7 Convertible Preferred Stock with the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, and qualifications as set forth in Exhibit D attached hereto.

 

SECTION 13. As of the date of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors has provided for the issuance of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock with the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, and qualifications as set forth in Exhibit E attached hereto.

 

SECTION 14. As of the date of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors has provided for the issuance of Series 9 Convertible Preferred Stock with the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, and qualifications as set forth in Exhibit F attached hereto.

 

ARTICLE V

 

SECTION 1. (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise fixed pursuant to the terms of (i) any outstanding series of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock attached hereto as Exhibit A, B, C, D, E or F) or (ii) the Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020 and as amended on June 4, 2021 and July 8, 2021, by and among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell”), New MDC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation which domesticated as a Delaware corporation prior to the date hereof and converted into Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, the number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. In no event shall a decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

(b) The directors of the Corporation, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock voting separately pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock attached hereto as Exhibit A, B, C, D, E or F), shall be elected by the stockholders entitled to vote thereon at each annual meeting of stockholders. Each director shall be elected annually and shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her respective successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. The election of directors need not be by written ballot.

 

SECTION 2. Advance notice of nominations for the election of directors shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the By-laws of the Corporation.

 

SECTION 3. (a) Except as otherwise provided for or fixed by or pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation relating to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock (including any Designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock attached hereto as Exhibit A, B, C, D, E or F), newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, removal or other cause shall only be filled by the Board of Directors by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by a sole remaining director, or if not so filled, by the stockholders at the next annual meeting thereof. Any director elected in accordance with the first sentence of this Section 3 shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term such director is elected to and until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.

 

(b) Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed with or without cause, and, in either case, such removal shall require the affirmative vote of holders of shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the then outstanding shares of all classes and series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled generally to vote on the election of directors of the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever holders of outstanding shares of one or more series of Preferred Stock voting separately are entitled to elect directors of the Corporation pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock attached hereto as Exhibit A, B, C, D, E or F), any such director of the Corporation so elected may be removed in accordance with this Certificate of Incorporation (including any such Designation).

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI

 

SECTION 1. Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, until the first date on which Stagwell and its Permitted Transferees (as defined in the LLC Agreement), directly or indirectly, cease to beneficially own, in the aggregate, shares of Common Stock representing at least thirty percent (30%) of the votes entitled to be cast by the then outstanding shares of all classes and series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled generally to vote on the election of directors of the Corporation (such date, the “Trigger Date”), any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing (or deemed to be in writing under applicable law), setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by stockholders (or deemed to be signed by stockholders under applicable law) representing not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such actions at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered and dated as required by law. Prompt notice of the taking of such action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing. The Secretary of the Corporation shall file such consents with the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders. From and after the Trigger Date, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken only upon the vote of the stockholders at an annual or special meeting duly called and may not be taken by written consent of the stockholders.

 

SECTION 2. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may only be called by (a) the Chairman of the Board of Directors or (b) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the entire Board of Directors (the entire Board of Directors being the total number of authorized directors, whether or not there exist any vacancies or unfilled previously authorized directorships); provided, however, that until the Trigger Date, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation shall also be called by the Secretary of the Corporation at the request of the holders of at least thirty percent (30%) of the votes entitled to be cast by the then outstanding shares of all classes and series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled generally to vote on the election of directors of the Corporation or as otherwise provided in the By-laws of the Corporation. From and after the Trigger Date, the stockholders of the Corporation shall not have the power to call a special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation or to request the Secretary of the Corporation to call a special meeting of the stockholders.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by law, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, repeal, alter or amend the By-laws of the Corporation by the vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. In addition to any requirements of law and any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation (and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be specified by law), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of all classes and series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled generally to vote in the election of directors of the Corporation, voting together as a single class, shall be required for stockholders to adopt, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the By-laws of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are subject to this reservation.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

SECTION 1. To the fullest extent that the DGCL or any other law of the State of Delaware as it exists or as it may hereafter be amended permits the limitation or elimination of the liability of directors, no director of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2. To the fullest extent that the DGCL or any other law of the State of Delaware as it exists or as it may hereafter be amended permits, including to the extent that such law or amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior to such law or amendment, the Corporation may provide indemnification of (and advancement of expenses to) its current and former directors, officers and agents (and any other persons to which the DGCL permits the Corporation to provide indemnification) through By-law provisions, agreements with such agents or other persons, votes of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

 

SECTION 3. No amendment to or repeal of any Section of this Article IX, nor the adoption of any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article IX, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article IX in respect of any matter occurring, or any action or proceeding accruing or arising, prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

 

ARTICLE X

 

SECTION 1. In recognition and anticipation that Exempted Persons (as defined below) (i) currently or may in the future serve as directors, officers or agents of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries (as defined below), (ii) currently or may in the future have access to information about the Corporation and its Subsidiaries that may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, enhance each such Exempted Person’s knowledge and understanding of (A) the industries in which the Corporation and its Subsidiaries operate (collectively, “Acquired Knowledge”), (B) the activities in which the Corporation and its Subsidiaries now engage, may continue to engage or may in the future engage (which shall include, without limitation, other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation and its Affiliates (as defined below) and Subsidiaries may engage directly or indirectly) or (C) related lines of business in which the Corporation or its Subsidiaries may engage directly or indirectly and (iii) currently or may in the future have an interest in the same or similar areas of corporate opportunity as the Corporation or its Subsidiaries may have an interest directly or indirectly, the provisions of this Article X are set forth to regulate and define, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and other applicable law, the conduct of certain affairs of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries with respect to certain classes or categories of business opportunities as they may involve an Exempted Person, and the powers, rights, duties and liabilities of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries and their respective direct or indirect partners, members, and stockholders in connection therewith.

 

SECTION 2. (a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and other applicable law, if any Exempted Person acquires knowledge of a potential Corporate Opportunity (as defined below) or otherwise is then exploiting any Corporate Opportunity, the Corporation and its Affiliates and Subsidiaries shall have no interest or expectancy in such Corporate Opportunity, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in such Corporate Opportunity, and any interest or expectancy in any Corporate Opportunity or any expectation in being offered the opportunity to participate in any Corporate Opportunity is hereby renounced and waived so that, such Exempted Person, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and other applicable law, (i) shall have no duty (fiduciary, contractual or otherwise) to communicate or present such Corporate Opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries or any stockholder; (ii) shall have the right to hold or pursue, directly or indirectly, any such Corporate Opportunity for such Exempted Person’s own account and benefit or such Exempted Person may direct such Corporate Opportunity to another Person (as defined below); and (iii) shall not be liable to the Corporation, any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries, their respective Affiliates or their respective direct or indirect partners, members or stockholders, for breach of any duty (fiduciary, contractual or otherwise) as a stockholder, director or officer of the Corporation or otherwise by reason of the fact that it pursues or acquires such Corporate Opportunity, directs such Corporate Opportunity to another Person or does not communicate information regarding such Corporate Opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries.

 

(b) The Corporation hereby expressly acknowledges and agrees that the Exempted Persons have the right to, and shall have no duty (contractual or otherwise) not to, (i) directly or indirectly engage in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries engages or proposes to engage, on such Exempted Person’s own behalf, or in partnership with, or as an employee, officer, director, member or stockholder of any other Person, including those lines of business deemed to be competing with the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; (ii) do business with any potential or actual customer or supplier of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries; and (iii) employ or otherwise engage any officer or employee of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries. The Corporation hereby expressly acknowledges and agrees that neither the Corporation nor any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries nor any stockholder shall have any rights in and to the business ventures of any Exempted Person, or the income or profits derived therefrom. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and other applicable law, none of the Exempted Persons shall be liable to the Corporation, any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries, their respective Affiliates or their respective direct or indirect partners, members, or stockholders, for breach of any duty (fiduciary, contractual or otherwise) as a stockholder, director or officer of the Corporation or otherwise by reason that such Exempted Person is engaging in any activities or lines of business or competing with the Corporation or its Subsidiaries.

 

 

 

 

(c) The Corporation hereby acknowledges and agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and other applicable law, (i) in the event of any conflict of interest between the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any Exempted Person, on the other hand, such Exempted Person may act in its best interest or in the best interest of any other Exempted Person and (ii) no Exempted Person shall be obligated to (A) reveal to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries confidential information belonging to or relating to the business of any Exempted Person or (B) recommend or take any action in its capacity as stockholder, director or officer, as the case may be, that prefers the interest of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries over the interest of any Exempted Person.

 

(d) The Corporation hereby acknowledges and agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and other applicable law, each Exempted Person is not restricted from using Acquired Knowledge in making investment, voting, monitoring, governance or other decisions relating to other entities or securities.

 

SECTION 3. Any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of the capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article X.

 

SECTION 4. For purposes of this Article X, a director who is Chairman of the Board of Directors or chairman of a committee of the Board of Directors is not deemed an officer of the Corporation by reason of holding that position unless that person is a full-time employee of the Corporation.

 

SECTION 5. If this Article X or any portion hereof shall be invalidated or held to be unenforceable on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of which shall not have been reversed on appeal, this Article X shall be deemed to be modified to the minimum extent necessary to avoid a violation of law and, as so modified, this Article X and the remaining provisions hereof shall remain valid and enforceable in accordance with their terms to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

SECTION 6. For the purposes of this Article X,

 

(a) “Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person.

 

(b) “Corporate Opportunity” means (i) an investment or business opportunity or activity, including without limitation those that might be considered the same as or similar to the Corporation’s business or the business of any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Corporation, including those deemed to be competing with the Corporation or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Corporation, or (ii) a prospective economic or competitive advantage in which the Corporation or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Corporation could have an interest or expectancy. In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing, a Corporate Opportunity shall not be deemed to be a potential opportunity for the Corporation or any Affiliates or Subsidiary if it is a business opportunity that (i) the Corporation, Affiliate or Subsidiary, as applicable, is not financially able or contractually permitted or legally able to undertake, (ii) from its nature, is not in the line of the Corporation’s, Affiliate’s or Subsidiary’s, as applicable, business or is of no practical advantage to it or (iii) is one in which the Corporation, Affiliate or Subsidiary, as applicable, has no interest or reasonable expectancy.

 

 

 

 

(c) “Exempted Person” means each Person that is a director of the Corporation who is not an employee of the Corporation of any of its subsidiaries.

 

(d) “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity.

 

(e) “Subsidiary” with respect to any Person means: (i) a corporation, a majority of whose capital stock with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors is at the time, directly or indirectly owned by such Person, by a Subsidiary of such Person, or by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, without regard to whether the voting of such capital stock is subject to a voting agreement or similar restriction, (ii) a partnership or limited liability company in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, (A) in the case of a partnership, a general partner of such partnership with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such partnership or (B) in the case of a limited liability company, the managing member or, in the absence of a managing member, a member with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such limited liability company or (iii) any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, a Subsidiary of such Person or such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has (A) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the members of the governing body of such Person (whether or not such power is subject to a voting agreement or similar restriction) or (B) in the absence of such a governing body, a majority ownership interest.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

The Corporation expressly opts out of, and elects not to be governed by the “Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders” provisions contained in Section 203 of the DGCL (“Section 203”), as permitted under Subsection 203(b) of the DGCL, until the first date on which Stagwell and its Permitted Transferees, directly or indirectly, cease to beneficially own, in the aggregate, shares of Common Stock representing at least five percent (5%) of the votes entitled to be cast by the then outstanding shares of all classes and series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled generally to vote on the election of directors of the Corporation. From and after such date, the Corporation shall be governed by Section 203 so long as Section 203 by its terms would apply to the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (b) any action or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee or stockholder of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (c) any action or proceeding asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto) or as to which the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto) confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, (d) any action or proceeding asserting a claim against the corporation or any current or former directors, officer or other employee of the corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, this Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (as each may be amended form time to time), (e) any action or proceeding asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine or (f) any other action or proceeding asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by law, or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located within the State of Delaware.

 

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

The Corporation is to have perpetual existence.

 

ARTICLE XIV

 

If any provision (or any part thereof) of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any section containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service or for the benefit of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Designation of Series 4 Convertible Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

DESIGNATION
OF
SERIES 4 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
STAGWELL INC.

 

SECTION 1.        Designation and Amount. The designation of this series of Preferred Stock is “Series 4 Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Series 4 Preferred Shares”), par value $0.001 per share, and the number of shares constituting such series is Ninety-Five Thousand (95,000). 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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) 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 4 Preferred Shares to be redeemed or converted, by electronic funds transfer or by sending to each holder of Series 4 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 4 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 4 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 (the “Class C Shares”) or any other shares ranking junior as to capital to the Series 4 Preferred Shares, an amount per Series 4 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 4 Preferred Shares would have received per Series 4 Preferred Share upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation had such holders converted their Series 4 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 4 Preferred Shares shall have the right to convert its Series 4 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 4 Preferred Share shall initially be equal to the Original Purchase Price. From and after the Series 4 Original Issuance Date, the Base Liquidation Preference of each Series 4 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”) from the Series 4 Original Issuance Date through February 14, 2022, following which the Accretion Rate will decrease to 0% per annum and the Base Liquidation Preference per Series 4 Preferred Share will not increase during any period subsequent to February 14, 2022. The Base Liquidation Preference shall be proportionally adjusted for any stock dividends, splits, combinations and similar events on the Series 4 Preferred Shares.

 

(c)          After payment to the holders of the Series 4 Preferred Shares of the full Liquidation Preference to which they are entitled, the Series 4 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 4 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. The holders of the Series 4 Preferred Shares shall not be entitled as such, except as required by law, to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting but shall be entitled to receive notice of meetings of shareholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of authorizing the dissolution of the Corporation or the sale of its undertaking or a substantial part thereof. The approval of the holders of the Series 4 Preferred Shares with respect to any and all matters referred to in this Designation may be given in writing by all of the holders of the Series 4 Preferred Shares outstanding or by resolution duly passed and carried as may then be required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at a meeting of the holders of the Series 4 Preferred Shares duly called and held for the purpose of considering the subject matter of such resolution and at which holders of not less than a majority of all Series 4 Preferred Shares then outstanding are present in person or represented by proxy in accordance with the by-laws of the Corporation; provided, however, that if at any such meeting, when originally held, the holders of at least a majority of all Series 4 Preferred Shares then outstanding are not present in person or so represented by proxy within 30 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting, then the meeting shall be adjourned to such date, being not less than fifteen (15) days later, and to such time and place as may be fixed by the chairman of such meeting. Notice of any such original meeting of the holders of the Series 4 Preferred Shares shall be given not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date fixed for such meeting and shall specify in general terms the purpose for which the meeting is called, and notice of any such adjourned meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) days prior to the date fixed for such adjourned meeting, but it shall not be necessary to specify in such notice the purpose for which the adjourned meeting is called. The formalities to be observed with respect to the giving of notice of any such original meeting or adjourned meeting and the conduct of it shall be those from time to time prescribed in the by-laws of the Corporation with respect to meetings of shareholders. On every poll taken at any such original meeting or adjourned meeting, each holder of Series 4 Preferred Shares present in person or represented by proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each of the Series 4 Preferred Shares held by such holder.

 

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 4 Preferred Shares outstanding from time to time: (a) through the facilities of any Exchange or market on which the Series 4 Preferred Shares are listed, (b) by invitation for tenders addressed to all the holders of record of the Series 4 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 4 Preferred Share is convertible into Class A Shares as provided in this SECTION 6.

 

(a)          Conversion at the Option of Holders of Series 4 Preferred Shares. Subject to SECTION 6(b), each holder of Series 4 Preferred Shares is entitled to convert, in whole at any time and from time to time, and in part at any time and from time to time after the ninetieth day following the Series 4 Original Issuance Date, 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 4 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 4 Preferred Share to be converted by (ii) the Conversion Price in effect at the time of conversion. The “Conversion Price” initially is $10.00 per share, as adjusted from time to time as provided in SECTION 6(f). In order to convert the Series 4 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares, the holder must surrender the certificates representing such Series 4 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 4 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.

 

 

 

 

(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 4 Preferred Shares or otherwise issue Class A Shares pursuant to SECTION 6(a) or SECTION 6(c), and no holder of Series 4 Preferred Shares will be permitted to convert Series 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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, certificate of designation 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 4 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 4 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 February 14, 2022, such notice may be delivered by the Corporation (and such Series 4 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 February 14, 2022, such notice may be delivered by the Corporation (and such Series 4 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 4 Preferred Shares.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holders of Series 4 Preferred Shares shall continue to have the right to convert their Series 4 Preferred Shares pursuant to SECTION 6(a) until and through the Conversion Date contemplated in this SECTION 6(c) and if such Series 4 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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares. If more than one Series 4 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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares and (B) pay to such holder, to the extent of funds legally available therefor, all declared and unpaid Dividends on the Series 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares not converted other than any such tax due because Class A Shares or a certificate for Series 4 Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder.

 

(ii)         From and after the Conversion Date, the Series 4 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 4 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 4 Preferred Share is not converted, such Series 4 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 4 Preferred Shares, the conversion may, at the option of any holder tendering any Series 4 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 4 Preferred Shares with the underwriter, transferee or other acquirer in such sale, transfer or disposition, in which event such conversion of such Series 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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.

 

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 4 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 4 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;

 

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 4 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 4 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 4 Original Issuance Date while the Series 4 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

 

 

 

 

(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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares or Alternative Preference Shares or pursuant to the terms of any other Convertible Security issued and outstanding on the Series 4 Original Issuance Date;

 

(3)   All Class A Shares, as adjusted for share dividends, splits, combinations and similar events, validly reserved on the Series 4 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 4 Preferred Shares purchased securities pursuant to Section 4.11 of the Securities Purchase Agreement or otherwise.

 

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 4 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 4 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 4 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.

 

 

 

 

(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 4 Preferred Shares.  If any such right, option or warrant, including any such existing rights, options or warrants distributed prior to the Series 4 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 4 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 Designation shall be subject to the rules of the Exchange to the extent required to comply with such rules. If after the Series 4 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 4 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.

 

(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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares. Instead, the holder of such converted Series 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares then outstanding at a price (the “Redemption Price”) per Series 4 Preferred Share equal to the greater of (i) the Base Liquidation Preference per such Series 4 Preferred Share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon and (ii) an amount equal to the amount the holder of such Series 4 Preferred Shares would have received in respect of such Series 4 Preferred Share had such holder converted such Series 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares to be redeemed at any time on or prior to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that any Series 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares as to whom the relevant provisions of the following sentence are applicable may, at such holder’s option, convert Series 4 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).

 

 

 

 

(c)          (i) If any holder of Series 4 Preferred Shares would not be permitted to convert one or more of its Beneficially Owned Series 4 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares due to the restrictions contained in SECTION 6(b) or (ii) if any holder of Series 4 Preferred Shares other than the Investor or any Permitted Transferee would not be permitted to convert one more of its Beneficially Owned Series 4 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 4 Preferred Shares and (ii) pay to such holder, to the extent of funds legally available therefor, all declared and unpaid Dividends on the Series 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares not converted other than any such tax due because Alternative Preference Shares or a certificate for Series 4 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)          “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.

 

(b)          “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.

 

(c)         “Alternative Preference Shares” means the Series 5 Preferred Shares so denominated and authorized by the Corporation concurrently with the Series 4 Preferred Shares.

 

(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 4 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)       “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.

 

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

 

(i)          “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.

 

(j)         “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.

 

(k)         “Corporation” means Stagwell Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(l)            “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.

 

(m)        “Designation” mean this Designation of the Series 4 Preferred Shares.

 

(n)        “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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares on such Dividend Date shall instead be payable on) the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

(o)         “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.

 

(p)         “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.

 

(q)         “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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

(s)         “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.

 

(t)          “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, 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 amalgamates, consolidates with or merges with or into another person (other than a Subsidiary of the Corporation), 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 any person (other than a Subsidiary of the Corporation) consolidates with, amalgamates or merges with or into the Corporation, provided that none of the circumstances set forth in this clause (ii) shall be a Fundamental Change if persons that beneficially own the Voting Securities of the Corporation immediately prior to the transaction 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.

 

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

 

(v)         “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.

 

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

 

(x)         “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 4 Preferred Shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

(y)         “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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

(aa)       “Original Purchase Price” means $1,418.35 per Series 4 Preferred Share.

 

(bb)       “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 4 Preferred Shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

(cc)       “Permitted Transferee” means any holder of Series 4 Preferred Shares who received such Series 4 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.

 

(dd)       “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.

 

(ee)       “Qualifying Transaction” means a Fundamental Change (i) with regard to which the holder of Series 4 Preferred Shares is entitled to receive, directly or indirectly, in respect of its Series 4 Preferred Shares, in connection with the consummation of such transaction (including pursuant to the conversion of the Series 4 Preferred Shares (without regard to limitations or restrictions on conversion) or the purchase or exchange of such Series 4 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 4 Preferred Share that is at least equal to the Base Liquidation Preference of such Series 4 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 4 Preferred Shares.

 

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

 

(gg)       “Securities Purchase Agreement” means that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017, between the Corporation and the Investor.

 

(hh)       “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 4 Preferred Shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

(ii)         “Series 4 Original Issuance Date” means July 29, 2021.

 

(jj)         “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.

 

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

 

(ll)         “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.

 

 

 

 

(mm)     “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.

 

(nn)      “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.

 

(oo)       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)
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 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 4 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 4 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 4 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.

 

 

 

 

(b)          Wire or Electronic Transfer of Funds. Notwithstanding any other right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Series 4 Preferred Shares, the Corporation may, at its option, make any payment due to registered holders of Series 4 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 4 Preferred Shares at their respective addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation. Such notice shall request that each applicable registered holder of Series 4 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 4 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 4 Preferred Shares may be deleted, varied, modified, amended or amplified by amendment with such approval as may then be required by 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.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

Designation of Series 5 Convertible Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

DESIGNATION
OF
SERIES 5 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
STAGWELL INC.

 

SECTION 1.       Designation and Amount. The designation of this series of Preferred Stock is “Series 5 Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Series 5 Preferred Shares”), par value $0.001 per share, and the number of shares constituting such series is Thirty Million (30,000,000). 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 the Series 5 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)          (i)          Each holder of issued and outstanding Series 5 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 5 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 5 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 5 Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or distributions for which an adjustment to the Conversion Amount (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 5 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 5 Preferred Shares on the record date for the corresponding dividend or distribution on the Class A Shares.

 

(b)         Holders of the Series 5 Preferred Shares are not entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, in kind or other property, in excess of the Participating Dividends as provided in this SECTION 2.

 

(c)         The Corporation shall pay Participating 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 Participating Dividends shall be made on surrender of the certificate, if any, representing the Series 5 Preferred Shares to be redeemed or converted, by electronic funds transfer or by sending to each holder of Series 5 Preferred Shares a check for such Participating 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.

 

SECTION 3.        Liquidation Entitlement.

 

(a)          Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, each Series 5 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 (the “Class C Shares”) or any other shares ranking junior as to capital to the Series 5 Preferred Shares, an amount per Series 5 Preferred Share equal to the amount the holder of the Series 5 Preferred Share would have received if such holder had converted such Series 5 Preferred Share into a Class A Share immediately prior thereto, without giving effect to the limitations set forth in SECTION 6(b) and disregarding any rounding for fractional amounts (the “Liquidation Entitlement”).

 

 

 

 

(b)          After payment to the holders of the Series 5 Preferred Shares of the full Liquidation Entitlement to which they are entitled, the Series 5 Preferred Shares as such will have no right or claim to any of the assets of the Corporation.

 

(c)          The value of any property not consisting of cash that is distributed by the Corporation to the holders of the Series 5 Preferred Shares will equal the Fair Market Value thereof on the date of distribution.

 

SECTION 4.        Voting Rights. The holders of the Series 5 Preferred Shares shall not be entitled as such, except as required by law, to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting but shall be entitled to receive notice of meetings of shareholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of authorizing the dissolution of the Corporation or the sale of its undertaking or a substantial part thereof. The approval of the holders of the Series 5 Preferred Shares with respect to any and all matters referred to in this Designation may be given in writing by all of the holders of the Series 5 Preferred Shares outstanding or by resolution duly passed and carried as may then be required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at a meeting of the holders of the Series 5 Preferred Shares duly called and held for the purpose of considering the subject matter of such resolution and at which holders of not less than a majority of all Series 5 Preferred Shares then outstanding are present in person or represented by proxy in accordance with the by-laws of the Corporation; provided, however, that if at any such meeting, when originally held, the holders of at least a majority of all Series 5 Preferred Shares then outstanding are not present in person or so represented by proxy within 30 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting, then the meeting shall be adjourned to such date, being not less than fifteen (15) days later. Notice of any such original meeting of the holders of the Series 5 Preferred Shares shall be given not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date fixed for such meeting and shall specify in general terms the purpose for which the meeting is called, and notice of any such adjourned meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) days prior to the date fixed for such adjourned meeting, but it shall not be necessary to specify in such notice the purpose for which the adjourned meeting is called. The formalities to be observed with respect to the giving of notice of any such original meeting or adjourned meeting and the conduct of it shall be those from time to time prescribed in the by-laws of the Corporation with respect to meetings of shareholders. On every poll taken at any such original meeting or adjourned meeting, each holder of Series 5 Preferred Shares present in person or represented by proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each of the Series 5 Preferred Shares held by such holder.

 

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 5 Preferred Shares outstanding from time to time: (a) through the facilities of any Exchange or market on which the Series 5 Preferred Shares are listed, (b) by invitation for tenders addressed to all the holders of record of the Series 5 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 5 Preferred Share is convertible into Class A Shares as provided in this SECTION 6.

 

(a)          Conversion at the Option of Holders of Series 5 Preferred Shares. Subject to SECTION 6(b), each holder of Series 5 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, each outstanding Series 5 Preferred Share held by such holder into a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Shares equal to the number determined by dividing (i) one (1) by (ii) the Conversion Amount in effect at the time of conversion. The “Conversion Amount” initially is one (1), as adjusted from time to time as provided in SECTION 6(f). In order to convert the Series 5 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares, the holder must surrender the certificates representing such Series 5 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 5 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”).

 

 

 

 

(b)          Limitations on Conversion. Notwithstanding SECTION 6(a), the Corporation shall not effect any conversion of the Series 5 Preferred Shares or otherwise issue Class A Shares pursuant to SECTION 6(a), and no holder of Series 5 Preferred Shares will be permitted to convert Series 5 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 5 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 5 Preferred 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 5 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 designation or other similar document governing other Voting Stock.

 

(c)          Automatic Conversion.

 

(i)          If at any time the limitations in SECTION 6(b) would not prevent the conversion of one or more Series 5 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares then, subject to any lapse or expiration of the applicable waiting period, or approval, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or other applicable antitrust law, the maximum number of Series 5 Preferred Shares held by a holder and its Affiliates that can convert into Class A Shares without violating the limitations in SECTION 6(b) will automatically convert into Class A Shares, provided that such automatic conversion shall only occur if the number of Series 5 Preferred Shares that would be converted on the Conversion Date is equal to or greater than the lesser of (x) 1,000 and (y) all shares then held by such holder and its Affiliates; provided, further, that if the number of Series 5 Preferred Shares that may be converted pursuant to this SECTION 6(c)(i) is less than all shares of the Series 5 Preferred Shares Beneficially Owned by a holder and its Affiliates, the Corporation shall select the Series 5 Preferred Shares to be converted by lot or in such other equitable manner as the Corporation may determine.

 

 

 

 

(d)          Fractional Shares. No fractional Class A Shares will be issued upon conversion of the Series 5 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 5 Preferred Shares. If more than one Series 5 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 5 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 5 Preferred Shares and (B) pay to such holder, to the extent of funds legally available therefor, all declared and unpaid Participating Dividends on the Series 5 Preferred Shares that are being converted into Class A Shares. 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 5 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 5 Preferred Shares not converted other than any such tax due because Class A Shares or a certificate for Series 5 Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder.

 

(ii)         From and after the Conversion Date, the Series 5 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 5 Preferred Shares (except the right to receive from the Corporation the Class A Shares upon conversion, together with the right to receive any declared and unpaid Participating Dividends thereon) shall cease and terminate with respect to such shares; provided, that in the event that a Series 5 Preferred Share is not converted, such Series 5 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 5 Preferred Shares, the conversion may, at the option of any holder tendering any Series 5 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 5 Preferred Shares with the underwriter, transferee or other acquirer in such sale, transfer or disposition, in which event such conversion of such Series 5 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 5 Preferred Shares will, upon issuance by the Corporation, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(f)          Adjustments to Conversion Amount.

 

(i)          Adjustment for Change In Share Capital.

 

(A)   If the Corporation shall, at any time and from time to time while any Series 5 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 Amount at the opening of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution will be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Amount 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 Amount shall again be adjusted to the Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 5 Preferred Shares are outstanding, subdivide or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a greater number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Amount 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 5 Preferred Shares are outstanding, combine or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a smaller number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Amount 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 Amount shall be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Amount 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 5 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 Amount shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Amount 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.

 

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 5 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 Amount shall be readjusted to the Conversion Amount 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 Amount shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 5 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 Amount shall be decreased so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 Amount shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Amount 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 Amount, 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 5 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, the number of Class A Shares into which such Series 5 Preferred Shares would have been converted pursuant to SECTION 6(a) 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 5 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)         Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Amount will not be reduced if the amount of such reduction would be an amount less than one percent (1%) of such Conversion Amount, 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 one percent (1%) or more.

 

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

 

(A) for a transaction referred to in SECTION 6(f)(i) or SECTION 6(f)(ii) if the Series 5 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 5 Preferred Shares, at such time, held a number of Class A Shares equal to the number of Class A Shares into which the Series 5 Preferred Shares were convertible 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.

 

 

 

 

(vii)       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.

 

(viii)      Waiver. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Amount will not be reduced if the Corporation receives, prior to the effective time of the adjustment to the Conversion Amount, written notice from the holders representing at least a majority of the then outstanding Series 5 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.

 

(ix)         Tax Adjustment. Anything in this SECTION 6 notwithstanding, the Corporation shall be entitled to make such downward adjustments in the Conversion Amount, 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.

 

(x)          No Duplication. If any action would require adjustment of the Conversion Amount 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.

 

(xi)         Provisions Governing Adjustment to Conversion Amount.  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) or (iv) (and no adjustment to the Conversion Amount under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) 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 Amount 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 5 Preferred Shares.  If any such right, option or warrant, including any such existing rights, options or warrants distributed prior to the Series 5 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 Amount under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) 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 Amount shall be readjusted at the opening of business of the Corporation immediately following such final redemption or repurchase by multiplying such Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 Amount shall be appropriately readjusted (if and to the extent previously adjusted pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(xi)) as if such rights, options or warrants had not been issued, and instead the Conversion Amount 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 5 Preferred Shares pursuant to, the provisions of SECTION 2(a) applicable to Participating Dividends.

 

 

 

 

(xii)        Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any adjustment of the Conversion Amount 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 date of effectiveness of this Designation 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 5 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.

 

(xiii)       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Designation, if an adjustment to the Conversion Amount becomes effective on any Ex-Dividend Date as described herein, and a holder of Series 5 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 Amount for such Ex-Dividend Date, then, notwithstanding such Conversion Amount adjustment provisions, the Conversion Amount adjustment relating to such Ex-Dividend Date will not be made for such converted Series 5 Preferred Shares. Instead, the holder of such converted Series 5 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 5 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 Amount 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 5 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 5 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 Amount 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 5 Preferred Shares.

 

SECTION 7.        Additional Definitions. For purposes of this Designation, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)         “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.

 

(b)         “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 5 Preferred Shares directly or indirectly held by them, irrespective of any applicable restrictions on transfer, conversion or voting.

 

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

 

(d)         “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.

 

(e)         “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 nationally recognized investment banking firms selected by the Corporation for this purpose.

 

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

 

 

 

 

(g)         “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.

 

(h)         “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.

 

(i)          “Corporation” means Stagwell Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(j)           “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.

 

(k)         “Designation” mean this Designation of the Series 5 Preferred Stock.

 

(l)          “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.

 

(m)         “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.

 

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

 

(o)         “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.

 

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

 

(q)         “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.

 

(r)          “Investor” shall mean Broad Street Principal Investments, L.L.C.

 

(s)         “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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

(u)         “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.

 

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

 

(w)        “Securities Purchase Agreement” means that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017, between the Corporation and the Investor.

 

(x)          “Series 5 Original Issuance Date” means, with respect to any Series 5 Preferred Share, the original issue date of such Series 5 Preferred Share.

 

(y)         “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 Series 5 Preferred Shares.

 

(z)         “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.

 

(aa)       “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.

 

(bb)       “Voting Stock” shall mean 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.

 

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

 

Term   Section
Aggregate Amount   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Class A Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class A Shares Outstanding   SECTION 6(f)
Class B Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class C Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Conversion Amount   SECTION 6(a)
Conversion Date   SECTION 6(a)
Disposition Event   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Expiration Date   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Expiration Time   SECTION 6(f)(iii)(A)
Liquidation Entitlement   SECTION 3(a)
Maximum Voting Power   SECTION 6(b)
Participating Dividends   SECTION 2(a)
Purchased Shares   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Reference Property   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Rights Trigger   SECTION 6(f)(xi)
Series 5 Preferred Shares   SECTION 1

 

 

 

 

SECTION 8.        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 5 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 8. In the absence of any such deduction or withholding by the Corporation, and unless agreed otherwise by the Corporation in writing, holders of Series 5 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.

 

(b)         Wire or Electronic Transfer of Funds. Notwithstanding any other right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Series 5 Preferred Shares, the Corporation may, at its option, make any payment due to registered holders of Series 5 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 5 Preferred Shares at their respective addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation. Such notice shall request that each applicable registered holder of Series 5 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 5 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 5 Preferred Shares may be deleted, varied, modified, amended or amplified by amendment with such approval as may then be required by 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.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

Designation of Series 6 Convertible Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

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”), par value $0.001 per share, 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) 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.

 

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 Series 6 Original Issuance Date, 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”) from the Series 6 Original Issuance Date through March 14, 2024, 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.

 

(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).

 

 

 

 

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;

 

(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 Holdings 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.

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

(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

 

(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

 

(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).

 

(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;

 

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

 

(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”).

 

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;

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

(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

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

(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).

 

(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 Holdings LLC, dated as of July 29, by and among Midas OpCo Holdings 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.

 

(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.

 

(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 Stagwell 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.

 

(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.

 

(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 $1,208.67 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;

 

(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.

 

(kk)        “Series 6 Original Issuance Date” means July 29, 2021.

 

(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)
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.

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT D

 

Designation of Series 7 Convertible Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

DESIGNATION
OF
SERIES 7 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
STAGWELL INC.

 

SECTION 1.        Designation and Amount. The designation of this series of Preferred Stock is “Series 7 Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Series 7 Preferred Shares”), par value $0.001 per share, and the number of shares constituting such series is Twenty Million (20,000,000). 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 Convertible 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)          (i)          Each holder of issued and outstanding Series 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or distributions for which an adjustment to the Conversion Amount (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 7 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 7 Preferred Shares on the record date for the corresponding dividend or distribution on the Class A Shares.

 

(b)          Holders of the Series 7 Preferred Shares are not entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, in kind or other property, in excess of the Participating Dividends as provided in this SECTION 2.

 

(c)          The Corporation shall pay Participating 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 Participating Dividends shall be made on surrender of the certificate, if any, representing the Series 7 Preferred Shares to be redeemed or converted, by electronic funds transfer or by sending to each holder of Series 7 Preferred Shares a check for such Participating 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.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 3.        Liquidation Entitlement.

 

(a)          Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, each Series 7 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 (the “Class C Shares”) or any other shares ranking junior as to capital to the Series 7 Preferred Shares, an amount per Series 7 Preferred Share equal to the amount the holder of the Series 7 Preferred Share would have received if such holder had converted such Series 7 Preferred Share into a Class A Share immediately prior thereto, without giving effect to the limitations set forth in SECTION 6(b) and disregarding any rounding for fractional amounts (the “Liquidation Entitlement”).

 

(b)          After payment to the holders of the Series 7 Preferred Shares of the full Liquidation Entitlement to which they are entitled, the Series 7 Preferred Shares as such will have no right or claim to any of the assets of the Corporation.

 

(c)          The value of any property not consisting of cash that is distributed by the Corporation to the holders of the Series 7 Preferred Shares will equal the Fair Market Value thereof on the date of distribution.

 

SECTION 4.        Voting Rights. The holders of the Series 7 Preferred Shares shall not be entitled as such, except as required by law, to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting but shall be entitled to receive notice of meetings of shareholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of authorizing the dissolution of the Corporation or the sale of its undertaking or a substantial part thereof. The approval of the holders of the Series 7 Preferred Shares with respect to any and all matters referred to in this Designation may be given in writing by all of the holders of the Series 7 Preferred Shares outstanding or by resolution duly passed and carried as may then be required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at a meeting of the holders of the Series 7 Preferred Shares duly called and held for the purpose of considering the subject matter of such resolution and at which holders of not less than a majority of all Series 7 Preferred Shares then outstanding are present in person or represented by proxy in accordance with the by-laws of the Corporation; provided, however, that if at any such meeting, when originally held, the holders of at least a majority of all Series 7 Preferred Shares then outstanding are not present in person or so represented by proxy within 30 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting, then the meeting shall be adjourned to such date, being not less than fifteen (15) days later. Notice of any such original meeting of the holders of the Series 7 Preferred Shares shall be given not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date fixed for such meeting and shall specify in general terms the purpose for which the meeting is called, and notice of any such adjourned meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) days prior to the date fixed for such adjourned meeting, but it shall not be necessary to specify in such notice the purpose for which the adjourned meeting is called. The formalities to be observed with respect to the giving of notice of any such original meeting or adjourned meeting and the conduct of it shall be those from time to time prescribed in the by-laws of the Corporation with respect to meetings of shareholders. On every poll taken at any such original meeting or adjourned meeting, each holder of Series 7 Preferred Shares present in person or represented by proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each of the Series 7 Preferred Shares held by such holder.

 

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 7 Preferred Shares outstanding from time to time: (a) through the facilities of any Exchange or market on which the Series 7 Preferred Shares are listed, (b) by invitation for tenders addressed to all the holders of record of the Series 7 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 7 Preferred Share is convertible into Class A Shares as provided in this SECTION 6.

 

(a)          Conversion at the Option of Holders of Series 7 Preferred Shares. Subject to SECTION 6(b), each holder of Series 7 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, each outstanding Series 7 Preferred Share held by such holder into a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Shares equal to the number determined by dividing (i) one (1) by (ii) the Conversion Amount in effect at the time of conversion. The “Conversion Amount” initially is one (1), as adjusted from time to time as provided in SECTION 6(f). In order to convert the Series 7 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares, the holder must surrender the certificates representing such Series 7 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 7 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”).

 

(b)          Limitations on Conversion. Notwithstanding SECTION 6(a), the Corporation shall not effect any conversion of the Series 7 Preferred Shares or otherwise issue Class A Shares pursuant to SECTION 6(a), and no holder of Series 7 Preferred Shares will be permitted to convert Series 7 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 7 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 7 Preferred 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 7 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 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 b the Affiliates of a holder shall be attributed to such holder.

 

(c)          Automatic Conversion.

 

(i)          If at any time the limitations in SECTION 6(b) would not prevent the conversion of one or more Series 7 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares then, subject to any lapse or expiration of the applicable waiting period, or approval, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or other applicable antitrust law, the maximum number of Series 7 Preferred Shares held by a holder and its Affiliates that can convert into Class A Shares without violating the limitations in SECTION 6(b) will automatically convert into Class A Shares, provided that such automatic conversion shall only occur if the number of Series 7 Preferred Shares that would be converted on the Conversion Date is equal to or greater than the lesser of (x) 1,000 and (y) all shares then held by such holder and its Affiliates; provided, further, that if the number of Series 7 Preferred Shares that may be converted pursuant to this SECTION 6(c)(i) is less than all shares of the Series 7 Preferred Shares Beneficially Owned by a holder and its Affiliates, the Corporation shall select the Series 7 Preferred Shares to be converted by lot or in such other equitable manner as the Corporation may determine.

 

 

 

 

(d)          Fractional Shares. No fractional Class A Shares will be issued upon conversion of the Series 7 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 7 Preferred Shares. If more than one Series 7 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 7 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 7 Preferred Shares and (B) pay to such holder, to the extent of funds legally available therefor, all declared and unpaid Participating Dividends on the Series 7 Preferred Shares that are being converted into Class A Shares. 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 7 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 7 Preferred Shares not converted other than any such tax due because Class A Shares or a certificate for Series 7 Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder.

 

(ii)         From and after the Conversion Date, the Series 7 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 7 Preferred Shares (except the right to receive from the Corporation the Class A Shares upon conversion, together with the right to receive any declared and unpaid Participating Dividends thereon) shall cease and terminate with respect to such shares; provided, that in the event that a Series 7 Preferred Share is not converted, such Series 7 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 7 Preferred Shares, the conversion may, at the option of any holder tendering any Series 7 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 7 Preferred Shares with the underwriter, transferee or other acquirer in such sale, transfer or disposition, in which event such conversion of such Series 7 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 7 Preferred Shares will, upon issuance by the Corporation, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(f)          Adjustments to Conversion Amount.

 

(i)          Adjustment for Change In Share Capital.

 

(A) If the Corporation shall, at any time and from time to time while any Series 7 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 Amount at the opening of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution will be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Amount 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 Amount shall again be adjusted to the Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 7 Preferred Shares are outstanding, subdivide or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a greater number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Amount 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 7 Preferred Shares are outstanding, combine or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a smaller number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Amount 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 Amount shall be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Amount 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 7 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 Amount shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Amount 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.

 

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 7 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 Amount shall be readjusted to the Conversion Amount 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 Amount shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 7 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 Amount shall be decreased so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 Amount shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Amount 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 Amount, 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 7 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, the number of Class A Shares into which such Series 7 Preferred Shares would have been converted pursuant to SECTION 6(a) 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 7 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)         Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Amount will not be reduced if the amount of such reduction would be an amount less than one percent (1%) of such Conversion Amount, 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 one percent (1%) or more.

 

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

 

(A) for a transaction referred to in SECTION 6(f)(i) or SECTION 6(f)(ii) if the Series 7 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 7 Preferred Shares, at such time, held a number of Class A Shares equal to the number of Class A Shares into which the Series 7 Preferred Shares were convertible 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.

 

(vii)       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.

 

 

 

 

(viii)      Waiver. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Amount will not be reduced if the Corporation receives, prior to the effective time of the adjustment to the Conversion Amount, written notice from the holders representing at least a majority of the then outstanding Series 7 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.

 

(ix)         Tax Adjustment. Anything in this SECTION 6 notwithstanding, the Corporation shall be entitled to make such downward adjustments in the Conversion Amount, 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.

 

(x)          No Duplication. If any action would require adjustment of the Conversion Amount 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.

 

(xi)         Provisions Governing Adjustment to Conversion Amount.  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) or (iv) (and no adjustment to the Conversion Amount under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) 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 Amount 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 7 Preferred Shares.  If any such right, option or warrant, including any such existing rights, options or warrants distributed prior to the Series 7 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 Amount under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) 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 Amount shall be readjusted at the opening of business of the Corporation immediately following such final redemption or repurchase by multiplying such Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 Amount shall be appropriately readjusted (if and to the extent previously adjusted pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(xi)) as if such rights, options or warrants had not been issued, and instead the Conversion Amount 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 7 Preferred Shares pursuant to, the provisions of SECTION 2(a) applicable to Participating Dividends.

 

 

 

 

(xii)        Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any adjustment of the Conversion Amount 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 date of effectiveness of this Designation 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 7 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.

 

(xiii)       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Designation, if an adjustment to the Conversion Amount becomes effective on any Ex-Dividend Date as described herein, and a holder of Series 7 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 Amount for such Ex-Dividend Date, then, notwithstanding such Conversion Amount adjustment provisions, the Conversion Amount adjustment relating to such Ex-Dividend Date will not be made for such converted Series 7 Preferred Shares. Instead, the holder of such converted Series 7 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 7 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 Amount 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 7 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 7 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 Amount 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 7 Preferred Shares.

 

SECTION 7.        Additional Definitions. For purposes of this Designation, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)          “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.

 

(b)          “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 7 Preferred Shares directly or indirectly held by them, irrespective of any applicable restrictions on transfer, conversion or voting.

 

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

 

(d)          “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.

 

(e)          “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 nationally recognized investment banking firms selected by the Corporation for this purpose.

 

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

 

(g)         “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.

 

 

 

 

(h)          “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.

 

(i)          “Corporation” means Stagwell Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(j)          “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.

 

(k)        “Designation” mean this Designation of the Series 7 Preferred Shares.

 

(l)          “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.

 

(m)         “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.

 

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

 

(o)         “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.

 

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

 

(q)         “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.

 

(r)          “Investor” shall mean Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC.

 

(s)          “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.

 

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

 

(u)         “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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

(w)         “Securities Purchase Agreement” means that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2019, between the Corporation and the Investor.

 

(x)          “Series 7 Original Issuance Date” means, with respect to any Series 7 Preferred Share, the original issue date of such Series 7 Preferred Share.

 

(y)          “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 Series 7 Preferred Shares.

 

(z)          “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.

 

(aa)         “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.

 

(bb)         “Voting Stock” shall mean 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.

 

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

 

Term   Section
Aggregate Amount   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Class A Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class A Shares Outstanding   SECTION 6(f)
Class B Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class C Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Conversion Amount   SECTION 6(a)
Conversion Date   SECTION 6(a)
Disposition Event   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Expiration Date   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Expiration Time   SECTION 6(f)(iii)(A)
Liquidation Entitlement   SECTION 3(a)
Maximum Voting Power   SECTION 6(b)
Participating Dividends   SECTION 2(a)
Purchased Shares   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Reference Property   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Rights Trigger   SECTION 6(f)(xi)
Series 7 Preferred Shares   SECTION 1

 

SECTION 8.        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 7 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 8. In the absence of any such deduction or withholding by the Corporation, and unless agreed otherwise by the Corporation in writing, holders of Series 7 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.

 

 

 

 

(b)          Wire or Electronic Transfer of Funds. Notwithstanding any other right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Series 7 Preferred Shares, the Corporation may, at its option, make any payment due to registered holders of Series 7 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 7 Preferred Shares at their respective addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation. Such notice shall request that each applicable registered holder of Series 7 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 7 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 7 Preferred Shares may be deleted, varied, modified, amended or amplified by amendment with such approval as may then be required by 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.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT E

 

Designation of Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

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 Two Hundred Million (200,000,000) 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 August 4, 2021, which resolutions remain in effect on the date hereof, creating a series of ninety-five thousand (95,000) 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 ninety-five thousand (95,000).

 

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;

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

(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;

 

 

 

 

(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 6.

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

(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&R OpCo LLC Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, dated as of August 2, 2021, by and among Midas OpCo Holdings 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.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

 

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.

 

Certificate of Designation” means the Certificate of Designation creating the Series 8 Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

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.

 

Common Shares” means the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares of the Corporation.

 

Common Unit” means a unit representing limited liability company interests in Midas OpCo Holdings LLC and constituting a “Common Unit” as defined in the A&R OpCo LLC Agreement.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Corporation” means Stagwell Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

(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.

 

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

 

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.

 

Investor” means Broad Street Principal Investments, L.L.C.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Nasdaq” means The NASDAQ Global Market.

 

Original Purchase Price” means $1,418.35 per Convertible Preferred Share.

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Series 8 Original Issuance Date” means August 4, 2021.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

Stagwell” means Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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)

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT F

 

Designation of Series 9 Convertible Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

DESIGNATION
OF
SERIES 9 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
STAGWELL INC.

 

SECTION 1.       Designation and Amount. The designation of this series of Preferred Stock is “Series 9 Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Series 9 Preferred Shares”), par value $0.001 per share, and the number of shares constituting such series is Thirty Million (30,000,000). 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 the Series 9 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)          (i)          Each holder of issued and outstanding Series 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or distributions for which an adjustment to the Conversion Amount (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 9 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 9 Preferred Shares on the record date for the corresponding dividend or distribution on the Class A Shares.

 

(b)         Holders of the Series 9 Preferred Shares are not entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, in kind or other property, in excess of the Participating Dividends as provided in this SECTION 2.

 

(c)         The Corporation shall pay Participating 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 Participating Dividends shall be made on surrender of the certificate, if any, representing the Series 9 Preferred Shares to be redeemed or converted, by electronic funds transfer or by sending to each holder of Series 9 Preferred Shares a check for such Participating 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.

 

SECTION 3.        Liquidation Entitlement.

 

(a)          Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, each Series 9 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 (the “Class C Shares”) or any other shares ranking junior as to capital to the Series 9 Preferred Shares, an amount per Series 9 Preferred Share equal to the amount the holder of the Series 9 Preferred Share would have received if such holder had converted such Series 9 Preferred Share into a Class A Share immediately prior thereto, without giving effect to the limitations set forth in SECTION 6(b) and disregarding any rounding for fractional amounts (the “Liquidation Entitlement”).

 

 

 

 

(b)          After payment to the holders of the Series 9 Preferred Shares of the full Liquidation Entitlement to which they are entitled, the Series 9 Preferred Shares as such will have no right or claim to any of the assets of the Corporation.

 

(c)          The value of any property not consisting of cash that is distributed by the Corporation to the holders of the Series 9 Preferred Shares will equal the Fair Market Value thereof on the date of distribution.

 

SECTION 4.        Voting Rights. The holders of the Series 9 Preferred Shares shall not be entitled as such, except as required by law, to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting but shall be entitled to receive notice of meetings of shareholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of authorizing the dissolution of the Corporation or the sale of its undertaking or a substantial part thereof. The approval of the holders of the Series 9 Preferred Shares with respect to any and all matters referred to in this Designation may be given in writing by all of the holders of the Series 9 Preferred Shares outstanding or by resolution duly passed and carried as may then be required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at a meeting of the holders of the Series 9 Preferred Shares duly called and held for the purpose of considering the subject matter of such resolution and at which holders of not less than a majority of all Series 9 Preferred Shares then outstanding are present in person or represented by proxy in accordance with the by-laws of the Corporation; provided, however, that if at any such meeting, when originally held, the holders of at least a majority of all Series 9 Preferred Shares then outstanding are not present in person or so represented by proxy within 30 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting, then the meeting shall be adjourned to such date, being not less than fifteen (15) days later. Notice of any such original meeting of the holders of the Series 9 Preferred Shares shall be given not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date fixed for such meeting and shall specify in general terms the purpose for which the meeting is called, and notice of any such adjourned meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) days prior to the date fixed for such adjourned meeting, but it shall not be necessary to specify in such notice the purpose for which the adjourned meeting is called. The formalities to be observed with respect to the giving of notice of any such original meeting or adjourned meeting and the conduct of it shall be those from time to time prescribed in the by-laws of the Corporation with respect to meetings of shareholders. On every poll taken at any such original meeting or adjourned meeting, each holder of Series 9 Preferred Shares present in person or represented by proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each of the Series 9 Preferred Shares held by such holder.

 

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 9 Preferred Shares outstanding from time to time: (a) through the facilities of any Exchange or market on which the Series 9 Preferred Shares are listed, (b) by invitation for tenders addressed to all the holders of record of the Series 9 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 9 Preferred Share is convertible into Class A Shares as provided in this SECTION 6.

 

(a)          Conversion at the Option of Holders of Series 9 Preferred Shares. Subject to SECTION 6(b), each holder of Series 9 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, each outstanding Series 9 Preferred Share held by such holder into a number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Shares equal to the number determined by dividing (i) one (1) by (ii) the Conversion Amount in effect at the time of conversion. The “Conversion Amount” initially is one (1), as adjusted from time to time as provided in SECTION 6(f). In order to convert the Series 9 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares, the holder must surrender the certificates representing such Series 9 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 9 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”).

 

 

 

 

(b)          Limitations on Conversion. Notwithstanding SECTION 6(a), the Corporation shall not effect any conversion of the Series 9 Preferred Shares or otherwise issue Class A Shares pursuant to SECTION 6(a), and no holder of Series 9 Preferred Shares will be permitted to convert Series 9 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 9 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 9 Preferred 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 9 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 designation or other similar document governing other Voting Stock.

 

(c)          Automatic Conversion.

 

(i)          If at any time the limitations in SECTION 6(b) would not prevent the conversion of one or more Series 9 Preferred Shares into Class A Shares then, subject to any lapse or expiration of the applicable waiting period, or approval, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or other applicable antitrust law, the maximum number of Series 9 Preferred Shares held by a holder and its Affiliates that can convert into Class A Shares without violating the limitations in SECTION 6(b) will automatically convert into Class A Shares, provided that such automatic conversion shall only occur if the number of Series 9 Preferred Shares that would be converted on the Conversion Date is equal to or greater than the lesser of (x) 1,000 and (y) all shares then held by such holder and its Affiliates; provided, further, that if the number of Series 9 Preferred Shares that may be converted pursuant to this SECTION 6(c)(i) is less than all shares of the Series 9 Preferred Shares Beneficially Owned by a holder and its Affiliates, the Corporation shall select the Series 9 Preferred Shares to be converted by lot or in such other equitable manner as the Corporation may determine.

 

 

 

 

(d)          Fractional Shares. No fractional Class A Shares will be issued upon conversion of the Series 9 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 9 Preferred Shares. If more than one Series 9 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 9 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 9 Preferred Shares and (B) pay to such holder, to the extent of funds legally available therefor, all declared and unpaid Participating Dividends on the Series 9 Preferred Shares that are being converted into Class A Shares. 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 9 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 9 Preferred Shares not converted other than any such tax due because Class A Shares or a certificate for Series 9 Preferred Shares are issued in a name other than the name of the converting holder.

 

(ii)         From and after the Conversion Date, the Series 9 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 9 Preferred Shares (except the right to receive from the Corporation the Class A Shares upon conversion, together with the right to receive any declared and unpaid Participating Dividends thereon) shall cease and terminate with respect to such shares; provided, that in the event that a Series 9 Preferred Share is not converted, such Series 9 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 9 Preferred Shares, the conversion may, at the option of any holder tendering any Series 9 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 9 Preferred Shares with the underwriter, transferee or other acquirer in such sale, transfer or disposition, in which event such conversion of such Series 9 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 9 Preferred Shares will, upon issuance by the Corporation, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(f)          Adjustments to Conversion Amount.

 

(i)          Adjustment for Change In Share Capital.

 

(A)   If the Corporation shall, at any time and from time to time while any Series 9 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 Amount at the opening of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution will be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Amount 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 Amount shall again be adjusted to the Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 9 Preferred Shares are outstanding, subdivide or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a greater number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Amount 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 9 Preferred Shares are outstanding, combine or reclassify its outstanding Class A Shares into a smaller number of Class A Shares, then the Conversion Amount 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 Amount shall be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Amount 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 9 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 Amount shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Amount 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.

 

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 9 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 Amount shall be readjusted to the Conversion Amount 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 Amount shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 9 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 Amount shall be decreased so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 Amount shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Amount 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 Amount, 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 9 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, the number of Class A Shares into which such Series 9 Preferred Shares would have been converted pursuant to SECTION 6(a) 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 9 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)         Minimum Adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Amount will not be reduced if the amount of such reduction would be an amount less than one percent (1%) of such Conversion Amount, 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 one percent (1%) or more.

 

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

 

(A) for a transaction referred to in SECTION 6(f)(i) or SECTION 6(f)(ii) if the Series 9 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 9 Preferred Shares, at such time, held a number of Class A Shares equal to the number of Class A Shares into which the Series 9 Preferred Shares were convertible 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.

 

 

 

 

(vii)       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.

 

(viii)      Waiver. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Amount will not be reduced if the Corporation receives, prior to the effective time of the adjustment to the Conversion Amount, written notice from the holders representing at least a majority of the then outstanding Series 9 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.

 

(ix)         Tax Adjustment. Anything in this SECTION 6 notwithstanding, the Corporation shall be entitled to make such downward adjustments in the Conversion Amount, 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.

 

(x)          No Duplication. If any action would require adjustment of the Conversion Amount 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.

 

(xi)         Provisions Governing Adjustment to Conversion Amount.  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) or (iv) (and no adjustment to the Conversion Amount under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) 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 Amount 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 9 Preferred Shares.  If any such right, option or warrant, including any such existing rights, options or warrants distributed prior to the Series 9 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 Amount under SECTION 6(f)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) 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 Amount shall be readjusted at the opening of business of the Corporation immediately following such final redemption or repurchase by multiplying such Conversion Amount 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 Amount 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 Amount shall be appropriately readjusted (if and to the extent previously adjusted pursuant to this SECTION 6(f)(xi)) as if such rights, options or warrants had not been issued, and instead the Conversion Amount 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 9 Preferred Shares pursuant to, the provisions of SECTION 2(a) applicable to Participating Dividends.

 

 

 

 

(xii)        Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any adjustment of the Conversion Amount 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 date of effectiveness of this Designation 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 9 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.

 

(xiii)       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Designation, if an adjustment to the Conversion Amount becomes effective on any Ex-Dividend Date as described herein, and a holder of Series 9 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 Amount for such Ex-Dividend Date, then, notwithstanding such Conversion Amount adjustment provisions, the Conversion Amount adjustment relating to such Ex-Dividend Date will not be made for such converted Series 9 Preferred Shares. Instead, the holder of such converted Series 9 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 9 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 Amount 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 9 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 9 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 Amount 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 9 Preferred Shares.

 

SECTION 7.        Additional Definitions. For purposes of this Designation, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)         “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.

 

(b)         “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 9 Preferred Shares directly or indirectly held by them, irrespective of any applicable restrictions on transfer, conversion or voting.

 

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

 

(d)         “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.

 

(e)         “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 nationally recognized investment banking firms selected by the Corporation for this purpose.

 

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

 

 

 

 

(g)         “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.

 

(h)         “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.

 

(i)          “Corporation” means Stagwell Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(j)           “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.

 

(k)         “Designation” mean this Designation of the Series 9 Preferred Stock.

 

(l)          “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.

 

(m)         “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.

 

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

 

(o)         “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.

 

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

 

(q)         “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.

 

(r)          “Investor” shall mean Broad Street Principal Investments, L.L.C.

 

(s)         “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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

(u)         “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.

 

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

 

(w)        “Securities Purchase Agreement” means that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017, between the Corporation and the Investor.

 

(x)          “Series 9 Original Issuance Date” means, with respect to any Series 9 Preferred Share, the original issue date of such Series 9 Preferred Share.

 

(y)         “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 Series 9 Preferred Shares.

 

(z)         “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.

 

(aa)       “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.

 

(bb)       “Voting Stock” shall mean 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.

 

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

 

Term   Section
Aggregate Amount   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Class A Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class A Shares Outstanding   SECTION 6(f)
Class B Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Class C Shares   SECTION 3(a)
Conversion Amount   SECTION 6(a)
Conversion Date   SECTION 6(a)
Disposition Event   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Expiration Date   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Expiration Time   SECTION 6(f)(iii)(A)
Liquidation Entitlement   SECTION 3(a)
Maximum Voting Power   SECTION 6(b)
Participating Dividends   SECTION 2(a)
Purchased Shares   SECTION 6(f)(iii)
Reference Property   SECTION 6(f)(iv)
Rights Trigger   SECTION 6(f)(xi)
Series 9 Preferred Shares   SECTION 1

 

 

 

 

SECTION 8.        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 9 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 8. In the absence of any such deduction or withholding by the Corporation, and unless agreed otherwise by the Corporation in writing, holders of Series 9 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.

 

(b)         Wire or Electronic Transfer of Funds. Notwithstanding any other right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Series 9 Preferred Shares, the Corporation may, at its option, make any payment due to registered holders of Series 9 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 9 Preferred Shares at their respective addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation. Such notice shall request that each applicable registered holder of Series 9 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 9 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 9 Preferred Shares may be deleted, varied, modified, amended or amplified by amendment with such approval as may then be required by 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.

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.2

 

STAGWELL INC.

 

BY-LAWS

 

Effective as of August 2, 2021

 

ARTICLE I

 

OFFICES

 

SECTION 1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of Stagwell Inc. (hereinafter, the “Corporation”) in the State of Delaware shall be at 1209 N Orange St, Wilmington, DE 19801, and the registered agent shall be The Corporation Trust Company, or such other office or agent as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) shall from time to time select.

 

SECTION 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have an office or offices, and keep the books and records of the Corporation, except as may otherwise be required by law, at such other place or places, either within or outside of the State of Delaware, as the Board may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE II

 

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

SECTION 2.1 Place of Meeting. All meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation (the “stockholders”) shall be at a place either within or outside of the State of Delaware, or by means of remote communication, to be determined by the Board and as specified in the notice of meeting. In the absence of such a determination, a meeting of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation.

 

SECTION 2.2 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of the stockholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held on such date and at such hour as shall from time to time be fixed by the Board. Any previously scheduled annual meeting of the stockholders may be postponed, rescheduled or cancelled by action of the Board taken prior to the time previously scheduled for such annual meeting of the stockholders.

 

SECTION 2.3 Special Meetings. Except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Certificate”), and subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock of the Corporation (“Preferred Stock”), special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called only by (a) the Chairman of the Board or (b) the Board pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the entire Board; provided, however, that until the first date on which Stagwell (as defined below) and its Permitted Transferees (as defined in the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Midas OpCo Holdings LLC 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), directly or indirectly, cease to beneficially own, in the aggregate, shares of Common Stock representing at least thirty percent (30%) of the votes entitled to be cast by the then outstanding shares of all classes and series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled generally to vote on the election of directors of the Corporation (such date, the “Trigger Date”), special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation shall also be called by the Secretary of the Corporation at the request of the holders of at least thirty percent (30%) of the votes entitled to be cast by the then outstanding shares of all classes and series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled generally to vote on the election of directors of the Corporation. From and after the Trigger Date, the stockholders of the Corporation shall not have the power to call a special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation or to request the Secretary of the Corporation to call a special meeting of the stockholders. Only such business as is specified in the Corporation’s notice of any special meeting of stockholders shall come before such meeting. A special meeting shall be held at such place (or remotely), on such date and at such time as shall be fixed by the Board or as the Secretary of the Corporation shall designate and state in the notice of the meeting. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any such meeting; provided, however, that with respect to any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled at the request of the holders of at least thirty percent (30%) of the votes entitled to be cast by the then outstanding shares of all classes and series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled generally to vote on the election of directors of the Corporation, the Board shall not postpone, reschedule or cancel such special meeting without the prior written consent of such stockholders.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2.4 Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law, notice, including by electronic transmission in the manner provided by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), of each meeting of the stockholders, whether annual or special, shall be given by the Corporation not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to notice of the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed given when deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. Each such notice shall state the place (or, if applicable, that the meeting will be held remotely), the date and the hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Notice of any meeting of the stockholders shall not be required to be given to any stockholder who shall attend such meeting in person or by proxy without protesting, prior to or at the commencement of the meeting, the lack of proper notice to such stockholder, or who shall waive notice thereof as provided in Article X of these By-laws. Notice of adjournment of a meeting of the stockholders need not be given if the time and place, if any, to which it is adjourned are announced at such meeting, unless the adjournment is for more than 30 days or, after adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting.

 

SECTION 2.5 Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate, the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the stockholders; provided, however, that in the case of any vote to be taken by classes or series, the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of any such class or series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum of such class or series. A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum.

 

SECTION 2.6 Adjournments. The chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote and who are present in person or by proxy may adjourn the meeting from time to time whether or not a quorum is present. In the event that a quorum does not exist with respect to any vote to be taken by a particular class or series, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of such class or series who are present in person or by proxy may adjourn the meeting with respect to the vote(s) to be taken by such class or series. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum may be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

 

SECTION 2.7 Order of Business.

 

(a) At each meeting of the stockholders, the Chairman of the Board or, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, such person as shall be selected by the Board, shall act as chairman of the meeting. The order of business at each such meeting shall be as determined by the chairman of the meeting. The chairman of the meeting shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts and things as are necessary or desirable for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, the establishment of procedures for the maintenance of order and safety, limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments on the affairs of the Corporation, restrictions on entry to such meeting after the time prescribed for the commencement thereof and the opening and closing of the voting polls.

 

(b) At any annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the annual meeting (i) by or at the direction of the chairman of the meeting, (ii) by any stockholder who is a holder of record at the time of the giving of the notice provided for in Section 2.7(b), who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.7 (such business, “Stockholder Business”), or (iii) by any stockholder or stockholders that, pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, has the power to take such action by written consent. This Section 2.7 is the exclusive means by which a stockholder may bring business before a meeting of stockholders.

 

 

 

 

(c) Subject to Section 2.7(b)(iii), for business (other than nominations for election of directors, which are governed by Section 3.3) properly to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof (a “Notice of Business”) in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation (the “Secretary”). To be timely, a Notice of Business must be delivered to or mailed and received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the immediately preceding annual meeting as first specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting (without regard to any postponements or adjournments of such meeting after such notice was first sent); provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days earlier or more than 60 days later than such anniversary date, a Notice of Business to be timely must be so delivered or received not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made; provided, further, that for the purpose of calculating the timeliness of a Notice of Business for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, the date of the immediately preceding annual meeting shall be deemed to be June 25, 2020. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement, or an adjournment or postponement, of a meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. To be in proper written form, the Notice of Business must set forth:

 

(i) the name and record address of each stockholder proposing to bring business before the annual meeting (each, a “Proponent”), as they appear on the Corporation’s books;

 

(ii) the name and address of each Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below in this Section 2.7);

 

(iii) as to each Proponent and each Stockholder Associated Person, (A) the class or series and number of shares of stock directly or indirectly held of record and beneficially by such Proponent and Stockholder Associated Person, (B) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, direct or indirect, with respect to the business to be brought before the annual meeting, between or among any Proponent and any Stockholder Associated Person, (C) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, hedging transactions and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into, directly or indirectly, as of the date of the notice by, or on behalf of, any Proponent and any Stockholder Associated Person, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, any Proponent and any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation (a “Derivative”), (D) a description in reasonable detail of any proxy (including revocable proxies), contract, arrangement, understanding or other relationship pursuant to which any Proponent and any Stockholder Associated Person has a right to vote any shares of stock of the Corporation and (E) any profit-sharing or any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that any Proponent or any Stockholder Associated Person is entitled to, based on any increase or decrease in the value of stock of the Corporation or Derivatives thereof, if any, as of the date of such notice. The information specified in Section 2.7(c)(i) to (iii) is referred to herein as “Stockholder Information”;

 

(iv) a representation that each Proponent is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at the annual meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to propose such proposed business;

 

(v) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, the text of the proposal (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, if such business includes a proposal to amend the By-laws, the language of the proposed amendment) and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting;

 

(vi) any material interest of any Proponent and any Stockholder Associated Person in such proposed business;

 

 

 

 

(vii) a representation as to whether the Proponent(s) intend (A) to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt such Stockholder Business or (B) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such Stockholder Business;

 

(viii) all other information that would be required to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) if the Proponent(s) or Stockholder Associated Persons were participants in a solicitation subject to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (or any successor of such Section); and

 

(ix) a representation that each Proponent shall provide any other information reasonably requested by the Corporation.

 

(d) In addition, each Proponent shall affirm as true and correct the information provided to the Corporation in the Notice of Business or at the Corporation’s request pursuant to Section 2.7(c)(ix) (and shall update or supplement such information as needed so that such information shall be true and correct) as of (i) the record date for the meeting and (ii) the date that is 10 business days prior to the announced date of the annual meeting to which the Notice of Business relates. Such affirmation, update and/or supplement must be delivered personally or mailed to, and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, addressed to the Secretary, by no later than five business days after the applicable date specified in clause (i) and (ii) of the foregoing sentence.

 

(e) The person presiding over the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting, that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.7, and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

 

(f) If the Proponent (or a qualified representative of the Proponent) does not appear at the meeting of stockholders to present the Stockholder Business such business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. A “qualified representative” of the Proponent or any stockholder means a person who is a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or has been authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy with respect to the specific matter to be considered at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction (to the reasonable satisfaction of the person presiding over the meeting) of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders prior to the taking of action by such person on behalf of the stockholder.

 

(g) “Stockholder Associated Person” means with respect to any Proponent or Nominating Stockholder (as defined below), (i) any other beneficial owner of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such Proponent or Nominating Stockholder and (ii) any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, is under common control with such Proponent or Nominating Stockholder.

 

(h) “Control” (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

(i) The notice requirements of this Section 2.7 shall be deemed satisfied with respect to stockholder proposals that have been properly brought under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act (or any such successor rule) and that are included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting. Further, nothing in this Section 2.7 shall be deemed to affect any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock pursuant to any applicable provision of the Certificate.

 

SECTION 2.8 List of Stockholders. It shall be the duty of the Secretary or other officer who has charge of the stock ledger to prepare and make, at least 10 days before each meeting of the stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in such stockholder’s name. Such list shall be produced and kept available at the times and places required by law.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2.9 Voting.

 

(a) Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate, each stockholder of record of any series of Preferred Stock shall be entitled at each meeting of the stockholders to such number of votes, if any, for each share of such stock as may be fixed in the Certificate (or relevant Certificate of Designation) or in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board providing for the issuance of such stock, and each stockholder of record of (i) Class A Common Stock shall be entitled at each meeting of the stockholders to one vote for each share of such stock, (ii) Class B Common Stock shall be entitled at each meeting of the stockholders to twenty votes for each share of such stock and (iii) Class C Common Stock shall be entitled at each meeting of the stockholders to one vote for each share of such stock, in each case, registered in such stockholder’s name on the books of the Corporation:

 

(i) on the date fixed pursuant to Section 7.6 of these By-laws as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting; or

 

(ii) if no such record date shall have been so fixed, then at the close of business on the day before the day on which notice of such meeting is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day before the day on which the meeting is held.

 

(b) Each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy. Any such proxy shall be delivered to the secretary of such meeting at or prior to the time designated for holding such meeting, but in any event not later than the time designated in the order of business for so delivering such proxies. No such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.

 

(c) Except as otherwise required by law and except as otherwise provided in the Certificate or these By-laws, at each meeting of the stockholders, all corporate actions to be taken by vote of the stockholders shall be authorized by holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon and who are present in person or represented by proxy, and where a separate vote by class or series is required, by holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of such class or series who are entitled to vote thereon and are present in person or represented by proxy shall be the act of such class or series.

 

(d) Unless required by law or determined by the chairman of the meeting to be advisable, the vote on any matter, including, without limitation, the election of directors, need not be by written ballot.

 

SECTION 2.10 Action by Written Consent. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, until the Trigger Date, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing (or deemed to be in writing under applicable law), setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by stockholders (or deemed to be signed by stockholders under applicable law) representing not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such actions at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered and dated as required by law. Prompt notice of the taking of such action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing. The Secretary shall file such consents with the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders. From and after the Trigger Date, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken only upon the vote of the stockholders at an annual or special meeting duly called and may not be taken by written consent of the stockholders.

 

SECTION 2.11 Inspectors. The chairman of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at any meeting of the stockholders. Such inspectors shall perform such duties as shall be required by law or specified by the chairman of the meeting. Inspectors need not be stockholders. No director or nominee for the office of director shall be appointed such inspector.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2.12 Public Announcements. For the purpose of Section 2.7, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure (i) in a press release reported by the Dow Jones Newswire, Business Wire, Reuters Information Service or any similar or successor news wire service or (ii) in a communication distributed generally to stockholders and in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

ARTICLE III

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

SECTION 3.1 General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation (or grant authority to exercise such powers) and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law or by the Certificate directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

SECTION 3.2 Number, Qualification and Election.

 

(a) The number of directors constituting the Board shall be determined in accordance with the Certificate. The terms of office of directors shall be governed by the Certificate.

 

(b) Each director shall be at least 21 years of age. Directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation. No person shall qualify for service as a director of the Corporation if he or she is a party to any compensatory, payment, indemnification or other financial agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation, or has received any such compensation or other payment from any person or entity other than the Corporation, in each case in connection with candidacy or service as a director of the Corporation, unless he or she discloses such compensatory, payment or other financial agreement, arrangement or understanding, or receipt of any such compensation or other payment, to the Corporation pursuant to the requirements and procedures set forth in Section 3.3(a)(iv) as if such person were a Stockholder Nominee (as defined below in Section 3.3(a)(iii)) thereunder.

 

(c) A nominee for director shall be elected to the Board by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting and entitled to vote for nominees in the election of directors or in any action by written consent in lieu of such a meeting.

 

SECTION 3.3 Notification of Nominations.

 

(a) Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock and the terms of the Transaction Agreement (as defined below), nominations for the election of directors may be made (i) by the Board or by any stockholder pursuant to this Section 3.3 who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of the notice of nomination provided for in this Section 3.3 and who is entitled to vote for the election of directors; or (ii) by any stockholder or stockholders that, pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, have a sufficient number of votes to remove directors by written consent. This Section 3.3 is the exclusive means by which a stockholder may nominate a person for election to the Board. Subject to clause (ii) of the first sentence of this Section 3.3(a), any stockholder of record entitled to vote for the election of directors at a meeting may nominate persons for election as directors only if timely written notice (a “Notice of Nomination”) of such stockholder’s intent to make such nomination is given in proper written form to the Secretary. To be timely, a Notice of Nomination must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (i) with respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of the stockholders, not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the immediately preceding annual meeting as first specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting (without regard to any postponements or adjournments of such meeting after such notice was first sent); provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days earlier or more than 60 days later than such anniversary date, a Notice of Nomination to be timely must be so delivered or received not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made; provided, further, that for the purpose of calculating the timeliness of stockholder notices for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, the date of the immediately preceding annual meeting shall be deemed to be June 25, 2020 and (ii) with respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of the stockholders for the election of directors, not earlier than the 90th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement, or an adjournment or postponement, of a meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. To be in proper written form, the Notice of Nomination shall set forth:

 

 

 

 

(i) the Stockholder Information with respect to each stockholder nominating persons for election to the Board (each, a “Nominating Stockholder”) and each Stockholder Associated Person;

 

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

 

(iii) all information regarding each Nominating Stockholder, each nominee (each, a “Stockholder Nominee”) and each Stockholder Associated Person that would be required to be disclosed in a solicitation of proxies subject to Section 14 of the Exchange Act;

 

(iv) (A) each Stockholder Nominee’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; (B) a completed and duly executed written questionnaire completed and signed by each Stockholder Nominee with respect to the background, qualifications and independence of such Stockholder Nominee (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request); (C) a completed and duly executed written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification with respect to such Nominating Stockholder and any other person or entity on whose behalf, directly or indirectly, the nomination is being made (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request), and (D) each Stockholder Nominee’s written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request), (i) that if elected as a director of the Corporation, such person will submit an irrevocable resignation effective upon (x) such person’s failure to receive a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election and (y) the acceptance of such resignation by the Board, (ii) that such person currently intends to serve as a director for the full term for which such person is standing for election, (iii) that such person is not and will not become party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (iv) that such person is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement, or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation, and (v) that in the person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation, and any other Corporation policies and guidelines applicable to Corporation directors;

 

(v) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the past three years, and any other material relationships, between or among a Nominating Stockholder, Stockholder Associated Person or others acting in concert therewith, including all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K (or any such successor rule) if the Nominating Stockholder, Stockholder Associated Person or any person acting in concert therewith, were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the Stockholder Nominee were a director or executive of such registrant;

 

(vi) a duly executed representation as to whether the Nominating Stockholder(s) intend (A) to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve the nomination or (B) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such nomination;

 

 

 

 

(vii) all other information that would be required to be filed with the SEC if the Nominating Stockholder(s) and Stockholder Associated Person were participants in a solicitation subject to Section 14 of the Exchange Act (or any such successor section); and

 

(viii) a duly executed representation that each Nominating Stockholder shall provide any other information reasonably requested by the Corporation.

 

(b) In addition, each Proponent shall affirm as true and correct the information provided to the Corporation in the Notice of Nomination or, at the Corporation’s request, such information provided pursuant to Section 3.3(a)(vii) (and shall update or supplement such information as needed so that such information shall be true and correct) as of (i) the record date for the meeting and (ii) the date that is 10 business days prior to the announced date of the meeting to which the Notice of Nomination relates. Such affirmation, update and/or supplement must be delivered personally or mailed to, and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, addressed to the Secretary, by no later than five business days after the applicable date specified in clause (i) and (ii) of the foregoing sentence.

 

(c) The person presiding over the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting, that the nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 3.3, and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

 

(d) If the Nominating Stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the applicable stockholder meeting to nominate the Stockholder Nominees, such nomination shall be disregarded and such business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation.

 

(e) Nothing in this Section 3.3 shall be deemed to affect any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock pursuant to any applicable provision of the Certificate or any Certificate of Designation.

 

SECTION 3.4 Quorum and Manner of Acting. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate or these By-laws, a majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board, and, except as so provided, the vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board. The chairman of the meeting or a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting to another time and place, if any, whether or not a quorum is present. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

 

SECTION 3.5 Place of Meeting. Subject to Sections 3.6 and 3.7, the Board may hold its meetings at such place or places, if any, either within or outside of the State of Delaware, as the Board may from time to time determine, or as shall be specified or fixed in the respective notices or waivers of notice thereof.

 

SECTION 3.6 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at such times as the Board shall from time to time determine, at such locations as the Board may determine. No fewer than four meetings of the Board shall be held per year.

 

SECTION 3.7 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board shall be held whenever called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or by a majority of the non-employee directors, and shall be held at such place, if any, on such date and at such time as he, she or they, as applicable, shall fix.

 

SECTION 3.8 Notice of Meetings. Notice of regular meetings of the Board or of any adjourned meeting thereof need not be given. Notice of each special meeting of the Board shall be given by overnight delivery service or mailed to each director, in either case addressed to such director at such director’s residence or usual place of business, at least 48 hours before the day on which the meeting is to be held or shall be sent to such director at such place by telecopy or by electronic transmission or shall be given personally or by telephone, not later than 24 hours before the meeting is to be held, but notice need not be given to any director who shall, either before or after the meeting, submit a waiver of such notice or who shall attend such meeting without protesting, prior to or at its commencement, the lack of notice to such director. Unless otherwise required by these By-laws, every such notice shall state the time and place, if any, but need not state the purpose of the meeting.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 3.9 Rules and Regulations. The Board may adopt such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of law, the Certificate or these By-laws for the conduct of its meetings and management of the affairs of the Corporation as the Board may deem proper.

 

SECTION 3.10 Participation in Meeting by Means of Communications Equipment. Any one or more members of the Board or any committee thereof may participate in any meeting of the Board or of any such committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other or as otherwise permitted by law, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

SECTION 3.11 Action Without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all of the members of the Board or of any such committee consent thereto in writing or as otherwise permitted by law and, if required by law, the writing or writings are filed with the minutes or proceedings of the Board or of such committee.

 

SECTION 3.12 Chairman. The Board of Directors shall annually select one of its members to be Chairman and shall fill any vacancy in the position of Chairman at such time and in such manner as the Board of Directors shall determine.

 

SECTION 3.13 Resignations.

 

(a) Any director of the Corporation may at any time resign by giving written notice to the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time be not specified therein, upon receipt thereof; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

SECTION 3.14 Compensation. Each director, in consideration of such person serving as a director, shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation such amount per annum and such fees (payable in cash or stock-based compensation) for attendance at meetings of the Board or of committees of the Board, or both, and for acting as a chair of a committee of the Board, and/or any other compensation in each case as the Board or a committee thereof shall from time to time determine. In addition, each director shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation reimbursement for the reasonable expenses incurred by such person in connection with the performance of such person’s duties as a director. Nothing contained in this Section 3.14 shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

 

SECTION 3.15 Consistency with Transaction Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein:

 

(a) Until such time as Stagwell and/or its Affiliates collectively Beneficially Own 10% or less of the Corporation’s then-issued and outstanding voting securities (the “Post-Closing Governance Period”), at least seven of the nine members of the Board shall be Stagwell-Independent (as defined below).

 

(b) Subject to the fiduciary duties of the Board, during the Post-Closing Governance Period, the Corporation shall cause all of the members of the Corporation’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, and at all times during the Post-Closing Governance Period, the Corporation shall cause the Nom/Gov Committee to be comprised solely of (i) two of Irwin Simon, Wade Oosterman and Desiree Rogers (or their respective successors or replacements determined in accordance herewith (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 Board other than a Continuing Independent Director, as determined by the members of the Nom/Gov Committee, which member shall be Stagwell-Independent.

 

 

 

 

(c) Subject to the fiduciary duties of the Board, the Corporation shall cause the Continuing Independent Directors and Rodney Slater, Brandt Vaughan, Charlene Barshefsky and one additional individual nominated in accordance with Section 7.15(c) of the Transaction Agreement (such persons, together with their respective successors or replacements determined in accordance with this Agreement, the “Stagwell-Nominated Directors”) to be nominated as part of the Corporation’s proposed slate of directors at the next two annual meetings of the Corporation’s stockholders for the election of directors following the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (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 the Corporation 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 Section 3.15(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).

 

(d) 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;

 

(e) For so long as Stagwell and its Affiliates collectively Beneficially Own 30% or more of the then-issued and outstanding voting securities of the Corporation, Stagwell and the Corporation shall, as a condition to being nominated to the Board, cause each member of the Board to enter into an agreement setting forth that if (1) such member of the Board is a nominee to the Board (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any such nominee serving as CEO of the Corporation 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 (2) as of the applicable record date for such Election, Stagwell and its Affiliates collectively Beneficially Owned 30% or more of the Corporation’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 Board (a “Resignation”), and in such event, the Board shall evaluate such director’s Resignation and determine its response in accordance with its fiduciary duties; unless the 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 Board shall consider all factors it considers relevant to the best interests of the Corporation. In the event a director tenders a Resignation pursuant to Section 7.15(d) of the Transaction Agreement, the Corporation shall not permit such director to participate in the portion of any meeting of the Board during which the vote on his or her Resignation occurs. The Corporation agrees that it shall issue a news release reasonably promptly following the Board's decision with respect to any such Resignation. In the event a director’s Resignation is accepted in accordance with Section 7.15(d) of the Transaction Agreement (x) if such director was a Continuing Independent Director or a Stagwell Nominated-Director or a successor of any of the foregoing, subject to Section 3.15(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 the Corporation, the resulting vacancy shall be filled by Goldman Sachs; and

 

(f) During the Post-Closing Governance Period, unless otherwise approved by the Non/Gov Committee, the Board shall consist of nine members with each member entitled to one vote; and

 

(g) For so long as (x) Stagwell and its Affiliates collectively Beneficially Own more than 10% of the Corporation’s then-issued and outstanding voting securities, (y) Stagwell has nominated directors constituting a majority of the Board, or (z) Stagwell has the contractual right to appoint a majority of the Board:

 

 

 

 

(i) any related-party transaction by and between the Corporation or any of the Corporation’s subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Stagwell or its Affiliates (other than the Corporation and the Corporation’s subsidiaries), on the other hand, will require the approval of a majority of the independent and disinterested directors then-serving on the Board; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, any amendment or modification of (A) solely to the extent they relate to any right, power or preference unique to Stagwell or its Affiliates (other than the Corporation and the Corporation’s subsidiaries), the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws; (B) any Ancillary Agreement (as defined in the Transaction Agreement); or (C) the Transaction Agreement, shall each be considered such a related-party transaction; and

 

(ii) any proposed business combination following the Closing by and between the Corporation, on the one hand, and Stagwell or any of its Affiliates (other than the Corporation or any of the Corporation’s subsidiaries), on the other hand, shall require (A) approval from a “majority of the minority” of the Corporation’s stockholders, and (B) the creation of a special committee of the Board comprised solely of independent and disinterested directors with authority similar to that of the Special Committee formed for the purpose of evaluating Stagwell’s proposal to combine with MDC (as defined below). For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing requirement shall not apply to any business combination solely among direct or indirect subsidiaries (other than Midas OpCo Holdings LLC) of the Corporation,

 

(b) In furtherance of the foregoing, the Board shall take no action that is inconsistent with the terms of Section 7.15 and Section 7.16 of the Transaction Agreement including by causing or permitting any (i) amendment to any charter of a committee of the Board, (ii) change to or alteration of any policy of the Board or the Corporation or (iii) change to or alteration of the Corporation’s governance guidelines, in each case solely to the extent such amendment, change or alteration is so inconsistent.

 

(c) As used herein:

 

Affiliate” means, as to any person or entity, any other person or entity which, directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such person or entity. For purposes of this definition, the term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person or entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

“Beneficially Owns” means 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.

 

Stagwell-Independent” means (A) independent with respect to the Corporation 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, a director nominated or appointed by Goldman Sachs pursuant to any rights Goldman Sachs may have pursuant to the terms of any shares of preferred stock of the Corporation (currently Bradley Gross) shall be considered to be Stagwell-Independent. In the event that the Corporation 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

 

Transaction Agreement” means the Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020 and 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, by and among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell”), MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation (“MDC”) which domesticated as a Delaware corporation prior to the date hereof and converted into Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, New MDC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company which converted into the Corporation prior to the date hereof, and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company which merged with and into MDC prior to the date hereof with MDC as the surviving corporation.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

SECTION 4.1 Committees of the Board. Subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement and Section 3.15(a), including with respect to the Nom/Gov Committee, the Board shall designate such committees as may be required by the listing standards of the principal U.S. exchange upon which the shares of the Corporation are listed and may from time to time designate other committees of the Board (including, without limitation, an executive committee), with such lawfully delegable powers and duties as it thereby confers, to serve at the pleasure of the Board and shall, for those committees and any others provided for herein, elect a director or directors to serve as the member or members, designating, if it desires, other directors as alternate members who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.

 

SECTION 4.2 Conduct of Business. Any committee, to the extent allowed by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee or the charter of such committee, shall have and may exercise all the duly delegated powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. The Board shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which proceedings of any such committee shall be conducted. In the absence of any such prescription, any such committee shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which its proceedings shall be conducted. Unless the Board or such committee shall otherwise provide, regular and special meetings and other actions of any such committee shall be governed by the provisions of Article III applicable to meetings and actions of the Board. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report on its actions to the Board.

 

ARTICLE V

 

OFFICERS

 

SECTION 5.1 Number; Term of Office. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board and may consist of: a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, a General Counsel, a Chief Marketing Officer, one or more Vice Presidents (including, without limitation, Executive Vice Presidents or Senior Vice Presidents), a Chief Accounting Officer and Secretary and such other officers and agents with such titles and such duties as the Board may from time to time determine, each to have such authority, functions or duties as in these By-laws provided or as the Board may from time to time determine, and each to hold office for such term as may be prescribed by the Board and until such person’s successor shall have been chosen and shall qualify, or until such person’s death or resignation, or until such person’s removal in the manner hereinafter provided. One person may hold the offices and perform the duties of any two or more of said officers; provided, however, that no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity if such instrument is required by law, the Certificate or these By-laws to be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers.

 

SECTION 5.2 Removal. Subject to Section 5.13, any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board at any meeting thereof called for the purpose, by the Chief Executive Officer, or by any other superior officer upon whom such power may be conferred by the Board.

 

SECTION 5.3 Resignation. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice or at any later date specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

SECTION 5.4 Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall have general supervision and direction of the business and affairs of the Corporation, subject to the control of the Board, and shall report directly to the Board.

 

SECTION 5.5 Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform all the powers and duties of the office of the chief financial officer and in general have overall supervision of the financial operations of the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as he or she may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board may from time to time determine.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 5.6 General Counsel. The General Counsel shall perform all the powers and duties of the office of the general counsel and in general have overall supervision of the legal operations of the Corporation. The General Counsel shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as he or she may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board may from time to time determine.

 

SECTION 5.7 Chief Marketing Officer. The Chief Marketing Officer shall perform such senior duties in connection with the marketing of the Corporation as he or she may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board shall from time to time determine. The Chief Marketing Officer shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as he or she may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board may from time to time determine.

 

SECTION 5.8 Vice Presidents. Any Vice President shall have such powers and duties as shall be prescribed by his or her superior officer or the Board. A Vice President shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as he or she may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board may from time to time determine. A Vice President need not be an officer of the Corporation and shall not be deemed an officer of the Corporation unless elected by the Board.

 

SECTION 5.9 Chief Accounting Officer. The Chief Accounting Officer shall be the chief accounting officer of the Corporation. The Chief Accounting Officer shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as he or she may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer or as the Board may from time to time determine.

 

SECTION 5.10 Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to act as secretary at all meetings of the Board, of the committees of the Board and of the stockholders and to record the proceedings of such meetings in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall see that all notices required to be given by the Corporation are duly given and served; the Secretary shall be custodian of the seal of the Corporation and when deemed necessary shall affix the seal or cause it to be affixed to all certificates of stock, if any, of the Corporation (unless the seal of the Corporation on such certificates shall be a facsimile, as hereinafter provided) and to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of these By-laws; the Secretary shall have charge of the books, records and papers of the Corporation and shall see that the reports, statements and other documents required by law to be kept and filed are properly kept and filed; and in general shall perform all of the duties incident to the office of Secretary. The Secretary shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as he or she may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board may from time to time determine.

 

SECTION 5.11 Controllers and Assistant Secretaries. Any Assistant Controllers and Assistant Secretaries shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the Board or by the Chief Accounting Officer or Secretary, respectively, or by the Chief Executive Officer. A Controller or Assistant Secretary need not be an officer of the Corporation and shall not be deemed an officer of the Corporation unless elected by the Board.

 

SECTION 5.12 Additional Matters. The Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Marketing Officer of the Corporation shall have the authority to designate employees of the Corporation to have the title of Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Controller or Assistant Secretary. Any employee so designated shall have the powers and duties determined by the officer making such designation. The persons upon whom such titles are conferred shall not be deemed officers of the Corporation unless elected by the Board or appointed by any duly elected officer or assistant officer authorized by the Board to appoint such person.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

SECTION 6.1 Right to Indemnification. The Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted or required by the DGCL or other applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment and unless applicable law otherwise requires, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), shall indemnify and hold harmless any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation and who is or was involved in any manner (including, without limitation, as a party or a witness) or is threatened to be made so involved in any threatened, pending or completed investigation, claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including, without limitation, any action, suit or proceedings by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor) (a “Proceeding”) by reason of the fact that such person, or another person of whom such person is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including, without limitation, any employee benefit plan) (a “Covered Entity”), whether the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer or agent, against all expenses, liabilities and losses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such Proceeding and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer or agent of the Corporation or a Covered Entity; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 6.4(d) with respect to an adjudication of entitlement to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless any such person entitled to indemnification as provided in this Section 6.1 (an “Indemnitee”) in connection with a Proceeding initiated by such Indemnitee only if such Proceeding was authorized by the Board. Any right of an Indemnitee to indemnification shall be a contract right and shall include the right to receive, prior to the conclusion of any Proceeding, payment of any expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, consistent with the provisions of the DGCL or other applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment and unless applicable law otherwise requires, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader rights to payment of expenses than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), and the other provisions of this Article VI; provided that payment of expenses incurred by a person other than a director or officer of the Corporation prior to the conclusion of any Proceeding shall be made, unless otherwise determined by the Board, only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to the same effect as any undertaking required to be delivered to the Corporation by any director or officer of the Corporation pursuant to the DGCL or other applicable law.

 

SECTION 6.2 Insurance, Contracts and Funding. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or of any Covered Entity against any expenses, liabilities or losses as specified in Section 6.1 or incurred by any such director, officer, employee or agent in connection with any Proceeding referred to in Section 6.1, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL. The Corporation may enter into contracts with any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or of any Covered Entity in furtherance of the provisions of this Article VI and may create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means (including, without limitation, a letter of credit) to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to effect indemnification as provided or authorized in this Article VI.

 

SECTION 6.3 Indemnification Not Exclusive Right. The right of indemnification provided in this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which an Indemnitee may otherwise be entitled, and the provisions of this Article VI shall inure to the benefit of the heirs and legal representatives of any Indemnitee under this Article VI and shall be applicable to Proceedings commenced or continuing after the adoption of this Article VI, whether arising from acts or omissions occurring before or after such adoption.

 

SECTION 6.4 Advancement of Expenses; Procedures; Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings; Remedies. In furtherance, but not in limitation, of the foregoing provisions, the following procedures, presumptions and remedies shall apply with respect to advancement of expenses and the right to indemnification under this Article VI:

 

(a) Advancement of Expenses. All reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) incurred by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding shall be advanced to the Indemnitee by the Corporation within 20 days after the receipt by the Corporation of a statement or statements from the Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the expenses incurred by the Indemnitee and, if required by law or the provisions of this Article VI at the time of such advance, shall include or be accompanied by an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay the amounts advanced if ultimately it should be determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified against such expenses pursuant to this Article VI.

 

 

 

 

(b) Procedure for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification.

 

(i) To obtain indemnification under this Article VI, an Indemnitee shall submit to the Secretary a written request including such documentation and information as is reasonably available to the Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification (the “Supporting Documentation”). The determination of the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made not later than 60 days after receipt by the Corporation of the written request for indemnification together with the Supporting Documentation. The Secretary shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that the Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

 

(ii) The Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification under this Article VI shall be determined in one of the following ways: (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors (as defined below in Section 6.4(e)), whether or not they constitute a quorum of the Board, or by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors; (B) by a written opinion of Independent Counsel (as defined below in Section 6.4(e)) if there are no Disinterested Directors or a majority of such Disinterested Directors so directs; (C) by the stockholders of the Corporation; or (D) as provided in Section 6.4(c).

 

(iii) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 6.4(b)(ii), a majority of the Disinterested Directors shall select the Independent Counsel, but only an Independent Counsel to which the Indemnitee does not reasonably object.

 

(c) Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings. If the person or persons empowered under Section 6.4(b) to determine entitlement to indemnification shall not have been appointed or shall not have made a determination within 60 days after receipt by the Corporation of the request therefor, together with the Supporting Documentation, the Indemnitee shall be deemed to be, and shall be, entitled to indemnification unless (A) the Indemnitee misrepresented or failed to disclose a material fact in making the request for indemnification or in the Supporting Documentation or (B) such indemnification is prohibited by law. The termination of any Proceeding described in Section 6.1, or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, adversely affect the right of the Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that the Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which the Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation or, with respect to any criminal proceeding, that the Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that such conduct was unlawful.

 

(d) Remedies of Indemnitee.

 

(i) In the event that a determination is made pursuant to Section 6.4(b) that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Article VI, (A) the Indemnitee shall be entitled to seek an adjudication of entitlement to such indemnification either, at the Indemnitee’s sole option, in (x) an appropriate court of the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction or (y) an arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association and (B) any such judicial proceeding or arbitration shall be de novo and the Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of such adverse determination.

 

(ii) If a determination shall have been made or deemed to have been made, pursuant to Section 6.4(b) or 6.4(c), that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Corporation shall be obligated to pay the amounts constituting such indemnification within 45 days after such determination has been made or deemed to have been made and shall be conclusively bound by such determination unless (A) the Indemnitee misrepresented or failed to disclose a material fact in making the request for indemnification or in the Supporting Documentation or (B) such indemnification is prohibited by law. In the event that (X) advancement of expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 6.4(a) or (Y) payment of indemnification is not made within 45 days after a determination of entitlement to indemnification has been made or deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6.4(b) or 6.4(c), the Indemnitee shall be entitled to seek judicial enforcement of the Corporation’s obligation to pay to the Indemnitee such advancement of expenses or indemnification. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation may bring an action, in an appropriate court in the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction, contesting the right of the Indemnitee to receive indemnification hereunder due to the occurrence of an event described in sub-clause (A) or (B) of this clause (ii) (a “Disqualifying Event”); provided, however, that in any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving the occurrence of such Disqualifying Event.

 

 

 

 

(iii) The Corporation shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 6.4(d) that the procedures and presumptions of this Article VI are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Corporation is bound by all the provisions of this Article VI.

 

(iv) In the event that the Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 6.4(d), seeks a judicial adjudication of or an award in arbitration to enforce rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Article VI, or in the event of a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Corporation, and shall be indemnified by the Corporation against, any expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee if the Indemnitee prevails in such judicial adjudication, arbitration or suit. If it shall be determined in such judicial adjudication, arbitration or suit that the Indemnitee is entitled to receive part but not all of the indemnification or advancement of expenses sought, the expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such judicial adjudication, arbitration or action shall be prorated accordingly.

 

(e) Definitions. For purposes of this Article VI:

 

(i) “Disinterested Director” means a director of the Corporation who is not or was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by the Indemnitee.

 

(ii) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm or a member of a law firm that neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (x) the Corporation or the Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party or (y) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification under this Article VI. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing under the law of the State of Delaware, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Corporation or the Indemnitee in an action to determine the Indemnitee’s rights under this Article VI.

 

SECTION 6.5 Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Article VI shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article VI (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraph of this Article VI containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article VI (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraph of this Article VI containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or enforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 

SECTION 6.6 Indemnification of Agents. Notwithstanding any other provision or provisions of this Article VI, the Corporation, to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article VI with respect to the indemnification of Indemnitees, may indemnify any person other than an Indemnitee, who is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or a Covered Entity and who is or was involved in any manner (including, without limitation, as a party or a witness) or is threatened to be made so involved in any threatened, pending or completed Proceeding by reason of the fact that such person, or another person of whom such person is the legal representative, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or of a Covered Entity, whether the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, against all expenses, liabilities and losses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such Proceeding. The Corporation may also advance expenses incurred by such employee or agent in connection with any such Proceeding, consistent with the provisions of this Article VI with respect to the advancement of expenses of Indemnitees.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII

 

CAPITAL STOCK

 

SECTION 7.1 Certificates for Shares and Uncertificated Shares.

 

(a) The shares of stock of the Corporation shall be uncertificated shares that may be evidenced by a book-entry system maintained by the registrar of such stock, or shall be represented by certificates, or a combination of both. To the extent that shares are represented by certificates, such certificates whenever authorized by the Board shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board. The certificates representing shares of stock of each class shall be signed by, or in the name of, the Corporation by any two authorized officers of the Corporation, and sealed with the seal of the Corporation, which may be a facsimile thereof. Any or all such signatures may be facsimiles if countersigned by a transfer agent or registrar. Although any officer, transfer agent or registrar whose manual or facsimile signature is affixed to such a certificate ceases to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate has been issued, it may nevertheless be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such officer, transfer agent or registrar were still such at the date of its issue. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated shares, written notice in accordance with Section 151(f) of the DGCL shall be sent to the registered owner thereof.

 

(b) The stock ledger and blank share certificates, if any, shall be kept by the Secretary or by a transfer agent or by a registrar or by any other officer or agent designated by the Board.

 

SECTION 7.2 Transfer of Shares. Transfers of shares of stock of each class of the Corporation shall be made only on the books of the Corporation upon authorization by the registered holder thereof, or by such holder’s attorney thereunto authorized by a power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary or a transfer agent for such stock, if any, and if such shares are represented by a certificate, upon surrender of the certificate or certificates for such shares properly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed stock transfer power (or by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer) and the payment of any taxes thereon; provided, however, that the Corporation shall be entitled to recognize and enforce any lawful restriction on transfer. The person in whose name shares are registered on the books of the Corporation shall be deemed the owner thereof for all purposes as regards the Corporation; provided, however, that whenever any transfer of shares shall be made for collateral security and not absolutely, and written notice thereof shall be given to the Secretary or to such transfer agent, such fact shall be stated in the entry of the transfer. No transfer of shares shall be valid as against the Corporation, its stockholders and creditors for any purpose, except to render the transferee liable for the debts of the Corporation to the extent provided by law, until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.

 

SECTION 7.3 Registered Stockholders and Addresses of Stockholders.

 

(a) The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its records as the owner of shares of stock to receive dividends and to vote as such owner, shall be entitled to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its records as the owner of shares of stock, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares of stock on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

(b) Each stockholder shall designate to the Secretary or transfer agent of the Corporation an address at which notices of meetings and all other corporate notices may be given to such person, and, if any stockholder shall fail to designate such address, corporate notices may be given to such person by mail directed to such person at such person’s post office address, if any, as the same appears on the stock record books of the Corporation or at such person’s last known post office address.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 7.4 Lost, Destroyed and Mutilated Certificates. The holder of any certificate representing any shares of stock of the Corporation shall immediately notify the Corporation of any loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of such certificate; the Corporation may issue to such holder a new certificate or certificates for shares, upon the surrender of the mutilated certificate or, in the case of loss, theft or destruction of the certificate, upon satisfactory proof of such loss, theft or destruction; the Board, or a committee designated thereby or the transfer agents and registrars for the stock, may, in their discretion, require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such person’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as they may direct to indemnify the Corporation and said transfer agents and registrars against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

 

SECTION 7.5 Regulations. The Board may make such additional rules and regulations as it may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificated or uncertificated shares of stock of each class and series of the Corporation and may make such rules and take such action as it may deem expedient concerning the issue of certificates in lieu of certificates claimed to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated.

 

SECTION 7.6 Fixing Date for Determination of Stockholders of Record. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of the stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than 60 days nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting, nor more than 60 days prior to any other action. A determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

SECTION 7.7 Transfer Agents and Registrars. The Board may appoint, or authorize any officer or officers to appoint, one or more transfer agents and one or more registrars.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

SEAL

 

The Board shall approve a suitable corporate seal. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

FISCAL YEAR

 

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be as fixed by the Board from time to time. If the Board makes no determination to the contrary, the fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on the 31st day of December in each year.

 

ARTICLE X

 

WAIVER OF NOTICE

 

Whenever any notice whatsoever is required to be given by these By-laws, by the Certificate or by law, the person entitled thereto may, either before or after the meeting or other matter in respect of which such notice is to be given, waive such notice in writing or as otherwise permitted by law, which shall be filed with or entered upon the records of the meeting or the records kept with respect to such other matter, as the case may be, and in such event such notice need not be given to such person and such waiver shall be deemed equivalent to such notice.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

AMENDMENTS

 

These By-laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new By-laws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board at any meeting thereof; provided, however, that notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new By-laws is contained in the notice of such meeting of the stockholders or in the notice of such meeting of the Board and, in the latter case, such notice is given not less than 24 hours prior to the meeting. Unless a higher percentage is required by the Certificate, all such amendments must be approved by either the holders of a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of capital stock of the Corporation entitled generally to vote in the election of directors of the Corporation, voting as a single class, or by a majority of the directors present at any meeting of the Board; provided, that for so long as (i) Stagwell and its Affiliates collectively Beneficially Own 10% or more than 10% of the then-issued and outstanding voting securities of the Corporation, (ii) Stagwell has nominated directors constituting a majority of the Board, or (iii) Stagwell has the contractual right to appoint a majority of the Board, any amendment to Section 3.13(b) and Section 3.15 shall require the unanimous approval of the independent directors then serving on the Board (other than the directors nominated by Stagwell).

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XII

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 12.1 Execution of Documents. The Board or any committee thereof shall designate the officers, employees and agents of the Corporation who shall have power to execute and deliver deeds, contracts, mortgages, bonds, debentures, indentures, notes, checks, drafts and other orders for the payment of money and other documents for and in the name of the Corporation and may authorize (including, without limitation, authority to redelegate) by written instrument to other officers, employees or agents of the Corporation. Such delegation may be by resolution or otherwise and the authority granted shall be general or confined to specific matters, all as the Board or any such committee may determine. In the absence of such designation referred to in the first sentence of this Section, the officers of the Corporation shall have such power so referred to, to the extent incident to the normal performance of their duties.

 

SECTION 12.2 Deposits. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation or otherwise as the Board or any committee thereof or any officer of the Corporation to whom power in respect of financial operations shall have been delegated by the Board or any such committee or in these By-laws shall select.

 

SECTION 12.3 Checks. All checks, drafts and other orders for the payment of money out of the funds of the Corporation, and all notes or other evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, shall be signed on behalf of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board or of any committee thereof or by any officer of the Corporation to whom power in respect of financial operations shall have been delegated by the Board or any such committee thereof or as set forth in these By-laws.

 

SECTION 12.4 Proxies in Respect of Stock or Other Securities of Other Corporations. The Board or any committee thereof shall designate the officers of the Corporation who shall have authority from time to time to appoint an agent or agents of the Corporation to exercise in the name and on behalf of the Corporation the powers and rights which the Corporation may have as the holder of stock or other securities in any other corporation or other entity, and to vote or consent in respect of such stock or securities; such designated officers may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the manner of exercising such powers and rights; and such designated officers may execute or cause to be executed in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and under its corporate seal, or otherwise, such written proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as they may deem necessary or proper in order that the Corporation may exercise its said powers and rights.

 

SECTION 12.5 Subject to Law and Certificate of Incorporation. All powers, duties and responsibilities provided for in these By-laws, whether or not explicitly so qualified, are qualified by the provisions of the Certificate and applicable laws.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

August 2, 2021

 

by and among

 

MDC STAGWELL HOLDINGS INC.

 

and

 

THE STAGWELL PARTIES
(as defined herein)

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS 3
Section 1.01 Definitions 3
Section 1.02 Other Terms 5
ARTICLE II REGISTRATION RIGHTS 6
Section 2.01 Demand Registration 6
Section 2.02 Piggyback Registrations 11
Section 2.03 Holdback Agreements 12
Section 2.04 Transfer of Registration Rights 12
Section 2.05 Award Holder Registration Rights 12
ARTICLE III Registration Procedures 13
Section 3.01 General Procedures 13
Section 3.02 Registration Expenses 15
Section 3.03 Suspension of Sales; Adverse Disclosure 16
Section 3.04 Reporting Obligations 16
Section 3.05 Preservation of Rights 17
ARTICLE IV Indemnification 17
Section 4.01 Indemnification 17
ARTICLE V TERMINATION 19
Section 5.01 Termination 19
ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS 19
Section 6.01 Notices 19
Section 6.02 Authority 20
Section 6.03 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Specific Performance; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL 20
Section 6.04 Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries 21
Section 6.05 Expenses 22
Section 6.06 Severability 22
Section 6.07 Entire Agreement 22
Section 6.08 Amendment 22
Section 6.09 Waiver 22

  

  2

 

  

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 2, 2021, is entered into among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell Media”), the Holders listed on Exhibit A hereto and MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020, among Stagwell Media, the Company, MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation, which domesticated to the State of Delaware and became a Delaware corporation prior to the date hereof, and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as amended on June 4, 2021 and July 8, 2021 (the “Transaction Agreement”), the parties thereto have combined the Stagwell Subject Entities with OpCo and have affected the Transactions;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Transactions, Stagwell Media acquired the Stagwell OpCo Units and New MDC Class C Common Stock, which, together, are exchangeable on a 1:1 basis for New MDC Class A Common Stock; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to grant certain registration rights with respect to the New MDC Class A Common Stock or other Registrable Securities held by the Stagwell Parties or any other Holder, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

 

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

 

Article I
DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01    Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Transaction Agreement. The following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.01:

 

Adverse Disclosure” means any public disclosure of material non-public information, which disclosure, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, after consultation with outside counsel to the Company, (a) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement or prospectus in order for the applicable Registration Statement or prospectus not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein (in the case of any prospectus and any preliminary prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, (b) would not be required to be made at such time if the Registration Statement were not being filed, and (c) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for not making such information public.

 

Affiliate” means, (1) as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, the term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by Contract or otherwise and (2) as to any entity listed on Exhibit A, any limited partner of such Person.

 

    3

 

 

Award Holder” means any Person that becomes party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.05.

 

Excluded Registration” means a registration under the Securities Act of securities registered on Form S-8 or any similar successor form, and securities registered to effect the acquisition of, or combination with, another Person.

 

Holder” means (i) each of the Stagwell Parties and any Affiliate of any Stagwell Party, (ii) each Person listed on Exhibit A hereto and (iii) any direct or indirect transferee of any Stagwell Party (including by in-kind distribution or otherwise) that becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.04 and has agreed in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement; provided, that for purposes of calculating the number of Holders required to make a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.01(a)(i), any Award Holder shall be deemed not to be a Holder.

 

Misstatement” means an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in a Registration Statement or prospectus in the light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading.

 

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

 

prospectus” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as supplemented by any and all prospectus supplements and as amended by any and all post-effective amendments and including all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

 

register,” “registered” and “registration” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement in compliance with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of the effectiveness of such registration statement.

 

Registrable Securities” means the New MDC Class A Common Stock, including any shares thereof issuable upon or issued upon exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (including New MDC Class C Common Stock and Stagwell OpCo Units) (and, for the avoidance of doubt, each Holder shall be deemed to hold the Registrable Securities so issuable in respect of such other securities held by such Holder) and any securities issued or issuable directly or indirectly with respect to, in exchange for, upon the conversion of or in replacement of the New MDC Class A Common Stock, whether by way of a dividend or distribution or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, exchange or other reorganization, owned by the Holders, whether owned on the date hereof or acquired hereafter; provided, however, that securities to which registration rights no longer apply because such rights have terminated in accordance with Section 5.01 hereunder shall not be considered Registrable Securities.

 

    4

 

 

Registration Statement” means any registration statement that covers the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the prospectus included in such registration statement, amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement, and all exhibits to and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

Requesting Holders” means any Holder(s) requesting to have its (their) Registrable Securities included in any Demand Registration or Shelf Registration.

 

Stagwell Parties” means, collectively, Stagwell Media and the other Parties hereto set forth on Exhibit A.

 

Underwriter” means a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal in an Underwritten Offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making activities.

 

Underwritten Offering” means a registration pursuant to which securities of the Company are sold to an Underwriter in a firm commitment underwriting for distribution to the public, including for the avoidance of doubt an Underwritten Shelf Takedown.

 

Section 1.02    Other Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, each of the following terms is defined in the Section set forth opposite such term.

 

Term Section
Adverse Effect Section 2.01(e)(iv)
Agreement Preamble
Company Preamble
Demand Company Notice Section 2.01(a)(ii)
Demand Period Section 2.01(a)(v)
Demand Registration Section 2.01(a)(i)
Demanding Shareholders Section 2.01(a)(i)
Demand Registration Statement Section 2.01(a)(iii)
Demand Requesting Holder Section 2.01(a)(ii)
Demand Request Section 2.01(a)(i)
FINRA Section 3.02
OpCo Recitals
Transaction Agreement Recitals
Partner Distribution Section 3.01(a)
Piggyback Registration Section 2.02(a)
Required Filing Date Section 2.01(a)(i)
Shelf Demanding Shareholders Section 2.01(d)(i)
Shelf Registration Section 2.01(d)(i)
Shelf Registration Statement Section 2.01(d)(i)
Shelf Period Section 2.01(d)(ii)
Suspension Section 3.03
Stagwell Media Preamble
Underwritten Shelf Takedown Section 2.01(d)(iii)

 

    5

 

 

Article II
REGISTRATION RIGHTS

 

Section 2.01   Demand Registration.

 

(a)           Request for Registration.

 

(i)    Demands. Commencing on the date hereof, (A) any Stagwell Party or (B) Holders (other than Award Holders) representing the majority of the Registrable Securities at any time shall have the right to require the Company to file a registration statement on Form S-3 (or, if Form S-3 is not available to be used by the Company at such time, on Form S-1 or any other appropriate form under the Securities Act or Exchange Act permitting registration of Registrable Securities for resale) (a “Demand Registration”), by delivering to the Company written notice stating that such right is being exercised, naming, if applicable, the Holders whose Registrable Securities are to be included in such registration (collectively, the “Demanding Shareholders”), specifying the number of each such Demanding Shareholder’s Registrable Securities to be included in such registration and, subject to Section 2.01(e), and describing the intended method of distribution thereof (a “Demand Request”).

 

(ii)   Company Notice. The Company shall, within five (5) days of the Company’s receipt of a Demand Request, notify, in writing, all other Holders of Registrable Securities of such demand (a “Demand Company Notice”), and each Holder of Registrable Securities who thereafter wishes to include all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in a Demand Registration (each such Holder that includes all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Registration, a “Demand Requesting Holder”) shall so notify the Company, in writing, within five (5) days after the receipt by the Holder of the notice from the Company. Upon receipt by the Company of any such written notification from a Demand Requesting Holder(s) to the Company, such Demand Requesting Holder(s) shall be entitled to have their Registrable Securities included in a Demand Registration.

 

(iii)  Filing. Subject to Section 2.01(e)(iv), the Company shall file the registration statement in respect of a Demand Registration (a “Demand Registration Statement”) as soon as practicable and, in any event, within forty-five (45) days after receiving a Demand Request (the “Required Filing Date”) and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the same to be declared effective by the SEC as promptly as practicable after such filing; provided, however, that:

 

(A)             the Company shall not be obligated to effect a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.01(a) within 75 days after the effective date of a previous Demand Registration, provided that the Company continues to actively employ, in good faith, all reasonable efforts to cause the applicable Registration Statement to remain effective to the extent Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have not been sold or withdrawn;

 

    6

 

 

(B)              the Company shall not be obligated to effect a Demand Registration unless the Demand Request is for a number of Registrable Securities with a market value that is equal to at least $40 million as of the date of such Demand Request;

 

(C)              the Company shall not be obligated to effect more than an aggregate of three (3) Registrations during any twelve (12) month period pursuant to a Demand Registration under this Section 2.01; and

 

(D)             Holder shall not sell any Registrable Securities covered by such Demand Registration Statement prior to the date that is 91 days after the date hereof.

 

(iv)   Underwritten Offering. If a Demanding Shareholder so requests, an offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Demand Registration shall be in the form of an Underwritten Offering. If a Demanding Shareholder intends to sell the Registrable Securities covered by its demand by means of an Underwritten Offering, such Demanding Shareholder shall so advise the Company as part of its Demand Request, and the Company shall include such information in the Demand Company Notice.

 

(v)    Effective Registration. The Company shall be deemed to have effected a Demand Registration with respect to the applicable Demanding Shareholder for purposes of this Section 2.01(a) if the Demand Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC and remains effective for not less than 180 days (or such shorter period as shall terminate when all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold or withdrawn), or if such Registration Statement relates to an Underwritten Offering, such longer period as, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriter or Underwriters, a prospectus is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales of Registrable Securities by an Underwriter or dealer (the applicable period, the “Demand Period”). No Demand Registration shall be deemed to have been effected for purposes of Section 2.01 if (i) during the Demand Period such Registration or the successful completion of the relevant offering and sale of all Registrable Securities pursuant thereto is prevented by any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the SEC or other governmental agency or court or (ii) the conditions to closing specified in the underwriting agreement, if any, entered into in connection with such Registration are not satisfied other than by reason of a wrongful act, misrepresentation or material breach of such applicable underwriting agreement by the Demanding Shareholder.

 

(b)       Deferral of Filing. The Company may defer the filing (but not the preparation) of a registration statement required by this Section 2.01, in addition to any Suspension pursuant to Section 3.03, until a date not later than forty-five (45) days after the Required Filing Date, if prior to receiving the Demand Request, the Company had determined to effect a registered underwritten public offering of the Company’s securities for the Company’s account pursuant to a registration statement to be filed by the Company and the Company has complied with Section 2.02 hereof, and the Company had taken substantial steps (including, but not limited to, selecting a managing Underwriter for such offering) and is proceeding with reasonable diligence to effect such offering. A deferral of the filing of a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.01(e)(iv) shall be lifted, and the requested registration statement shall be filed forthwith, if the proposed registration for the Company’s account is abandoned. In order to defer the filing of a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.01(e)(iv), the Company shall promptly (but in any event within ten (10) days), upon determining to seek such deferral, deliver to each Demanding Shareholder a certificate signed by an executive officer of the Company stating that the Company is deferring such filing pursuant to this Section 2.01(e)(iv) and a general statement of the reason for the Board’s determination to make such deferral and an approximation of the anticipated delay. Within twenty (20) days after receiving such certificate, the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities held by the Demanding Shareholders and for which registration was previously requested may withdraw such Demand Request by giving notice to the Company; if withdrawn, the Demand Request shall be deemed not to have been made for all purposes of this Agreement. The Company may defer the filing of a particular registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.01(e)(iv) only twice.

 

    7

 

 

(c)      Demand Withdrawal. A Demanding Shareholder may withdraw its Registrable Securities from a Demand Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of the applicable Demand Registration Statement. Upon delivery of a notice by all Demanding Shareholders to such effect, the Company may elect to cease all efforts to secure effectiveness of the applicable Demand Registration Statement, and such Registration nonetheless shall be deemed a Demand Registration with respect to such Demanding Shareholders for purposes of Section 2.01 unless (i) such Demanding Shareholders shall have paid or reimbursed the Company for its pro rata share of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the Registration of such withdrawn Registrable Securities (based on the number of securities the Demanding Shareholders sought to register, as compared to the total number of securities included on such Demand Registration Statement) or (ii) the withdrawal is made because the Demanding Shareholders determined that the Registration would require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure. In addition, any other Holder that has requested its Registrable Securities be included in a Demand Registration may withdraw its Registrable Securities from a Demand Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of the applicable Demand Registration Statement.

 

(d)      Shelf Registration.

 

(i)    Shelf Demands. With respect to any Demand Registration, the Requesting Holders may require the Company to effect a registration of the Registrable Securities under a registration statement for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule) registering the resale from time to time by Holders (the “Shelf Demanding Shareholders”) of the Registrable Securities requested by the Requesting Holders to be registered thereon (a “Shelf Registration” and, such registration statement, a “Shelf Registration Statement”).

 

(ii)   Continued Effectiveness. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep any Shelf Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2.01(d)(i) continuously effective under the Securities Act in order to permit the prospectus forming a part thereof to be usable by Shelf Demanding Shareholders until the earliest of

 

    8

 

 

(A)      the date as of which all Registrable Securities have been sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement or another Registration Statement filed under the Securities Act (but in no event prior to the applicable period referred to in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act and Rule 174 thereunder), and (B) such shorter period as the Shelf Demanding Shareholders with respect to such Shelf Registration shall agree in writing (such period of effectiveness, the “Shelf Period”). Subject to Section 3.03, the Company shall not be deemed to have used its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective during the Shelf Period if the Company voluntarily takes any action or omits to take any action that would result in Shelf Demanding Shareholders not being able to offer and sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement during the Shelf Period, unless such action or omission is (x) a Suspension permitted pursuant to Section 3.03 or (y) required by applicable law, rule or regulation.

 

(iii)   Underwritten Shelf Takedowns. At any time and from time to time after a Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been declared effective by the Commission, any of the Shelf Demanding Shareholders may request to sell all or any portion of the Registrable Securities in an underwritten offering that is registered pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement (each, an “Underwritten Shelf Takedown”); provided, however, that the Company shall only be obligated to effect an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if such offering shall include securities with a total offering price (including piggyback securities and before deduction of underwriting discounts) reasonably expected to exceed, in the aggregate, $20,000,000. All requests for Underwritten Shelf Takedowns shall be made by giving written notice to the Company, which shall specify the approximate number of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown. Promptly upon receiving such notice (but no later than 5 days after receipt of such notice), the Company shall notify all of the Holders of Registrable Securities of the potential Underwritten Shelf Takedown, and each Holder of Registrable Securities included on the applicable Shelf Registration Statement who thereafter wishes to include all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities such Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall so notify the Company, in writing, within five (5) days after the receipt by the Holder of the notice from the Company. The Company shall include in any Underwritten Shelf Takedown the securities requested to be included by any Holder within five (5) days of receipt of notice of such Underwritten Shelf Takedown.

 

(e)      Underwritten Offerings.

 

(i)     If the Demanding Shareholders or the Shelf Demanding Shareholders, as applicable, request that any offering pursuant to a Demand Registration or Shelf Registration be consummated in the form of an Underwritten Offering (including an Underwritten Shelf Takedown), the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities to be included in such Underwritten Offering shall select the investment banking firm or firms, reasonably acceptable to the Company, to manage the Underwritten Offering. All Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through an Underwritten Offering (A) shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering and (B) shall complete and execute all questionnaires, powers of attorney and other documents, each in customary form, reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

 

    9

 

 

(ii)   No Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties in connection with any such registration other than representations and warranties as to (A) such Holder’s ownership of his or its Registrable Securities to be transferred free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances, (B) such Holder’s power and authority to effect such transfer, and (C) such matters pertaining to compliance with securities laws as may be reasonably requested.

 

(iii)  The obligation of any Holder to indemnify pursuant to any such underwriting arrangements shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders selling Registrable Securities, and the liability of each such Holder will be in proportion thereto; provided, that such liability will be limited to the net amount received by such Holder from the sale of his or its Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration.

 

(iv)  No securities to be sold for the account of any Person (including the Company) other than a Demanding Shareholder or Shelf Demanding Shareholder, as applicable shall be included in an Underwritten Offering unless the managing Underwriter or Underwriters shall advise such Demanding Shareholders that the inclusion of such securities will not adversely affect the price, timing or distribution of the offering or otherwise adversely affect its success (an “Adverse Effect”). Furthermore, if the managing Underwriter or Underwriters shall advise such Demanding Shareholders that, even after exclusion of all securities of other Persons pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the amount of Registrable Securities proposed to be included in such proposed Underwritten Offering is sufficiently large to cause an Adverse Effect, the Registrable Securities of such Demanding Shareholders to be included in such Underwritten Offering shall equal the number of shares that such Demanding Shareholders are so advised can be sold in such offering without an Adverse Effect and such shares shall be allocated as follows: (i) first, 100% of the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering by the Stagwell Parties, (ii) second, pro rata among the remaining Holders of such Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder, and (iii) third, only if all of the securities referred to in clause (ii) have been included, any other securities requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering on a pro rata basis among the holders of such securities.

 

(f)   Block Trades. If a Shelf Demanding Shareholder wishes to consummate an overnight block trade (on either an SEC registered or non-registered basis), then notwithstanding the time periods and piggyback rights otherwise provided herein, such Demanding Shareholder shall, if it would like the assistance of the Company, endeavor to give the Company sufficient advance notice in order to prepare the appropriate documentation for such transaction. Such Demanding Holder, if requesting an SEC registered underwritten block trade, (i) shall give the Company written notice of the transaction and the anticipated launch date of the transaction at least three (3) business days prior to the anticipated launch date of the transaction, (ii) the Company shall be required to only notify the other Demanding Shareholders of the transaction and none of the other Holders, (iii) the other Demanding Shareholders shall have one (1) business day prior to the launch of the transaction to determine if they wish to participate in the block trade, and (iv) the Company shall include in the block trade only shares held by the Demanding Shareholders.

 

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Section 2.02    Piggyback Registrations.

 

(a)   Right to Piggyback. Each time the Company proposes to register any of its equity securities (other than pursuant to Article II hereto, in which case the obligations of the Company set forth in Article II shall apply, or pursuant to an Excluded Registration) under the Securities Act for sale to the public (whether for the account of the Company or the account of any securityholder of the Company) (a “Piggyback Registration”), the Company shall give prompt written notice to each Holder of Registrable Securities (which notice shall be given not less than ten (10) days prior to the anticipated filing date of the Company’s registration statement), which notice shall offer each such Holder the opportunity to include any or all of its Registrable Securities in such registration statement, subject to the limitations contained in Section 2.02(b) hereof. Each Holder who desires to have its Registrable Securities included in such registration statement shall so advise the Company in writing (stating the number of shares desired to be registered) within ten (10) days after the date of such notice from the Company. Any Holder shall have the right to withdraw such Holder’s request for inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in any registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) by giving written notice to the Company of such withdrawal. Subject to Section 2.02(b), below, the Company shall include in such registration statement all such Registrable Securities so requested to be included therein; provided, however, that the Company may at any time withdraw or cease proceeding with any such registration if it shall at the same time withdraw or cease proceeding with the registration of all other equity securities originally proposed to be registered.

 

(b)   Priority on Piggyback Registrations.

 

(i)     If a Piggyback Registration is in the form of an underwritten offering and was initiated by the Company, and if the managing Underwriter advises the Company that the inclusion of Registrable Securities requested to be included in the Registration Statement would cause an Adverse Effect, the Company shall include in such registration statement (i) first, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (ii) second, 100% of the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration, pro rata among the Holders of such Registrable Securities on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder, and (iii) third, only if all of the securities referred to in clause

 

(ii)    have been included in such registration, any other securities requested to be included in such registration on a pro rata basis among the holders of such securities. If as a result of the provisions of this Section 2.02(b)(i) any Holder shall not be entitled to include all Registrable Securities in a registration that such Holder has requested to be so included, such Holder may withdraw such Holder’s request to include Registrable Securities in such registration statement.

 

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(iii)   If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten offering and was initiated by a security holder of the Company, and if the managing Underwriter advises the Company that the inclusion of Registrable Securities requested to be included in the Registration Statement would cause an Adverse Effect, the Company shall include in such registration statement (i) first, 100% of the securities requested to be included therein by the security holders requesting such registration and the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration, pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities owned by each such holder, and (ii) second, only if all of the securities referred to in clause (i) have been included in such registration, any other securities requested to be included in such registration (including securities to be sold for the account of the Company) on a pro rata basis among the holders of such securities. If as a result of the provisions of this Section 2.02(b)(ii) any Holder shall not be entitled to include all Registrable Securities in a registration that such Holder has requested to be so included, such Holder may withdraw such Holder’s request to include Registrable Securities in such registration statement.

 

(iv)   No Holder may participate in any registration statement in respect of a Piggyback Registration hereunder unless it satisfies the conditions set forth in Section 2.01(e)(i), and the provisions regarding indemnification set forth in Section 2.01(e)(iii) shall apply to any Piggyback Registration hereunder.

 

Section 2.03   Holdback Agreements.

 

(a)    The Company shall not effect any public sale or distribution of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, during the seven days prior to and during the 75-day period beginning on the effective date of any Demand Registration Statement (other than a Shelf Registration), or in the case of a Shelf Registration, the filing of any prospectus relating to the offer and sale of Registrable Securities, or a Piggyback Registration, except pursuant to any Excluded Registration or unless the Underwriters managing any offering with respect to such registration otherwise agree.

 

(b)    If any Holder of Registrable Securities notifies the Company in writing that it intends to effect an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to Section 2.01(e) hereof, the Company shall not effect any public sale or distribution of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for its equity securities, during the seven days prior to and during the 75-day period beginning on the pricing date for such Underwritten Shelf Takedown, except pursuant to an Excluded Registration or unless the Underwriters managing any such offering otherwise agree.

 

Section 2.04   Transfer of Registration Rights. The rights of each Holder under this Agreement may be assigned to (i) any Affiliate of a Holder permitted under the New MDC Certificate of Incorporation, New MDC Bylaws and Transaction Agreement who agrees in writing to be subject to and bound by all the terms and conditions of this Agreement and (ii) an Award Holder.

 

Section 2.05   Award Holder Registration Rights. Any Person who receives, directly or indirectly, Registrable Securities in exchange for such Person’s Stagwell Incentive Awards (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) in connection with or as a result of the Transactions (including pursuant to any negotiated resolution thereof) and agrees in writing to be subject to and bound by the applicable terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed an “Award Holder” for all purposes hereunder.

 

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Article III
Registration Procedures

 

Section 3.01    General Procedures. If at any time on or after the Closing the Company is required to effect the registration of Registrable Securities, whether pursuant to the filing of a new Registration Statement, effecting an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, or effecting an underwritten block trade, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to effect such registration to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution thereof, including if so requested by a Holder or Holders a distribution to, and resale by, the members or partners of a Holder (a “Partner Distribution”), and pursuant thereto the Company shall, as expeditiously as possible:

 

(a)    prepare and file with the SEC as soon as practicable and in accordance with Article II a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities; provided that as far in advance as practicable before filing such registration statement or any amendment thereto, the Company will furnish to the selling Holders copies of reasonably complete drafts of all such documents prepared to be filed (including exhibits), and any such Holder shall have the opportunity to object to or suggest revisions to any information with respect to such Holders contained therein and the Company will make revisions reasonably requested by such Holder with respect to such information prior to filing any such registration statement or amendment;

 

(b)    prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, and such supplements to the prospectus, as may be reasonably requested by the Holders or any Underwriter of Registrable Securities or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder to keep the Registration Statement effective as provided for herein;

 

(c)    prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its reasonable best efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may request and (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify or take any action to which it would be subject to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then otherwise so subject;

 

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(d)     cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange or automated quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

 

(e)     provide a transfer agent or warrant agent, as applicable, and registrar for all such Registrable Securities no later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

 

(f)      advise each seller of such Registrable Securities, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the SEC suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;

 

(g)     advise each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when such registration statement has been declared effective (which may be satisfied by the issuance of a press release by the Company);

 

(h)     notify the Holders at any time when a prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 3.03 hereof;

 

(i)      permit a representative of the Holders, the Underwriter(s), if any, and any attorney or accountant retained by such Holders or Underwriter(s) to participate, at each such person’s own expense, in the preparation of the Registration Statement, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such representative, Underwriter(s), attorney or accountant in connection with the Registration; provided, however, that such representatives or Underwriter(s) enter into a confidentiality agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information;

 

(i)      at the request of any Holder seeking to effect or considering a Partner Distribution, file any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendments, or include in the initial registration statement any disclosure or language, or include in any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment any disclosure or language, and otherwise take any action, deemed necessary or advisable by such Holder to effect such Partner Distribution;

 

(j)      obtain a “cold comfort” letter from the Company’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Offering, in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “cold comfort” letters as the managing Underwriter(s) may reasonably request, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority-in-interest of the participating Holders and such managing Underwriter;

 

(k)     on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration, obtain an opinion, dated such date, of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such Registration, addressed to the Underwriter(s), if any, covering such legal matters with respect to the Registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as the Underwriter(s) may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters; provided, however, that counsel for the Company shall not be required to provide any opinions with respect to any Holder;

 

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(l)      in the event of any Underwritten Offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing Underwriter(s) of such offering;

 

(m)    make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the Registration Statement which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the SEC);

 

(n)     in connection with an Underwritten Offering, cause its senior management, officers, employees and independent public accountants (in the case of the independent public accountants, subject to any applicable accounting guidance regarding their participation in the offering or the due diligence process) to participate in, make themselves available, supply such information as may reasonably be requested and to otherwise facilitate and cooperate with the preparation of the Registration Statement and prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto (including participating in meetings, drafting sessions, due diligence sessions and rating agency presentations) taking into account the Company’s reasonable business needs;

 

(o)     if a Registration relates to an Underwritten Offering with gross proceeds in excess of $20,000,000, use its reasonable efforts to make available senior executives of the Company to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter(s) in any Underwritten Offering; and

 

(p)     otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Holders, in connection with such Registration.

 

Section 3.02     Registration Expenses. All reasonable, out-of-pocket fees and expenses incident to any registration hereunder, including, without limitation, the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Article II, all registration and filing fees, all fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), as may be required by the rules and regulations of FINRA, fees and expenses of compliance with securities or “blue sky” laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the underwriters in connection with “blue sky” qualifications of the Registrable Securities, but not including any fees above $5000 relating to any memorandum of counsel related to “blue sky” qualifications), printing expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for the Registrable Securities in a form eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company and of printing prospectuses, if applicable), messenger and delivery expenses, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with any listing or quotation of the Registrable Securities, fees and expenses of counsel for the Company and its independent certified public accountants (including the expenses of any special audit or “cold comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance), the fees and expenses of any special experts retained by the Company in connection with such registration, and the fees and expenses of other persons retained by the Company, and reasonable fees and expenses (not to exceed $100,000) as provided in writing to the Company of one (1) legal counsel selected by the Demanding Shareholders or the Shelf Demanding Shareholders, as applicable, will be borne by the Company (unless paid by a security holder that is not a Holder for whose account the registration is being effected) whether or not any registration statement becomes effective; provided, however, that any underwriting discounts, commissions, or fees attributable to the sale of the Registrable Securities will be borne by the Holders pro rata on the basis of the number of shares so registered.

 

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Section 3.03      Suspension of Sales; Adverse Disclosure. The Company shall promptly notify each of the Holders in writing if a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement and, upon receipt of such written notice from the Company, each of the Holders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities until he, she or it has received copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus correcting the Misstatement; provided that the Company hereby covenants promptly to prepare and file any required supplement or amendment correcting any Misstatement promptly after the time of such notice and, if necessary, to request the immediate effectiveness thereof. If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement or prospectus included in any Registration Statement at any time (a) would require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure, (b) would require the inclusion in such Registration Statement of financial statements that are unavailable to the Company for reasons beyond the Company’s control, or (c) in the good faith judgment of the Board, which judgment shall be documented in writing and provided to the Holders in the form of a written certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, such filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement would be materially detrimental to the Company, the Company shall have the right to defer the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of any Registration Statement pursuant to (a), (b) or (c) (each such deferral, a “Suspension”) for a period of not more than forty-five (45) days, provided that any such suspension shall terminate at such earlier time as the reason for such suspension is no longer in effect, and the Company shall not defer any such filing, initial effectiveness or use of a Registration Statement pursuant to this Section 3.03 more than two times (in each case counting deferrals initiated pursuant to (a), (b) and (c) in the aggregate) in any 12-month period

 

Section 3.04       Reporting Obligations. The Company will file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder (or, if the Company is not required to file such reports, will, upon the request of the Holders, make publicly available other information) and will take such further action as the Holders may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable the Holders to sell New MDC Class A Common Stock without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (a) Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time or (b) any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC. Upon the reasonable request of any Holder, the Company will deliver to such parties a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements and will, at its expense, forthwith upon the request of any such Holder, deliver to such Holder a certificate, signed by the Company’s principal financial officer, stating (i) the Company’s name, address and telephone number (including area code), (ii) the Company’s Internal Revenue Service identification number, (iii) the Company’s SEC file number, (iv) the number of shares of each class of capital stock outstanding as shown by the most recent report or statement published by the Company, and (v) whether the Company has filed the reports required to be filed under the Exchange Act for a period of at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of such certificate and in addition has filed the most recent annual report required to be filed thereunder.

 

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Section 3.05        Preservation of Rights. The Company will not (a) grant any registration rights to third parties which are more favorable than or inconsistent with the rights granted hereunder or

 

(a)    enter into any agreement, take any action, or permit any change to occur, with respect to its securities that violates or subordinates the rights expressly granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

 

Article IV
Indemnification

 

Section 4.01      Indemnification.

 

(a)    The Company agrees to indemnify and reimburse, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Securities, its officers, directors, employees, agents and advisors and each person who “controls” such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) based upon, arising out of, related to or resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any Registration Statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein. The Company shall indemnify the Underwriter(s), their officers and directors and each person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act) such Underwriter(s) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to the indemnification of the Holder.

 

(b)    In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, such Holder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and each person who “controls” (within the meaning of the Securities Act) the Company against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) based upon, arising out of or resulting from any untrue statement of material fact contained in the Registration Statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders of Registrable Securities, and the liability of each such Holder of Registrable Securities shall be in proportion to and limited to the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. No Holder of Registrable Securities shall be liable in any such case to the extent that, prior to the filing or effectiveness of any such registration statement or prospectus or amendment thereof or supplement thereto, such Holder has furnished in writing to the Company information expressly for use in such registration statement or prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto that corrected or made not misleading information previously furnished to the Company. The Holders of Registrable Securities shall indemnify the Underwriter(s), their officers, directors and each person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act) such Underwriter(s) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to indemnification of the Company.

 

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(c)   Any person entitled to indemnification herein shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided, however, that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any person’s right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not materially prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) or which settlement does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

 

(d)   The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. The Company and each Holder of Registrable Securities participating in an offering also agrees to make such provisions as are reasonably requested by any indemnified party for contribution (pursuant to Section 4.01(e)) to such party in the event the Company’s or such Holder’s indemnification is unavailable for any reason.

 

(e)   If the indemnification provided under Section 4.01 hereof from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying party’s and indemnified party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action; provided, however, that the liability of any Holder under this Section 4.01(e) shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder in such offering giving rise to such liability. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in subsections (a), (b) and (c) above, any legal or other fees, charges or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 4.01(e) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation, which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 4.01(e). No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this Section 4.01(e) from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

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Article V
TERMINATION

 

Section 5.01   Termination. The Holders may exercise the registration rights granted hereunder in such manner and proportions as they shall agree among themselves. The registration rights hereunder shall cease to apply to any particular security and such security shall accordingly no longer be considered a Registrable Security when: (a) a registration statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Security shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such Registrable Security shall have been disposed of in accordance with such registration statement;

 

(a)    such Registrable Security shall have been sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor provision); (c) such Registrable Security shall have ceased to be outstanding; (d) in the case of Registrable Securities held by a Holder that is not a Stagwell Party, or any Affiliate thereof, such Holder holds less than five percent (5%) of the then outstanding Registrable Securities; or (e) in the case of Registrable Securities held by a Stagwell Party, or any Affiliate thereof, such Holder holds less than one percent (1%) of the then outstanding Registrable Securities and, in the case of (d) or (e) such Registrable Securities are eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor provision) without restriction as to volume or otherwise. The Company shall promptly upon the request of any Holder furnish to such Holder evidence of the number of Registrable Securities then outstanding.

 

Article VI
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 6.01   Notices. Each notice, request, demand or other communication under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, delivered or made as follows: (a) if delivered by hand, when delivered; (b) if sent by facsimile transmission before 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day in the delivery location, when transmitted and receipt is confirmed; (c) if sent by facsimile transmission after 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day in the delivery location or on a day other than a Business Day and receipt is confirmed, on the following Business Day; (d) if sent via an overnight international courier service, the Business Day after being delivered to such courier; and (e) if sent by email, when sent, provided that (i) the subject line of such email states that it is a notice delivered pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the sender of such email does not receive a written notification of delivery failure. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be delivered to the address, facsimile number or email address set forth beneath the name of such party below (or to such other address, facsimile number or email address as such party shall have specified in a written notice given to the other parties hereto):

 

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(a)            if to any Stagwell Party:

 

Stagwell Media LP
1808 I Street, NW, 6th Floor
Washington DC 20006
Attention: Ryan Greene
E-mail: ryan@stagwellgroup.com

 

with a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice):

 

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP
601 Lexington Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Paul M. Tiger
                   Andrea Basham
Email: paul.tiger@freshfields.com
           andrea.basham@freshfields.com

 

(b)               if to the Company:

 

MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc.

One World Trade Center, Floor 65
New York, NY 10007
Attention: Frank Lanuto
E-mail: flanuto@mdc-partners.com

 

with a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice):

 

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
1 Liberty Pl
New York, NY 10006
Attention: Kimberly R. Spoerri
E-mail: kspoerri@cgsh.com

 

If to any other Holder, the address indicated for such Holder in the Company’s stock transfer records with copies, so long as the Stagwell Parties own any Registrable Securities, to the Stagwell Parties as provided above.

 

Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

 

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Section 6.02      Authority. Each of the parties hereto represents to the other that (a) it has the requisite entity power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, (b) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the counterparties hereto, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of such party, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors generally or by general equity principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law).

 

Section 6.03      Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Specific Performance; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.

 

(a)     This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of New York without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the state of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the state of New York.

 

(b)     Each of the parties hereto (i) consents to submit itself to the personal jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York or (to the extent subject matter jurisdiction exists therefor) the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York with respect to any dispute arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court, (iii) agrees that it will not bring any action arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in any court other than the courts of the State of New York, as described above, and (iv) WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to the respective addresses set forth in Section 6.01 shall be effective service of process for any suit or proceeding in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(c)     The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. 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 Agreement, the non-breaching party shall be entitled (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. Counterparts; Electronic Transmission of Signatures. This 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.

 

Section 6.04       Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries.

 

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(a)       Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and benefit the Company, each Holder, and their respective successors and assigns.

 

(b)       Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as giving any Person, other than the parties hereto and their heirs, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns, any right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

(c)       Any Person that is or becomes a Holder and is not already a party hereto or that is assigned rights hereunder pursuant to Section 2.04 shall execute and deliver a joinder to this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery shall become a party hereto having the rights of a Holder hereunder.

 

Section 6.05     Expenses. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each party hereto shall bear its own expenses in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 6.06    Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any applicable Law, then such contravention or invalidity shall not invalidate the entire 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 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.

 

Section 6.07     Entire Agreement. This Agreement and, as applicable, the other Ancillary Agreements (as defined in the Transaction Agreement), constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede all prior agreements and understandings (both written and oral) among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, such agreements and understandings provided for in Article V of the Securities Purchase Agreement by and between MDC Partners Inc. and Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC dated as of March 14, 2019.

 

Section 6.08     Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

 

Section 6.09     Waiver. Any failure of any of the parties to comply with any obligation, representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or condition herein may be waived at any time by any of the parties entitled to the benefit thereof only by a written instrument signed by each such party granting such waiver, but such waiver or failure to insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.

 

[The remainder of this page has been intentionally left blank; the next page is the signature page.]

 

 

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

 

  MDC STAGWELL HOLDINGS INC.
   
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto
  Name: Frank Lanuto
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer
   
  STAGWELL MEDIA LP
   
  By:  /s/ Mark Penn
  Name:  Mark Penn
  Title:    Manager
   
  STAGWELL AGENCY HOLDINGS LLC
   
  By: /s/ Ryan J. Greene
  Name:  Ryan J. Greene
  Title:    Chief Financial Officer
   
  THE STAGWELL GROUP LLC
   
  By: /s/ Mark Penn
  Name: Mark Penn
  Title: Manager
   
  MARK J. PENN
   
  By: /s/ Mark Penn
  Name: Mark Penn
  Title: Managing Partner

 

 

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Exhibit A

 

Holders

 

Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC

The Stagwell Group LLC
Mark J. Penn

 

 

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Exhibit 10.2

 

 

 

TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

August 2, 2021

 

by and among

 

MDC STAGWELL HOLDINGS INC.,

 

MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC

 

and

 

STAGWELL MEDIA LP

 

 

 

 

 

CONTENTS

 

CLAUSE PAGE

 

Article I Definitions and Usage 2
Section 1.01 Definitions 2
Section 1.02 Other Definitional and Interpretative Provisions 10
Article II Determination of Tax Benefits 11
Section 2.01 OpCo 754 Election 11
Section 2.02 Tax Schedule 11
Article III Tax Benefit Payments 13
Section 3.01 Tax Benefit Payments 13
Section 3.02 Reimbursement and Indemnification 13
Section 3.03 No Duplicative Payments 14
Section 3.04 Certain Acknowledgments 14
Article IV Termination 14
Section 4.01 Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement 14
Section 4.02 Early Termination Notice 15
Section 4.03 Payment Upon Early Termination 16
Article V Subordination and Late Payment 17
Section 5.01 Subordination 17
Section 5.02 Late Payment by MDC Holdings 17
Article VI Tax Matters; Consistency; Tax Groups and Successors; Cooperation 17
Section 6.01 Stagwell Participation in MDC Holdings Tax Matters 17
Section 6.02 Tax Positions 17
Section 6.03 Admission of MDC Holdings into a Consolidated Group; Contribution of Assets to a Corporation 18
Section 6.04 Cooperation 18
Article VII Miscellaneous 18
Section 7.01 Notices 18
Section 7.02 Counterparts; Electronic Transmission of Signatures 19
Section 7.03 No Right of Offset 19
Section 7.04 Entire Agreement 20
Section 7.05 Assignment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries 20
Section 7.06 Severability 20
Section 7.07 Expenses 20

 

 

 

 

CONTENTS 

 

CLAUSE PAGE

 

Section 7.08 Severability 20
Section 7.09 Amendment 21
Section 7.10 Waiver 21
Section 7.11 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Specific Performance; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL 21
Section 7.12 Reconciliation 22
Section 7.13 Withholding 22

  

 

 

 

TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

 

This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of August 2, 2021, is hereby entered into by and among MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MDC Holdings”), Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct subsidiary of MDC Holdings (“OpCo”), and Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Transaction Agreement (as defined below).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, on December 21, 2020, Stagwell, MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation (“MDC”), New MDC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that converted into a corporation prior to the date hereof, and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub”), entered into that certain Transaction Agreement, as amended on June 4, 2021 and July 8, 2021 (the “Transaction Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, prior to the Closing Date, MDC domesticated to Delaware pursuant to section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law in a transaction that is intended for U.S. federal tax purposes to constitute a reorganization described in Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code (the “Redomiciliation”);

 

WHEREAS, prior to the Closing Date and after the Redomiciliation, MDC caused the Maxxcom Restructuring to be completed;

 

WHEREAS, prior to the Closing Date and after the Maxxcom Restructuring, in a series of transactions that are intended for U.S. federal tax purposes to constitute a reorganization described in Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code: (i) MDC Holdings converted into a Delaware corporation (such conversion, the “MDC Holdings Incorporation”); (ii) immediately thereafter, Merger Sub merged with and into MDC, with MDC surviving as a direct and wholly-owned Subsidiary of MDC Holdings (the “MDC Merger”); and (iii) immediately following the MDC Merger, MDC converted into a Delaware limited liability company (as converted, “OpCo”), with MDC Holdings as the then-sole member of OpCo, and OpCo adopted the Initial OpCo Operating Agreement (the foregoing transactions taken together, the “Holding Company Formation F Reorganization”);

 

WHEREAS, on the Closing Date, Stagwell contributed all of the issued and outstanding interests in Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, to OpCo in exchange for 180,000,000 OpCo Common Units (such OpCo Common Units, the “Stagwell OpCo Common Units”) and, as a result, became the second member of OpCo in a transaction intended to constitute the formation of OpCo as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and exchanges by MDC Holdings and Stagwell, in each case as described in Section 721 of the Code;

 

WHEREAS, on the Closing Date, MDC Holdings issued 180,000,000 shares of MDC Holdings Class C Common Stock to Stagwell in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $1,800 in cash, and each such share of MDC Holdings Class C Common Stock was paired with a Stagwell OpCo Common Unit (such shares of MDC Holdings Class C Common Stock, together with the Stagwell OpCo Common Units, the “Stagwell Paired Equity Interests”);

 

 

 

 

WHEREAS, on and after the date hereof, each of Stagwell and its Permitted Transferees (as defined under the A&R OpCo Operating Agreement (as defined below)) has the right, in its sole discretion, from time to time, to have all or any portion of the Stagwell Paired Equity Interests redeemed by OpCo in exchange for an equivalent number of shares of Class A Common Stock of MDC Holdings (a “Redemption”) pursuant to Section 3.6 of the A&R OpCo Operating Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, OpCo is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income Tax purposes;

 

WHEREAS, OpCo and each direct or indirect subsidiary (owned through a chain of pass-through entities) of OpCo that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income Tax purposes (such entities, together with OpCo and any direct or indirect subsidiary (owned through a chain of pass-through entities) of OpCo that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, the “OpCo Group”) will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (as defined below) as provided under Section 2.01 for the Taxable Year (as defined below) in which any Exchange (as defined below) occurs, which election will result in an adjustment to MDC Holdings’ share of the Tax basis of the assets owned by the OpCo Group as of the date of the Exchange, with a consequent result on the taxable income subsequently derived therefrom;

 

WHEREAS, the income, gain, loss, expense and other Tax (as defined below) items of OpCo allocable to or with respect to MDC Holdings may be affected by Basis Adjustments (as defined below) and MDC Holdings’ tax liability may be affected by Imputed Interest (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties to this Agreement desire to make certain arrangements with respect to the effect of the Basis Adjustment and Imputed Interest on the actual liability for Taxes of MDC Holdings and provide for certain payments from MDC Holdings to Stagwell with respect to any Tax benefits actually realized by MDC Holdings as the result of Exchanges (as defined below), and to ease administrative burdens, an assumed Tax rate shall be used to approximate MDC Holdings’ state, local and foreign liabilities for Covered Taxes (as defined below) without regard to such Tax benefits for each Covered Taxable Year.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein made and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

Article I
Definitions and Usage

 

Section 1.01        Definitions.

 

(a)               The following terms shall have the following meanings for the purposes of this Agreement:

 

A&R OpCo Operating Agreement” means the amended and restated limited liability company agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among OpCo and its Members, as amended from time to time.

 

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Actual Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Covered Taxable Year, the sum of (i) the actual liability for U.S. federal Covered Taxes of MDC Holdings (A) appearing on the U.S. federal income Tax Return of MDC Holdings for such Covered Taxable Year and (B) if applicable, determined in accordance with a Determination (including interest imposed in respect thereof under applicable law) and (ii) the product of (A) the amount of the aggregate net income of MDC Holdings in the states and local jurisdictions in which MDC Holdings files Tax Returns for such Covered Taxable Year and (B) the Blended Rate.

 

Accounting Firm” means, as of any time, the accounting firm that prepares the audited financial statements of MDC Holdings, provided that such firm is nationally recognized as being expert in Covered Tax matters.

 

Agreed Rate” means SOFR plus 100 basis points.

 

Audit Committee” means the audit committee of the Board.

 

Basis Adjustment” means the increase or decrease to the adjusted Tax basis of any asset of the OpCo Group (i) under Section 743(b), 754 and 755 of the Code and, in each case, the comparable sections of U.S. state and local Tax law (in situations where, following an Exchange, OpCo remains in existence as an entity for Tax purposes) and (ii) under Sections 732 and 1012 of the Code and, in each case, the comparable sections of U.S. state and local Tax law (in situations where, as a consequence of an Exchange, OpCo becomes an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for Tax purposes), in each case, as a result of (x) an Exchange or (y) any payments made under this Agreement. To the extent permitted by law, any amount paid pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken into account in computing such Basis Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, payments under this Agreement shall not be treated as resulting in a Basis Adjustment to the extent such payments are treated as Imputed Interest.

 

Blended Rate” means, with respect to any Covered Taxable Year, the sum of the apportionment weighted, maximum effective rates of tax imposed on the aggregate net income of MDC Holdings in each state or local jurisdiction in which MDC Holdings files Tax Returns for such Covered Taxable Year, with the apportionment weighted, maximum effective rate of tax in any state or local jurisdiction being equal to the product of: (i) the apportionment factor on the income or franchise Tax Return filed by MDC Holdings in such jurisdiction for such Covered Taxable Year, and (ii) the maximum applicable corporate tax rate in effect in such jurisdiction in such Covered Taxable Year. As an illustration of the calculation of Blended Rate for a Covered Taxable Year, if MDC Holdings solely files Tax Returns in State 1 and State 2 in a Covered Taxable Year, the maximum applicable corporate tax rates in effect in such states in such Covered Taxable Year are 6.5% and 5.5%, respectively, and the apportionment factors for such States in such Covered Taxable Year are 55% and 45%, respectively, then the Blended Rate for such Taxable Year is equal to 6.05% (i.e., 6.5% times 55% plus 5.5% times 45%).

 

Board” means the Board of Directors of MDC Holdings.

 

Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by applicable Law to close.

 

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Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(i) any “person” or “group” of related persons other than Stagwell and any of its Permitted Transferees is or becomes the “beneficial owner”, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of MDC Holdings; provided, that the formation of a holding company to hold Capital Stock of MDC Holdings which does not change the beneficial ownership of such Capital Stock (except as a result of the exercise of dissenters’ rights) will not constitute a Change of Control under this clause (i) (provided that, from and after the formation of such holding company, all references to MDC Holdings in this definition shall instead refer to such holding company);

 

(ii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board, together with any new directors whose election by such Board or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of MDC Holdings was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors of MDC Holdings then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board then in office;

 

(iii) the approval by the holders of Capital Stock of MDC Holdings of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of MDC Holdings; or

 

(iv) MDC Holdings consolidates with, or merges with or into, another Person, or MDC Holdings sells, conveys, assigns, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of the assets of MDC Holdings, determined on a consolidated basis, to any Person, other than a transaction where the Person or Persons that, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned the outstanding Voting Stock of MDC Holdings are, by virtue of such prior ownership, the beneficial owners in the aggregate of a majority of the total voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock of the surviving or transferee Person (or if such surviving or transferee Person is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of another Person, such Person who is the ultimate parent entity) (provided that, in the event the exception in this clause (iv) applies, then, from and after the consummation of such transaction, all references to MDC Holdings in this definition shall instead refer to such surviving or transferee Person or ultimate parent entity).

 

For purposes of this definition:

 

(A) “beneficial owner” has the meaning specified in Rules 13d- 3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that any person or group will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person or group or has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time (“beneficially own” and “beneficially owned” have corresponding meanings); and

 

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(B) Capital Stock” means:

 

(I) with respect to any Person that is a corporation, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated and whether or not voting) of capital stock, including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such Person and stock appreciation rights;

 

(II) with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, any and all partnership or other equity or ownership interests of such Person; and

 

(III) any warrants, rights or options to purchase any of the instruments or interests referred to in clause (I) or (II) above.

 

(C) Permitted Transferees” has the meaning given to it in the A&R OpCo Operating Agreement.

 

(D) “person” and “group” have the meanings for “person” and “group” as used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

(E) Voting Stock” means, with respect to any Person, securities of any class of Capital Stock of such Person entitling the holders thereof (whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has voting power by reason of any contingency) to vote in the election of members of the Board (or equivalent governing body) of such Person.

 

Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor provisions or any successor U.S. federal statute relating to corporate income Tax.

 

Covered Taxable Year” means any Taxable Year of MDC Holdings ending after the Closing Date (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) and on or before the end of the first Taxable Year ending after all Stagwell Paired Equity Interests have been redeemed by OpCo or transferred to MDC Holdings in an Exchange and in which all related Tax benefits have either been utilized or have expired.

 

Covered Taxes” means any and all U.S. federal, state and local Taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits, whether as an exclusive, additional or an alternative basis (including for the avoidance of doubt, franchise Taxes and Tax imposed under Section 59A of the Code), and any interest imposed in respect thereof under applicable law.

 

Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” means, for a Covered Taxable Year, the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits for all Covered Taxable Years of MDC Holdings up to and including such Covered Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Detriments for the same period, which, in each case, shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedule or Revised Schedule, if any, in existence at the time of such determination.

 

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Default Rate” means SOFR plus 500 basis points.

 

Determination” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or similar provision of U.S. state and local Tax law, as applicable, or any other event (including the execution of IRS Form 870-AD) that finally and conclusively establishes the amount of any liability for Tax.

 

Early Termination Effective Date” means the date of an Early Termination Notice for purposes of determining the Early Termination Payment.

 

Early Termination Rate” means the Agreed Rate.

 

Exchange” means (i) a Redemption or (ii) any other transaction or distribution by OpCo that, in either case, results in an adjustment under Sections 743(b) or 1012 of the Code with respect to the assets of the OpCo Group.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Exchange Date” means the date of any Exchange.

 

Final Payment Date” means any date on which a payment is required to be made pursuant to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Final Payment Date in respect of a Tax Benefit Payment is determined pursuant to Section 3.01(a) of this Agreement.

 

Hypothetical Federal Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Covered Taxable Year, the hypothetical liability for Covered Taxes of MDC Holdings that would arise in respect of U.S. federal Covered Taxes, using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used to prepare MDC Holdings’ actual U.S. federal Tax Returns, in each case, that were taken into account in computing the actual liability for Covered Taxes of MDC Holdings for such Covered Taxable Year, but (i) calculating depreciation, amortization, or other similar deductions and any items of income, gain, or loss, using the Non-Adjusted Tax Basis as reflected on the Basis Schedule, including amendments thereto for such Taxable Year (and without regard to amounts that effectively reduce depreciation or amortization deductions or create ordinary income by reason of a negative adjustment under Section 743), (ii) excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest and (iii) deducting the Hypothetical Other Tax Liability for such Covered Taxable Year.

 

Hypothetical Other Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Covered Taxable Year, MDC Holdings’ U.S. federal taxable income determined in connection with calculating the Hypothetical Federal Tax Liability for such Covered Taxable Year (determined without regard to clause (iii) thereof) multiplied by the Blended Rate for such Taxable Year.

 

Hypothetical Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Covered Taxable Year, the Hypothetical Federal Tax Liability for such Covered Taxable Year, plus the Hypothetical Other Tax Liability for such Covered Taxable Year.

 

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Imputed Interest” means any interest imputed under Section 1272, 1274 or 483 or other provision of the Code and the similar section of the applicable U.S. state or local income or franchise Tax law with respect to MDC Holdings’ payment obligations under this Agreement.

 

Independent Directors” means the members of the Board who are “independent” under the standards set forth in Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and the corresponding rules of the applicable exchange on which MDC Holdings Class A Common Stock is traded or quoted.

 

IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

 

Joinder” means a joinder to this Agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit A to this Agreement.

 

Member” means any member of OpCo pursuant to the A&R OpCo Operating Agreement.

 

Non-Adjusted Tax Basis” means, with respect to any asset of the OpCo Group at any time, the tax basis that such asset would have had at such time if no Basis Adjustments had been made.

 

Parties” means the parties named on the signature pages to this Agreement and each additional party that becomes a Member, in each case together with their respective successors and assigns.

 

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

 

Realized Tax Benefit” means, for a Covered Taxable Year, the excess, if any of the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Covered Taxable Year over the actual liability for Covered Taxes of MDC Holdings for such Covered Taxable Year.

 

Realized Tax Detriment” means, for a Covered Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of the actual liability for Covered Taxes of MDC Holdings for such Covered Taxable Year over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Covered Taxable Year.

 

Reconciliation Procedures” means the reconciliation procedures set forth in Section 7.12 of this Agreement.

 

SOFR” means the daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate provided by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the administrator of the benchmark (or a successor administrator) on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s website.

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, another Person, an amount of the voting securities or other voting ownership interests of which is sufficient, together with any contractual rights, to elect at least a majority of its Board of Directors or other governing body (or, if there are no such voting interests, 50 percent or more of the equity interests of which) is owned directly or indirectly by such first Person.

 

Subsidiary Stock” means equity interests in any business entity treated as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is owned directly or indirectly by OpCo.

 

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Tax” or “Taxes” means all forms of taxation or duties imposed, or required to be collected or withheld, including, charges, together with any related interest, penalties or other additional amounts.

 

Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement required to be filed with respect to Taxes (including any attached schedules), including any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated Tax.

 

Taxable Year” means a taxable year of MDC Holdings as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable section of U.S. state or local Tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than 12 months for which a Tax Return is made).

 

Taxing Authority” shall mean any national, federal, state, county, municipal, or local government, or any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body, or any other authority of any kind, exercising regulatory or other authority in relation to Tax matters.

 

Treasury Regulations” means the US Treasury Department income tax regulations promulgated under the Code.

 

U.S.” means the United States of America.

 

Valuation Assumptions” shall mean, as of an Early Termination Effective Date, the assumptions that:

 

(i) in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Effective Date, MDC Holdings will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the deductions arising from the Basis Adjustments and the Imputed Interest during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future Tax Benefit Payments that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available;

 

(ii) the U.S. federal income Tax rates (and, for purposes of determining the Blended Rate for each such Taxable Year, the U.S. state and local income tax rates) that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other law as in effect on the Early Termination Effective Date, except to the extent any change to such Tax rates for such Taxable Year has already been enacted into law;

 

(iii) all taxable income of MDC Holdings will be subject to the maximum applicable Tax rates for each Covered Tax throughout the relevant period, provided that the combined tax rate for U.S. state and local income taxes shall be the applicable Blended Rate;

 

(iv) any loss carryovers generated by any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest (including such Basis Adjustment and Imputed Interest generated as a result of payments under this Agreement) and available as of the date of the Early Termination Schedule will be used by MDC Holdings ratably in each Taxable Year from the date of the Early Termination Schedule through the scheduled expiration date of such loss carryovers or carrybacks (or, if such carryovers do not have an expiration date, over the fifteen-year period after such carryovers were generated); by way of example, if on the date of the Early Termination Schedule MDC Holdings had $120 of net operating losses with a carryforward period of ten (10) years, $12 of such net operating losses would be used in each of the ten (10) consecutive Taxable Years beginning in the Taxable Year of such Early Termination Schedule;

 

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(v) any non-amortizable assets (other than Subsidiary Stock) will be deemed disposed of as of the Early Termination Effective Date;

 

(vi) any Subsidiary Stock will be deemed never to be disposed of;

 

(vii) if, on the Early Termination Effective Date, any Stagwell OpCo Units have not been Exchanged, then such interests shall be deemed to be Exchanged for the fair market value of MDC Holdings Class A Common Stock that would be received by any of Stagwell or its Permitted Transferees if such interests had been Exchanged on the Early Termination Effective Date; and

 

(viii) any payment obligations pursuant to this Agreement will be satisfied on the date that any Tax Return to which such payment obligation relates is required to be filed excluding any extensions.

 

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

 

Term

 

Section

 

Agreement Preamble
Basis Schedule Section 2.02(a)
Chancery Court Section 7.11(b)
Early Termination Notice Section 4.02
Early Termination Payment Section 4.03(b)
Early Termination Reference Date Section 4.02
Early Termination Schedule Section 4.02
Holding Company Formation F Reorganization Recitals
MDC Holdings Preamble
MDC Holdings Incorporation Recitals
MDC Merger Recitals
MDC Payment Section 5.01
MDC Recitals

 

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Term

 

Section

 

Merger Sub Recitals
OpCo Preamble
OpCo Group Recitals
Reconciliation Procedures Section 7.12
Redemption Recitals
Redomiciliation Recitals
Revised Schedule Section 2.02(c)
Senior Obligations Section 5.01
Stagwell Preamble
Stagwell OpCo Common Units Recitals
Stagwell Paired Equity Interests Recitals
Tax Benefit Payment Section 3.01(b)
Tax Schedule Section 2.02(b)
Termination Objection Notice Section 4.02(a)
Transaction Agreement Recitals

 

Section 1.02        Other Definitional and Interpretative Provisions. When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement. Whenever required by the context, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation.” References to “this Agreement,” “hereof,” “herein,” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement and include any schedules, annexes, exhibits or other attachments to this Agreement. Any agreement, instrument or other document or any Law defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument, other document or Law as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein. Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, no amendment or other modification to any agreement, document or instrument that requires the consent of any Person pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement will be given effect hereunder unless such Person has consented in writing to such amendment or modification. The use of the words “or,” “either” and “any” shall not be exclusive. The Parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Wherever a conflict exists between this Agreement and any other agreement, this Agreement shall control but solely to the extent of such conflict. References to agreements or other documents shall be deemed to refer to such agreement or other document as amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

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Article II
Determination of Tax Benefits

 

Section 2.01        OpCo 754 Election. In its capacity as the managing member of OpCo, MDC Holdings will ensure that, on and after the date hereof and continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, OpCo and each member of the OpCo Group will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (and under any similar provisions of applicable U.S. state or local law) for each Taxable Year; provided, that with respect to any direct or indirect subsidiary of OpCo that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes for which MDC Holdings or any of its subsidiaries do not have the authority under the governing documents of such subsidiary to cause or are otherwise prohibited from causing such subsidiary to have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (or under any similar provisions of applicable U.S. state or local law), MDC Holdings shall only be required to take commercially reasonable efforts to cause such subsidiary to have such an election in effect.

 

Section 2.02        Tax Schedule.

 

(a)         Basis Schedule. Not more than ninety (90) calendar days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of MDC Holdings for each Taxable Year in which any Exchange has been effected, MDC Holdings shall deliver to Stagwell a schedule (the “Basis Schedule”) that shows in reasonable detail as necessary to understand the calculations performed under this Agreement, for U.S. federal, state and local Tax purposes, (i) the Non-Adjusted Tax Basis of the assets of the OpCo Group as of the date of each applicable Exchange, (ii) the Basis Adjustment with respect to the assets of the OpCo Group as a result of the Exchanges effected in such Taxable Year, calculated in the aggregate, (iii) the period or periods, if any, over which the assets of the OpCo Group are amortizable and/or depreciable and (iv) the period or periods, if any, over which each Basis Adjustment is amortizable and/or depreciable. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the items reflected on a Basis Schedule shall become final and binding on the Parties sixty (60) calendar days after Stagwell’s receipt of such Basis Schedule to Stagwell unless Stagwell provides MDC Holdings with written notice of an objection thereto made in good faith within sixty (60) calendar days after its receipt of such Basis Schedule. If such an objection is timely made and the Parties, negotiating in good faith, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within fifteen (15) calendar days, MDC Holdings and Stagwell shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures. Notwithstanding that the Basis Schedule for a Covered Taxable Year may have become final and binding on the Parties under this Section 2.02(a), such Basis Schedule shall be revised to the extent necessary to (w) reflect a Determination, (x) reflect inaccuracies in the original determination of the Basis Adjustment as a result of Exchanges effected in such Taxable Year as a result of factual information that was not previously taken into account, (y) reflect adjustments required to take into account payments made pursuant to this Agreement, and

 

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(b)         comply with the expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures.

 

(c)         Tax Schedule. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the filing date (including extensions) for the U.S. federal income Tax Return of MDC Holdings for a Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment, MDC Holdings shall provide to Stagwell a schedule (the “Tax Schedule”) showing the computation of the Realized Tax Benefit (if any), the Realized Tax Detriment (if any) and the Tax Benefit Payment (determined in accordance with Section 3.01(b) (if any) for such Covered Taxable Year, together with work papers providing reasonable detail regarding the computation of such items. MDC Holdings shall allow Stagwell reasonable access to the appropriate representatives of MDC Holdings and its Subsidiaries and the Accounting Firm in connection with its review of the Tax Schedule and work papers. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the items reflected on a Tax Schedule shall become final and binding on the Parties thirty (30) calendar days after Stagwell’s receipt of such Tax Schedule to Stagwell unless Stagwell, during such thirty (30) calendar day period, provides MDC Holdings with written notice of an objection thereto made in good faith. If such objection is timely made and the Parties, negotiating in good faith, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within fifteen (15) calendar days, MDC Holdings and Stagwell shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures.

 

(d)         Revised Schedule. Notwithstanding that the Realized Tax Benefit (if any), the Realized Tax Detriment (if any) and the Tax Benefit Payment (if any) for a Covered Taxable Year may have become final and binding on the Parties under Section 2.02(b), such items shall be revised to the extent necessary to (i) reflect a Determination, (ii) reflect inaccuracies in the original computation as a result of factual information that was not previously taken into account, (iii) reflect a change attributable to a carryback or carryforward of a loss or other Tax item, (iv) reflect a change attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Covered Taxable Year (provided, that such a change attributable to an audit of a Tax Return by an applicable Taxing Authority relating to the deductibility of depreciation or amortization deductions attributable to any Basis Adjustment shall not be taken into account under this Section 2.02(c) unless and until there has been a Determination with respect to such change) and (v) comply with the expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures. The Parties shall cooperate in connection with any proposed revision to the Realized Tax Benefit (if any), the Realized Tax Detriment (if any) and the Tax Benefit Payment (if any) for a Covered Taxable Year. The Party proposing a change to such an item shall provide the other Party a schedule (a “Revised Schedule”) showing the computation and explanation of such revision, together with work papers providing reasonable detail regarding the computation of such items. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, such revised Realized Tax Benefit (if any), revised Realized Tax Detriment (if any) and/or revised Tax Benefit Payment (if any) shall become final and binding on the Parties thirty (30) calendar days after the other Party’s receipt of such Revised Schedule unless the other Party, during such 30-calendar day period, provides written notice of an objection thereto made in good faith. If such an objection is timely made and the Parties, negotiating in good faith, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within fifteen (15) calendar days, MDC Holdings and Stagwell shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures.

 

(e)         Applicable Principles. It is the intention of the Parties for MDC Holdings to pay Stagwell eighty-five percent (85%) of the additional Covered Taxes that MDC Holdings would have been required to pay on Tax Returns that have actually been filed but for any depreciation or amortization deductions attributable to any Basis Adjustment (and any Imputed Interest) and this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with such intention. Such amount shall be determined using a “with and without” methodology. Carryovers or carrybacks of any Tax item shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations or the appropriate provisions of U.S. state and local income and franchise Tax law, as applicable and in effect on the relevant date of determination, governing the use, limitation and expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any Tax item includes a portion that is attributable to the Basis Adjustment and another portion that is not, such portions shall be considered to be used in the order determined using such “with and without” methodology so that, for the avoidance of doubt, the payment is determined on the basis of a calculation of Covered Taxes with and without the portion of the carryover or carryback attributable to the Basis Adjustment.

 

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Article III
Tax Benefit Payments

 

Section 3.01        Tax Benefit Payments.

 

(a)        Within 5 Business Days after the Tax Schedule for any Covered Taxable Year becomes final and binding on the Parties under Section 2.02(b), MDC Holdings shall pay (i) to Stagwell an amount equal to the Tax Benefit Payment (determined in accordance with Section 3.01(b)). Each Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the bank account(s) of Stagwell previously designated by it in writing to MDC Holdings.

 

(b)        A “Tax Benefit Payment” shall equal, with respect to any Covered Taxable Year, (i) 85% of the amount of Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefits, if any, for a Covered Taxable Year, minus (ii) the aggregate amount of all Tax Benefit Payments previously made to Stagwell under this Section 3.01(b) (less any reimbursement payment Stagwell has previously made to MDC Holdings under Section 3.02(a)), plus (iii) interest on the excess (if any) of clause (i) over clause (ii) of this Section 3.01(b) calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (before giving effect to any extension) for filing the Tax Return with respect to Covered Taxes for such Covered Taxable Year through the date of payment under Section 3.01(a).

 

Section 3.02        Reimbursement and Indemnification. To the extent that there is a Determination that a deduction for depreciation or amortization attributable to a Basis Adjustment taken into account in computing a Tax Benefit Payment or Imputed Interest taken into account in computing a Tax Benefit Payment is not available, or the amount of taxable gain resulting from the sale or exchange of an asset of OpCo is greater (or, in the case of a sale or exchange at a loss, as a result of a determination the loss is lower or results in a gain) than the amount that was taken into account in computing a Tax Benefit Payment, Stagwell shall promptly (a) reimburse MDC Holdings for any prior payment made to Stagwell in respect of such deductions for depreciation, amortization, Imputed Interest, or savings in respect of gain or loss attributable to dispositions of OpCo assets with a Basis Adjustment and (b) without duplication, indemnify MDC Holdings and hold it harmless with respect to any interest or penalties and any other losses in respect of the disallowance of such tax savings (together with reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees incurred in connection with any related Tax contest, but the indemnity for such reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees shall only apply to the extent Stagwell is permitted to control such contest). For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties agree and acknowledge that Stagwell shall not have any payment or reimbursement obligation to MDC Holdings in respect of any Realized Tax Detriment, except as contemplated by this Section 3.02 and except for the reduction (but not below zero) of amounts that would otherwise be due Stagwell pursuant to Section 3.01(b). For the further avoidance of doubt and by way of example, if $20 of depreciation is claimed in Year 1 resulting in a $10 Covered Tax Benefit and Tax Benefit Payment in the same amount to Stagwell in Year 2, and the Year 1 depreciation is later disallowed by the IRS, the amount of the payment from Stagwell to MDC Holdings under this Section 3.02 shall include an amount equal to the $10 Tax Benefit Payment paid with respect to such disallowed depreciation plus the amount of interest and penalties, if any, paid by MDC Holdings with respect to such disallowed depreciation plus any Tax savings taken into account in computing the Tax Benefit Payment for other Covered Taxable Years that will be disallowed as a result of such payment (e.g., Imputed Interest) plus any Tax imposed on MDC Holdings as a result of such payment.

 

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Section 3.03        No Duplicative Payments. No duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) will be required under this Agreement.

 

Section 3.04        Certain Acknowledgments. Without prejudice to Article 4, MDC Holdings and Stagwell hereby acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the date of any future Exchange that may be subject to this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot be reasonably ascertained for U.S. federal income or other applicable tax purposes.

 

Article IV
Termination

 

Section 4.01        Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement.

 

(a)     MDC Holdings’ Early Termination Right. With the written approval of a majority of the Independent Directors, MDC Holdings may completely terminate this Agreement, as and to the extent provided herein, with respect to all amounts payable to Stagwell pursuant to this Agreement by paying to Stagwell the Early Termination Payment; provided, that MDC Holdings may withdraw any notice to execute its termination rights under this Section 4.01(a) prior to the making of the Early Termination Payment pursuant to this Section 4.01(a). Upon MDC Holdings’ payment of the Early Termination Payment, MDC Holdings shall not have any further payment obligations under this Agreement, other than with respect to any: (i) prior Tax Benefit Payments that are due and payable under this Agreement but that still remain unpaid as of the Early Termination Effective Date; and (ii) current Tax Benefit Payments due for the Taxable Year ending on or including the Early Termination Effective Date (except to the extent that the amount described in clause (ii) is included in the calculation of the Early Termination Payment). If an Exchange subsequently occurs after such payment in full, MDC Holdings shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange.

 

(b)     Acceleration Upon Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control, all obligations of MDC Holdings under this Agreement shall be accelerated and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the closing date of the Change of Control and utilizing the Valuation Assumptions by substituting the phrase the “closing date of a Change of Control” in each place where the phrase “Early Termination Effective Date” appears. Such obligations shall be determined, inter alia, as follows, (i) the Early Termination Payment shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the closing date of the Change of Control, (ii) any Tax Benefit Payments agreed to by MDC Holdings and Stagwell as due and payable but unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice shall be included in the Early Termination Payment and (iii) any Tax Benefit Payments due for any Taxable Year ending prior to, with or including the closing date of a Change of Control (except to the extent that any amounts described in clauses (ii) or (iii)) shall be included in the Early Termination Payment. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 4.02 and Section 4.03 shall apply to a Change of Control, mutatis mutandis.

 

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(c)     Acceleration Upon Breach of Agreement. In the event that MDC Holdings materially breaches any of its obligations under this Agreement, whether as a result of failure to make any payment when due, failure to honor in any material respect any other obligation required hereunder, or by operation of law as a result of the rejection of this Agreement in a case commenced under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise, then all obligations hereunder shall be accelerated and become immediately due and payable upon notice of acceleration from Stagwell (provided, that in the case of any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or other insolvency statute, such acceleration shall be automatic without any such notice), and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such notice of acceleration (or, in the case of any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or other insolvency statute, on the date of such breach) and shall be determined, inter alia, as follows: (i) the Early Termination Payment shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such acceleration; (ii) any prior Tax Benefit Payments that are due and payable under this Agreement but that still remain unpaid as of the date of such acceleration shall be included in the Early Termination Payment; and (iii) any current Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of such acceleration shall be included in the Early Termination Payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that MDC Holdings breaches this Agreement and such breach is not a material breach of an obligation hereunder, Stagwell shall still be entitled to enforce all of its rights otherwise available under this Agreement. For purposes of this Section 4.01(c), and subject to the following sentence, the Parties agree that the failure to make any payment due pursuant to this Agreement within sixty (60) calendar days of the relevant Final Payment Date shall be deemed to be a material breach of an obligation under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, and that it will not be considered to be a material breach of an obligation under this Agreement to make a payment due pursuant to this Agreement within sixty (60) calendar days of the relevant Final Payment Date. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it shall not be a material breach of an obligation under this Agreement if MDC Holdings fails to make any Tax Benefit Payment within sixty (60) calendar days of the relevant Final Payment Date to the extent that MDC Holdings has insufficient funds, or cannot take commercially reasonable actions to obtain sufficient funds, to make such payment; provided, that the interest provisions of Section 5.02 shall apply to such late payment.

 

Section 4.02        Early Termination Notice. If MDC Holdings chooses to exercise its right of early termination under Section 4.01(a) above, MDC Holdings shall deliver to Stagwell a notice of MDC Holdings’ decision to exercise such right (an “Early Termination Notice”) and a schedule (the “Early Termination Schedule”) showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment. MDC Holdings shall also (x) deliver supporting schedules and work papers, as determined by MDC Holdings or as reasonably requested by Stagwell, that provide a reasonable level of detail regarding the data and calculations that were relevant for purposes of preparing the Early Termination Schedule and (y) allow Stagwell and its advisors to have reasonable access to the appropriate representatives, as determined by MDC Holdings or as reasonably requested by Stagwell, of MDC Holdings and the Accounting Firm in connection with a review of such Early Termination Schedule. The Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on the Parties thirty (30) calendar days from the first date on which Stagwell received such Early Termination Schedule unless:

 

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(a)      within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the Early Termination Schedule, Stagwell provides MDC Holdings with a notice of an objection to such Early Termination Schedule made in good faith and setting forth in reasonable detail Stagwell’s objection thereto (a “Termination Objection Notice”); or

 

(b)      Stagwell provides a written waiver of such right of a Termination Objection Notice within the period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on the Parties on the date the waiver is received by MDC Holdings.

 

In the event that Stagwell timely delivers a Termination Objection Notice pursuant to clause (i) above, and if the Parties, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in the Termination Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by MDC Holdings of the Termination Objection Notice, MDC Holdings and Stagwell shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures (in which event the Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on the Parties on the date of determination of the expert pursuant to Section 7.12). The date on which the Early Termination Schedule becomes final and binding on the Parties in accordance with this Section 4.02 shall be the “Early Termination Reference Date.”

 

Section 4.03        Payment Upon Early Termination.

 

(a)      Timing of Payment. Within three (3) Business Days after the Early Termination Reference Date, MDC Holdings shall pay to Stagwell an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment. Such Early Termination Payment shall be made by MDC Holdings by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account or accounts designated by Stagwell in writing to MDC Holdings.

 

(b)      Amount of Payment. The payment payable to Stagwell pursuant to Section 4.03(b) (the “Early Termination Payment”) shall equal the present value, discounted at the Early Termination Rate as determined as of the Early Termination Reference Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments that would be required to be paid by MDC Holdings to Stagwell, whether payable with respect to Paired Equity Interests that were Exchanged prior to the Early Termination Effective Date or on or after the Early Termination Effective Date, beginning from the Early Termination Effective Date, using the Valuation Assumptions.

 

Article V
Subordination and Late Payment

 

Section 5.01    Subordination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment required to be made by MDC Holdings to Stagwell under this Agreement (an “MDC Payment”) shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any debt of MDC Holdings (“Senior Obligations”) and shall rank pari passu with all current or future unsecured obligations of MDC Holdings that are not Senior Obligations.

 

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Section 5.02   Late Payment by MDC Holdings. The amount of all or any portion of an MDC Payment not made to Stagwell when due under the terms of this Agreement shall be payable together with any interest thereon, computed at the Default Rate and commencing from the date on which such MDC Payment was due and payable; provided, that, to the extent that MDC Holdings does not have sufficient funds to make all or part of such payment on the date on which such MDC Payment was due and payable as a result of limitations imposed by any Senior Obligations, the Default Rate shall be replaced by the Agreed Rate while and to the extent such limitations imposed by any Senior Obligations continue to restrict such payment.

 

Article VI
Tax Matters; Consistency; Tax Groups and Successors; Cooperation

 

Section 6.01   Stagwell Participation in MDC Holdings Tax Matters. Except as otherwise provided herein, MDC Holdings shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all Tax matters concerning MDC Holdings, OpCo, the OpCo Group and their respective Subsidiaries, including the preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to Taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, MDC Holdings shall notify Stagwell of, and keep Stagwell reasonably informed with respect to, the portion of any audit of MDC Holdings, OpCo, the OpCo Group and their respective Subsidiaries (including, but solely to the extent MDC Holdings is entitled to control such audit under the A&R OpCo Operating Agreement), as applicable, by a Taxing Authority the outcome of which is reasonably expected to affect Stagwell’s rights under this Agreement (if any). MDC Holdings shall provide Stagwell reasonable opportunity to provide information and other input to MDC Holdings and its advisors concerning the conduct of any such portion of such audits. MDC Holdings, OpCo or their respective Subsidiaries shall diligently defend and contest any audit or other challenge by a Taxing Authority relating to the Basis Adjustment (if any), and act in good faith and in a commercially reasonably manner in settling or otherwise resolving any such audit or other challenge by a Taxing Authority.

 

Section 6.02     Tax Positions. MDC Holdings shall determine in good faith the extent to which it is permitted to claim any depreciation or amortization deductions attributable to the Basis Adjustments, and the amount and deductibility of any Imputed Interest, and such deduction shall be taken into account in computing the Realized Tax Benefits so long as the Accounting Firm agrees that it is at least more likely than not that such deduction is available. For purposes of this Agreement, a Tax position shall not be considered permitted by law unless the Accounting Firm is at a “more likely than not” or higher level of comfort with respect to such Tax position.

 

Section 6.03     Admission of MDC Holdings into a Consolidated Group; Contribution of Assets to a Corporation.

 

(a)      If MDC Holdings is or becomes a member of an affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a consolidated income Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 or other applicable Sections of the Code governing affiliated or consolidated groups, or any corresponding provisions of U.S. state or local law, then: (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole; and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments, and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed by reference to the consolidated taxable income of the group as a whole.

 

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(b)      If any entity that is obligated to make a Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment hereunder transfers one or more assets to another corporation controlled by, controlling, or under common control with, the transferor (measuring control as 50% overlapping equity ownership) (including to a Person classified as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) with which such entity does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code, such entity, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such asset in a fully taxable transaction on the date of such contribution. The consideration deemed to be received by such entity shall be equal to the fair market value of the contributed asset as determined by MDC Holdings in good faith. For purposes of this Section 6.03, a transfer of a partnership interest shall be treated as a transfer of the transferring partner’s share of each of the assets and liabilities of that partnership.

 

Section 6.04    Cooperation.

 

Stagwell shall (and shall cause its affiliates to) (a) furnish to MDC Holdings in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as MDC Holdings may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or contesting or defending any audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (b) make its employees available to MDC Holdings and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as MDC Holdings or its representative may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (a) above, and (c) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter.

 

Article VII
Miscellaneous

 

Section 7.01    Notices. Each notice, request, demand or other communication under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, delivered or made as follows: (a) if delivered by hand, when delivered; (b) if sent by facsimile transmission before 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day in the delivery location, when transmitted and receipt is confirmed; (c) if sent by facsimile transmission after 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day in the delivery location or on a day other than a Business Day and receipt is confirmed, on the following Business Day; (d) if sent via an overnight international courier service, the Business Day after being delivered to such courier; and I if sent by email, when sent, provided that (i) the subject line of such email states that it is a notice delivered pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the sender of such email does not receive a written notification of delivery failure. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be delivered to the address, facsimile number or email address set forth beneath the name of such Party below (or to such other address, facsimile number or email address as such Party shall have specified in a written notice given to the other Parties hereto):

 

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if to MDC Holdings or OpCo, to:

 

MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc.
One World Trade Center, Floor 65
New York, NY 10007
Attention: Frank Lanuto
E-mail: flanuto@mdc-partners.com

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
1 Liberty Pl
New York, NY 10006
Attention: Kimberly R. Spoerri
E-mail: kspoerri@cgsh.com

 

if to Stagwell, to:

 

Stagwell Media LP
1808 I Street, NW, 6th Floor
Washington DC 20006
Attention: Ryan Greene
E-mail: ryan@stagwellgroup.com

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP
601 Lexington Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Ethan A. Klingsberg
Paul M. Tiger
Facsimile: (212) 277-4033
Email: ethan.klingsberg@freshfields.com
           paul.tiger@freshfields.com

 

Section 7.02        Counterparts; Electronic Transmission of Signatures. This 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.

 

Section 7.03        No Right of Offset. Each of the Parties hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that it shall have no right to offset or retain any amounts owed to any other Party hereunder against any other amount owed (or alleged or asserted to be owed) to it by such other Party or its affiliates, whether under this Agreement, the Transaction Agreement, any other Ancillary Agreement or otherwise.

 

Section 7.04        Entire Agreement. This Agreement and, as applicable, the Transaction Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements, constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede all prior agreements and understandings (both written and oral) among the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.


  19  

 

 

Section 7.05   Assignment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries.

 

(a)   This Agreement and all of the provisions hereto shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, but neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations set forth herein shall be assigned by any Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Parties hereto and any purported assignment without such consent shall be null and void ab initio; provided, that to the extent Stagwell transfers, sells or otherwise disposes of OpCo Common Units in accordance with the terms of the A&R OpCo Operating Agreement, it shall have the option (but not the obligation) to assign to the transferee of such OpCo Common Units its proportionate right to payment under this Agreement that will come into effect upon the Exchange of such transferred OpCo Common Units, provided that such transferee has executed and delivered a Joinder to MDC Holdings agreeing to succeed to the applicable portion of Stagwell’s interest in this Agreement and to become a Party for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

(b)   Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as giving any Person, other than the Parties hereto and their heirs, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns, any right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

Section 7.06   Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any applicable Law, then such contravention or invalidity shall not invalidate the entire 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 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.

 

Section 7.07   Expenses. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Party hereto shall bear its own expenses in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 7.08  Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any applicable Law, then such contravention or invalidity shall not invalidate the entire 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 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.

 

Section 7.09  Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the Parties hereto.

 

Section 7.10  Waiver. Any failure of any of the Parties to comply with any obligation, representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or condition herein may be waived at any time by any of the Parties entitled to the benefit thereof only by a written instrument signed by each such Party granting such waiver, but such waiver or failure to insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.

 

  20  

 

 

Section 7.11        Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Specific Performance; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.THIS 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.

 

(a)    All actions arising out of, relating to or in connection with this this Agreement 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 Parties (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 Agreement, (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 Agreement, 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 Agreement is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the action or proceeding arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Agreement is improper, or that this Agreement may not be enforced in or by the above-named courts, and (iii) agrees that it will not bring any action arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Agreement in any court other than the courts of the State of Delaware, as described above. Nothing in this Section 7.11 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, as applicable. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to the respective addresses set forth in Section 7.01 shall be effective service of process for any suit or proceeding in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(b)    The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached and that monetary damages, even if available, would 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 Agreement, the non-breaching party shall be entitled (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.

 

  21  

 

 

(c)    EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (ii) EACH SUCH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (iii) EACH SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (iv) EACH SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS IN THIS Section 7.11(d).

 

Section 7.12  Reconciliation. In the event that MDC Holdings and Stagwell are unable to resolve a disagreement within the relevant period designated in this Agreement, the matter shall be submitted for determination to a nationally recognized expert in the particular area of disagreement employed by a nationally recognized accounting firm or a law firm (other than the Accounting Firm), which expert is mutually acceptable to all Parties and the Audit Committee. If the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement is due or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, such payment shall be made on the date prescribed by this Agreement in the amount proposed by MDC Holdings and such Tax Return shall be filed as prepared by MDC Holdings, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. The determinations of the expert pursuant to this Section 7.12 shall be binding on MDC Holdings and its Subsidiaries, OpCo, the OpCo Group and their respective Subsidiaries and Stagwell absent manifest error.

 

Section 7.13  Withholding. MDC Holdings shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment that is payable to Stagwell or other person to whom it makes a payment pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as MDC Holdings is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of U.S. state, local or foreign Tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by MDC Holdings, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid by MDC Holdings to the relevant recipient. Stagwell and any other person entitled to receive a payment hereunder shall promptly provide MDC Holdings with any applicable Tax forms and certifications reasonably requested by MDC Holdings in connection with determining whether any such deductions and withholdings are required under the Code or any provision of U.S. state, local or foreign Tax law.

 

[The remainder of this page has been intentionally left blank; the next page is the signature page.]

 

 

  22  

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Agreement as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

  MDC STAGWELL HOLDINGS INC.
     
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto
  Name: Frank Lanuto
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
     
  MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC
     
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto
  Name: Frank Lanuto
  Title: President
     
  STAGWELL MEDIA, LP,
  by The Stagwell Group LLC, its General Partner
     
  By: /s/ Mark Penn
  Name: Mark Penn
  Title: Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of [•] (this “Joinder”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of August 2, 2021 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Tax Receivable Agreement”) by and among MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MDC Holdings”), Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct subsidiary of MDC Holdings, and Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

1.       Representations and Warranties. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to MDC Holdings that, as of the date hereof, the undersigned has been assigned an interest in the Tax Receivable Agreement by Stagwell.

 

2.       Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement. Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to MDC Holdings, the undersigned hereby succeeds to the applicable portion of Stagwell’s interest in the Tax Receivable Agreement and is and hereafter will be a Party for all purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof.

 

3.       Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full.

 

4.       Address. All notices under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to:

 

[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Attn:
Facsimile:
E-mail:

 

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.

  

 

  [NAME OF NEW PARTY]
     
  By:  
  Name:
  Title:

 

 

Acknowledged and agreed

as of the date first set forth above:

 

MDC STAGWELL HOLDINGS INC.

 

 

By:    

Name:

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

August 2, 2021

 

MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc.
One World Center, Floor 65

New York, NY 10007


Attention: Frank Lanuto

 

Re: Information and Access Rights; Sharing of Information; Confidentiality.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020, by and among Stagwell Media LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stagwell Media”), MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation which domesticated to the State of Delaware and converted into a Delaware limited liability company prior to the date hereof (“OpCo”), New MDC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company which converted into a corporation named “MDC Stagwell Holdings Inc.” prior to the date hereof (the “Company”), and Midas Merger Sub 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability, as amended on June 4, 2021 and July 8, 2021 (the “Transaction Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company became the managing member of OpCo. Capitalized terms used and not defined in this letter agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Transaction Agreement. As used herein, (i) the “Stagwell Parties” means, collectively, Stagwell Media, Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the Stagwell Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and (except as provided in Section 4) Mark J. Penn; and (ii) the “Parties” means, collectively, the Stagwell Parties and the Company.

 

The Parties agree as follows:

 

1.             Information Rights. For so long as the Stagwell Parties “beneficially own” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) more than 10% of the then issued and outstanding voting securities of the Company, the Company shall provide to each Stagwell Party:

 

a.       quarterly financial statements as soon as reasonably practicable after they become available, but no later than the earlier of (i) forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) quarters of each fiscal year of the Company and (ii) the applicable filing deadlines under SEC rules, prepared in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time, which such financial statements shall include the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows; provided, that this requirement shall be deemed to have been satisfied if, on or prior to such date, the Company files its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the applicable fiscal quarter with the SEC; and

 

b.       annual financial statements audited by a nationally recognized accounting firm as soon as reasonably practicable after they become available, but no later than the earlier of (i) ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company and (ii) the applicable filing deadline under SEC rules, prepared in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time, which such audited financial statements shall include the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows; provided, that this requirement shall be deemed to have been satisfied if, on or prior to such date, the Company files its annual report on Form 10-K for the applicable fiscal year with the SEC.

 

 

 

 

2.                  Access Rights. For so long as the Stagwell Parties, collectively, “beneficially own” more than 10% of the then issued and outstanding voting securities of the Company, the Company shall (a) give to the Stagwell Parties and their respective Representatives reasonable access during normal business hours to the offices, properties, personnel, books, records, work papers and other documents and information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries (provided that the Stagwell Parties must request access at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance) and (b) furnish to the Stagwell Parties and their respective Representatives such financial and operating data and other information as the Stagwell Parties may reasonably request. Nothing in this Section 2 shall require the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to disclose any information (i) that would cause a risk of a loss of privilege to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) that would cause the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to be in violation of any applicable law, or (i) which relates to specific events, occurrences or circumstances with respect to which there is an actual conflict of interest between the Stagwell Parties and the Company (as reasonably determined in good faith by the general counsel of the Company). If the Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not provide or cause its Representatives to provide such access or such information in reliance on the immediately preceding sentence, the Company shall give notice to the applicable Stagwell Party of the fact that it is withholding such information or documents pursuant to such sentence, and thereafter the Company and the applicable Stagwell Party shall reasonably cooperate to cause such access or information to be provided in a manner that would not reasonably be expected to waive the applicable privilege, violate applicable law or relate to an actual conflict of interest, as applicable. Notwithstanding this Section 2, none of the Stagwell Parties nor any of their respective Representatives shall have the right to conduct environmental sampling on any of the properties owned or operated by the Company or its Subsidiaries. Any access pursuant to this Section 2 shall be conducted in such manner as not to interfere unreasonably with the conduct of the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries. The Stagwell Parties shall be responsible for, and shall reimburse the Company for, any reasonable, documented, out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred directly in connection with the permitting of access or the preparation and provision of any information pursuant to this Section 2 to the extent that such information would not otherwise have been prepared by the Company but for the need to fulfill its obligations under this letter agreement.

 

3.                  Sharing of Information. Individuals associated with the Stagwell Parties may from time to time serve on the board of directors of the Company or equivalent governing bodies of the Company’s Subsidiaries. The Company, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, recognizes that such individuals: (a) will from time to time receive non-public information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries; and (b) may (subject to the obligation to maintain the confidentiality of such information in accordance with this letter agreement) share such information with Stagwell Related Parties (as defined below). Such sharing will be for the dual purpose of facilitating support to such individuals in their capacity as directors (or members of the governing body of any Subsidiary) and enabling the Stagwell Parties, as equityholders of the Company, to evaluate the Company’s performance and prospects. The Company, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, irrevocably consents to such sharing and agrees that such individuals, provided they comply with the confidentiality obligations herein, shall not be, or shall not be deemed to be, in breach of any duties (fiduciary or otherwise) otherwise applicable to such individuals in connection with the exercise of the rights granted in this letter agreement.

 

  2  

 

 

4.                  Confidentiality. Except as otherwise agreed to by the Company, each Stagwell Party agrees that it will keep confidential and will not disclose, divulge or use for any purpose other than to monitor its investment in the Company and its Subsidiaries (and, with respect to a Stagwell Party who is an employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of such Stagwell Party’s employment in compliance with the terms of such Stagwell Party’s employment agreement (if any) and any applicable policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries relating to disclosure of confidential information), any confidential information obtained from the Company pursuant to the terms of this letter agreement, unless such confidential information (a) is known or becomes known to the public in general (other than as a result of a breach of this Section 4 by such Stagwell Party or its controlled Affiliates), (b) is or has been independently developed or conceived by such Stagwell Party without use of the Company‘s confidential information or (c) is or has been made known or disclosed to such Stagwell Party by a third party (other than a controlled Affiliate of such Stagwell Party) without, to such Stagwell Party’s knowledge, a breach of any obligation of confidentiality such third party may have to the Company; provided, that a Stagwell Party may disclose confidential information (i) to its Representatives to the extent necessary to obtain their services in connection with monitoring its investment in the Company, provided that such Stagwell Party directs such Representatives to comply with the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Section 4, (ii) to any (A) controlled Affiliate of such Stagwell Party or (B) partner or member of such Stagwell Party (but solely to the extent consistent with such Stagwell Party’s historical practices and subject to appropriate confidentiality arrangements) (the Persons identified in clauses (A) and (B), the “Stagwell Related Parties”), in each case in the ordinary course of its business, provided that any such Stagwell Related Party is subject to a customary obligation to keep such information confidential, (iii) upon the routine request of any governmental or regulatory body having authority to regulate any such Stagwell Party that relates specifically to the Company or (iv) as may otherwise be required by law, provided, in the case of each of clauses (iii) and (iv), that such Stagwell Party provides notice to the Company of such request or requirement (to the extent practicable) and undertakes reasonable effort to minimize the extent of any such required disclosure (including by cooperating with any effort by the Company to obtain confidential treatment of any information to be produced in response thereto). Each of the Stagwell Parties agree to be responsible for any breach of this Section 4 by any Stagwell Related Party or any of its or their Representatives. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 4 to the contrary, for so long as Mark J. Penn is an officer or director of the Company, he shall not be considered a “Stagwell Related Party” for purposes of this Section 4, it being understood that his duties of confidentiality to the Company shall be determined solely by reference to any applicable employment agreement he has entered into with the Company or its Subsidiaries and to the extent provided under applicable Law.

 

5.                  Miscellaneous. Sections 12.03 (Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Specific Performance; Waiver of Jury Trial), 12.04 (Counterparts; Electronic Transmission of Signatures), 12.05(a) (Assignment); 12.06 (Expenses) 12.07 (Severability), 12.09 (Amendment), 12.10 (Waiver) and Section 12.11 (No Waiver of Privilege) of the Transaction Agreement shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this letter agreement.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

  3  

 

  

If you agree with the foregoing, please execute and return to us the enclosed counterpart to this letter agreement.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  STAGWELL MEDIA LP, by The Stagwell Group LLC, its General Partner
   
  By: /s/ Mark Penn
    Name: Mark Penn
    Title:   Manager
     
     
  STAGWELL GROUP LLC
   
  By: /s/ Mark Penn
    Name: Mark Penn
    Title:   Manager
     
  STAGWELL AGENCY HOLDINGS LLC
   
  By: /s/ Ryan J. Greene
    Name:  Ryan J. Greene
    Title:    Chief Financial Officer
     
  MARK J. PENN
   
  /s/ Mark Penn

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Information Side Letter]

 

 

Accepted and agreed:

 

MDC STAGWELL HOLDINGS INC.

 

 

 

By: /s/ Frank Lanuto  
  Name: Frank Lanuto  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Information Side Letter]

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

 

 

   

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of

August 2, 2021

among

STAGWELL MARKETING GROUP LLC,
MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC, and
MAXXCOM LLC,
as Borrowers,

 

The other parties from time to time party hereto as Borrowers,

The other Loan Parties from time to time party hereto,

The Lenders Party Hereto

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent, and

THE OTHER AGENTS PARTY HERETO

 

 

 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and
CITIZENS BANK, N.A.
as Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Arrangers,

 

and

 

M&T BANK and FIFTH THIRD BANK, N.A.
as Co-Documentation Agents

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
     
ARTICLE I Definitions 1

 

  SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms 1
       
  SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings 43
       
  SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally 44
       
  SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP 44
       
  SECTION 1.05. Pro Forma Adjustments for Acquisitions and Dispositions 45
       
  SECTION 1.06. Rounding 45
       
  SECTION 1.07. Interest Rates; LIBOR Notification 45
       
  SECTION 1.08. Divisions 46

 

ARTICLE II The Credits 46

 

  SECTION 2.01. Commitments 46
       
  SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings 46
       
  SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings 47
       
  SECTION 2.04. [Section Intentionally Omitted] 48
       
  SECTION 2.05. Swingline Loans 48
       
  SECTION 2.06. Letters of Credit 49
       
  SECTION 2.07. Funding of Borrowings 53
       
  SECTION 2.08. Interest Elections 53
       
  SECTION 2.09. Termination and Reduction of Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments 55
       
  SECTION 2.10. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt 57
       
  SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans 57
       
  SECTION 2.12. Fees 58
       
  SECTION 2.13. Interest 59
       
  SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest 60
       
  SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs 63
       
  SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments 65
       
  SECTION 2.17. Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up 65
       
  SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Setoffs 69
       
  SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders 71
       
  SECTION 2.20. Defaulting Lenders 72
       
  SECTION 2.21. Returned Payments 74
       
  SECTION 2.22. Banking Services and Swap Agreements 75

 

-i

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

    Page
     
ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties 75

 

  SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers 75
       
  SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability 75
       
  SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts 75
       
  SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change 76
       
  SECTION 3.05. Properties 76
       
  SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters 76
       
  SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default 77
       
  SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status 77
       
  SECTION 3.09. Taxes 77
       
  SECTION 3.10. ERISA 77
       
  SECTION 3.11. Disclosure 77
       
  SECTION 3.12. Material Agreements 77
       
  SECTION 3.13. Solvency 78
       
  SECTION 3.14. Insurance 78
       
  SECTION 3.15. Capitalization and Subsidiaries 78
       
  SECTION 3.16. Security Interest in Collateral 78
       
  SECTION 3.17. Employment Matters 78
       
  SECTION 3.18. Margin Regulations 78
       
  SECTION 3.19. Use of Proceeds 79
       
  SECTION 3.20. No Burdensome Restrictions 79
       
  SECTION 3.21. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions 79
       
  SECTION 3.22. Affiliate Transactions 79
       
  SECTION 3.23. Affected Financial Institutions 79
       
  SECTION 3.24. Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions 79
       
  SECTION 3.25. Common Enterprise 79
       
  SECTION 3.26. Covered Entity 80
       
  SECTION 3.27. Beneficial Ownership 80

 

ARTICLE IV Conditions 80

 

  SECTION 4.01. Restatement Date 80
       
  SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event 83

 

-ii

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

    Page
     
ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants 84

 

  SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information 84
       
  SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events 85
       
  SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business 86
       
  SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations 86
       
  SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties 86
       
  SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights 86
       
  SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws and Material Contractual Obligations 86
       
  SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds 87
       
  SECTION 5.09. Accuracy of Information 87
       
  SECTION 5.10. Insurance 87
       
  SECTION 5.11. Casualty and Condemnation 88
       
  SECTION 5.12. People With Significant Control Regime (United Kingdom) 88
       
  SECTION 5.13. Depository Banks 88
       
  SECTION 5.14. Additional Collateral; Further Assurances 88
       
  SECTION 5.15. Post-Closing Requirements 89
       

 

ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants 90

 

  SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness 90
       
  SECTION 6.02. Liens 91
       
  SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes 92
       
  SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions 93
       
  SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales 95
       
  SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions 96
       
  SECTION 6.07. Swap Agreements 97
       
  SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness 97
       
  SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates 99
       
  SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements 99
       
  SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents 100
       
  SECTION 6.12. Financial Covenants 100

 

ARTICLE VII Events of Default 101

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued) 

 

    Page
     
ARTICLE VIII The Administrative Agent 103

 

  SECTION 8.01. Appointment 103
       
  SECTION 8.02. Rights as a Lender 104
       
  SECTION 8.03. Duties and Obligations 104
       
  SECTION 8.04. Reliance 104
       
  SECTION 8.05. Actions through Sub-Agents 104
       
  SECTION 8.06. Resignation 105
       
  SECTION 8.07. Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Banks 105
       
  SECTION 8.08. Other Agency Titles 107
       
  SECTION 8.09. Not Partners or Co-Venturers; Administrative Agent as Representative of the Secured Parties 107
       
  SECTION 8.10. Credit Bidding 108
       
  SECTION 8.11. Certain ERISA Matters 108
       
  SECTION 8.12. Flood Laws 110
       
  SECTION 8.13. Erroneous Payments 110

 

ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous 110

 

  SECTION 9.01. Notices 110
       
  SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments 113
       
  SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver 115
       
  SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns 117
       
  SECTION 9.05. Survival 121
       
  SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution 121
       
  SECTION 9.07. Severability 122
       
  SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff 122
       
  SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process 123
       
  SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL 123
       
  SECTION 9.11. Headings 123
       
  SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality 124
       
  SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law 125
       
  SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act 125
       
  SECTION 9.15. Disclosure 125
       
  SECTION 9.16. Appointment for Perfection 125
       
  SECTION 9.17. Interest Rate Limitation 125
       
  SECTION 9.18. Marketing Consent 125
       
  SECTION 9.19. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions 126

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

      Page
       
  SECTION 9.20. Judgment Currency 126
       
  SECTION 9.21. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs 126
       
  SECTION 9.22. No Fiduciary Duty, etc 127
       
  SECTION 9.23. Mortgaged Real Property 127
       
  SECTION 9.24. Joint and Several 128
       
  SECTION 9.25. Amendment and Restatement 128

 

ARTICLE X Loan Guaranty 129

 

  SECTION 10.01. Guaranty 129
       
  SECTION 10.02. Guaranty of Payment 130
       
  SECTION 10.03. No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty 130
       
  SECTION 10.04. Defenses Waived 130
       
  SECTION 10.05. Rights of Subrogation 131
       
  SECTION 10.06. Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration 131
       
  SECTION 10.07. Information 131
       
  SECTION 10.08. Termination 131
       
  SECTION 10.09. Taxes 131
       
  SECTION 10.10. Maximum Liability 132
       
  SECTION 10.11. Contribution 132
       
  SECTION 10.12. Liability Cumulative 133
       
  SECTION 10.13. Keepwell 133

 

ARTICLE XI The Borrower Representative 133

 

  SECTION 11.01. Appointment; Nature of Relationship 133
       
  SECTION 11.02. Powers 133
       
  SECTION 11.03. Employment of Agents 133
       
  SECTION 11.04. Notices 134
       
  SECTION 11.05. Successor Borrower Representative 134
       
  SECTION 11.06. Execution of Loan Documents 134
       

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

SCHEDULES:

 

Commitment Schedule

Schedule 1.01 – Banking Services and Swap Agreements

Schedule 1.01(b) – Existing Letters of Credit

Schedule 3.05 – Properties etc.

Schedule 3.06 – Disclosed Matters

Schedule 3.09 – Taxes

Schedule 3.12 – Material Agreements

Schedule 3.14 – Insurance

Schedule 3.15 – Capitalization and Subsidiaries

Schedule 3.22 – Affiliate Transactions

Schedule 5.15 – Post-Closing Requirements

Schedule 6.01 – Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 6.02 – Existing Liens

Schedule 6.04 – Existing Investments

Schedule 6.10 – Existing Restrictions

 

EXHIBITS:

 

Exhibit A – Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B – Borrowing Request

Exhibit C-1 – U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit C-2 – U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit C-3 – U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit C-4 – U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit D – Compliance Certificate

Exhibit E – Joinder Agreement

Exhibit F – Business Combination Transaction Step Plan

 

-vi

 

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of August 2, 2021 (as it may be amended or modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), among STAGWELL MARKETING GROUP LLC (“Stagwell Marketing”), MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC (“MDC Partners”), MAXXCOM LLC (“Maxxcom”; together with Stagwell Marketing, MDC Partners and Maxxcom, each individually and collectively, a “Borrower” and the “Borrowers” as the context requires), the other Loan Parties party hereto, the Lenders party hereto, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

WHEREAS, Stagwell Marketing, as Borrower (the “Existing Borrower”), the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto (the “Existing Lenders”) and the Administrative Agent are parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 18, 2019 (the “Original Effective Date”) (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Restatement Date, the “Existing Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which the Existing Lenders have agreed to make available to the Borrower certain loans and other financial accommodations;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Borrower and certain of its affiliates executed and delivered the Collateral Documents (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) in favor of the Administrative Agent to secure the payment and performance of the Obligations (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement);

 

WHEREAS, the Borrowers, the other Loan Parties, the Lenders, and the Administrative Agent wish to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

 

WHEREAS, (i) the Borrowers, the other Loan Parties, the Lenders, and the Administrative Agent intend that (a) this Agreement amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement without causing a substitution, refinancing or novation of the existing obligations thereunder, and (b) the Existing Borrower’s and the Loan Parties’ obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement shall continue to exist under, and to be evidenced by, this Agreement and (ii) each Loan Party (as defined herein) acknowledges and agrees that the security interests and Liens (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement and the Collateral Documents (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement), shall remain outstanding and in full force and effect, without interruption or impairment of any kind, in accordance with the Existing Credit Agreement, and shall continue to secure the Obligations (as defined herein);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements, provisions and covenants herein contained, the Borrowers, the other Loan Parties, the Lenders, and the Administrative Agent agree that the Existing Credit Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

 

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

ABR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate. All ABR Loans shall be denominated in Dollars.

 

Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

1

 

 

Account Debtor” means any Person obligated on an Account.

 

Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated on or after the Restatement Date, by which any Loan Party (a) acquires any going business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (b) directly or indirectly acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) at least a majority (in number of votes) of the Equity Interests of a Person which has ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other similar management personnel of a Person (other than Equity Interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) or a majority of the outstanding Equity Interests of a Person.

 

Additional Lender” means, at any time, any bank, other financial institution or investor that, in any case, is not an existing Lender, but would not be prohibited to become party hereto as a Lender through assignment, and that agrees to provide any portion of any increase in the Revolving Commitments in accordance with Section 2.09; provided that each Additional Lender shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), to the extent any such consent would be required from Agent under Section 9.04 for an assignment of Loans to such Additional Lender.

 

Adjusted EURIBOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euro for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a)  the EURIBOR Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate; provided that, if the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

 

Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate; provided that, if the Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

 

Administrative Agent” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

 

Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

 

Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.

 

Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified Person.

 

Aggregate Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Credit Exposure of all the Lenders at such time.

 

Aggregate Revolving Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all the Lenders at such time (with the Swingline Exposure of each Lender calculated assuming that all of the Lenders have funded their participations in all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time).

 

Agreed Currencies” means Dollars and each Alternative Currency.

 

2

 

 

Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the NYFRB Rate in effect on such day plus ½ of 1% and (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one month Interest Period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) plus 1%; provided that for the purpose of this definition, the Adjusted LIBO Rate for any day shall be based on the LIBO Screen Rate (or if the LIBO Screen Rate is not available for such one month Interest Period, the LIBO Interpolated Rate) at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time on such day.  Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate, respectively.  If the Alternate Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.14 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until the Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to Section 2.14(b)), then the Alternate Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a) and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Alternate Base Rate as determined pursuant to the foregoing would be less than 1.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 1.00% for purposes of this Agreement.

 

Alternative Currency” means Sterling or Euro.

 

Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to any Borrower or any Affiliate of any Borrower from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.

 

Anti-Terrorism Laws” means all laws relating to terrorism, trade sanctions programs and embargoes, import/export licensing, money laundering or bribery, and any regulation, order, or directive promulgated, issued or enforced pursuant to such Laws, all as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

 

Applicable Parties” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.01(d).

 

Applicable Percentage” means, at any time with respect to any Lender, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment at such time and the denominator of which is the aggregate Revolving Commitments at such time (provided that, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon such Lender’s share of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure at such time); provided that, in accordance with Section 2.20, so long as any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment shall be disregarded in the calculations above.

 

Applicable Rate” means, for any day, with respect to any ABR Loan or Term Benchmark Revolving Loan, RFR Revolving Loan or CBR Loan, or with respect to the Letter of Credit Fee and the Commitment Fee payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption “ABR Spread”, “Term Benchmark Spread”, “RFR Spread”, “CBR Spread” or “Commitment Fee”, as the case may be, based upon the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio as of the most recent determination date, provided that until the delivery to the Administrative Agent, pursuant to Section 5.01, of the Company’s consolidated financial information for the Company’s first fiscal quarter ending after the Restatement Date, the “Applicable Rate” shall be the applicable rates per annum set forth below in Category 4:

 

Total Leverage Ratio   ABR Spread     Term Benchmark
Spread
    RFR Spread     CBR Spread     Commitment Fee  

Category 1 < 1.75 to 1.0

    0.5000 %     1.5000 %     1.5326 %     1.5326 %     0.1500 %

Category 2 ≥1.75 to 1.0 but <2.75 to 1.0

    0.7500 %     1.7500 %     1.7826 %     1.7826 %     0.2000 %

Category 3 ≥2.75 to 1.0 but <3.75 to 1.0

    1.0000 %     2.0000 %     2.0326 %     2.0326 %     0.2500 %

Category 4 ≥3.75 to 1.0

    1.2500 %     2.2500 %     2.2826 %     2.2826 %     0.3000 %

 

3

 

 

For purposes of the foregoing, (a) the Applicable Rate shall be determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company, based upon the Company’s annual or quarterly consolidated financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 and (b) each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Total Leverage Ratio shall be effective during the period commencing on and including the date of delivery to the Administrative Agent of such consolidated financial statements indicating such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change, provided that at the option of the Administrative Agent or at the request of the Required Lenders, if the Borrowers fail to deliver the annual or quarterly consolidated financial statements required to be delivered by it pursuant to Section 5.01, the Total Leverage Ratio shall be deemed to be in Category 4 during the period from the expiration of the time for delivery thereof until such consolidated financial statements are delivered.

 

If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that the financial statements upon which the Applicable Rate was determined were incorrect (whether based on a restatement, fraud or otherwise) or any ratio or compliance information in a Compliance Certificate or other certification was incorrectly calculated, relied on incorrect information or was otherwise not accurate, true or correct, the Borrowers shall be required to retroactively pay any additional amount that the Borrowers would have been required to pay if such financial statements, Compliance Certificate or other information had been accurate and/or computed correctly at the time they were delivered.

 

Approved Electronic Platform” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.01(d).

 

Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to the term in Section 9.04(b).

 

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form (including electronic records generated by the use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Assumed Tax Liability” means, with respect to any member of the Company as of any Tax Distribution Date, an amount equal to the federal, state and local income taxes (including any applicable estimated taxes) reasonably estimated in good faith would be due from such member for all taxable periods (or portions thereof) of ending on such Tax Distribution Date, (i) assuming such member were a corporation who earned solely the items of income, gain, deduction, loss, and/or credit allocated to such member for such taxable periods (or portions thereof) and (ii) assuming that such member is subject to tax at the Assumed Tax Rate. For purposes of determining the Assumed Tax Liability of any member, any adjustments by reason of Sections 734 or 743 of the Code shall not be taken into account.

 

4

 

 

Assumed Tax Rate” means, for any taxable period, the highest marginal effective rate of federal, state, local and non-U.S. income tax applicable to PublicCo for such taxable period.

 

Available Amount Basket” means, as of any date of determination (the “Available Amount Reference Date”), an amount equal to, without duplication:

 

(a) the greater of (i) 25% of EBITDA for the trailing four fiscal quarter period and (ii) $80,000,000;

 

plus

 

(b) 50% of Net Income for such trailing four fiscal quarter period (which shall not be less than zero);

 

less

 

(c) an amount equal to the sum, without duplication, of the following:

 

(i)       the aggregate amount of all investments made by any Borrower or any Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.04(c)(B) and Section 6.04(n), in each case, after the Restatement Date and prior to the Available Amount Reference Date during such trailing four fiscal quarter period in reliance on the Available Amount Basket; plus

 

(ii)       the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.08(a)(vi) after the Restatement Date and prior to the Available Amount Reference Date during such trailing four fiscal quarter period in reliance on the Available Amount Basket; plus

 

(iii)        the aggregate amount of all loans or advances made by any Loan Party to any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of a Loan Party or any joint venture of a Loan Party and made by any Subsidiary or any Affiliate to a Loan Party or any other Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.04(d)(B) after the Restatement Date and prior to the Available Amount Reference Date during such trailing four fiscal quarter period in reliance on the Available Amount Basket; plus

 

(iv)       the aggregate amount of all Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01 that are given pursuant to Section 6.04(e) after the Restatement Date and prior to the Available Amount Reference Date during such trailing four fiscal quarter period in reliance on the Available Amount Basket;

 

provided, that, the amount of Restricted Payments, investments, loans or advances, and Guarantees permitted to be made in respect of any fiscal year under the Available Amount Basket shall be (x) determined on a quarterly basis and (y) increased by the unused amount of the Available Amount Basket that was permitted to be made during the two immediately preceding fiscal years, without giving effect to any carryover amount from any prior fiscal year. The Available Amount Basket in any fiscal year shall be deemed to use first, the amount carried forward to such fiscal year from the year ended two years prior to such fiscal year, and second, the amount carried forward to such fiscal year from the immediately prior fiscal year.

 

5

 

 

Availability” means, at any time, an amount equal to (a) the aggregate Revolving Commitments minus (b) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure (calculated, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, as if such Defaulting Lender had funded its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Borrowings).

 

Availability Period” means the period from and including the Restatement Date to but excluding the earlier of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments.

 

Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to clause (f) of Section 2.14.

 

Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.

 

Bail-In Legislation” means (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, regulation, rule or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).

 

Banking Services” means (a) each and any of the following bank services provided to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary by any Persons that are or were at the time of entering into the relevant Banking Services Lenders or their respective Affiliates: (i) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, “commercial credit cards” and purchasing cards), (ii) stored value cards, (iii) merchant processing services, and (iv) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, any direct debit scheme or arrangement, overdrafts and interstate depository network services) and (b) the bank services provided to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary set forth on Schedule 1.01 as of the Restatement Date.

 

Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.

 

Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, when such Person becomes the subject of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business, appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment, or has had any order for relief in such proceeding entered in respect thereof, provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof, unless such ownership interest results in or provides such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the U.S. or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permits such Person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.

 

6

 

 

Benchmark” means, initially, with respect to any (i) RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency, the applicable Relevant Rate for such Agreed Currency or (ii) Term Benchmark Loan, the Relevant Rate for such Agreed Currency; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the applicable Relevant Rate or the then-current Benchmark for such Agreed Currency, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to clause ‎(b) or clause ‎(c) of ‎Section 2.14.

 

Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date; provided that, in the case of any Loan denominated in an Alternative Currency or in the case of an Other Benchmark Rate Election, “Benchmark Replacement” shall mean the alternative set forth in (3) below:

 

(1)        in the case of any Loan denominated in Dollars, the sum of: (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment,

 

(2)       in the case of any Loan denominated in Dollars, the sum of: (a) Daily Simple SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, and

 

(3)        the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for syndicated credit facilities denominated in the applicable Agreed Currency at such time in the United States and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

provided that, in the case of clause (1), such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion; provided further that, in the case of clause (3), when such clause is used to determine the Benchmark Replacement in connection with the occurrence of an Other Benchmark Rate Election, the alternate benchmark rate selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative shall be the term benchmark rate that is used in lieu of a LIBOR-based rate in the relevant other Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities; provided further that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, upon the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event, and the delivery of a Term SOFR Notice, on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date the “Benchmark Replacement” shall revert to and shall be deemed to be the sum of (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, as set forth in clause (1) of this definition (subject to the first proviso above).

 

If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (1), (2) or (3) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

7

 

 

Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement:

 

(1) for purposes of clauses (1) and (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent:

 

(a) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for the applicable Corresponding Tenor;

 

(b) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that would apply to the fallback rate for a derivative transaction referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon an index cessation event with respect to such Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor; and

 

(2) for purposes of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and/or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for syndicated credit facilities denominated in the applicable Agreed Currency at such time;

 

provided that, in the case of clause (1) above, such adjustment is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such Benchmark Replacement Adjustment from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Alternate Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides in its reasonable discretion and in good faith may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines in good faith that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides in good faith is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).

 

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Benchmark Replacement Date” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:

 

(1)       in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

 

(2)       in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be no longer representative; provided, that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (3) and even if any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date;

 

(3)       in the case of a Term SOFR Transition Event, the date that is thirty (30) days after the date a Term SOFR Notice is provided to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.14(c); or

 

(4)       in the case of an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election or Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, is provided to the Lenders, so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election or Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, is provided to the Lenders, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election or Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

 

Benchmark Transition Event” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:

 

(1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

 

(2) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Federal Reserve Board, the NYFRB, the central bank for the Agreed Currency applicable to such Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), in each case which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or

 

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(3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer be, representative.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

 

Benchmark Unavailability Period” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (1) or (2) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14.

 

Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership or control as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

 

Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

 

Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code to which Section 4975 of the Code applies, and (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.

 

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

 

Borrower” or “Borrowers” means, individually and collectively as the context may require, the Company and each Person from time to time who becomes party hereto as a borrower pursuant to Section 5.14.

 

Borrower Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 11.01.

 

Borrowing” means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect, and (b) a Swingline Loan.

 

Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower Representative for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03, which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Burdensome Restrictions” means any consensual encumbrance or restriction of the type described in clause (a) or (b) of Section 6.10.

 

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Business Combination” means the contribution by Stagwell Media LP to MDC Partners of 100% of the membership interests of Holdings in exchange for the issuance by MDC Partners to Stagwell Media LP of a majority of the outstanding equity interests of MDC Partners in consideration for such contribution and the related transactions, and including the termination of the MDC Credit Agreement Documents, each as further detailed and described in the MDC Acquisition Documents and substantially in the form of the steps outlined in that certain slide deck titled “Project Midas – Transaction Step Plan”, dated as of June 21, 2021, attached hereto as Exhibit F.

 

Business Day” means:

 

(a)                for all purposes of this Agreement (other than purposes expressly set forth in clauses (b) and (c) of this definition), any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Term Benchmark Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for general business in London;

 

(b)                solely for the purposes of Borrowing Requests and interest rate settings as to a Sterling Loan and any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments of any Sterling Loan, any day other than (i) a day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the laws of, or are in fact closed in London, England, and (ii) a day on which banks are not open for dealings in deposits in Sterling in the London interbank market; and

 

(c)                solely for the purposes of interest rate settings as to a Euro Loan and any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments of any Euro Loan, any day other than (i) a day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the laws of, or are in fact closed in London, England, (ii) a day on which banks are not open for dealings in deposits in Euro in the London interbank market, and (iii) a day on which the TARGET2 payment system is not open for the settlement of payments in Euro.

 

Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases or financing leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

CBR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the Central Bank Rate.

 

Central Bank Rate” means, (A) the greater of (i) for any Loan denominated in (a) Sterling, the Bank of England (or any successor thereto)’s “Bank Rate” as published by the Bank of England (or any successor thereto) from time to time, and (b) Euro, one of the following three rates as may be selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion: (1) the fixed rate for the main refinancing operations of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), or, if that rate is not published, the minimum bid rate for the main refinancing operations of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), each as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time, (2) the rate for the marginal lending facility of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time or (3) the rate for the deposit facility of the central banking system of the Participating Member States, as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time and (ii) 0.00%; plus (B) the applicable Central Bank Rate Adjustment.

 

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Central Bank Rate Adjustment” means, for any day, for any Loan denominated in (a) Euro, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of the EURIBOR Rate for the five most recent Business Days preceding such day for which the EURIBOR Screen Rate was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest EURIBOR Rate applicable during such period of five Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of Euro in effect on the last Business Day in such period, and (b) Sterling, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of SONIA for the five most recent RFR Business Days preceding such day for which SONIA was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest SONIA applicable during such period of five RFR Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of Sterling in effect on the last RFR Business Day in such period. For purposes of this definition, (x) the term Central Bank Rate shall be determined disregarding clause (B) of the definition of such term and (y) the EURIBOR Rate on any day shall be based on the EURIBOR Screen Rate, as applicable, on such day at approximately the time referred to in the definition of such term for deposits in the applicable Agreed Currency for a maturity of one month (or, in the event the EURIBOR Screen Rate, as applicable, for deposits in the applicable Agreed Currency is not available for such maturity of one month, shall be based on the EURIBOR Interpolated Rate, as applicable, as of such time); provided that if such rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

 

Cash Equivalents” means:

 

(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(b) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;

 

(c) investments in certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the U.S. or any state thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;

 

(d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above; and

 

(e) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000.

 

CFC” means a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.

 

CFC Holdco” means a domestic Subsidiary of a Borrower with no material assets other than capital stock (and debt securities, if any) of one or more foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs, or of other CFC Holdcos.

 

Change in Control” means (a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), other than one or more of the Permitted Holders, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all Equity Interests that such person or group has the right to acquire (such right, an “option right”), whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of 40% or more of the Equity Interests of PublicCo entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of PublicCo on a fully-diluted basis, (and taking into account all such Equity Interests that such person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right); (b) PublicCo shall cease to Control the Company; (c) PublicCo and the Permitted Holders, individually or collectively, shall cease to own, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all Liens or other encumbrances 65% of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of the Company; (d) the occupation at any time of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the PublicCo by Persons who were neither (i) directors of PublicCo as of immediately following the Restatement Date nor (ii) nominated, appointed, or approved by the board of directors of PublicCo; (e) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of the Company by any Person or group other than PublicCo or one of more of the Permitted Holders; or (f) the Company shall cease to own, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all Liens or other encumbrances, the outstanding voting Equity Interests of the Guarantors owned as of the Restatement Date (except as otherwise permitted herein), in each case, on a fully diluted basis (or, in the case of any Guarantor acquired after the Restatement Date, at the time of the acquisition of such Guarantor).

 

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Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement (or, with respect to any Lender, such later date on which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement) of any of the following: (a) the adoption of or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) compliance by any Lender or the Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the U.S. or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

 

Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

 

Chase” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.

 

Class”, when used in reference to (a) any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans, and (b) any Lender, refers to whether such Lender has a Loan or Commitment of a particular Class. Commitments (and, in each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have different terms and conditions shall be construed to be in different Classes. Commitments (and, in each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have identical terms and conditions shall be construed to be in the same Class.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

Collateral” means any and all property owned, leased or operated by a Person covered by the Collateral Documents and any and all other property of any Loan Party, now existing or hereafter acquired, that may at any time be, become or be intended to be, subject to a security interest or Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the Lenders and other Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations, other than, for the avoidance of doubt, (i) any voting Equity Interests of a first tier CFC Holdco or Material Foreign Subsidiary in excess of 65% of the aggregate voting Equity Interests and (ii) no Collateral shall be created over any assets of a CFC Holdco or Material Foreign Subsidiary.

 

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Collateral Access Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Mortgages, if any, the Pledge Agreements, and any other agreements, instruments and documents executed in connection with this Agreement that are intended to create, perfect or evidence Liens to secure the Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, all other security agreements, pledge agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, loan agreements, notes, guarantees, subordination agreements, pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, fee letters, notices, leases, financing statements and all other written matter whether theretofore, now or hereafter executed by any Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent.

 

Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment. The initial amount of each Lender’s Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) as provided in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(C), pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable.

 

Commitment Schedule” means the Schedule attached hereto identified as such.

 

Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

 

Communications” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.01(d).

 

Company” means MDC Partners.

 

Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative in substantially the form of Exhibit D.

 

Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

 

Consolidated Total Assets” means, as of any date of determination, the total amount of all assets of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

 

Corresponding Tenor” with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.

 

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Covered Entity” means any of the following:

 

(i)       a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

 

(ii)      a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

 

(iii)     a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

 

Covered Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.

 

Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, such Lender’s Revolving Exposure at such time.

 

Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender.

 

Daily Simple RFR” means, for any day (an “RFR Interest Day”), an interest rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) for any RFR Loan denominated in Sterling, SONIA for the day that is 5 Business Days prior to (i) if such RFR Interest Day is a Business Day, such RFR Interest Day or (ii) if such RFR Interest Day is not a Business Day, the Business Day immediately preceding such RFR Interest Day (b) 0.00%. Any change in Daily Simple RFR due to a change in the applicable RFR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the RFR without notice to the Borrowers, provided that the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower Representative of such change.

 

Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which may include a lookback) being established by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining “Daily Simple SOFR” for business loans; provided, that if the Administrative Agent decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion.

 

Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

 

Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

 

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified any Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three Business Days after request by a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations as of the date of certification) to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become the subject of (i) a Bankruptcy Event or (ii) a Bail-In Action.

 

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Disclosed Matters” means the actions, suits, proceedings and environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06.

 

Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (in one transaction or in a series of transactions and whether effected pursuant to a Division or otherwise) of any property by any Person (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any issuance of Equity Interests by a Subsidiary of such Person), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

 

Disqualified Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, any Equity Interest that by its terms (or by the terms of any other Equity Interest into which it is convertible or exchangeable) or otherwise (a) matures or is subject to mandatory redemption or repurchase (other than solely for Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holder thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior payment in full of the Obligations (other than any Obligations which expressly survive termination) and termination of the Commitments); (b) is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Indebtedness or any Disqualified Equity Interest at the option of the holder thereof; (c) may be required to be redeemed or repurchased at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests), in whole or in part, in each case on or prior to the date that ninety (90) days after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date; or (d) provides for scheduled payments of dividends to be made in cash.

 

Dividing Person” has the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Division.”

 

Division” means the division of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a Person (the “Dividing Person”) among two or more Persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the Dividing Person and pursuant to which the Dividing Person may or may not survive.

 

Division Successor” means any Person that, upon the consummation of a Division of a Dividing Person, holds all or any portion of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations previously held by such Dividing Person immediately prior to the consummation of such Division. A Dividing Person which retains any of its assets, liabilities and/or obligations after a Division shall be deemed a Division Successor upon the occurrence of such Division.

 

Document” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Dollars”, “dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

 

Dollar Equivalent Amount” means, at any time, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in dollars, such amount, (b) if such amount is expressed in an Alternative Currency, the equivalent of such amount in dollars determined by using the rate of exchange for the purchase of dollars with the Alternative Currency last provided (either by publication or otherwise provided to the Administrative Agent) by Reuters on the Business Day (New York City time) immediately preceding the date of determination or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide a rate of exchange for the purchase of dollars with the Alternative Currency, as provided by such other publicly available information service which provides that rate of exchange at such time in place of Reuters chosen by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion (or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide such rate of exchange, the equivalent of such amount in dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent using any method of determination it deems appropriate in its sole discretion) and (c) if such amount is denominated in any other currency, the equivalent of such amount in dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent using any method of determination it deems appropriate in its sole discretion.

 

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Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then current Benchmark with respect to Dollars is LIBO Rate, the occurrence of:

 

(1)       a notification by the Administrative Agent to (or the request by the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent to notify) each of the other parties hereto that at least five currently outstanding Dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) a SOFR-based rate (including SOFR, a term SOFR or any other rate based upon SOFR) as a benchmark rate (and such syndicated credit facilities are identified in such notice and are publicly available for review), and

 

(2)       the joint election by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative to trigger a fallback from LIBO Rate and the provision, as applicable, by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Borrower Representative and the Lenders.

 

Earn-outs” means unsecured liabilities arising under an agreement to make any contingent deferred payment as a part of the purchase price for a Permitted Acquisition, including cash and non-cash performance bonuses or consulting payments in any related services, employment or similar agreement, in an amount that may be subject to or contingent upon the revenues, income, cash flow or profits (or the like) of the underlying target, in each case, to the extent that such deferred payment would be included as part of such purchase price.

 

EBITDA” means, for any period, Net Income for such period (giving pro forma effect to the Net Income of any Permitted Acquisition made during such period as if such Permitted Acquisition had occurred on the first day of such period) plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Net Income for such period, the sum of (i) Interest Expense for such period, (ii) income tax expense for such period net of tax refunds, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) any non-recurring fees, cash charges and other cash expenses incurred in connection with Permitted Acquisitions (including, without limitation, in each case, diligence costs and legal fees); (v) accrued Earn-out expenses, (vi) restructuring charges, (vii) any other non-cash charges for such period (but excluding any non-cash charge in respect of an item that was included in Net Income in a prior period), (viii) purchase accounting adjustments (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any deferred revenue adjustments) set forth in or validated by any quality of earnings or valuation report prepared by independent registered public accountants of national standing or any other accounting or valuation firm reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in connection with a Permitted Acquisition in amounts acceptable to the Administrative Agent during the twelve month period following the consummation thereof, (ix) non-cash stock based compensation expenses, (x) non-cash impairment charges and non-cash deferred acquisition costs, and (xi) any accounting adjustment (positive or negative) relating to the deferred purchase price of property (including, without limitation, deferred consideration from a Permitted Acquisition) arising from Permitted Acquisitions or Permitted Investments (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any adjustment described in clause (viii) above) minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in Net Income, any extraordinary gains and any non-cash items of income for such period, all calculated for the Loan Parties on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that, the aggregate amount of any such adjustment or add-backs under subclauses (iv), (vi), (vii), and (viii) of clause (a) above shall not exceed 15% of EBITDA in any four fiscal quarter period (calculated before giving effect to any such add-backs and adjustments).

 

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ECP” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.

 

EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

 

EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

 

EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

 

Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.

 

Electronic System” means any electronic system, including e-mail, e-fax, web portal access for the Borrowers and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank and any of its respective Related Parties or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.

 

Environmental Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to (i) the environment, (ii) the preservation or reclamation of natural resources, (iii) the management, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material or (iv) health and safety matters.

 

Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) any violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) any exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

Equipment” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing, but excluding any debt securities convertible into any of the foregoing.

 

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ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with a Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or Section 4001(14) of ERISA or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the failure to satisfy the “minimum funding standard” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition upon any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent, in critical status, or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

 

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor Person), as in effect from time to time.

 

EURIBOR Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euro and for any Interest Period, the rate per annum (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the EURIBOR Screen Rate) determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the EURIBOR Screen Rate for the longest period (for which the EURIBOR Screen Rate is available for Euro) that is shorter than the Impacted EURIBOR Rate Interest Period; and (b) the EURIBOR Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which the EURIBOR Screen Rate is available for Euro) that exceeds the Impacted EURIBOR Rate Interest Period, in each case, at such time; provided that, if any EURIBOR Interpolated Rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

EURIBOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euro and for any Interest Period, the EURIBOR Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., Brussels time, two TARGET Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that, if the EURIBOR Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such Interest Period (an “Impacted EURIBOR Rate Interest Period”) with respect to Euro then the EURIBOR Rate shall be the EURIBOR Interpolated Rate.

 

EURIBOR Screen Rate” means the euro interbank offered rate administered by the European Money Markets Institute (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant period displayed (before any correction, recalculation or republication by the administrator) on page EURIBOR01 of the Thomson Reuters screen (or any replacement Thomson Reuters page which displays that rate) or on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Thomson Reuters as of 11:00 a.m. Brussels time two TARGET Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period. If such page or service ceases to be available, the Administrative Agent may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Borrower. If the EURIBOR Screen Rate shall be less than 0.00%, the EURIBOR Screen Rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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Euro” or “” means the lawful currency of the Participating Member States.

 

Euro LC Disbursement” means a payment made by the Issuing Bank pursuant to a Euro Letter of Credit.

 

Euro LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Euro Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all Euro LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrowers at such time.

 

Euro Letter of Credit” means a Letter of Credit denominated in Euro.

 

Euro Loans” means Revolving Loans made to the Borrowers denominated in Euro.

 

Euro Sublimit” means the Dollar Equivalent Amount of $50,000,000.

 

Euro Outstandings” means, at any time, the aggregate Dollar Equivalent Amount of all Euro Loans outstanding at such time.

 

Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

 

Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

 

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrowers under Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f) and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

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Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.

 

Existing Letters of Credit” means the letters of credit listed on Schedule 1.01(b).

 

FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions, as determined in such manner as shall be set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the effective federal funds rate, provided that, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

Federal Reserve Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

 

Fee Letter” means that certain Fee Letter dated as of June 9, 2021 among the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers.

 

Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, president, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of a Borrower.

 

Financial Statements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01.

 

Fixtures” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Flood Laws” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.10.

 

Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to LIBO Rate or EURIBOR Rate, as applicable.

 

Foreign Currency Loans” means Sterling Loans and Euro Loans.

 

Foreign Currency Sublimit” means the Dollar Equivalent Amount of $100,000,000.

 

Foreign LC Sublimit” means the Dollar Equivalent of $15,000,000.

 

Foreign Lender” means (a) if a Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if a Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which such Borrower is resident for tax purposes.

 

Foreign Outstandings” means the Sterling Outstandings plus the Euro Outstandings.

 

Funding Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(j).

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.

 

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Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or any other nation or any political subdivision of any of the foregoing, whether state, province, territory or local, and any governmental, intergovernmental or supranational agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

 

Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

 

Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.01.

 

Guarantors” means all Loan Guarantors and all non-Loan Parties who have delivered an Obligation Guaranty, and the term “Guarantor” means each or any one of them individually.

 

Hazardous Materials” means: (a) any substance, material, or waste that is included within the definitions of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous waste,” “toxic substances,” “toxic materials,” “toxic waste,” or words of similar import in any Environmental Law; (b) those substances listed as hazardous substances by the United States Department of Transportation (or any successor agency) (49 C.F.R. 172.101 and amendments thereto) or by the Environmental Protection Agency (or any successor agency) (40 C.F.R. Part 302 and amendments thereto); and (c) any substance, material, or waste that is petroleum, petroleum-related, or a petroleum by-product, asbestos or asbestos-containing material, polychlorinated biphenyls, flammable, explosive, radioactive, freon gas, radon, or a pesticide, herbicide, or any other agricultural chemical.

 

Holdings” means Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

IBA” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.05.

 

Impacted EURIBOR Rate Interest Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “EURIBOR Rate.”

 

Impacted LIBO Rate Interest Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “LIBO Rate.”

 

Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business on terms consistent with historical practices and accrued expenses in each case recorded in accordance with GAAP incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances, (k) obligations under any Liquidated Earn-out, (l) any other Off-Balance Sheet Liability, (m) obligations, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (i) any and all Swap Agreements, and (ii) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction and (n) any Disqualified Equity Interests. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.

 

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Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in the foregoing clause (a), Other Taxes.

 

Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).

 

Ineligible Institution” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

 

Information” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.12.

 

Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower Representative to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08.

 

Interest Expense” means, with reference to any period, total interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Lease Obligations) of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances and net costs under Swap Agreements in respect of interest rates, to the extent such net costs are allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP), calculated for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period in accordance with GAAP.

 

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan (other than a Swingline Loan), the last day of each March, June, September and December and the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, (b) with respect to any RFR Loan, (1) each date that is on the numerically corresponding day in each calendar month that is one month after the Borrowing of such Loan (or, if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such month, then the last day of such month) and (2) the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, (c) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period, and the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and (d) with respect to any Swingline Loan, the day that such Loan is required to be repaid and the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

Interest Period” means with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, three or six months thereafter (in each case, subject to the availability for the Benchmark applicable to the relevant Loan or Commitment for any Agreed Currency), as the Borrower Representative may elect; provided, that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing only, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a Term Benchmark Borrowing that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period and (iii) no tenor that has been removed from this definition pursuant to Section 2.14(f) shall be available for specification in such Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a Revolving Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

 

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Inventory” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or such successor thereto.

 

Issuing Bank” means, individually and collectively, each of Chase, in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, Wells Fargo, in its capacity as the issuer of certain of the Existing Letters of Credit, and any other Revolving Lender from time to time designated by the Borrower Representative as an Issuing Bank, with the consent of such Revolving Lender and the Administrative Agent, and their respective successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i). Any Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by any of its domestic or foreign subsidiaries, branches, offices or Affiliates, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such subsidiary, branch, office or Affiliate, as the case may be, with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such subsidiary, branch, office or Affiliate (it being agreed that such Issuing Bank shall, or shall cause such subsidiary, branch, office or Affiliate to, comply with the requirements of Section 2.06 with respect to such Letters of Credit). At any time there is more than one Issuing Bank, all singular references to the Issuing Bank shall mean any Issuing Bank, either Issuing Bank, each Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank that has issued the applicable Letter of Credit, or both (or all) Issuing Banks, as the context may require.

 

Issuing Bank Sublimits” means, as of the Restatement Date, (i) $10,000,000, in the case of Chase and (ii) such amount as shall be designated to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative in writing by an Issuing Bank; provided that any Issuing Bank shall be permitted at any time to increase or reduce its Issuing Bank Sublimit upon providing five (5) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers.

 

Joinder Agreement” means a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit E.

 

Joint Lead Arranger” means each of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Securities and Citizens Bank, N.A. each in its capacity as a joint lead arranger.

 

LC Collateral Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(j).

 

LC Disbursement” means any payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

 

LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of the U.S. LC Exposure, the Sterling LC Exposure and the Euro LC Exposure.

 

Lender Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.

 

Lender-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).

 

Lenders” means the Persons listed on the Commitment Schedule and any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereunder pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, other than any such Person that ceases to be a Lender hereunder pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank.

 

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Letters of Credit” means the standby letters of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement and the Existing Letters of Credit, and the term “Letter of Credit” means any one of them or each of them singularly, as the context may require.

 

Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.

 

LIBOR” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.05.

 

LIBO Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars and for any Interest Period, the rate per annum (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the LIBO Screen Rate) determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the LIBO Screen Rate for the longest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available for the applicable Agreed Currency) that is shorter than the Impacted LIBO Rate Interest Period; and (b) the LIBO Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available for the applicable Agreed Currency) that exceeds the Impacted LIBO Rate Interest Period, in each case, at such time; provided that if any LIBO Interpolated Rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars and for any Interest Period, the LIBO Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that if the LIBO Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such Interest Period (an “Impacted LIBO Rate Interest Period”) with respect to such Agreed Currency then the LIBO Rate shall be the LIBO Interpolated Rate.

 

LIBO Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars and for any Interest Period, the London interbank offered rate as administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate) for such Agreed Currency for a period equal in length to such Interest Period as displayed on such day and time on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen that displays such rate (or, in the event such rate does not appear on a Reuters page or screen, on any successor or substitute page on such screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion); provided that if the LIBO Screen Rate as so determined would be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.

 

Liquidated” means, with respect to any Earn-outs and other deferred consideration, (a) the obligation to pay and/or the calculation of the amount required to be paid is no longer contingent or based upon a Person, or any division, profit center or product line thereof achieving certain targeted performance levels established in the definitive documentation governing such Earn-out or deferred compensation, (b) such obligation has been finally computed in accordance with the definitive documentation governing such Earn-out or deferred compensation and (c) such obligation, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, has become a matured liability and is due and payable without delay under the terms and conditions of the definitive documentation governing such Earn-out or deferred compensation.

 

Liquidity” means, for the Loan Parties, on a consolidated basis, the sum of (i) Availability plus (ii) the aggregate amount of their Qualified Cash.

 

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Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, each promissory note issued pursuant to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit application, each Collateral Document, each Compliance Certificate, the Loan Guaranty, any Obligation Guaranty, and each other agreement, instrument, document and certificate executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lender and including each other pledge, power of attorney, consent, assignment, contract, notice, letter of credit agreement, letter of credit applications and any agreements between the Borrower Representative and the Issuing Bank regarding the Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit or the respective rights and obligations between the Borrowers and the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance of Letters of Credit, and each other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to this Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

 

Loan Guarantor” means each Loan Party.

 

Loan Guaranty” means Article X of this Agreement.

 

Loan Parties” means, collectively, Holdings, the Borrowers, the Borrowers’ Material Domestic Subsidiaries and any other Person who becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to a Joinder Agreement and their respective successors and assigns, and the term “Loan Party” shall mean any one of them or all of them individually, as the context may require.

 

Loans” means the loans and advances made by the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement, including Swingline Loans.

 

Long-Term Debt” means any Indebtedness that, in accordance with GAAP, constitutes (or, when incurred, constituted) a long-term liability.

 

Margin Stock” means margin stock within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X, as applicable.

 

Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of any Loan Party to perform any of its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) the Collateral, or the Administrative Agent’s Liens (on behalf of itself and the other Secured Parties) on the Collateral or the priority of such Liens, or (d) the rights of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents.

 

Material Domestic Subsidiary” means each domestic Subsidiary (other than any CFC Holdco) (i) which, as of the most recently available fiscal quarter of the Borrowers, for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended, contributed greater than 2.5% of EBITDA (as defined below) for such period or (ii) which contributed greater than 2.5% of consolidated total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as such date; provided that, if at any time the aggregate amount of EBITDA or consolidated total assets attributable to all domestic Subsidiaries (other than any CFC Holdco) that are not Material Domestic Subsidiaries exceeds 10.0% of EBITDA for any such period or 10.0% of consolidated total assets as of the end of any such fiscal quarter, the Borrowers (or, in the event the Borrowers have failed to do so within ten (10) days, the Administrative Agent) shall designate sufficient subsidiaries as “Material Domestic Subsidiaries” to eliminate such excess, and such designated Subsidiaries shall for all purposes of the definitive documentation constitute Material Domestic Subsidiaries.

 

Material Foreign Subsidiary” means each CFC Holdco or (unless it is a subsidiary of a CFC Holdco) first tier foreign subsidiary which, as of the most recently available fiscal quarter of the Borrowers, for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended, contributed greater than 10.0% of EBITDA (as defined below) for such period.

 

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Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of a Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $5,000,000 and at all times shall include Indebtedness outstanding under the MDC Notes Documents. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of a Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that such Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

 

Material Real Property” means any real property with a fair market value in excess of $25,000,000.

 

Material Subsidiaries” means, collectively, the Material Domestic Subsidiaries and the Material Foreign Subsidiaries, if any.

 

Maxxcom” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.

 

Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

 

MDC Credit Agreement” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 3, 2016, by and among MDC Partners (as successor by conversion of MDC Partners Inc., a corporation continued under the laws of Canada), Maxxcom (as successor by conversion of Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation), as borrower, and each of the subsidiaries of MDC Partners identified on the signature pages thereof.

 

MDC Credit Agreement Documents” means the MDC Credit Agreement and all other documents executed and delivered in connection therewith.

 

MDC Indenture” means that certain Indenture dated March 23, 2016, among MDC Partners (as successor by conversion of MDC Partners Inc., a corporation continued under the laws of Canada), the Note Guarantors party thereto, and the MDC Notes Trustee, pursuant to which the MDC Notes are issued or any indenture issued in respect of any refinancing of the MDC Notes permitted under Section 6.01(g).

 

MDC Notes” means the $900 million 6.500% Senior Notes due 2024 issued under the MDC Indenture as the same may be refinanced as permitted under Section 6.01(g) from time to time.

 

MDC Notes Documents” means the MDC Indenture, the MDC Notes, and all other documents executed and delivered in connection with therewith.

 

MDC Notes Trustee” means The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, as trustee under the MDC Indenture or any trustee in respect of an MDC Indenture issued in respect of any refinancing of the MDC Notes permitted under Section 6.01(g).

 

MDC Notes Maturity Date” means May 1, 2024 or the maturity date of any MDC Notes as the same may be refinanced as permitted under Section 6.01(g) from time to time.

 

MDC Partners” means Midas OpCo Holdings LLC, a limited liability company formed in the State of Delaware.

 

MDC Transaction Agreement” means the Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020 between, among others, Stagwell Media LP, Stagwell Blocker LLC, and MDC Partners (as successor by conversion of MDC Partners Inc., a corporation continued under the laws of Canada), as amended on June 4, 2021.

 

MDC Transaction Documents” means, collectively, the MDC Transaction Agreement and each other document, instrument, certificate and agreement executed and delivered in connection therewith.

 

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

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Mortgage” means any mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement which conveys or evidences a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, on real property of a Loan Party, including any amendment, restatement, modification or supplement thereto.

 

Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) determined for the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that, for all purposes, there shall be (a) excluded (i) the income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) the undistributed earnings of any Subsidiary, to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary is not at the time permitted by the terms of any contractual obligation (other than under any Loan Document) or Requirement of Law applicable to such Subsidiary, (iii) any non-recurring fees, cash charges and other cash expenses (including transaction fees and costs and expenses and, for the avoidance of doubt, any capital gains taxes and exit taxes associated with re-domestication in connection with the Transactions (including, without limitation, in each case, diligence costs and legal and other professional advisor fees)) in connection with the Transactions, (iv) any accretion on convertible preference shares and preferred interest on instruments that are only convertible to equity, and (v) any extraordinary or non-recurring gains or losses from any sales, transfers, leases or other dispositions permitted under Section 6.05 and (b) included any net income attributable to non-controlling interests.

 

Net Proceeds” means, with respect to any event, (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but excluding any interest payments), but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, minus (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a Disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction or a casualty or a condemnation or similar proceeding), the amount of all payments required to be made as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event and (iii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) and the amount of any reserves established to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case during the year that such event occurred or the next succeeding year and that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by a Financial Officer of the Company).

 

Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(d).

 

Note Guarantors” has the meaning assigned to such term in the MDC Indenture.

 

NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

NYFRB’s Website” means the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.

 

NYFRB Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day (or for any day that is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that if none of such rates are published for any day that is a Business Day, the term “NYFRB Rate” means the rate for a federal funds transaction quoted at 11:00 a.m. on such day received by the Administrative Agent from a federal funds broker of recognized standing selected by it; provided, further, that if any of the aforesaid rates as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

Obligated Party” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.02.

 

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Obligation Guaranty” means any Guarantee of all or any portion of the Secured Obligations executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties by a guarantor who is not a Loan Party.

 

Obligations” means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all LC Exposure, all accrued and unpaid fees and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and other obligations and indebtedness (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), obligations and liabilities of any of the Loan Parties to any of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any indemnified party, individually or collectively, existing on the Restatement Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, arising or incurred under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans made or reimbursement or other obligations incurred or any of the Letters of Credit or other instruments at any time evidencing any thereof.

 

OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Liability” of a Person means (a) any repurchase obligation or liability of such Person with respect to accounts or notes receivable sold by such Person, (b) any indebtedness, liability or obligation under any so-called “synthetic lease” transaction entered into by such Person, or (c) any indebtedness, liability or obligation arising with respect to any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of or takes the place of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the balance sheet of such Person (other than operating leases).

 

Original Effective Date” means November 18, 2019.

 

Other Benchmark Rate Election” means, with respect to any Loan denominated in Dollars, if the then-current Benchmark is the LIBO Rate, the occurrence of:

 

(a)        a request by the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent to notify each of the other parties hereto that, at the determination of the Borrower, Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed), in lieu of a LIBOR-based rate, a term benchmark rate as a benchmark rate, and

 

(b) the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and the Borrower jointly elect to trigger a fallback from the LIBO Rate and the provision, as applicable, by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Borrower Representative and the Lenders.

 

Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Taxes (other than a connection arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to, or enforced, any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan, Letter of Credit, or any Loan Document).

 

Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.19).

 

Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means, for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight Term Benchmark borrowings denominated in Dollars by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions (as such composite rate shall be determined by the NYFRB as set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as an overnight bank funding rate.

 

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Overnight Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the NYFRB Rate and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in an Alternative Currency, an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

Paid in Full” or “Payment in Full” means, (i) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all outstanding Loans, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the accrued and unpaid fees, (iii) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all reimbursable expenses and other Secured Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations for which no claim has been made and other obligations expressly stated to survive such payment and termination of this Agreement), together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (iv) the termination of all Commitments, and (vi) the termination of the Swap Agreement Obligations and the Banking Services Obligations or entering into other arrangements satisfactory to the Secured Parties counterparties thereto.

 

Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.

 

Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

 

Participant Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

 

Participating Member State” means any member State of the European Communities that adopts or has adopted the euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Community relating to Economic and Monetary Union.

 

Payment Recipient” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.13(a).

 

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

 

Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition by any Loan Party in a transaction that satisfies each of the following requirements:

 

(a)            such Acquisition is not a hostile or contested acquisition;

 

(b)            the business acquired in connection with such Acquisition is (i) located in the U.S. (other than business and assets that, in the aggregate, contribute no more than 25% of the aggregate EBITDA (determined on a trailing 12 month basis)), (ii) organized under applicable U.S. and state laws, and (iii) not engaged, directly or indirectly, in any line of business other than the businesses in which the Loan Parties are engaged on the Restatement Date and any business activities that are substantially similar, related, or incidental thereto;

 

(c)            both before and after giving effect to such Acquisition and the Loans (if any) requested to be made in connection therewith, each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct (except (i) any such representation or warranty which relates to a specified prior date and (ii) to the extent the Lenders have been notified in writing by the Loan Parties that any representation or warranty is not correct and the Lenders have explicitly waived in writing compliance with such representation or warranty) and no Default exists, will exist, or would result therefrom;

 

(d)           as soon as available, but not less than thirty (30) days prior to such Acquisition, the Borrower Representative has provided the Administrative Agent (i) notice of such Acquisition and (ii) a copy of all business and financial information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent including pro forma financial statements, statements of cash flow, and Availability projections;

 

(e)                [reserved];

 

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(f)             [reserved];

 

(g)            [reserved];

 

(h)            if such Acquisition is an acquisition of Equity Interests, such Acquisition will not result in any violation of Regulation U;

 

(i)             if such Acquisition involves a merger or a consolidation involving any Borrower or any other Loan Party, such Borrower or such Loan Party, as applicable, shall be the surviving entity;

 

(j)             no Loan Party shall, as a result of or in connection with any such Acquisition, assume or incur any direct or contingent liabilities (whether relating to environmental, tax, litigation, or other matters) that could have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(k)             in connection with an Acquisition of the Equity Interests of any Person, all Liens on property of such Person shall be terminated unless the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in their sole discretion consent otherwise, and in connection with an Acquisition of the assets of any Person, all Liens on such assets shall be terminated;

 

(l)             the Borrower Representative shall certify to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (and provide the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with a pro forma calculation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) that, after giving effect to the completion of such Acquisition, the Total Leverage Ratio is less than the then applicable Total Leverage Ratio required pursuant to Section 6.12(a);

 

(m)           all actions required to be taken with respect to any newly acquired or formed wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Borrower or a Loan Party, as applicable, required under Section 5.14 shall have been taken; and

 

(n)            the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent the final executed material documentation relating to such Acquisition within 10 days following the consummation thereof.

 

Permitted Encumbrances” means:

 

(a)             Liens imposed by law for Taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

 

(b)            carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

 

(c)            pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

 

(d)            deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(e)             judgment Liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII; and

 

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(f)             easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of any Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness, except with respect to clause (e) above.

 

Permitted Holders” means (a) Polpat LLC, Mark J. Penn and AlpInvest, (b) Stagwell Media LP or Stagwell Parallel Partnership LP, (c) any successor entity of Stagwell Media LP or Stagwell Parallel Partnership LP owned or controlled solely by the same Persons that own or control Stagwell Media LP or Stagwell Parallel Partnership LP (as applicable) prior to any applicable acquisition or change in “beneficial ownership” (as defined in the definition of “Change in Control”), (d) with respect to any entity in the foregoing clauses (a) through (c), any Affiliate, general partner or limited partner of such entity as of immediately following the Restatement Date, (e) a trust established by or for the benefit of any individual in the foregoing clauses (a) through (d) or the sole individual direct or indirect owner of any such entities of which only such individual and his or her immediate family members are beneficiaries, (f) any Person established for the benefit of, and beneficially owned solely by, any entity in the foregoing clauses (a) through (d) or the sole individual direct or indirect owner of any such entities or (g) upon the death of any individual in the foregoing clauses (a) through (d) or the sole individual direct or indirect owner of any such entities, an executor, administrator or beneficiary of the estate of such deceased individual.

 

Permitted Investments” means:

 

(g)            direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(h)            investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, investment grade credit rating from S&P or from Moody’s;

 

(i)              investments in certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the U.S. or any state thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;

 

(j)              fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above; and

 

(k)            money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000.

 

Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

 

Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

 

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Plan Asset Regulations” means 29 CFR § 2510.3-101 et seq., as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA, as amended from time to time.

 

Pledge Agreements” means (i) that certain Pledge of Minority Interests in Targeted Victory, LLC, dated as of the Original Effective Date, between Phil A. Adams, III, and the Administrative Agent, (ii) that certain Pledge of Minority Interests in Targeted Victory, LLC, dated as of the Original Effective Date, between Ryan Meerstein, and the Administrative Agent, and (iii) that certain Pledge of Minority Interests in Targeted Victory, LLC, dated as of the Original Effective Date, between Zachary Moffatt, and the Administrative Agent.

 

Prime Rate” means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by the Administrative Agent). Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced or quoted as being effective.

 

Proceeding” means any claim, litigation, investigation, action, suit, arbitration or administrative, judicial or regulatory action or proceeding in any jurisdiction.

 

Projections” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(e).

 

PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.

 

PublicCo” means, Stagwell Inc.

 

PublicCo Expenses” means reasonable and customary fees, costs and expenses in connection with PublicCo’s activities and services as a holding company of the Company and its subsidiaries and/or as a public company in the ordinary course of business, including and without limitation:

 

(a) reasonable and customary fees, costs and expenses incurred by PublicCo in connection with the provision of management or administrative services to the Company and its subsidiaries of a type customarily provided by a holding company to its subsidiaries;

 

(b) fees, costs and expenses necessary to maintain PublicCo’s existence as a public company, including any listing fees, annual fees, registration fees and other expenses; and

 

(c) professional fees (including, without limitation, director, auditor and legal fees), executive compensation and employee benefits, and administration costs in the ordinary course of business as a holding company and/or as a public company.

 

Public-Sider” means a Lender whose representatives may trade in securities of the Company or its Controlling person or any of its Subsidiaries while in possession of the financial statements provided by the Company under the terms of this Agreement.

 

QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

 

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QFC Credit Support” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.

 

Qualified Cash” means (a) cash on deposit in deposit accounts of the Loan Parties maintained with Lenders hereunder or subject to control agreements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties (excluding (i) any deposits pledged to the Administrative Agent and held by the Administrative Agent with respect to which a Borrower is prohibited from using in any manner and (ii) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, government contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature permitted under Section 6.01(i) hereof) and (b) Cash Equivalents which are subject to control agreements in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties or otherwise subject to a perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

 

Qualified ECP Guarantor” means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each Loan Party that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant Loan Guaranty or grant of the relevant security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

Real Property” means all real property that was, is now or may hereafter be owned, occupied or otherwise controlled by any Loan Party pursuant to any contract of sale, lease or other conveyance of any legal interest in any real property to any Loan Party.

 

Recipient” means, as applicable, (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender or (c) any Issuing Bank, or any combination thereof (as the context requires).

 

Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is LIBO Rate, 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, (2) if such Benchmark is EURIBOR Rate, 11:00 a.m. Brussels time two TARGET Days preceding the date of such setting, (3) if the RFR for such Benchmark is SONIA, then five Business Days prior to such setting, or (4) if such Benchmark is none of the LIBO Rate, or the EURIBOR Rate, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

Refinance Indebtedness” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(g).

 

Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

 

Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

 

Regulation T” means Regulation T of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

 

Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

 

Regulation X” means Regulation X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

 

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Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, partners, members, trustees, employees, agents, administrators, managers, representatives and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

 

Release” means any releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, migrating, disposing, or dumping of any substance into the environment.

 

Relevant Governmental Body” means (i) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Dollars, the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB or, in each case, any successor thereto, (ii) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Sterling, the Bank of England, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Bank of England or, in each case, any successor thereto, and (iii) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Euro, the European Central Bank, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the European Central Bank or, in each case, any successor thereto.

 

Relevant Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the LIBO Rate, (ii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euro, the EURIBOR Rate or (iii) with respect to any Borrowing denominated in Sterling, the applicable Daily Simple RFR, as applicable.

 

Relevant Screen Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the LIBO Screen Rate, and (ii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euro, the EURIBOR Screen Rate, as applicable.

 

Report” means reports prepared by the Administrative Agent or another Person showing the results of appraisals, field examinations or audits pertaining to the assets of the Loan Parties from information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrowers, after the Administrative Agent has exercised its rights of inspection pursuant to this Agreement, which Reports may be distributed to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent.

 

Reportable Compliance Event” means that any Covered Entity becomes a Sanctioned Person, or is charged by indictment, criminal complaint or similar charging instrument, arraigned, or custodially detained in connection with any Anti-Terrorism Law or any predicate crime to any Anti-Terrorism Law, or has knowledge of facts or circumstances to the effect that it is reasonably likely that any aspect of its operations is in actual or probable violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

Reputation Defender” means RepDef Holdings LLC.

 

Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders (other than Defaulting Lenders) having Credit Exposure and unused Commitments representing at least 50.1% of the sum of the Aggregate Credit Exposure and unused Commitments at such time.

 

Requirement of Law” means, with respect to any Person, (a) the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person and (b) any statute, law (including common law), treaty, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, order, decree, writ, judgment, injunction or determination of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority (including Environmental Laws), in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

 

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Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.

 

Responsible Officer” means the president, Financial Officer of a Borrower.

 

Restatement Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

 

Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interest in any Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests. For avoidance of doubt, neither of (a) the purchase of the Equity Interests of the target of a Permitted Acquisition by any Loan Party, nor (b) the payment by the Company to PublicCo of PublicCo Expenses, shall be a Restricted Payment.

 

Reuters” means, as applicable, Thomson Reuters Corp, Refinitiv, or any successor thereto.

 

Revaluation Date” means, (a) with respect to any Loan denominated in any Alternative Currency, each of the following: (i) the date of the Borrowing of such Loan and (ii) each date of a conversion into or continuation of such Loan pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; (b) with respect to any Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative Currency, each of the following: (i) the date on which such Letter of Credit is issued, (ii) the first Business Day of each calendar month and (iii) the date of any amendment of such Letter of Credit that has the effect of increasing the face amount thereof; and (c) any additional date as the Administrative Agent may determine at any time when an Event of Default exists.

 

Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate permitted amount of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be reduced from time to time pursuant to (a) Section 2.09 and (b) assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments is $500,000,000.

 

Revolving Credit Maturity Date” means August 3, 2026 (if the same is a Business Day, or if not then the immediately next succeeding Business Day), or any earlier date on which the Revolving Commitments are reduced to zero or otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms hereof; provided, however, if the MDC Notes are not refinanced, or the MDC Notes Documents are not otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms thereof, before the date that is 91 days prior to the MDC Notes Maturity Date, the Revolving Credit Maturity Date shall mean the date that is 91 days prior to the MDC Notes Maturity Date.

 

Revolving Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender, at any time, the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans and its LC Exposure and Swingline Exposure at such time.

 

Revolving Lender” means, as of any date of determination, a Lender with a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Exposure.

 

Revolving Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01.

 

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“RFR” means, for any RFR Loan denominated in Sterling, SONIA.

 

RFR Administrator” means the SONIA Administrator.

 

RFR Borrowing” means, as to any Borrowing, the RFR Loans comprising such Borrowing.

 

RFR Business Day” means, for any Loan denominated in Sterling, any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which banks are closed for general business in London.

 

RFR Interest Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Daily Simple RFR”.

 

RFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on Daily Simple RFR.

 

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business.

 

Sale and Leaseback Transaction” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.06.

 

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).

 

Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by OFAC, the U.S. Department of State or by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country, (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b), or (d) any Person otherwise the subject of any Sanctions.

 

Sanctions” means all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority.

 

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the U.S.

 

Second Amendment” means the Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of the Second Amendment Effective Date, among the Loan Parties thereto, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent.

 

Second Amendment Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the Second Amendment.

 

Secured Obligations” means all Obligations, together with all (i) Banking Services Obligations and (ii) Swap Agreement Obligations owing to one or more Lenders or their respective Affiliates; provided, however, that the definition of “Secured Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Guarantor.

 

Secured Parties” means (a) the Lenders, (b) the Administrative Agent, (c) each Issuing Bank, (d) each provider of Banking Services, to the extent the Banking Services Obligations in respect thereof constitute Secured Obligations, (e) each counterparty to any Swap Agreement, to the extent the obligations thereunder constitute Secured Obligations, (f) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document, and (g) the successors and assigns of each of the foregoing.

 

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Security Agreement” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement (including any and all supplements thereto), dated as of the date hereof, among the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, and any other pledge or security agreement entered into, after the date of this Agreement by any other Loan Party (as required by this Agreement or any other Loan Document) or any other Person for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

SOFR Administrator” means the NYFRB (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).

 

SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the NYFRB’s website, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.

 

SONIA” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the Sterling Overnight Index Average for such Business Day published by the SONIA Administrator on the SONIA Administrator’s Website on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

SONIA Administrator” means the Bank of England (or any successor administrator of the Sterling Overnight Index Average).

 

SONIA Administrator’s Website” means the Bank of England’s website, currently at http://www.bankofengland.co.uk, or any successor source for the Sterling Overnight Index Average identified as such by the SONIA Administrator from time to time.

 

Spot Rate” for a currency means the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate quoted by the Administrative Agent as the spot rate for the purchase by the Administrative Agent of such currency with another currency through its principal foreign exchange trading office; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may use any other reasonable method it deems applicable to determine such rate, and any such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

Statements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.18(g).

 

Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentage (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Federal Reserve Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, as applicable, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities” in Regulation D) or any other reserve ratio or analogous requirement of any central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Commitments or the funding of the Loans. Such reserve percentage shall include those imposed pursuant to Regulation D. Term Benchmark Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the Restatement Date of any change in any reserve percentage.

 

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Sterling” or “£” means lawful currency of the United Kingdom.

 

Sterling LC Disbursement” means a payment made by the Issuing Bank pursuant to a Sterling Letter of Credit.

 

Sterling LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Sterling Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all Sterling LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of a Borrower at such time.

 

Sterling Letter of Credit” means Letters of Credit to be issued by the Issuing Bank in Sterling on behalf of a Borrower.

 

Sterling Loans” means Revolving Loans made to a Borrower denominated in Sterling.

 

Sterling Sublimit” means the Dollar Equivalent Amount of $50,000,000.

 

Sterling Outstandings” means, at any time, the aggregate Dollar Equivalent Amount of all Sterling Loans outstanding at such time.

 

subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity, the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

 

Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect subsidiary of a Borrower or a Loan Party, as applicable.

 

Supply Chain Financing” means supply chain finance including, without limitation, trade payable services and supplier accounts receivable purchases, but excluding any factoring arrangements, between the Loan Parties, Citibank, N.A. and its branches, subsidiaries, and Affiliates, and The Proctor & Gamble Company.

 

Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.

 

Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, spot, future, credit default or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

 

Swap Agreement Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any Swap Agreement permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, and (b) any cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender and (c) the Swap Agreements set forth on Schedule 1.01 as of the Restatement Date.

 

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Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Swingline Commitment” means the amount set forth opposite Chase’s name on the Commitment Schedule as Swingline Commitment. The initial aggregate amount of the Swingline Commitments is $50,000,000.

 

Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be the sum of (a) its Applicable Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time other than with respect to any Swingline Loans made by such Revolving Lender in its capacity as the Swingline Lender and (b) the principal amount of all Swingline Loans made by such Revolving Lender in its capacity as the Swingline Lender outstanding at such time (less the amount of participations funded by the other Lenders in such Swingline Loans).

 

Swingline Lender” means Chase, in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder. Any consent required of the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to be required of the Swingline Lender and any consent given by Chase in its capacity as Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank shall be deemed given by Chase in its capacity as Swingline Lender as well.

 

Swingline Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.05.

 

TARGET Day” means any day on which TARGET2 (or, if such payment system ceases to be operative, such other payment system, if any, reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent to be a suitable replacement) is open for the settlement of payments in Euro.

 

TARGET2” means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer payment system which utilizes a single shared platform and which was launched on November 19, 2007.

 

Tax Distribution” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 6.08(c).

 

Tax Distribution Date” means any date that is two Business Days prior to the date on which estimated federal income tax payments are required to be made by calendar year corporate taxpayers and the due date for federal income tax returns of corporate calendar year taxpayers (without regard to extensions).

 

Tax Receivable Agreement” means that certain income tax receivable agreement dated as of [•], as in effect as of the date hereof, pursuant to which certain members or former members of the Company are entitled to receive from the direct or indirect parent of the Company 85% of the tax savings realized by such parent resulting from taxable exchanges of equity interests in the Company by such member or former member for shares of such parent and related tax basis adjustments.

 

Taxes” means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), value added taxes, or any other goods and services, use or sales taxes, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

 

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Term Benchmark” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate.

 

Term Loan Agent” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and any successor administrative agent under the Term Loan Credit Agreement.

 

Term Loan Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement dated as of the Second Amendment Effective Date by and among the Company, the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Term Loan Lenders, and the Term Loan Agent, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, refinanced, replaced or otherwise modified in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Term Loan Documents” means, collectively, the Term Loan Credit Agreement and each other “Loan Document” as defined therein.

 

Term Loan Lenders” means each of the lenders from time to time a party under the Term Loan Credit Agreement.

 

Term Loan Obligations” means the Indebtedness outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the amount thereof permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor as of the applicable Reference Time, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

 

Term SOFR Notice” means a notification by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative of the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event.

 

Term SOFR Transition Event” means the determination by the Administrative Agent that (a) Term SOFR has been recommended for use by the Relevant Governmental Body, (b) the administration of Term SOFR is administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent and (c) a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable (and, for the avoidance of doubt, not in the case of an Other Benchmark Rate Election), has previously occurred resulting in a Benchmark Replacement in accordance with Section 2.14 that is not Term SOFR.

 

Total Indebtedness” means, at any date, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness determined for the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at such date, in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Total Leverage Ratio” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) (i) Total Indebtedness (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any accrued contingent payment with respect to Earn-outs to the extent not Liquidated and Letters of Credit issued but not drawn or any Disqualified Equity Interests to the extent any payments owed with respect to such Disqualified Equity Interests continue to be paid in kind) on such date minus (ii) the lesser of (x) the sum of (A) 100% of the amount of unrestricted cash held by any Borrower in deposit accounts in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, or Canada, plus (B) 30% of the amount of unrestricted cash held by the Borrowers in deposit accounts in other locations (excluding China) not to exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate (provided that not more than $3,000,000 of unrestricted cash held in accounts in India may be included), and (y) $150,000,000 to (b) EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such date (except with respect to the Total Leverage Ratio to be determined as of the Effective Date, in which case for the twelve-month period ended on or most recently prior to the Effective Date); provided that, when calculating the Total Leverage Ratio to determine compliance with Section 6.12(a), to the extent any Borrower or any Subsidiary makes any acquisition or investment permitted pursuant to Section 6.04 or disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business that is permitted by Section 6.05 during the period of four fiscal quarters of the Company most recently ended, the Total Leverage Ratio shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including pro forma adjustments arising out of events which are directly attributable to the acquisition or investment or the disposition of assets, are factually supportable and are expected to have a continuing impact, in each case as determined on a basis consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as interpreted by the SEC, and as certified by a Financial Officer of the Company), as if such acquisition, investment or disposition (and any related incurrence, repayment or assumption of Indebtedness) had occurred in the first day of such four quarter period.

 

Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrowers of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions hereunder, the use of the proceeds thereof, the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder, and the consummation of the Business Combination prior to or substantially concurrent with the Restatement Date.

 

Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, the Alternate Base Rate or the Daily Simple RFR.

 

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or in any other state, the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.

 

UK Financial Institutions” means any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person falling within IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.

 

UK Resolution Authority” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.

 

Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

 

Unliquidated Obligations” means, at any time, any Secured Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Secured Obligation that is: (i) an obligation to reimburse a bank for drawings not yet made under a letter of credit issued by it; (ii) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (iii) an obligation to provide collateral to secure any of the foregoing types of obligations.

 

U.S.” means the United States of America.

 

U.S. Letter of Credit” means a Letter of Credit to be issued by U.S. Issuing Bank on behalf of a Borrower.

 

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U.S. LC Disbursement” means a payment made by the U.S. Issuing Bank pursuant to a U.S. Letter of Credit.

 

U.S. LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn Dollar Equivalent Amount of all outstanding U.S. Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate Dollar Equivalent Amount of all U.S. LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the applicable Borrower at such time.

 

U.S. Loans” means Revolving Loans made to a Borrower denominated in dollars.

 

U.S. Outstandings” means, at any time, the aggregate Dollar Equivalent Amount of all U.S. Loans outstanding at such time plus the aggregate amount of all U.S. LC Exposure and Swingline Exposure at such time.

 

U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21.

 

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(B)(3).

 

USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.

 

Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

 

Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule., and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.

 

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans and Borrowings may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Loan” or an “RFR Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Loan” or an “RFR Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Borrowing” or an “RFR Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing” or an “RFR Revolving Borrowing”).

 

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SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply) and all judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Authorities. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignments set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (f) any reference in any definition to the phrase “at any time” or “for any period” shall refer to the same time or period for all calculations or determinations within such definition, and (g) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP.

 

(a)                Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if after the date hereof there occurs any change in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of any provision hereof and the Borrower Representative notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrowers request an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of such change in GAAP or in the application thereof (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower Representative that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Company or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 or 2015-03 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.

 

(b)                Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 1.04(a) or in the definition of “Capital Lease Obligations,” any change in accounting for leases pursuant to GAAP resulting from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“FAS 842”), to the extent such adoption would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) as a capital lease where such lease (or similar arrangement) would not have been required to be so treated under GAAP as in effect on December 31, 2015, such lease shall not be considered a capital lease, and all calculations and deliverables under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made or delivered, as applicable, in accordance therewith.

 

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(c)                The Administrative Agent or other applicable Agents shall determine the Spot Rate as of each Revaluation Date to be used for calculating Dollar Equivalent Amounts of Obligations denominated in Euro or Sterling. Such Spot Rate shall become effective as of such Revaluation Date and shall be the Spot Rate employed in converting any amounts between the applicable currencies until the next Revaluation Date to occur. Except for purposes of financial statements delivered by the Borrower Representative hereunder, the applicable amount of any currency for purposes of the Loan Documents shall be such Dollar Equivalent Amount as so determined by the Administrative Agent or other applicable Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

SECTION 1.05. Pro Forma Adjustments for Acquisitions and Dispositions. To the extent any Borrower or any Subsidiary makes any acquisition or investment permitted pursuant to Section 6.04, or disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business permitted by Section 6.05 during the period of four fiscal quarters of the Company most recently ended, the Total Leverage Ratio shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including pro forma adjustments arising out of events which are directly attributable to the, as applicable, investment, acquisition or the disposition of assets, are factually supportable and are expected to have a continuing impact, in each case as determined on a basis consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as interpreted by the SEC, and as certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower), as if such investment, acquisition or disposition (and any related incurrence, repayment or assumption of Indebtedness) had occurred in the first day of such four-quarter period.

 

SECTION 1.06. Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by any Loan Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).

 

SECTION 1.07.Interest Rates; LIBOR Notification. The interest rate on a Loan denominated in dollars or an Alternative Currency may be derived from an interest rate benchmark that is, or may in the future become, the subject of regulatory reform. Regulators have signaled the need to use alternative benchmark reference rates for some of these interest rate benchmarks and, as a result, such interest rate benchmarks may cease to comply with applicable laws and regulations, may be permanently discontinued, and/or the basis on which they are calculated may change. The London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. On March 5, 2021, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) publicly announced that: (i) immediately after December 31, 2021, publication of all seven euro LIBOR settings, all seven Swiss Franc LIBOR settings, the spot next, 1-week, 2-month and 12-month Japanese Yen LIBOR settings, the overnight, 1-week, 2-month and 12-month British Sterling Sterling LIBOR settings, and the 1-week and 2-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will permanently cease; immediately after June 30, 2023, publication of the overnight and 12-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will permanently cease; immediately after December 31, 2021, the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month Japanese Yen LIBOR settings and the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month British Sterling Sterling LIBOR settings will cease to be provided or, subject to consultation by the FCA, be provided on a changed methodology (or “synthetic”) basis and no longer be representative of the underlying market and economic reality they are intended to measure and that representativeness will not be restored; and (ii) immediately after June 30, 2023, the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will cease to be provided or, subject to the FCA’s consideration of the case, be provided on a synthetic basis and no longer be representative of the underlying market and economic reality they are intended to measure and that representativeness will not be restored. There is no assurance that dates announced by the FCA will not change or that the administrator of LIBOR and/or regulators will not take further action that could impact the availability, composition, or characteristics of LIBOR or the currencies and/or tenors for which LIBOR is published. Each party to this agreement should consult its own advisors to stay informed of any such developments. Public and private sector industry initiatives are currently underway to identify new or alternative reference rates to be used in place of LIBOR. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, Section 2.14(b) and (c) provide a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower, pursuant to Section 2.14(e), of any change to the reference rate upon which the interest rate on Term Benchmark Loans is based. However, the Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission, performance or any other matter related to the Daily Simple RFR, LIBOR or other rates in the definition of “LIBO Rate” (or “EURIBOR Rate”, as applicable) or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof (including, without limitation, (1) any such alternative, successor or replacement rate implemented pursuant to Section 2.14(b) or (c), whether upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, and (2) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes pursuant to Section 2.14(d)), including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the Daily Simple RFR, the LIBO Rate (or the EURIBOR Rate, as applicable) or have the same volume or liquidity as did the London interbank offered rate (or the euro interbank offered rate, as applicable) prior to its discontinuance or unavailability. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates and/or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of any Daily Simple RFR, any alternative, successor or alternative rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) and/or any relevant adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any RFR, Daily Simple RFR or the Term Benchmark Rate, any component thereof, or rates referenced in the definition thereof, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.

 

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SECTION 1.08. Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any Division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized and acquired on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.

 

ARTICLE II

 

The Credits

 

SECTION 2.01. Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to make U.S. Loans, Euro Loans and Sterling Loans to the Borrowers, in each case, from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result (after giving effect to any application of proceeds of such Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.10(a)) in any of the following:

 

(a)                such Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment;

 

(b)                the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments;

 

(c)                the sum of (x) the Foreign Outstandings plus (y) the Sterling LC Exposure plus (z) the Euro LC Exposure at any time exceeding the Foreign Currency Sublimit;

 

(d)                the sum of (x) Sterling Outstandings plus (y) the Sterling LC Exposure at any time exceeding the Sterling Sublimit; or

 

(e)                the sum of (x) the Euro Outstandings plus (y) the Euro LC Exposure at any time exceeding the Euro Sublimit.

 

Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrowers may borrow, prepay and re-borrow Revolving Loans.

 

SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings.

 

(a)                Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required. Any Swingline Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.05.

 

(b)                Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised (a) in the case of Borrowings in Dollars, entirely of ABR Loans or Term Benchmark Loans and (b) in the case of Borrowings in any other Agreed Currency, entirely of Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans, as applicable, in each case of the same Agreed Currency, as the Borrower Representative may request in accordance herewith. Each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan. Each Lender at its option may make any Term Benchmark Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(c)                At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Term Benchmark Borrowing and/or payment period for each RFR Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of the Dollar Equivalent of $500,000 and not less than the Dollar Equivalent of $1,000,000. At the time that each ABR Borrowing denominated in dollars is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of the Dollar Equivalent of $50,000 and not less than the Dollar Equivalent of $100,000; provided that an ABR Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Revolving Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e). Each Swingline Loan shall be denominated in Dollars in an amount that is an integral multiple of $50,000 and not less than $100,000. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of five Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowings or RFR Borrowings outstanding.

 

(d)                At the commencement of each Interest Period (i) for any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Sterling, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount not less than £100,000, and (ii) for any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euro, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount not less than €100,000.

 

(e)                Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrowers shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering a Borrowing Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative or by telephone or through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, (a)(i) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York, New York time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing, other than any Borrowing Request for initial Drawdown, which shall be no later than 11:00 am on the day of the proposed Borrowing, (ii) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Euro, not later than 12:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing other than any Borrowing Request for initial Drawdown, which shall be no later than 11:00 am on the day of the proposed Borrowing, (iii) in the case of a RFR Borrowing denominated in Sterling, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, five Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing other than any Borrowing Request for initial Drawdown, which shall be no later than 11:00 am on the day of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Revolving Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York, New York time, one Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing other than any Borrowing Request for initial Drawdown, which shall be no later than 11:00 am on the day of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an ABR Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e) may be given not later than 10:00 a.m., New York, New York time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery, fax or a communication through Electronic System to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower Representative. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

 

(i)                 the Agreed Currency and aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing, and a breakdown of the separate wires comprising such Borrowing;

 

(ii)               the name of the applicable Borrower(s);

 

(iii)             the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iv)              whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, a Term Benchmark Borrowing or a RFR Borrowing; and

 

(v)                in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period.”

 

Any Borrowing Request that shall fail to specify any of the information required by the preceding provisions of this paragraph may be rejected by any Agent if such failure is not corrected promptly after such Agent shall give written or telephonic notice thereof to the Borrower Representative and, if so rejected, will be of no force or effect; provided, that if no election as to the currency of a Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be made in Dollars; if no election as to the type of a Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing made in Dollars; and no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Borrowing, then the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

 

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SECTION 2.04. [Section Intentionally Omitted].

 

SECTION 2.05. Swingline Loans.

 

(a)                Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, from time to time during the Availability Period, the Swingline Lender may agree, but shall have no obligation, to make Swingline Loans to the Borrowers, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding the Swingline Lender’s Swingline Commitment, (ii) the Swingline Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding its Revolving Commitment, or (iii) the Aggregate Revolving Exposures exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments; provided that the Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrowers may borrow, prepay and re-borrow Swingline Loans. To request a Swingline Loan, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (confirmed by fax) or through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, not later than noon, New York, New York time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of the requested Swingline Loan. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the Swingline Lender of any such notice received from the Borrower Representative. The Swingline Lender shall make each Swingline Loan available to the Borrowers, to the extent the Swingline Lender elects to make such Swingline Loan by means of a credit to the Funding Account(s) (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e), by remittance to the Issuing Bank, and in the case of repayment of another Loan or fees or expenses as provided by Section 2.18(c), by remittance to the Administrative Agent to be distributed to the Lenders) by 2:00 p.m., New York, New York time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.

 

(b)                The Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent require the Revolving Lenders to acquire participations on such Business Day in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which the Revolving Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Revolving Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, promptly upon receipt of such notice from the Administrative Agent (and in any event, if such notice is received by 2:00 p.m., New York, New York time, on a Business Day no later than 4:00 p.m., New York, New York time on such Business Day and if received after 2:00 p.m., New York, New York time, “on a Business Day” shall mean no later than 9:00 a.m. New York, New York time on the immediately succeeding Business Day), to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Revolving Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Revolving Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower Representative of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the Swingline Lender from the Borrowers (or other party on behalf of the Borrowers) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Revolving Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Borrowers for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Borrowers of any default in the payment thereof.

 

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SECTION 2.06. Letters of Credit.

 

(a)                General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower Representative, on behalf of a Borrower, may request the issuance of Letters of Credit denominated in dollars, Euro, or Sterling, as the Borrower Representative may elect, subject to the Foreign Currency Sublimit, as the applicant thereof for the support of the obligations of any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period and the applicable Issuing Bank may agree, but shall have no obligation to issue such Letter of Credit. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by the Borrower Representative to, or entered into by the Borrower Representative with, the Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. The Borrower Representative unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that, in connection with any Letter of Credit issued for the support of any Borrower or any Subsidiary’s obligations as provided in the first sentence of this paragraph, the Borrower Representative will be fully responsible for the reimbursement of LC Disbursements in accordance with the terms hereof, the payment of interest thereon and the payment of fees due under Section 2.12(b) to the same extent as if it were the sole account party in respect of such Letter of Credit (the Borrower Representative hereby irrevocably waiving any defenses that might otherwise be available to it as a guarantor or surety of the obligations of such Borrower or such Subsidiary that is an account party in respect of any such Letter of Credit). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Issuing Bank shall have no obligation hereunder to issue, and shall not issue, any Letter of Credit (i) the proceeds of which would be made available to any Person (A) to fund any activity or business of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of any Sanctions or (B) in any manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions by any party to this Agreement, (ii) if any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Requirement of Law relating to the Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the Issuing Bank shall prohibit, or request that the Issuing Bank refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Restatement Date, or shall impose upon the Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Restatement Date and which the Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it, or (iii) if the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed not to be in effect on the Restatement Date for purposes of clause (ii) above, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented. No Issuing Bank shall amend any Letter of Credit if the Issuing Bank would not be permitted to issue a Letter of Credit in its amended form.

 

(b)                Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower Representative shall hand deliver or fax (or transmit through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Issuing Bank) to the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, but in any event no less than three Business Days) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount and denomination of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof, and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. If requested by the Issuing Bank, the applicable Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on the Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrowers shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (i) (x) the LC Exposure shall not exceed the Dollar Equivalent Amount of $50,000,000 and (y) the sum of the Sterling LC Exposure and the Euro LC Exposure shall not exceed the Foreign LC Sublimit, (ii) no Revolving Lender’s Revolving Exposure shall exceed its Revolving Commitment and (iii) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained herein, no Issuing Bank shall be obligated to issue or modify any Letter of Credit if, immediately after giving effect thereto, the outstanding LC Exposure in respect of all Letters of Credit issued by such Person and its Affiliates would exceed such Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit. Without limiting the foregoing and without affecting the limitations contained herein, it is understood and agreed that the Borrower Representative may from time to time request that an Issuing Bank issue Letters of Credit in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit in effect at the time of such request, and each Issuing Bank agrees to consider any such request in good faith. Any Letter of Credit so issued by an Issuing Bank in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit then in effect shall nonetheless constitute a Letter of Credit for all purposes of the Credit Agreement, and shall not affect the Issuing Bank Sublimit of any other Issuing Bank, subject to the limitations on the aggregate LC Exposure set forth in clause (i) of this Section 2.06(b).

 

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(c)                Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire (or be subject to termination or non-renewal by notice from the Issuing Bank to the beneficiary thereof) at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, including, without limitation, any automatic renewal provision, one year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

(d)                Participations. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Bank or the Revolving Lenders, the Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from the Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement in the Dollar Equivalent Amount of such LC Disbursement made by the Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrowers on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrowers for any reason. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.

 

(e)                Reimbursement. If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent, in dollars, an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent Amount of such LC Disbursement not later than 11:00 a.m., New York, New York time, on (i) the Business Day that the Borrower Representative receives notice of such LC Disbursement, if such notice is received prior to 9:00 a.m., New York, New York time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower Representative receives such notice, if such notice is received after 9:00 a.m., New York, New York time, on the day of receipt; provided that the Borrowers may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 or 2.05 that such payment be financed with an ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrowers’ obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan. If the Borrowers fail to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrowers in respect thereof, and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent in dollars its Applicable Percentage of the Dollar Equivalent Amount of the payment then due from the Borrowers, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrowers pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and the Issuing Bank, as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.

 

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(f)                 Obligations Absolute. The Borrowers’ joint and several obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein or herein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) any payment by the Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder. None of the Administrative Agent, the Revolving Lenders or the Issuing Bank, or any of their respective Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit, or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms, any error in translation or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrowers to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by any Borrower that are caused by the Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.

 

(g)                Disbursement Procedures. The Issuing Bank for any Letter of Credit shall, within the time allowed by applicable law or the specific terms of the Letter of Credit following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under such Letter of Credit. Such Issuing Bank shall promptly after such examination notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative by telephone (confirmed by fax or through Electronic Systems) of such demand for payment if such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

 

(h)                Interim Interest. If the Issuing Bank for any Letters of Credit shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrowers reimburse such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans and such interest shall be due and payable on the date when such reimbursement is due; provided that, if the Borrowers fail to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.13(c) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse the Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

 

(i)                 Replacement and Resignation of the Issuing Bank.

 

(i)                 The Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Lenders of any such replacement of the Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrowers shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit then outstanding and issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit or extend or otherwise amend any existing Letter of Credit.

 

(ii)               Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank may resign as an Issuing Bank at any time upon thirty days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower Representative and the Lenders, in which case, such resigning Issuing Bank shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.06(i)(i) above.

 

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(j)                 Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrower Representative receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50.1% of the aggregate LC Exposure) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrowers shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Revolving Lenders (the “LC Collateral Account”), an amount in cash equal to 105% of the Dollar Equivalent Amount of the amount of the LC Exposure as of such date plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to any Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of Article VII. The Borrowers also shall deposit cash collateral in accordance with this paragraph as and to the extent required by Sections 2.11(b) or 2.20. Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over the LC Collateral Account and the Borrowers hereby grant the Administrative Agent a security interest in the LC Collateral Account and all moneys or other assets on deposit therein or credited thereto. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrowers’ risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrowers for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50.1% of the aggregate LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Secured Obligations. If the Borrowers are required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrowers within three (3) Business Days after all such Events of Default have been cured or waived as confirmed in writing by the Administrative Agent.

 

(k)                Issuing Bank Reports to the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section, report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) periodic activity (for such period or recurrent periods as shall be requested by the Administrative Agent) in respect of Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, including all issuances, extensions, amendments and renewals, all expirations and cancelations and all disbursements and reimbursements, (ii) reasonably prior to the time that such Issuing Bank issues, amends, renews or extends any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, and the stated amount of the Letters of Credit issued, amended, renewed or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such Issuing Bank makes any LC Disbursement, the date and amount of such LC Disbursement, (iv) on any Business Day on which a Borrower fails to reimburse an LC Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such Issuing Bank on such day, the date of such failure and the amount of such LC Disbursement, and (v) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank.

 

(l)                 LC Exposure Determination. For all purposes of this Agreement, the amount of a Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at the time of determination.

 

(m)              Existing Letters of Credit. The Borrowers and the Lenders hereby acknowledge and agree that each of the Existing Letters of Credit shall constitute a Letter of Credit under this Agreement on and after the Restatement Date with the same effect as if such Existing Letter of Credit were issued by the Issuing Bank at the request of the Borrowers on the Restatement Date.

 

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SECTION 2.07. Funding of Borrowings.

 

(a)                Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by such Lender hereunder on the proposed date thereof in the currency specified in the Borrowing Request with respect to such Loan solely by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 2:00 p.m., New York, New York time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage; provided Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower Representative by promptly crediting the funds so received in the aforesaid account of the Administrative Agent to the Funding Account(s); provided that ABR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank.

 

(b)                Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the applicable Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrowers each severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the applicable Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrowers, the interest rate applicable to ABR Revolving Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing; provided, that any interest received from the Borrowers by the Administrative Agent during the period beginning when Administrative Agent funded the Borrowing until such Lender pays such amount shall be solely for the account of the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 2.08. Interest Elections.

 

(a)                Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type and Agreed Currency specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower Representative may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Borrower Representative may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.

 

(b)                To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone or through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrowers were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery, Electronic System or fax to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower Representative.

 

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(c)                Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request (including requests submitted through Electronic System) shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

 

(i)                the name of the applicable Borrower and the Agreed Currency and principal amount of the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

 

(ii)               the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iii)             whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, a Term Benchmark Borrowing or a RFR Borrowing; and

 

(iv)             if the resulting Borrowing is a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.

 

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrowers shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

(d)                Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the applicable Class of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

 

(e)                If the Borrower Representative fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing in Dollars prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of such Interest Period. If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely and complete Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing in an Alternative Currency prior to the end of the Interest Period therefor, then, unless such Term Benchmark Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected that such Term Benchmark Borrowing shall automatically be continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing in its original Agreed Currency with an Interest Period of one month at the end of such Interest Period. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (1) no outstanding Revolving Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing and (2) unless repaid, (x) each Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing denominated in Dollars shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto and (y) each Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in an Alternative Currency shall bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars shall either be (a) converted to an ABR Borrowing denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of such Alternative Currency) at the end of the Interest Period, as applicable, therefor or (b) prepaid at the end of the applicable Interest Period, as applicable, in full; provided that if no election is made by the Borrower by the earlier of (x) the date that is three Business Days after receipt by the Borrower of such notice and (y) the last day of the current Interest Period for the applicable Term Benchmark Loan, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected clause (A) above.

 

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SECTION 2.09. Termination and Reduction of Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments.

 

(a)                Unless previously terminated, all the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

(b)                The Borrowers may at any time terminate the Revolving Commitments upon (i) the payment in full of all outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Disbursements, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) the cancellation and return of all outstanding Letters of Credit (or alternatively, with respect to each such Letter of Credit, the furnishing to the Administrative Agent of a cash deposit (or at the discretion of the Borrowers a backup standby letter of credit satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank) in an amount equal to 105% of the LC Exposure as of such date), (iii) the payment in full of the accrued and unpaid fees and (iv) the payment in full of all reimbursable expenses and other Obligations together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

 

(c)                The Borrowers may from time to time reduce the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000 and (ii) the Borrowers shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, the Aggregate Revolving Exposure would exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments.

 

(d)                The Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments under paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower Representative pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments delivered by the Borrower Representative may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower Representative (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any partial reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall result in a pro rata reduction of the Foreign Sublimit, the Euro Sublimit and the Sterling Sublimit, in each case, as determined by the Administrative Agent and notified to the Borrower Representative, and any such determination by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive. Any termination or reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitments.

 

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(e)                The Borrowers shall have the right to increase the Revolving Commitments by obtaining additional Revolving Commitments, either from one or more of the Lenders or another lending institution; provided that (i) after giving effect thereto, the sum of the total of the additional Revolving Commitments does not exceed $150,000,000, (ii) the Administrative Agent has approved the identity of any such new Lender, such approvals not to be unreasonably withheld, (iii) any such new Lender assumes all of the rights and obligations of a “Lender” hereunder, (iv) the procedures described in Section 2.09(f) have been satisfied, (v) the additional Revolving Commitments shall have a maturity date on the Revolving Maturity Date, and (vi) the interest rate margins for any additional Revolving Commitments shall be the same as the interest rate margins for the Revolving Commitments as set forth on the Restatement Date. Nothing contained in this Section 2.09 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to increase any Commitment hereunder at any time.

 

(f)                 Any amendment hereto for such an increase or addition shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and shall only require the written signatures of the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers and each Lender being added or increasing its Revolving Commitment. As a condition precedent to such an increase or addition, the Borrower Representative shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (i) a certificate of each Loan Party signed by an Authorized Officer of such Loan Party (A) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (B) in the case of the Borrowers, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase or addition, (1) the representations and warranties contained in Article III and the other Loan Documents are true and correct (or, in the case of any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language, in all respects after giving effect to such qualification), except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date (or in all respects after giving effect to any materiality qualifier, as applicable) as of the respective date or for the respective period, as the case may be and (2) no Event of Default exists, and (ii) legal opinions and documents consistent with those delivered on the Restatement Date, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent.

 

(g)                On the effective date of any such increase or addition, (i) any Lender increasing (or, in the case of any newly added Lender, extending) its Revolving Commitment shall make available to the Administrative Agent or other applicable Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as such Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such increase or addition and the use of such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding Revolving Loans of all the Lenders to equal its revised Applicable Percentage of such outstanding Revolving Loans, and the Administrative Agent shall make such other adjustments among the Lenders with respect to the Revolving Loans then outstanding and amounts of principal, interest, Commitment Fees and other amounts paid or payable with respect thereto as shall be necessary, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, in order to effect such reallocation and (ii) the Borrowers shall be deemed to have repaid and re-borrowed all outstanding Revolving Loans as of the date of any increase (or addition) in the Revolving Commitments (with such re-borrowing to consist of the Types of Revolving Loans, with related Interest Periods if applicable, specified in a notice delivered by the Borrower Representative, in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.03). The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, in respect of each Term Benchmark Loan, shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 if the deemed payment occurs other than on the last day of the related Interest Periods. Within a reasonable time after the effective date of any increase or addition, the Administrative Agent shall, and is hereby authorized and directed to, revise the Commitment Schedule to reflect such increase or addition and shall distribute such revised Commitment Schedule to each of the Lenders and the Borrower Representative, whereupon such revised Commitment Schedule shall replace the old Commitment Schedule and become part of this Agreement.

 

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This Section 2.09 shall supersede any provisions in Section 9.02 or 9.04 to the contrary

 

SECTION 2.10. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt.

 

(a)                The Borrowers hereby unconditionally promise to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, and (ii) to the Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earlier of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and the fifth Business Day after such Swingline Loan is made; provided that on each date that a Revolving Loan is made, the Borrowers shall repay all Swingline Loans then outstanding and the proceeds of any such Revolving Loan shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to repay any Swingline Loans outstanding.

 

(b)                Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the Indebtedness of the Borrowers to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

 

(c)                The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, if any, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrowers to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

 

(d)                The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(e)                Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrowers shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form.

 

SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans.

 

(a)                The Borrowers shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section and, if applicable, payment of any break funding expenses under Section 2.16.

 

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(b)                In the event and on such occasion that the Dollar Equivalent Amount of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeds the aggregate Commitments, the Borrowers shall prepay the Revolving Loans, LC Exposure and/or Swingline Loans (or, if no such Borrowings are outstanding, deposit cash collateral in the LC Collateral Account in an aggregate amount equal to such excess, in accordance with Section 2.06(j)); provided that if the Dollar Equivalent Amount of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeds the aggregate Commitments due to currency fluctuations, no prepayment shall be required until the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeds 105% of the aggregate Commitments; provided further that, the Aggregate Revolving Exposure shall not exceed the aggregate Commitments for more than two (2) consecutive Business Days.

 

(c)                The Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender) by telephone (confirmed by fax) or through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, of any prepayment under this Section: (i) in the case of prepayment of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York, New York time, (x) with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in dollars, three (3) Business Days or (y) with respect to any other Term Benchmark Borrowing or any RFR Borrowing, four (4) Business Days, before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York, New York time, on the date of prepayment or (iii) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York, New York time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09. Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02, except as necessary to apply fully the required amount of a mandatory prepayment. Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by (i) accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13 and (ii) break funding payments pursuant to Section 2.16.

 

SECTION 2.12. Fees.

 

(a)                The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent a commitment fee (the “Commitment Fee”) based upon the Total Leverage Ratio set forth in the definition of “Applicable Rate,” for the account of each Revolving Lender, which Commitment Fee shall accrue at the Applicable Rate per annum on the average daily amount of the undrawn portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Restatement Date to but excluding the date on which the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments terminate; it being understood that the LC Exposure of a Lender shall be included and the Swingline Exposure of a Lender shall be excluded in the drawn portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Lender for purposes of calculating the commitment fee. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

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(b)                The Borrowers agree to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the same Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Revolving Loans on the daily Dollar Equivalent Amount of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Restatement Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to the Issuing Bank a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.125% per annum on the daily Dollar Equivalent Amount of the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Restatement Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as the Issuing Bank’s standard fees and commissions with respect to the issuance, amendment, cancellation, negotiation, transfer, presentment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the third Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Restatement Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within ten (10) days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

(c)                The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, including, without limitation, in the Fee Letter.

 

(d)                All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in Dollars in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to the Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders entitled thereto. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

 

SECTION 2.13. Interest.

 

(a)                The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

 

(b)                The Loans comprising each Term Benchmark Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, as applicable, for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.

 

(c)                 Each RFR Loan shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the applicable Daily Simple RFR plus the Applicable Rate.

 

(d)                Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may, at their option, or automatically in the case of any Event of Default pursuant to clauses (h) or (i) of Section VII, by notice to the Borrower Representative (which notice may be revoked at the option of the Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section 9.02 requiring the consent of “each Lender affected thereby” for reductions in interest rates), declare that (i) all Loans shall bear interest at 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loans as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount outstanding hereunder, such amount shall accrue at 2% plus the rate applicable to such fee or other obligation as provided hereunder.

 

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(e)                Accrued interest on each Loan (for ABR Loans, accrued through the last day of the prior calendar month) shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the Restatement Date of such conversion.

 

(f)                 All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that (i) interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year) and (ii) interest shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days in the case of Borrowings made in Sterling, and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate or LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(g)                Interest computed by reference to the LIBO Rate, the EURIBOR Rate or Daily Simple RFR hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days. Interest computed by reference to the Daily Simple RFR with respect to Sterling, the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). In each case interest shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). All interest hereunder on any Loan shall be computed on a daily basis based upon the outstanding principal amount of such Loan as of the applicable date of determination. The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate, LIBO Rate, Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, EURIBOR Rate or Daily Simple RFR shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest. (a) Subject to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) of this Section 2.14:

 

(i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, or the EURIBOR Rate, as applicable (including because the Relevant Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis), for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period, or (B) at any time, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable Daily Simple RFR or RFR for the applicable Agreed Currency; or

 

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(ii) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, or the EURIBOR Rate, as applicable, for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period or (B) at any time, the applicable Daily Simple RFR or RFR for the applicable Agreed Currency will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for the applicable Agreed Currency;

 

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower Representative and the Lenders by telephone, telecopy or electronic mail as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower Representative and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (A) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Borrowing to, or continuation of any Revolving Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing shall be ineffective, (B) if any Borrowing Request requests a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing in Dollars, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing, and (C) if any Borrowing Request requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing or a RFR Borrowing for the relevant rate above in an Alternative Currency, then such request shall be ineffective; provided that if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then all other Types of Borrowings shall be permitted. Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of the notice from the Administrative Agent referred to in this Section 2.14(a) with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in Dollars, then on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), such Loan shall be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, an ABR Loan denominated in Dollars on such day and (ii) if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars, then such Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day) bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars shall, at the Borrower’s election prior to such day: (A) be prepaid by the Borrower on such day or (B) solely for the purpose of calculating the interest rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, such Term Benchmark Loan denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars shall be deemed to be a Term Benchmark Loan denominated in Dollars and shall accrue interest at the same interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Loans denominated in Dollars at such time or (iii) if such RFR Loan is denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars, then such Loan shall bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected RFR Loans denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars, at the Borrower Representative’s election, shall either (A) be converted into ABR Loans denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of such Alternative Currency) immediately or (B) be prepaid in full immediately.

 

(b)                Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document (and any Swap Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “Loan Document” for purposes of this Section 2.14), if a Benchmark Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” with respect to Dollars for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” with respect to any Agreed Currency for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders of each affected Class .

 

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(c)                 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document and subject to the proviso below in this paragraph, with respect to a Loan denominated in dollars, if a Term SOFR Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then the applicable Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder or under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that, this clause (c) shall not be effective unless the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative a Term SOFR Notice. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to deliver a Term SOFR Notice after the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event, and may do so in its sole discretion.

 

(d)                 In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

(e)                 The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower Representative and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to clause (f) below and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 2.14, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.14.

 

(f)                 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR, LIBO Rate, or EURIBOR Rate) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

 

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(g)                 Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Term Benchmark Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, either (x) the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to ABR Loans or (y) any Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing denominated in an Alternative Currency shall be ineffective. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of ABR based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of ABR. Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until such time as a Benchmark Replacement for such Agreed Currency is implemented pursuant to this Section 2.14, (i) if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in Dollars, then on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), such Loan shall be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, an ABR Loan denominated in Dollars on such day or (ii) if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars, then such Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day) bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars shall, at the Borrower’s election prior to such day: (A) be prepaid by the Borrower on such day or (B) solely for the purpose of calculating the interest rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, such Term Benchmark Loan denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars shall be deemed to be a Term Benchmark Loan denominated in Dollars and shall accrue interest at the same interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Loans denominated in Dollars at such time or (iii) if such RFR Loan is denominated in any Agreed Currency other than Dollars, then such Loan shall bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected RFR Loans denominated in any Agreed Currency, at the Borrower’s election, shall either (A) be converted into ABR Loans denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of such Alternative Currency) immediately or (B) be prepaid in full immediately.

 

SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs.

 

(a)                 If any Change in Law shall:

 

(i)                 impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity or similar requirement (including any compulsory loan requirement, insurance charge or other assessment) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, as applicable) or the Issuing Bank; or

 

(ii)               impose on any Lender or the Issuing Bank or the London or other applicable offshore interbank market for the applicable Agreed Currency any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; or

 

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(iii)             subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, continuing, converting into or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, the Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b)                If any Lender or the Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c)                 A certificate of a Lender or the Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower Representative and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

 

(d)                Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 days prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower Representative of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

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SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments.

 

(a)                With respect to Loans that are not RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or an optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Term Benchmark Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.09 and is revoked in accordance therewith), or (d) the assignment of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.19 or 9.02(d) or (v) the failure by the Borrowers to make any payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereof) denominated in an Alternative Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency, then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Term Benchmark Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (x) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, as applicable that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (y) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for deposits in the applicable Agreed Currency of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the applicable offshore interbank market for such Agreed Currency, whether or not such Term Benchmark Loan was in fact so funded. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower Representative and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

 

(b)                With respect to RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or an optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the failure to borrow or prepay any RFR Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(b) and is revoked in accordance therewith), (iii) the assignment of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.19 or (iv) the failure by the Borrowers to make any payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereof) denominated in an Alternative Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency, then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower Representative and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

 

SECTION 2.17. Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up.

 

(a)                 Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law. If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable withholding agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a withholding agent, then the applicable withholding agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

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(b)                 Payment of Other Taxes by Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for, Other Taxes.

 

(c)                 Evidence of Payment. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.17, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment, or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(d)                Indemnification by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower Representative by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(e)                Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9.04(c) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to setoff and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to such Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (e).

 

(f)                  Status of Lenders.

 

(i)                 Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

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(ii)               Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that any Borrower is a U.S. Person,

 

(A)              any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent), an executed copy of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

 

(B)              any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

 

(1)                in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the U.S. is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

 

(2)                in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8ECI;

 

(3)                in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of a Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable; or

 

(4)                to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C-2 or Exhibit C-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

 

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(C)              any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

 

(D)              if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

 

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(g)                Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.17 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This paragraph (g) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

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(h)                Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.17 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document (including the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations).

 

(i)                 Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 2.17, the term “Lender” includes any Issuing Bank and the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

 

SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Setoffs.

 

(a)                Except with respect to principal of and interest on Loans denominated in an Alternative Currency, the Borrowers shall make each payment or prepayment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Sections 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) in Dollars prior to 2:00 p.m., New York, New York time, on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder and (ii) all payments with respect to principal and interest on Loans denominated in an Alternative Currency shall be made in such Alternative Currency not later than the applicable time specified by the Administrative Agent on the dates specified herein, in each case, in immediately available funds, without setoff, recoupment or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 10 South Dearborn, Floor L2, Suite IL1-0480, Chicago, IL 60603-2300, except payments to be made directly to the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. Unless otherwise provided for herein, if any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in the same currency as the applicable Loan or LC Disbursement is denominated.

 

(b)                Any proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrowers), or (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, shall be applied ratably first, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements including amounts then due to the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), second, to pay any fees or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), third, to pay interest then due and payable on the Loans ratably, fourth, to prepay principal on the Loans and unreimbursed LC Disbursements and to pay any amounts owing with respect to Swap Agreement Obligations up to and including the amount most recently provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.22, ratably, fifth, to pay an amount to the Administrative Agent equal to one hundred five percent (105%) of the aggregate LC Exposure, to be held as cash collateral for such Obligations, and sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing in respect of Banking Services Obligations up to and including the amount most recently provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.22, and seventh, to the payment of any other Secured Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender from the Borrowers or any other Loan Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrower Representative, or unless a Default is in existence, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Term Benchmark Loan of a Class, except (i) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (ii) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding ABR Loans of the same Class and, in any such event, the Borrowers shall pay the break funding payment required in accordance with Section 2.16. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Secured Obligations.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, Secured Obligations arising under Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations shall be excluded from the application described above and paid in clause seventh if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may have reasonably requested from the applicable provider of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

 

(c)                At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, LC Disbursements, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees, costs and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder, whether made following a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.03 or 2.05 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be deducted from any deposit account of the Borrowers maintained with the Administrative Agent. The Borrowers hereby irrevocably authorize (i) the Administrative Agent to make a Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agree that all such amounts charged shall constitute Loans (including Swingline Loans), and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Sections 2.03 or 2.05, as applicable, and (ii) the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of any Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.

 

(d)                If, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other similarly situated Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by all such Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrowers or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). Each Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Borrower in the amount of such participation.

 

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(e)                Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received, prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank pursuant to the terms hereof or any other Loan Document (including any date that is fixed for prepayment by notice from the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.11(e)), notice from the Borrower Representative that the Borrowers will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

(f)                 If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it hereunder, then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), (i) apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank to satisfy such Lender’s obligations hereunder until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid and/or (ii) hold any such amounts in a segregated account as cash collateral for, and application to, any future funding obligations of such Lender hereunder. Application of amounts pursuant to (i) and (ii) above shall be made in such order as may be determined by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.

 

(g)                The Administrative Agent may from time to time provide the Borrowers with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Secured Obligations (the “Statements”). The Administrative Agent is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrowers’ convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Secured Obligations. If the Borrowers pay the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the Borrowers shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ right to receive payment in full at another time.

 

SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

 

(a)                If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Sections 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

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(b)                If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrowers may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 2.15 or 2.17) and obligations under this Agreement and other Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrowers shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and in circumstances where its consent would be required under Section 9.04, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and funded participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (i) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (ii) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

 

SECTION 2.20. Defaulting Lenders.

 

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

 

(a)                fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(a);

 

(b)                any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 2.18(b) or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to any Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender hereunder; third, to cash collateralize LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with this Section; fourth, as the Borrower Representative may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) cash collateralize future LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with this Section; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrowers as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrowers against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or LC Disbursements in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and LC Disbursements owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or LC Disbursements owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in the Borrowers’ obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure and Swingline Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments without giving effect to clause (d) below. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto;

 

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(c)                such Defaulting Lender shall not have the right to vote on any issue on which voting is required (other than to the extent expressly provided in Section 9.02(b)) and the Commitment and Revolving Exposure shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document; provided that, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.02, this clause (b) shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender in the case of an amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of such Lender or each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

(d)                if any Swingline Exposure or LC Exposure exists at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:

 

(i)                 all or any part of the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of such Defaulting Lender (other than the portion of such Swingline Exposure referred to in clause (b) of the definition of such term) shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only (x) to the extent that the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 are satisfied at the time of such reallocation (and, unless the Borrower shall have otherwise notified the Administrative Agent at such time, the Borrower shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such conditions are satisfied at such time) and (y) to the extent that such reallocation does not, as to any non-Defaulting Lender, cause such non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment;

 

(ii)               if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall within one (1) Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such Swingline Exposure and (y) second, cash collateralize, for the benefit of the Issuing Bank, the Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.06(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding;

 

(iii)             if the Borrower cash collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Borrower shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is cash collateralized;

 

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(iv)              if the LC Exposure of the non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to clause (i) above, then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Sections 2.12(a) and 2.12(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Applicable Percentages; and

 

(v)                if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is neither reallocated nor cash collateralized pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the Issuing Bank or any other Lender hereunder, all letter of credit fees payable under Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure shall be payable to the Issuing Bank until and to the extent that such LC Exposure is reallocated and/or cash collateralized; and

 

(e)                so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend, renew, extend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure and such Defaulting Lender’s then outstanding LC Exposure will be 100% covered by the Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.20(d), and Swingline Exposure related to any such newly made Swingline Loan or LC Exposure related to any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.20(d)(i) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).

 

If (i) a Bankruptcy Event or a Bail-In Action with respect to the Parent of any Lender shall occur following the date hereof and for so long as such event shall continue or (ii) the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank has a good faith belief that any Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other agreements in which such Lender commits to extend credit, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, shall have entered into arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender, satisfactory to the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.

 

In the event that each of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank agrees that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and on the date of such readjustment such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.

 

SECTION 2.21. Returned Payments. If, after receipt of any payment which is applied to the payment of all or any part of the Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), the Administrative Agent or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds to any Person because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion), then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 2.22. Banking Services and Swap Agreements. Each Lender or Affiliate thereof providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of a Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly after entering into such Banking Services or Swap Agreements, written notice setting forth the aggregate amount of all Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations of such Loan Party or Subsidiary to such Lender or Affiliate (whether matured or unmatured, absolute or contingent). In furtherance of that requirement, each such Lender or Affiliate thereof shall furnish the Administrative Agent, from time to time after a significant change therein or upon a request therefor, a summary of the amounts due or to become due in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations. The most recent information provided to the Administrative Agent shall be used in determining which tier of the waterfall, contained in Section 2.18(b), such Banking Services Obligations and/or Swap Agreement Obligations will be placed. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as Chase or its Affiliate is the Administrative Agent, neither Chase nor any of its Affiliates providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of a Loan Party shall be required to provide any notice described in this Section 2.22 in respect of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

 

ARTICLE III

Representations and Warranties

 

Each Loan Party represents and warrants to the Lenders that (and where applicable, agrees):

 

SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.

 

SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions are within each Loan Party’s corporate or other organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational actions and, if required, actions by equity holders. Each Loan Document to which each Loan Party is a party has been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except for filings necessary to perfect Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents, (b) will not violate any Requirement of Law applicable to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or the assets of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of, or other requirement to create, any Lien on any asset of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, except Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents.

 

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SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.

 

(a)                The Company (in the form of MDC Partners Inc.) and Stagwell Marketing heretofore furnished to the Lenders (i) audited consolidated financial statements of each of the Company (in the form of MDC Partners Inc.) and Stagwell Marketing as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and (ii) unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021, certified by its respective chief financial officer or president. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Company and Stagwell Marketing, as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments all of which, when taken as a whole, would not be materially adverse and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii) above.

 

(b)                No event, change or condition has occurred that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, since December 31, 2020.

 

SECTION 3.05. Properties.

 

(a)                As of the date of this Agreement, Schedule 3.05 sets forth the address of each parcel of real property that is owned or leased by any Loan Party. Each of such leases and subleases is valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms and is in full force and effect, and no default by any party to any such lease or sublease exists. Each of the Loan Parties and each Subsidiary has good and indefeasible title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of its real and personal property, free of all Liens other than those permitted by Section 6.02.

 

(b)                Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property necessary to its business as currently conducted, a correct and complete list of which, as of the date of this Agreement, is set forth on Schedule 3.05, and the use thereof by each Loan Party and each Subsidiary does not infringe in any material respect upon the rights of any other Person, and each Loan Party’s and each Subsidiary’s rights thereto are not subject to any licensing agreement or similar arrangement except as disclosed on Schedule 3.05.

 

SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters.

 

(a)                There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened against or affecting any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters set forth on Schedule 3.06) or (ii) that involve any Loan Document or the Transactions.

 

(b)                Except for the Disclosed Matters, (i) no Loan Party or any Subsidiary has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability and (ii) and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary (A) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law (B) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (C) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (D) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

 

(c)                Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or materially increased the likelihood of, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default. Except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party and each Subsidiary is in compliance with (i) all Requirements of Law applicable to it or its property and (ii) all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property. No Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status. No Loan Party or any Subsidiary is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

SECTION 3.09. Taxes. Other than as set forth in Schedule 3.09, each Loan Party and each Subsidiary has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.02 and to the knowledge of any of the Borrowers, no tax liens have been filed and no claims are being asserted with respect to any such taxes.

 

SECTION 3.10. ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $500,000 the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $500,000 the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans.

 

SECTION 3.11. Disclosure. The Loan Parties have disclosed to the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which any Loan Party or any Subsidiary is subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of the reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Loan Parties represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time delivered and, if such projected financial information was delivered prior to the Restatement Date, as of the Restatement Date.

 

SECTION 3.12. Material Agreements. All material agreements and contracts to which any Loan Party is a party or is bound as of the date of this Agreement are listed on Schedule 3.12. No Loan Party is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in (i) any material agreement to which it is a party or (ii) any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Indebtedness.

 

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SECTION 3.13. Solvency.

 

(a)                Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Restatement Date, (i) the fair value of the assets of each Loan Party, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (ii) the present fair saleable value of the property of each Loan Party will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (iii) each Loan Party will be able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (iv) no Loan Party will have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted after the Restatement Date.

 

(b)                No Loan Party intends to, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, and no Loan Party believes that it or any Subsidiary will, incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature, taking into account the timing of and amounts of cash to be received by it or any such Subsidiary and the timing of the amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its Indebtedness or the Indebtedness of any such Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 3.14. Insurance. Schedule 3.14 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the Restatement Date. As of the Restatement Date, all premiums in respect of such insurance have been paid. The Loan Parties believe that the insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries is adequate and is customary for companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.

 

SECTION 3.15. Capitalization and Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.15 sets forth (a) a correct and complete list of the name and relationship to the Borrowers and each Subsidiary, (b) a true and complete listing of each class of each of the Borrowers’ authorized Equity Interests, of which all of such issued Equity Interests are validly issued, outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and owned beneficially and of record by the Persons identified on Schedule 3.15, and (c) the type of entity of the Company and each Subsidiary. All of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

SECTION 3.16. Security Interest in Collateral. The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal and valid Liens on all the Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and once necessary filings are accomplished such Liens constitute perfected and continuing Liens on the Collateral, securing the Secured Obligations, enforceable against the applicable Loan Party and all third parties, and having priority over all other Liens on the Collateral except in the case of (a) Permitted Encumbrances, to the extent any such Permitted Encumbrances would have priority over the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to any applicable law or agreement and (b) Liens perfected only by possession (including possession of any certificate of title), to the extent the Administrative Agent has not obtained or does not maintain possession of such Collateral.

 

SECTION 3.17. Employment Matters. The hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters. All payments due from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 3.18. Margin Regulations. No Loan Party is engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no part of the proceeds of any Borrowing hereunder will be used to buy or carry any Margin Stock. Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing, not more than 25% of the value of the assets (either of any Loan Party only or of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) will be Margin Stock.

 

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SECTION 3.19. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans have been used and will be used, whether directly or indirectly as set forth in Section 5.08.

 

SECTION 3.20. No Burdensome Restrictions. No Loan Party is subject to any Burdensome Restrictions except Burdensome Restrictions permitted under Section 6.10.

 

SECTION 3.21. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Each Loan Party has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and directors and, to the knowledge of such Loan Party, its employees and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects and are not knowingly engaged in any activity that would reasonably be expected to result in any Loan Party being designated as a Sanctioned Person. None of (a) any Loan Party, any Subsidiary, any of their respective directors or officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of any such Loan Party or Subsidiary, any agent of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds, Transaction or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.

 

SECTION 3.22. Affiliate Transactions. Other than employment agreements and except as set forth on Schedule 3.22, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no existing or proposed agreements, arrangements, understandings or transactions between any Loan Party and any of the officers, members, managers, directors, stockholders, parents, holders of other Equity Interests, employees or Affiliates (other than Subsidiaries) of any Loan Party or any members of their respective immediate families, and none of the foregoing Persons is directly or indirectly indebted to or has any direct or indirect ownership, partnership, or voting interest in any Affiliate of any Loan Party or any Person with which any Loan Party has a business relationship or which competes with any Loan Party.

 

SECTION 3.23. Affected Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an Affected Financial Institution.

 

SECTION 3.24. Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions. None of the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries is an entity deemed to hold “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations), and neither the execution, delivery nor performance of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, including the making of any Loan hereunder, will give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

 

SECTION 3.25. Common Enterprise. The successful operation and condition of each of the Loan Parties is dependent on the continued successful performance of the functions of the group of the Loan Parties as a whole and the successful operation of each of the Loan Parties is dependent on the successful performance and operation of each other Loan Party. Each Loan Party expects to derive benefit (and its board of directors or other governing body has determined that it may reasonably be expected to derive benefit), directly and indirectly, from (a) successful operations of each of the other Loan Parties and (b) the credit extended by the Lenders to the Borrowers hereunder, both in their separate capacities and as members of the group of companies. Each Loan Party has determined that execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and any other Loan Documents to be executed by such Loan Party is within its purpose, in furtherance of its direct and/or indirect business interests, will be of direct and indirect benefit to such Loan Party, and is in its best interest.

 

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SECTION 3.26. Covered Entity. No Loan Party is a Covered Party.

 

SECTION 3.27. Beneficial Ownership. As of the Restatement Date, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered pursuant to Section 4.01 is true and correct in all respects.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Conditions

 

SECTION 4.01. Restatement Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):

 

(a)                Credit Agreement and Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received (i) from each party hereto either (A) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (B) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include fax or other electronic transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement (ii) duly executed copies of the Loan Documents and such other certificates, documents, instruments and agreements as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including any promissory notes requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.10 payable to the order of each such requesting Lender, and (iii) written opinions of the Loan Parties’ counsel (including opinions of foreign counsel to the Borrowers), addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(b)                Transaction Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall have received the MDC Transaction Agreement, and the MDC Transaction Agreement shall not have been altered, amended or otherwise changed or supplemented or any condition therein waived in a manner materially adverse to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

 

(c)                Business Combination. The Business Combination shall have been consummated prior to, or shall be consummated substantially concurrently with, the closing of the Credit Agreement, on terms and conditions and subject to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (provided that the Business Combination having been consummated on terms consistent with the MDC Transaction Agreement shall be deemed to be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders).

 

(d)                Financial Statements and Projections. The Lenders shall have received (i) satisfactory audited consolidated financial statements of the Company (in the form of MDC Partners Inc.) and Stagwell Marketing for the 2020 fiscal year, (ii) satisfactory unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the Company (in the form of MDC Partners Inc.) and Stagwell Marketing for each fiscal quarter ended subsequent to the date of the latest financial statements delivered pursuant to clause (i) of this paragraph as to which such financial statements are available, including the period ending March 31, 2021, and (iii) a copy of the plan and forecast (including a projected consolidated and consolidating balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement) of the Company for the five year period following the Restatement Date in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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(e)               Closing Certificates; Certified Certificate of Incorporation; Good Standing Certificates. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a certificate of each Loan Party, dated the Restatement Date and executed by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary, which shall (A) certify the resolutions of its Board of Directors, members or other body authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (B) identify by name and title and bear the signatures of the officers of such Loan Party authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case of a Borrower, its Financial Officers, and (C) contain appropriate attachments, including the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation of each Loan Party certified by the relevant authority of the jurisdiction of organization of such Loan Party and a true and correct copy of its bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents, and (ii) a long form good standing certificate for each Loan Party from its jurisdiction of organization.

 

(f)               No Default Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, signed by the chief financial officer or president of each Borrower, dated as of the Restatement Date (i) stating that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (ii) stating that the representations and warranties contained in the Loan Documents are true and correct as of such date, and (iii) certifying as to any other factual matters as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.

 

(g)                Fees. The Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received all fees required to be paid, and all expenses required to be reimbursed for which invoices have been presented (including the reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel), on or before the Restatement Date. All such amounts will be paid with proceeds of Loans made on the Restatement Date and will be reflected in the funding instructions given by the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent on or before the Restatement Date.

 

(h)                Lien Searches. The Administrative Agent shall have received the results of a recent lien search in the jurisdiction of organization of each Loan Party and each jurisdiction where assets of the Loan Parties are located, and such search shall reveal no Liens on any of the assets of the Loan Parties except for liens permitted by Section 6.02 or discharged on or prior to the Restatement Date pursuant to a payoff letter or other documentation satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(i)                Payoff Letter. The Administrative Agent shall have received satisfactory payoff letters for the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the MDC Credit Agreement and all other existing Indebtedness required to be repaid and which confirms that all Liens upon any of the property of the Loan Parties constituting Collateral will be terminated concurrently with such payment and all letters of credit issued or guaranteed as part of such Indebtedness shall constitute Existing Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement.

 

(j)                Funding Account. The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice setting forth the deposit accounts of each Borrower (the “Funding Accounts”) to which the Administrative Agent is authorized by each Borrower to transfer the proceeds of any Borrowings requested or authorized pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(k)              Solvency. The Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate signed by a Financial Officer of the Company dated the Restatement Date in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(l)                 Pledged Equity Interests; Stock Powers; Pledged Notes. Subject to Section 9.25(a), the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the certificates representing the Equity Interests pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement, together with an undated stock power for each such certificate executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of the pledgor thereof, (ii) each promissory note (if any) pledged to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement endorsed (without recourse) in blank (or accompanied by an executed transfer form in blank) by the pledgor thereof, and (iii) the Pledge Agreements.

 

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(m)            Filings, Registrations and Recordings. The Administrative Agent shall have received from each of the Loan Parties a completed perfection certificate, dated the Restatement Date and signed on behalf of such Loan Party, together with all attachments contemplated thereby. Each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement) required by the Collateral Documents or under law or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02), shall be in proper form for filing, registration or recordation.

 

(n)             [reserved].

 

(o)             Insurance. The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence of insurance coverage in form, scope, and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and otherwise in compliance with the terms of Section 5.10 of this Agreement and Section 4.12 of the Security Agreement.

 

(p)             Letter of Credit Application. The Administrative Agent shall have received a properly completed letter of credit application (whether standalone or pursuant to a master agreement, as applicable) if the issuance of a Letter of Credit will be required on the Restatement Date.

 

(q)             Consents. All governmental and third party approvals necessary in connection with the financing contemplated hereby and the continuing operations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries (including shareholder approvals, if any) shall have been obtained on satisfactory terms and shall be in full force and effect, and all applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority that would restrain, prevent or otherwise impose adverse conditions on the financing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(r)              Legal Due Diligence. The Administrative Agent and its counsel shall have completed all legal due diligence, the results of which shall be satisfactory to Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, and the debt instruments, material accounts, and governing documents of the Borrowers shall be acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

 

(s)             USA PATRIOT Act, Etc. The Administrative Agent shall have received, (i) at least five (5) days prior to the Restatement Date, all documentation and other information regarding the Borrowers requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act (ii) to the extent the Borrowers qualify as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, at least five (5) days prior to the Restatement Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to each Borrower, and (iii) a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable, for each Loan Party.

 

(t)              Maintenance of Accounts. Subject to exceptions to be mutually agreed by the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers and their domestic Subsidiaries shall have established the Administrative Agent as its principal depository bank, including for the maintenance of operating, administrative, cash management, collection activity, and other deposit accounts for the conduct of the Borrowers’ and their domestic Subsidiaries’ business.

 

(u)            Other Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have received such other documents as the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender or their respective counsel may have reasonably requested. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers, the Lenders and the Issuing Bank of the Restatement Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 2:00 p.m., New York, New York time, on August 2, 2021 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time).

 

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SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of the Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(a)                The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as though made on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects only as of such specified date, and that any representation or warranty which is subject to any materiality qualifier shall be required to be true and correct in all respects).

 

(b)                At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(c)                After giving effect to any Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit, Availability shall not be less than zero.

 

Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrowers on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) and (c) of this Section.

 

Notwithstanding the failure to satisfy the conditions precedent set forth in paragraphs (a) or (b) or (c) of this Section, the Administrative Agent, with the consent of the Required Lenders, may, but shall have no obligation to, continue to make Loans and an Issuing Bank, with the consent of the Required Lenders, may, but shall have no obligation to, issue, amend, renew or extend, or cause to be issued, amended, renewed or extended, any Letter of Credit for the ratable account and risk of Lenders from time to time if the Administrative Agent believes that making such Loans or issuing, amending, renewing or extending, or causing the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of, any such Letter of Credit is in the best interests of the Lenders.

 

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ARTICLE V

 

Affirmative Covenants

 

Until all of the Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information. The Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, including their Public-Siders:

 

(a)               within one hundred twenty days after the end of each fiscal year of PublicCo, audited consolidated and consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of PublicCo, the Company, the other Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification, commentary or exception, and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of PublicCo, the Company, and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, accompanied by any management or control letter, if any, prepared by said accountants in connection with such financial statements;

 

(b)                within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of PublicCo, the consolidated and consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of PublicCo, the Company, the other Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of PublicCo, the Company, and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

(c)               concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a Compliance Certificate (i) certifying, in the case of the financial statements delivered under clause (b) above, as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, (ii) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (iii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Sections 6.12(a) and (b) and (iv) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

 

(d)                [reserved];

 

(e)              as soon as available, but in any event no later than 45 days after the end of, each fiscal year of the Company, a copy of the plan and forecast (including a projected consolidated and consolidating balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement) of the Company for each month of the upcoming fiscal year (the “Projections”) in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(f)               concurrently with any delivery of each Compliance Certificate, a detailed listing of all intercompany loans made by any Loan Party to any Affiliate that is not a Loan Party during such fiscal quarter;

 

(g)                promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the SEC, or with any national securities exchange;

 

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(h)                promptly following any request therefor, (x) such other information regarding the operations, changes in ownership of Equity Interests, business affairs and financial condition of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request and (y) information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation; and

 

(i)                 promptly after any request therefor by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of (i) any documents described in Section 101(k)(1) of ERISA that the Company or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan and (ii) any notices described in Section 101(l)(1) of ERISA that the Company or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan; provided that if the Company or any ERISA Affiliate has not requested such documents or notices from the administrator or sponsor of the applicable Multiemployer Plan, the Company or the applicable ERISA Affiliate shall promptly make a request for such documents and notices from such administrator or sponsor and shall provide copies of such documents and notices promptly after receipt thereof.

 

SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events. The Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt (but in any event within any time period that may be specified below) written notice of the following:

 

(a)                the occurrence of any Default;

 

(b)                receipt of any notice of any investigation by a Governmental Authority or any litigation or proceeding commenced or threatened against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that (i) seeks damages in excess of $2,000,000, (ii) seeks injunctive relief, (iii) is asserted or instituted against any Plan, its fiduciaries or its assets, (iv) alleges criminal misconduct by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (v) alleges the violation of, or seeks to impose remedies under, any Environmental Law or related Requirement of Law, or seeks to impose Environmental Liability, (vi) asserts liability on the part of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in excess of $2,000,000 in respect of any tax, fee, assessment, or other governmental charge, or (vii) involves any product recall;

 

(c)                the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $500,000;

 

(d)              within two (2) Business Days after the occurrence thereof, any Loan Party entering into a Swap Agreement or an amendment to a Swap Agreement, together with copies of all agreements evidencing such Swap Agreement or amendment;

 

(e)                any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(f)                 the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event;

 

(g)                any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered to such Lender that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in such certification; and

 

(h)                any amendment or waiver of the terms of, or consent or forbearance, or other modification of, or any mandatory prepayment event, or notice of default under, the MDC Notes Documents.

 

Each notice delivered under this Section (i) shall be in writing and (ii) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower Representative setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

 

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SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (a) do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, qualifications, licenses, permits, franchises, governmental authorizations, intellectual property rights, licenses and permits material to the conduct of its business, and maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03 and (b) carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted.

 

SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, pay or discharge all Material Indebtedness and all other material liabilities and obligations, including Taxes, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) such Loan Party has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, remit withholding taxes and other payroll taxes to appropriate Governmental Authorities as and when claimed to be due, notwithstanding the foregoing exceptions.

 

SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

 

SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (a) keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities and (b) permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any consultants, accountants, lawyers, agents and appraisers retained by the Administrative Agent), upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, conduct at the Loan Party’s premises field examinations of the Loan Party’s assets, liabilities, books and records, including examining and making extracts from its books and records, environmental assessment reports and Phase I or Phase II studies, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested. The Loan Parties acknowledge that the Administrative Agent, after exercising its rights of inspection, may prepare and distribute to the Lenders certain Reports pertaining to the Loan Parties’ assets for internal use by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

 

SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws and Material Contractual Obligations. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (i) comply with each Requirement of Law applicable to it or its property (including without limitation Environmental Laws) and (ii) perform in all material respects its obligations under material agreements to which it is a party, except, in each case, where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Each Loan Party will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

 

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SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds.

 

(a)                The proceeds of the Loans and the Letters of Credit will be used only to finance the Transactions, for working capital needs, for general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, to refinance certain Indebtedness under the Existing Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the MDC Credit Agreement on the Restatement Date, and finance Permitted Acquisitions and dividends and distributions, in each case, to the extent such dividends, and distributions are permitted under the terms of this Agreement. No part of the proceeds of any Loan and no Letter of Credit will be used, whether directly or indirectly, (i) for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, including Regulations T, U and X or (ii) to make any Acquisition other than Permitted Acquisitions or related Earn-out payments to the extent permitted hereunder.

 

(b)                The Borrowers will not request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and no Borrower shall use, and each Borrower shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, except to the extent permitted for a Person required to comply with Sanctions, or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

 

SECTION 5.09. Accuracy of Information. The Loan Parties will ensure that any information, including financial statements or other documents, furnished to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder contains no material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and the furnishing of such information shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Borrowers on the date thereof as to the matters specified in this Section 5.09; provided that, with respect to the Projections, the Loan Parties will cause the Projections to be prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.

 

SECTION 5.10. Insurance. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, maintain with financially sound and reputable carriers having a financial strength rating of at least A- by A.M. Best Company (a) insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks (including loss or damage by fire and loss in transit; theft, burglary, pilferage, larceny, embezzlement, and other criminal activities; business interruption; and general liability) and such other hazards, as is customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and (b) all insurance required pursuant to the Collateral Documents. The Borrowers will furnish to the Lenders, upon request of the Administrative Agent, but no less frequently than annually, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained.

 

With respect to each real property subject to a Mortgage that is located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency) as a “special flood hazard area” with respect to which flood insurance has been made available under Flood Insurance Laws, the applicable Loan Party (A) has obtained and will maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies (except to the extent that any insurance company insuring such real property ceases to be financially sound and reputable after the Restatement Date, in which case, the applicable Loan Party shall promptly replace such insurance company with a financially sound and reputable insurance company), such flood insurance in such reasonable total amount as the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may from time to time reasonably require, and otherwise sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Flood Insurance Laws and (B) promptly upon request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, will deliver to the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, evidence of such compliance in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent or such Lender, including, without limitation, evidence of annual renewals of such insurance.

 

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SECTION 5.11. Casualty and Condemnation. The Borrowers (a) will furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of the Collateral or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding and (b) will ensure that the Net Proceeds of any such event (whether in the form of insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or otherwise) are collected and applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents.

 

SECTION 5.12. People With Significant Control Regime (United Kingdom). The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party and each Subsidiary to (a) within the relevant timeframe, comply with any notice it receives pursuant to Part 21A of the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006 from any company incorporated in the United Kingdom whose shares are the subject of Liens under the Collateral Documents and (b) promptly provide the Administrative Agent with a copy of that notice.

 

SECTION 5.13. Depository Banks. Subject to exceptions to be mutually agreed by the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers and their domestic Subsidiaries will maintain the Administrative Agent or one of the Lenders as its principal depository bank, including for the maintenance of operating, administrative, cash management, collection activity, and other deposit accounts for the conduct of its business, and all such deposit accounts will be subject to control agreements in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties or otherwise subject to a perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

 

SECTION 5.14. Additional Collateral; Further Assurances.

 

(a)                Subject to applicable Requirements of Law, each Loan Party will cause each of its Material Domestic Subsidiaries (excluding any CFC Holdco) to become a Loan Party by executing a Joinder Agreement. In connection therewith, the Administrative Agent shall have received all documentation and other information regarding such Subsidiaries as may be required to comply with the applicable “know your customer” rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation. Upon execution and delivery thereof, each such Person (i) shall automatically become a Loan Guarantor and (ii) will grant Liens to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, in any property of such Loan Party which constitutes Collateral, including any parcel of real property located in the U.S. owned by any Loan Party.

 

(b)                Each Loan Party will cause (i) 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each of its Material Domestic Subsidiaries and (ii)(x) 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2)) and (y) to the extent not prohibited by applicable Requirements of Law, 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests not entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2)), in each case, in each Material Foreign Subsidiary directly owned by a Borrower or any domestic Subsidiary to be subject at all times to a first priority, perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents or other security documents as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request; provided that if any Subsidiary is less than wholly owned, any Equity Interests held by a Person that is not a Subsidiary of a Borrower shall not be required to be pledged (other than with respect to the equity interests of Targeted Victory, LLC) pursuant to this clause (b) or otherwise.

 

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(c)                Without limiting the foregoing, each Loan Party will, and will cause each Material Subsidiary to, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, mortgages, deeds of trust and other documents and such other actions or deliveries of the type required by Section 4.01, as applicable), which may be required by any Requirement of Law or which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request to carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to ensure perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Collateral Documents, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

 

(d)                If any material assets (including any Material Real Property or improvements thereto or any interest therein) are acquired by any Loan Party after the Restatement Date (other than assets constituting Collateral under the Security Agreement that become subject to the Lien under the Security Agreement upon acquisition thereof), the Borrower Representative will (i) notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders thereof, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, cause such assets to be subjected to a Lien securing the Secured Obligations or, in the case of any Material Real Property, to be subjected to a negative pledge agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) take, and cause each applicable Loan Party to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect such Liens, including actions described in paragraph (c) of this Section, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

 

(e)                Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not enter into any Mortgage in respect of any real property until (1) the date that occurs 30 days after the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Lenders (which may be delivered electronically) the following documents in respect of such real property: (i) a completed flood hazard determination from a third party vendor; (ii) if such real property is located in a “special flood hazard area”, (A) a notification to the Borrower Representative (or applicable Loan Party) of that fact and (if applicable) notification to the Borrower Representative (or applicable Loan Party) that flood insurance coverage is not available and (B) evidence of the receipt by the Borrower Representative (or applicable Loan Party) of such notice; and (iii) if such notice is required to be provided to the Borrower Representative (or applicable Loan Party) and flood insurance is available in the community in which such real property is located, evidence of required flood insurance and (2) the Administrative Agent shall have received written confirmation from each of the Lenders that flood insurance due diligence and flood insurance compliance has been completed by the Lenders (such written confirmation not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed).

 

(f)                 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or otherwise to the contrary, (a) no CFC Holdco or Material Foreign Subsidiary shall be required to become a Guarantor or provide any Collateral, and (b) no Equity Interests of a CFC Holdco or foreign Subsidiary shall be pledged or subject to Collateral, other than up to 65% of the voting Equity Interests in a first tier CFC Holdco or a Material Foreign Subsidiary and, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Requirements of Law, 100% of the non-voting Equity Interests of a first tier CFC Holdco that is a Material Foreign Subsidiary and Material Foreign Subsidiaries.

 

SECTION 5.15. Post-Closing Requirements.

 

The Loan Parties shall perform or cause to be performed each of the conditions subsequent set forth in Schedule 5.15 within the time periods specified therein.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

Negative Covenants

 

Until all of the Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

 

(a)                the Secured Obligations;

 

(b)                Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and any extensions, renewals, refinancings and replacements of any such Indebtedness in accordance with clause (g) hereof;

 

(c)                Indebtedness of any Borrower to any Subsidiary and of any Subsidiary to any Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to any Borrower or any other Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (ii) Indebtedness of any Loan Party to any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(d)                Indebtedness of any Borrower or any Subsidiary to any Affiliate of any Borrower and of any Affiliate of any Borrower to any Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary, provided that (i) Indebtedness of any Affiliate to any Borrower or any other Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04, (ii) Indebtedness of any Loan Party to any Affiliate shall be subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and (iii) such Indebtedness permitted by this clause (d) shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding;

 

(e)                Guarantees by any Borrower of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary and by any Subsidiary of Indebtedness of any Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is permitted by this Section 6.01, (ii) Guarantees by any Borrower or other Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (iii) if the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is subordinated to the Secured Obligations, the Guarantees permitted under this clause (e) shall be subordinated to the Secured Obligations on the same terms;

 

(f)                 Indebtedness of any Borrower or any Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets (whether or not constituting purchase money Indebtedness), including Capital Lease Obligations and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness in accordance with clause (g) below; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (f) together with any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof permitted by clause (g) below, shall not exceed $30,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 

(g)                Indebtedness which represents extensions, renewals, refinancing or replacements (such Indebtedness being so extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced being referred to herein as the “Refinance Indebtedness”) of any of the Indebtedness described in clauses (b) and (f) and (j) and (l) hereof (such Indebtedness being referred to herein as the “Original Indebtedness”); provided that (i) such Refinance Indebtedness does not increase the principal amount or interest rate of the Original Indebtedness (or, in the case of (l), increase the amount of the Original Indebtedness beyond $1,100,000,000), (ii) any Liens securing such Refinance Indebtedness are not extended to any additional property of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (iii) no Loan Party or any Subsidiary that is not originally obligated with respect to repayment of such Original Indebtedness is required to become obligated with respect to such Refinance Indebtedness, (iv) such Refinance Indebtedness does not result in a shortening of the average weighted maturity of such Original Indebtedness, (v) the terms of such Refinance Indebtedness other than fees and interests are not less favorable to the obligor thereunder than the original terms of such Original Indebtedness and (vi) if such Original Indebtedness was subordinated in right of payment to the Secured Obligations, then the terms and conditions of such Refinance Indebtedness must include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as those that were applicable to such Original Indebtedness;

 

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(h)                Indebtedness owed to any Person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(i)                 Indebtedness of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and similar obligations, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business;

 

(j)                 [reserved]

 

(k)                Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof; provided that (i) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Subsidiary and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (k) together with any Refinance Indebtedness in respect thereof permitted by clause (g) above, shall not exceed $20,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 

(l)                 unsecured Indebtedness incurred under the MDC Notes Documents in an original principal amount not to exceed $1,100,000,000;

 

(m)              the incurrence by the Company or its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness under Swap Agreements to the extent permitted under Section 6.07; and

 

(n)              other unsecured Indebtedness so long as the Total Leverage Ratio, calculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such additional Indebtedness, is less than the then applicable Total Leverage Ratio required pursuant to Section 6.12(a).

 

SECTION 6.02. Liens. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including Accounts) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

 

(a)                Liens created pursuant to any Loan Document;

 

(b)                Permitted Encumbrances;

 

(c)                any Lien on any property or asset of any Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of such Borrower or Subsidiary or any other Borrower or Subsidiary and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;

 

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(d)              Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by any Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Liens secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (f) of Section 6.01, (ii) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed 90% of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such Liens shall not apply to any other property or assets of any Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(e)                any Lien existing on any property or asset (other than Accounts and Inventory) prior to the acquisition thereof by any Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset (other than Accounts and Inventory) of any Person that becomes a Loan Party after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Loan Party; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Loan Party, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Loan Party and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Loan Party, as the case may be, and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;

 

(f)                 Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-210 of the UCC in effect in the relevant jurisdiction covering only the items being collected upon;

 

(g)                Liens arising out of Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

 

(h)              Liens granted by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of a Borrower or another Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary; and

 

(i)                 Liens on Accounts disposed of in Supply Chain Financing permitted hereunder.

 

SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes.

 

(a)                No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) any Person may merge into a Borrower in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Borrower, (ii) any Person may merge into any Subsidiary of the Company in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Subsidiary of the Company and, if any party to such merger is a Loan Party, such surviving entity is a Subsidiary or becomes a Subsidiary that is a Loan Party concurrently with such merger, and (iii) any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrowers determine in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrowers and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; provided that any such merger involving a Person that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04.

 

(b)                No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on the date hereof and businesses reasonably related thereto.

 

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(c)                (i) PublicCo will not (A) engage in any business or activity other than the ownership of the outstanding Equity Interests of the Company and the other Loan Parties, the continuance of its existence as the holding company of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and the maintenance of its status as a publically listed company, and activities incidental thereto, (B) own or acquire any assets (other than Equity Interests of the Company and the other Loan Parties, the cash proceeds of any Restricted Payments permitted by Section 6.08, and other assets with the consent of the Lenders, not to be unreasonably withheld), or (C) incur any liabilities (other than liabilities under the Loan Documents, the MDC Notes Documents, guarantees with respect to Earn-outs and guarantees with respect to lease payment and similar real estate-related payments, and liabilities reasonably necessary in connection with its purpose as the holding company of the Company and its Subsidiaries and status as a publically listed company, and activities incidental or necessary thereto) and (ii) MDC Partners will not (i) engage in any material business or activity other than the ownership of the outstanding Equity Interests of its Subsidiaries, the continuance of its existence as the holding company of its Subsidiaries, and the maintenance of its existence, and activities incidental thereto, (ii) own or acquire any assets (other than Equity Interests of its Subsidiaries and the cash proceeds of any Restricted Payments permitted by Section 6.08), or (iii) incur any material liabilities (other than liabilities under the Loan Documents, the MDC Notes Documents, guarantees with respect to Earn-outs and guarantees with respect to lease payment and similar real estate-related payments, Indebtedness subordinated to the Secured Obligations, and other liabilities reasonably necessary in connection with its purpose as the holding company of the its Subsidiaries and activities incidental or necessary thereto).

 

(d)                No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to change its fiscal year or any fiscal quarter from the basis in effect on the Restatement Date.

 

(e)                No Loan Party will change the accounting basis upon which its financial statements are prepared.

 

(f)                 No Loan Party will change the tax filing elections it has made under the Code.

 

(g)               No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, consummate a Division as the Dividing Person, without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent. Without limiting the foregoing, if any Loan Party that is a limited liability company consummates a Division (with or without the prior consent of Administrative Agent as required above), each Division Successor shall be required to comply with the obligations set forth in Section 5.14 and the other further assurances obligations set forth in the Loan Documents and become a Loan Party under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, form any Subsidiary after the Restatement Date in order to, or purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a Loan Party and a Subsidiary prior to such merger) any Equity Interests, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit (whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise), except:

 

(a)               Permitted Investments, subject to control agreements in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties or otherwise subject to a perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties;

 

(b)                investments in existence on the date hereof and described in Schedule 6.04;

 

(c)                investments by the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries in Equity Interests in their respective Subsidiaries or in joint ventures, provided that (i) any such Equity Interests held by a Loan Party shall be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement (subject to the limitations applicable to Equity Interests of a foreign Subsidiary and CFC Holdco referred to in Section 5.14) and (ii) the aggregate amount of investments by Loan Parties in (1) Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, (2) joint ventures and (3) business and assets that are not located in the United States (together with outstanding intercompany loans permitted under Section 6.04(d) and outstanding Guarantees permitted under Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed the greater of (A) (x) $10,000,000 in any fiscal year and (y) $20,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs) and (B) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such investment, an amount not to exceed the Available Amount Basket (determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

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(d)                loans or advances made by any Loan Party to any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of a Loan Party or any joint venture of a Loan Party and made by any Subsidiary or any Affiliate to a Loan Party (other than PublicCo) or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) any such loans and advances made by a Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement, (ii) the amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to (1) Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, (2) joint ventures or (3) to support business or assets that are not located in the United States (together with outstanding investments permitted under Section 6.04(c) and outstanding Guarantees permitted under Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed the greater of (A) $10,000,000 in any fiscal year (and in no event to exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding, in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs) and (B) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such loan or advance, an amount not to exceed the Available Amount Basket (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs) and (iii) the amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Affiliates (other than PublicCo) that are not Loan Parties (together with outstanding Guarantees permitted under Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed the greater of (A) $15,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs) and (B) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such loan or advance, an amount not to exceed the Available Amount Basket (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs); provided further that the amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Reputation Defender and its Subsidiaries (together with outstanding Guarantees permitted under Section 6.04(e)) shall not exceed $4,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

(e)              Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, provided (i) that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of (1) Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, (2) joint ventures or (3) to support business or assets that are not located in the United States, in each case, that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party (together with outstanding investments permitted under clause (ii) to the proviso to Section 6.04(c) and outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (ii) to the proviso to Section 6.04(d)) shall not exceed the greater of (A) (x) $10,000,000 in any fiscal year and (y) $20,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs) and (B) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Guarantees, an amount not to exceed the Available Amount Basket (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs) and (ii) that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Affiliates (other than PublicCo) that are not Loan Parties that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party (together with outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (iii) to the proviso to Section 6.04(d)) shall not exceed the greater of (A) $15,000,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs) and (B) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Guarantees, an amount not to exceed the Available Amount Basket (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

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(f)                 loans or advances made by a Loan Party to its employees on an arms-length basis in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices for travel and entertainment expenses, relocation costs and similar purposes up to a maximum of $1,500,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

 

(g)                notes payable, or stock or other securities issued by Account Debtors to a Loan Party pursuant to negotiated agreements with respect to settlement of such Account Debtor’s Accounts in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices;

 

(h)                investments in the form of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.07;

 

(i)                investments of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of a Borrower or consolidates or merges with a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including in connection with a Permitted Acquisition), so long as such investments were not made in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or of such merger;

 

(j)                 investments received in connection with the disposition of assets permitted by Section 6.05;

 

(k)                investments constituting deposits described in clauses (c) and (d) of the definition of the term “Permitted Encumbrances”;

 

(l)                 Permitted Acquisitions;

 

(m)              investments in an aggregate amount of not greater than (x) $20,000,000 and (y) $10,000,000 in any fiscal year; and

 

(n)                other investments in an amount not to exceed the Available Amount Basket (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs).

 

The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall any Loan Party be permitted to transfer, directly or indirectly, to any Subsidiary of a Loan Party that is not also a Loan Party or to any other Person that is not a Loan Party to the extent that such transaction would involve the transfer of (x) intellectual property that is material to the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, or (y) the Equity Interests of any Subsidiary of the Company that has an interest in intellectual property that is material to the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it, nor will any Borrower permit any Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Subsidiary (other than to another Borrower or another Subsidiary in compliance with Section 6.04), except:

 

(a)                sales, transfers and dispositions of (i) Inventory in the ordinary course of business, (ii) used, obsolete, worn out or surplus Equipment or property in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) leases or subleases of real property not useful in the conduct of the business of a Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries;

 

(b)                sales, transfers and dispositions of assets to any Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that any such sales, transfers or dispositions involving a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be made in compliance with Section 6.04 and Section 6.09;

 

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(c)                sales, transfers and dispositions of Accounts (including, without limitation, sales, transfers and dispositions of Accounts on a non-recourse basis not in excess of $15,000,000, in the aggregate in any fiscal month, in connection with Supply Chain Financing but otherwise excluding sales or dispositions in a factoring arrangement) in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof;

 

(d)                sales, transfers and dispositions of Permitted Investments and other investments permitted by clauses (i) and (k) of Section 6.04;

 

(e)                Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

 

(f)                 dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary;

 

(g)                sales of assets identified to the Administrative Agent prior to the Restatement Date and described in Schedule 6.05, including, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such sale;

 

(h)                sales of assets with a fair market value not to exceed the greater of (i) 10% of EBITDA for the trailing four quarter period immediately preceding such transaction and (ii) $30,000,000 in any trailing four quarter period pursuant to this clause (h);

 

(i)                sales of non-core assets, so long as, with respect to any such sale of greater than $10,000,000, at least 75% of the proceeds of such sale are received as cash; and

 

(j)                 sales of investments in joint ventures otherwise permitted under the Credit Agreement;

 

(k)                transactions permitted by Section 6.02; and

 

(l)                 other sales, transfers and other dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests in a Subsidiary unless all Equity Interests in such Subsidiary are sold) that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section, so long as the Total Leverage Ratio for the four quarter period immediately preceding such transaction for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 (determined on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such transaction) is less than 3.00 to 1.00;

 

provided that all sales, transfers, leases and other dispositions permitted under this Section 6.05 (other than those permitted by paragraphs (b), (d), and (f) shall be made for fair value and for at least 75% cash consideration.

 

The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall any Loan Party be permitted to transfer, directly or indirectly, to any Subsidiary of a Loan Party that is not also a Loan Party or to any other Person that is not a Loan Party to the extent that such transaction would involve the transfer of (x) intellectual property that is material to the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, or (y) the Equity Interests of any Subsidiary of the Company that has an interest in intellectual property that is material to the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred (a “Sale and Leaseback Transaction”), except for any such sale of any fixed or capital assets by any Borrower or any Subsidiary that is made for cash consideration in an amount not less than the fair value of such fixed or capital asset and is consummated within 90 days after such Borrower or such Subsidiary acquires or completes the construction of such fixed or capital asset.

 

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SECTION 6.07. Swap Agreements. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual exposure (other than those in respect of Equity Interests of any Borrower or any Subsidiary), and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from floating to fixed rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of any Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness.

 

(a)                No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except:

 

(i)                 the Borrowers may declare and pay dividends with respect to its common stock payable solely in additional shares of its common stock, and, with respect to its preferred stock, payable solely in additional shares of such preferred stock or in shares of its common stock;

 

(ii)               any Loan Party (other than the Company) or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to its Equity Interests;

 

(iii)             the Borrowers may make Restricted Payments in the form of non-cash distributions of non-voting Equity Interests pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans, incentive plans, or other benefit plans for management or employees of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries;

 

(iv)              the Borrowers may pay Tax Distributions as provided in Section 6.08(c);

 

(v)                so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the Company may declare and pay dividends in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year;

 

(vi)              so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the Company may declare and pay dividends in an amount not to exceed the Available Amount Basket;

 

(vii)            so long as (x) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, (y) the Total Leverage Ratio for the four quarter period immediately preceding such transaction for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 is not greater than 0.25 to 1.00 less than the then applicable Total Leverage Ratio required pursuant to Section 6.12(a) on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such transaction, and (z) within five (5) Business Days prior to the payment of such payment the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate (with appropriate calculations attached thereto) of the chief financial officer or president of the Borrower Representative certifying that the conditions in clauses (x) and (y) will be satisfied before and after giving effect to such payment, the Borrowers may pay Earn-outs in connection with any Permitted Acquisition;

 

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(viii)          so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the Company may (or may declare and pay dividends to PublicCo for the purpose of) repurchase from employees of stock of the Company or PublicCo or a Subsidiary up to an aggregate amount, for all such repurchases, dividends, payments and distributions permitted pursuant to this clause (viii) not to exceed $15,000,000 in any fiscal year; and

 

(ix)              so long as (x) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, (y) the Total Leverage Ratio for the four quarter period immediately preceding such transaction for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 is not greater than 3.00 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis, and (z) within five (5) Business Days prior to payment of such Restricted Payment the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate (with appropriate calculations attached thereto) of the chief financial officer or president of the Borrower Representative certifying that the conditions in clauses (x) and (y) will be satisfied before and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the Company may make Restricted Payments in an unlimited amount.

 

(b)                No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, make or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any Indebtedness, or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Indebtedness or any Earn-out payment, except:

 

(i)                 payment of Indebtedness created under the Loan Documents;

 

(ii)               payment of all interest and principal payments as and when due in respect of any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the MDC Notes and under the MDC Notes Documents;

 

(iii)             repurchases of MDC Notes under the MDC Notes Documents in an unlimited amount so long as (x) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such repurchase, (y) the Total Leverage Ratio for the four quarter period immediately preceding such repurchase for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 is not greater than 3.00 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis, and (z) within five (5) Business Days prior to such repurchase the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate (with appropriate calculations attached thereto) of the chief financial officer or president of the Borrower Representative certifying that the conditions in clauses (x) and (y) will be satisfied before and after giving effect to such repurchase;

 

(iv)              refinancings of Indebtedness to the extent permitted by Section 6.01;

 

(v)                payment of secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness to the extent such sale or transfer is permitted by the terms of Section 6.05; and

 

(vi)              payment of Earn-out payments in connection with any Acquisition permitted hereunder, so long as (x) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such payment, (y) the Total Leverage Ratio for the four quarter period immediately preceding such transaction for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 is not greater than 0.25 less than the then applicable Total Leverage Ratio required pursuant to Section 6.12(a) on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such payment, and (z) within five (5) Business Days prior to the payment of such payment the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate (with appropriate calculations attached thereto) of the chief financial officer or president of the Borrower Representative certifying that the conditions in clauses (x) and (y) will be satisfied before and after giving effect to such payment.

 

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(c)                Tax Distributions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, on each Tax Distribution Date, the Borrowers may make distributions (each a “Tax Distribution”):

 

(i)                 to PublicCo in an amount equal to all of PublicCo’s federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax liabilities (including estimated tax liabilities), calculated using the Assumed Tax Rate, attributable to any preferred units of the Company held by PublicCo during the fiscal year or other taxable period to which the tax-related distributions relates;

 

(ii)               then, to its members on a pro rata basis in accordance with the number of Company common units owned by each member, in an amount sufficient to cause PublicCo to receive a distribution equal to all of PublicCo’s remaining Assumed Tax Liability (including estimated tax liabilities) during the fiscal year or other taxable period to which the tax-related distribution relates;

 

(iii)             amounts due under the Tax Receivable Agreement, to the extent the amounts distributed to PublicCo in clauses (i) and (ii) in excess of PublicCo’s actual federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax liabilities calculated at the Assumed Tax Rate are insufficient to pay the amounts due under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) transactions that (i) are in the ordinary course of business and (ii) are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to such Loan Party or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among the Loan Parties not involving any other Affiliate, (c) any investment permitted by Sections 6.04(c) or 6.04(d), (d) any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(c), (e) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.08, (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any payment to PublicCo in connection with PublicCo Expenses), (f) loans or advances to employees permitted under Section 6.04(f), (g) the payment of reasonable fees to directors of any Borrower or any Subsidiary who are not employees of such Borrower or any Subsidiary, and compensation and employee benefit arrangements paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, directors, officers or employees of the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (h) any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by a Borrower’s board of directors, (i) any contribution to the capital of the Company by PublicCo or any purchase of Equity Interests of the Company by PublicCo or Stagwell Media LP, and (j) amounts due under the Tax Receivable Agreement as permitted by 6.08(c)(iii).

 

SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to any Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of any Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by any Requirement of Law or by any Loan Document or the MDC Notes Documents, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 6.10 (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition), (iii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (iv) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and (v) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

 

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SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents. No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, amend, modify or waive any of its rights under its charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents, to the extent any such amendment, modification or waiver would be adverse to the Lenders.

 

SECTION 6.12. Financial Covenants.

 

(a)                Total Leverage Ratio. The Company will not permit the Total Leverage Ratio, on the last day of any fiscal quarter to be greater than the ratio set forth opposite such period:

 

Period Ratio

The Restatement Date through and including

December 31, 2021

4.75 to 1.00

March 31, 2022 through and including

December 31, 2022

4.50 to 1.00
March 31, 2023 and thereafter 4.25 to 1.00

 

 

(b)                [Reserved].

 

(c)                Equity Cure. For purposes of determining compliance with clause (a) of this Section 6.12, any cash equity contribution (which equity shall be common equity or other equity on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) made to the Company on or prior to the day that is ten (10) Business Days after the day on which financial statements are required to be delivered for a fiscal quarter or fiscal year pursuant to Section 5.01 hereof and designated on the date of such contribution as a “Specified Equity Contribution” (each such designation, an “Equity Cure”) will, at the request of the Company, be included in the calculation of EBITDA for such fiscal quarter or the last fiscal quarter of such fiscal year, as applicable, for the purposes of determining compliance with clause (a) of this Section at the end of such fiscal quarter or applicable subsequent periods including such fiscal quarter (any such equity contribution so included in the calculation of EBITDA, a “Specified Equity Contribution”), provided that (i) no more than one Specified Equity Contribution may be made in any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, (ii) no more than three Specified Equity Contributions may be made during the term of this Agreement, (iii) the amount of any Specified Equity Contribution shall be no greater than 100% of the amount required to cause the Company to be in compliance with clause (a) of this Section 6.12, (iv) all Specified Equity Contributions shall be disregarded for all other purposes herein other than determining compliance with the covenants in clause (a) of this Section 6.12 and shall not result in any pro forma reduction of Indebtedness or increase in cash with respect to the fiscal quarter with respect to which such Specified Equity Contribution was made, and (v) no Lender or Issuing Bank shall be required to make any extension of credit hereunder if an Event of Default under the covenants set forth in Section 6.12(a) has occurred and is continuing during the ten (10) Business Day period during which the Company may exercise an Equity Cure unless and until the Specified Equity Contribution is actually received.

 

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ARTICLE VII

 

Events of Default

 

If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:

 

(a)                the Borrowers shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

 

(b)                the Borrowers shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three (3) Business Days;

 

(c)                any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in, or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been materially incorrect when made or deemed made;

 

(d)                any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02(a), 5.03 (with respect to a Loan Party’s existence), 5.08 or 5.15, or in Article VI;

 

(e)                any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d)), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of (i) 5 days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of Section 5.01, 5.02 (other than Section 5.02(a)), 5.03 through 5.07, 5.10, 5.11 or 5.13 of this Agreement or (ii) 15 days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) if such breach relates to terms or provisions of any other Section of this Agreement;

 

(f)                 any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness when and as the same shall become due and payable (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the MDC Notes) that would constitute a default thereunder;

 

(g)                any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness to the extent such sale or transfer is permitted by the terms of Section 6.05;

 

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(h)                an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of a Loan Party or Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

(i)                 any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for such Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

(j)                 any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability, or publicly declare its intention not to, or fail generally, to pay its debts as they become due;

 

(k)                one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $5,000,000 shall be rendered against any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall fail within thirty (30) days to discharge one or more non-monetary judgments or orders which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, which judgments or orders, in any such case, are not stayed on appeal and being appropriately contested in good faith by proper proceedings diligently pursued;

 

(l)                 an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding (i) $1,000,000 in any year or (ii) $3,000,000 for all periods;

 

(m)              a Change in Control shall occur;

 

(n)                the occurrence of any “default”, as defined in any Loan Document (other than this Agreement), or the breach of any of the terms or provisions of any Loan Document (other than this Agreement), which default or breach continues beyond any period of grace therein provided;

 

(o)                the Loan Guaranty or any Obligation Guaranty shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of the Loan Guaranty or any Obligation Guaranty, or any Loan Guarantor shall fail to comply with any of the terms or provisions of the Loan Guaranty or any Obligation Guaranty to which it is a party, or any Loan Guarantor shall deny that it has any further liability under the Loan Guaranty or any Obligation Guaranty to which it is a party, or shall give notice to such effect, including, but not limited to notice of termination delivered pursuant to Section 10.08 or any notice of termination delivered pursuant to the terms of any Obligation Guaranty;

 

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(p)                except as permitted by the terms of any Collateral Document, (i) any Collateral Document shall for any reason fail to create a valid security interest in any Collateral purported to be covered thereby, or (ii) any Lien securing any Secured Obligation shall cease to be a perfected, first priority Lien;

 

(q)                any Collateral Document shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any Collateral Document; or

 

(r)                 any material provision of any Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (or any Loan Party shall challenge the enforceability of any Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction that evidences its assertion, that any provision of any of the Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms\;

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrowers described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower Representative, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments whereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, but ratably as among the Classes of Loans and the Loans of each Class at the time outstanding, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), whereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payments) and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder shall become due and payable immediately, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers,; and in the case of any event with respect to the Borrowers described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding together with accrued interest thereon and all fees (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payments) and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, increase the rate of interest applicable to the Loans and other Obligations as set forth in this Agreement and exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

The Administrative Agent

 

SECTION 8.01. Appointment. Each of the Lenders, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties and the Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf, including execution of the other Loan Documents, and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of the Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the U.S., each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute any Collateral Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s behalf. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (including the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank), and the Loan Parties shall not have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” as used herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law. Instead, such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.

 

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SECTION 8.02. Rights as a Lender. The bank serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and such bank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business with any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or any Affiliate thereof as if it were not the Administrative Agent hereunder.

 

SECTION 8.03. Duties and Obligations. The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated by the Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02), and, (c) except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower Representative or a Lender, and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or in connection with any Loan Document, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the creation, perfection or priority of Liens on the Collateral or the existence of the Collateral, or (vi) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 8.04. Reliance. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

SECTION 8.05. Actions through Sub-Agents. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding paragraphs shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as the Administrative Agent.

 

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SECTION 8.06. Resignation. Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Borrower Representative. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrowers, to appoint a successor. If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, appoint a successor Administrative Agent which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, or an Affiliate of any such bank. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by its successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor, unless otherwise agreed by the Borrowers and such successor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower Representative, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (a) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Collateral Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this paragraph (it being understood and agreed that the retiring Administrative Agent shall have no duly or obligation to take any further action under any Collateral Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest), and (b) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, provided that (i) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (ii) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall also directly be given or made to each Lender and each Issuing Bank. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article, Section 2.17(d) and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (a) above.

 

SECTION 8.07. Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Banks.

 

(a)                Each Lender and each Issuing Bank represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility,(ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender or Issuing Bank, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Joint Lead Arranger, any Co-Documentation Agent or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Joint Lead Arranger, any Co-Documentation Agent or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrower and its Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

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(b)                Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Restatement Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Restatement Date.

 

(c)                (i) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a “Payment”) were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 8.07(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

 

(ii)               Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment.  Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect.

 

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(iii)             The Borrowers and each other Loan Party hereby agree that (x) in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such Lender with respect to such amount and (y) an erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by the Borrowers or any other Loan Party.

 

(iv)              Each party’s obligations under this Section 8.07(c) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.

 

SECTION 8.08. Other Agency Titles. The Co- Documentation Agents shall not have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, none of such Lenders shall have or be deemed to have a fiduciary relationship with any Lender. Each Lender hereby makes the same acknowledgments with respect to the relevant Lenders in their respective capacities Co-Documentation Agent, as applicable, as it makes with respect to the Agents in the preceding paragraph.

 

SECTION 8.09. Not Partners or Co-Venturers; Administrative Agent as Representative of the Secured Parties.

 

(a)                The Lenders are not partners or co-venturers, and no Lender shall be liable for the acts or omissions of, or (except as otherwise set forth herein in case of the Administrative Agent) authorized to act for, any other Lender. The Administrative Agent shall have the exclusive right on behalf of the Lenders to enforce the payment of the principal of and interest on any Loan after the date such principal or interest has become due and payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

(b)                In its capacity, the Administrative Agent is a “representative” of the Secured Parties within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the UCC. Each Lender authorizes the Administrative Agent to enter into each of the Collateral Documents to which it is a party and to take all action contemplated by such documents. Each Lender agrees that no Secured Party (other than the Administrative Agent) shall have the right individually to seek to realize upon the security granted by any Collateral Document, it being understood and agreed that such rights and remedies may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties upon the terms of the Collateral Documents. In the event that any Collateral is hereafter pledged by any Person as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized, and hereby granted a power of attorney, to execute and deliver on behalf of the Secured Parties any Loan Documents necessary or appropriate to grant and perfect a Lien on such Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties.

 

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SECTION 8.10. Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Loan Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the equity interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase). In connection with any such bid (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles (ii) each of the Secured Parties’ ratable interests in the Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or equity interests thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents shall provide for, control by the vote of the Required Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in Section 9.02 of this Agreement), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as equity, partnership interests, limited partnership interests or membership interests, in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Obligations that are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of Obligations credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata with their original interest in such Obligations and the equity interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in clause (ii) above, each Secured Party shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.

 

SECTION 8.11. Certain ERISA Matters.

 

(a)                Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

 

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(i)                 such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments or this Agreement,

 

(ii)               the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement,

 

(iii)             (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, or

 

(iv)              such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

 

(b)                In addition, unless either (1) sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or (2) a Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that the Administrative Agent is not a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender involved in such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related hereto or thereto).

 

(c)                The Administrative Agent hereby informs the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide investment advice, or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments, this Agreement, and any other Loan Document, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.

 

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SECTION 8.12. Flood Laws. Chase has adopted internal policies and procedures that address requirements placed on federally regulated lenders under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 and related legislation (the “Flood Laws”). Chase, as administrative agent or collateral agent on a syndicated facility, will post on the applicable electronic platform (or otherwise distribute to each Lender in the syndicate) documents that it receives in connection with the Flood Laws. However, Chase reminds each Lender and Participant in the facility that, pursuant to the Flood Laws, each federally regulated Lender (whether acting as a Lender or Participant in the facility) is responsible for assuring its own compliance with the flood insurance requirements.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 9.01. Notices.

 

(a)                Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone or Electronic Systems (and subject in each case to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by fax, as follows:

 

(i)            if to any Loan Party, to it in care of the Borrower Representative at:

 

MDC Partners
c/o The Stagwell Group LLC
1808 Eye Street, Floor 6

Washington, D.C. 20006
Attention: Ryan Greene

 

(ii)           if to the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender, or Chase in its capacity as an Issuing Bank, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. at:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Middle Market Servicing

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL 60603-2300

Attention: Michael Ausberry

Fax No: (844) 490-5663

 

With a copy to:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

1650 Market St. Floor 30

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Attention: Daniel K. Reagle

Fax No: (215) 933-3364

 

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(iii)          if to Chase in its capacity as an Issuing Bank, at:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

JPMorgan Loan Services

10 South Dearborn Street

Attention: Chicago LC Agency Activity Team

Fax No. (214) 307-6874

Chicago.LC.Agency.Activity.Team@JPMChase.com

 

With a copy to:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Middle Market Servicing

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Michael Ausberry

Fax No: (844) 490-5663

 

(iv)          if to any other Lender or Issuing Bank, to it at its address or fax number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

 

All such notices and other communications (i) sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail shall be deemed to have been given when received, (ii) sent by fax shall be deemed to have been given when sent, provided that if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient, or (iii) delivered through Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below shall be effective as provided in such paragraph.

 

(b)                Notices and other communications to the Borrower Representative, any Loan Party, the Lenders and the Issuing Bank hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, or pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II or to compliance and no Default certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(d) unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative (on behalf of the Loan Parties) may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise proscribes, all such notices and other communications (i) sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if not given during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or a communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, e-mail or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient.

 

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(c)                Any party hereto may change its address, facsimile number or e-mail address for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

(d)                Posting of Communications.

 

(i)            Each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks by posting the Communications on IntraLinks™, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic system chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).

 

(ii)          Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Restatement Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and each Borrower hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.

 

(iii)         THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY JOINT LEAD ARRANGER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. “Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.

 

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(iv)         Each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.

 

(v)          Each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.

 

(vi)         Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.

 

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments.

 

(a)                No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

 

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(b)                Except as provided in the first sentence of Section 2.09(f) (with respect to any commitment increase) and subject to Section 2.14(c), (d) and (e) and Section 9.02(e) below, neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrowers and the Required Lenders (with respect to any waiver, amendment, or modification of Section 6.01(e) or (f) or Section 6.04(c), such agreement or objection to the proposed waiver, amendment or modification not to be unreasonably delayed) or (ii) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto, with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (A) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender), (B) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (except that any amendment or modification of the financial covenants in this Agreement (or defined terms used in the financial covenants in this Agreement) shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest or fees for purposes of this clause (B)), (C) postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any date for the payment of any interest, fees or other Obligations payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby, (D) change Section 2.18(b) or (d) in a manner that would alter the manner in which payments are shared, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (E) [Reserved], (F) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders (or Lenders of any Class) required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby, (G) change Section 2.20, without the consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (H) release any Loan Guarantor from its obligation under its Loan Guaranty or Obligation Guaranty (except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (I) except as provided in clause (c) of this Section or in any Collateral Document, release all or substantially all of the Collateral without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) or (J) change the definition of “Agreed Currency” or any other provision of Section 2.01 with respect to any Agreed Currency; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be (it being understood that any amendment to Section 2.20 shall require the consent of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank); provided further that no such agreement shall amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.07 or any letter of credit application and any bilateral agreement between a Borrower and the Issuing Bank regarding the Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit or the respective rights and obligations between such Borrower and the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance of Letters of Credit without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, respectively. The Administrative Agent may also amend the Commitment Schedule to reflect assignments entered into pursuant to Section 9.04. Any amendment, waiver or other modification of this Agreement or any other Loan Document that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of the Lenders of one or more Classes (but not the Lenders of any other Class), may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrowers and the requisite number or percentage in interest of each affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time.

 

(c)                The Lenders and the Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its sole discretion, to release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon the termination of all of the Commitments, payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Secured Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations), and the cash collateralization of all Unliquidated Obligations in a manner satisfactory to each affected Lender, (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if the Loan Party disposing of such property certifies to the Administrative Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), and to the extent that the property being sold or disposed of constitutes 100% of the Equity Interests of a Subsidiary, the Administrative Agent is authorized to release any Loan Guaranty or Obligation Guaranty provided by such Subsidiary, (iii) constituting property leased to a Loan Party under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or (iv) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent will not release any Liens on Collateral without the prior written authorization of the Required Lenders or, if required by Section 9.02(b)(ii)(I), each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender). Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. Any execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent of documents in connection with any such release shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

 

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(d)                If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender directly affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but has not been obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Borrowers may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank and is not an affiliate of Holdings shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, and (ii) the Borrowers shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrowers hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.16 had the Loans of such Non-Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender. Each party hereto agrees that an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (b) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to an be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

 

(e)                Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Borrower Representative only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency.

 

SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

 

(a)                The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall pay all (i) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent, in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through an Electronic System or Approved Electronic Platform) of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents and any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of the Loan Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit. Expenses being reimbursed by the Loan Parties under this Section include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with:

 

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(A)              appraisals and insurance reviews;

 

(B)              background checks regarding senior management and/or key investors, as deemed necessary or appropriate in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent;

 

(C)              Taxes, fees and other charges for (i) lien and title searches and title insurance and (ii) recording the Mortgages, filing financing statements and continuations, and other actions to perfect, protect, and continue the Administrative Agent’s Liens;

 

(D)              sums paid or incurred to take any action required of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents that such Loan Party fails to pay or take; and

 

(E)               forwarding loan proceeds, collecting checks and other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining the accounts and lock boxes, and costs and expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral.

 

All of the foregoing fees, costs and expenses may be charged to the Borrowers as Revolving Loans or to another deposit account, all as described in Section 2.18(c).

 

(b)                The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of the Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, (iv) the failure of a Loan Party to deliver to the Administrative Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence with respect to a payment made by such Loan Party for Taxes pursuant to Section 2.17, or (v) any actual or prospective Proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such Proceeding is brought by any Loan Party or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such Liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee. This Section 9.03(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses or damages arising from any non-Tax claim.

 

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(c)                To the extent that any Loan Party fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank (or any Related Party of any of the foregoing) under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank (or any Related Party of any of the foregoing), as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount (it being understood that the Borrowers’ failure to pay any such amount shall not relieve the Borrowers of any default in the payment thereof); provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, penalty, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank in its capacity as such.

 

(d)                To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) neither any Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall assert, and each Borrower and each Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, any Joint Lead Arranger, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called a “Lender-Related Person”) for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any other party hereto, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this Section 9.03(d) shall relieve any Borrower or any other Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(b), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.

 

(e)                All amounts due under this Section 9.03 shall be payable not later than 30 days after written demand therefor.

 

SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns.

 

(a)                The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) no Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by a Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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(b)         (i)        Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment, participations in Letters of Credit and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) of:

 

(A)              the Borrower Representative, provided that the Borrower Representative shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof, and provided further that no consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee;

 

(B)              the Administrative Agent;

 

(C)              the Issuing Bank; and

 

(D)              the Swingline Lender.

 

(ii)               Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

 

(A)              except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, or an Approved Fund, or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(B)              each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and shall include a proportionate amount of such Lender’s Revolving Commitments as of the date of such assignment;

 

(C)              the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and

 

(D)              the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Company, the other Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws.

 

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For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:

 

Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

Ineligible Institution” means a (a) natural person, (b) a Defaulting Lender or its Lender Parent, (c) holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof; provided that, with respect to clause (c), such holding company, investment vehicle or trust shall not constitute an Ineligible Institution if it (x) has not been established for the primary purpose of acquiring any Loans or Commitments, (y) is managed by a professional advisor, who is not such natural person or a relative thereof, having significant experience in the business of making or purchasing commercial loans, and (z) has assets greater than $25,000,000 and a significant part of its activities consist of making or purchasing commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business; provided that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, any Person (other than a Lender) shall be an Ineligible Institution if after giving effect to any proposed assignment to such Person, such Person would hold more than 25% of the then outstanding Aggregate Credit Exposure or Commitments, as the case may be or (d) a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party.

 

(iii)             Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.

 

(iv)              The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(v)                Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05, 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(d) or 9.03(c), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

 

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(c)                Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”) other than an Ineligible Institution in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged; (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations; and (iii) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. The Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Sections 2.17(f) and (g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.17(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender and the information and documentation required under Section 2.17(g) will be delivered to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.18 and 2.19 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 2.15 or 2.17 with respect to any participation than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation.

 

Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrowers’ request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrowers to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.19(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(d) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or its other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan, Letter of Credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

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(d)                Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.

 

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution.

 

(a)                This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to (i) fees payable to the Administrative Agent and (ii) increases or reductions of the Issuing Bank Sublimit of the Issuing Bank constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

(b)                Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of any Borrower or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Borrower and each Loan Party hereby (A) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrowers and the Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (B) the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (C) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (D) waives any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of any Borrower and/or any Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.

 

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SECTION 9.07. Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held, and other obligations at any time owing, by such Lender or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any and all of the Secured Obligations owing to such Lender or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Loan Parties may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender different from the branch office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.20 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Secured Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The applicable Lender or such Affiliate shall notify the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent of such setoff or application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff or application under this Section. The rights of each Lender, and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or their respective Affiliates may have.

 

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SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

 

(a)                The Loan Documents (other than those containing a contrary express choice of law provision) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, but giving effect to federal laws applicable to national banks.

 

(b)                Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal or New York state court sitting in New York, New York in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Documents, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such state court or, to the extent permitted by law, in such federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(c)                Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(d)                Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER AGENT (INCLUDING ANY ATTORNEY) OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

SECTION 9.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by any Requirement of Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (x) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, or (y) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Loan Parties and their obligations or (z) to credit insurers or reinsurers or any counterparty to any securitization transaction with respect to the Obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower Representative (h) to holders of Equity Interests in any Borrower, (i) to any Person providing a Guarantee of all or any portion of the Secured Obligations; (j) on a confidential basis to (1) any rating agency in connection with rating any Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided for herein or (2) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of identification numbers with respect to the credit facilities provided for herein, or (k) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrowers. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrowers relating to the Borrowers or their business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrowers and other than information pertaining to this Agreement provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrowers after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN SECTION 9.12 FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BORROWERS, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES, AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

 

ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS, FURNISHED BY ANY BORROWER OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE BORROWERS, THE LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE BORROWERS AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

 

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SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law. The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board) for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither the Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrowers in violation of any Requirement of Law.

 

SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

SECTION 9.15. Disclosure. Each Loan Party, each Lender and the Issuing Bank hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with, any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.

 

SECTION 9.16. Appointment for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession or control. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.

 

SECTION 9.17. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the NYFRB Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

 

SECTION 9.18. Marketing Consent. The Borrowers hereby authorize each Joint Lead Arranger and its affiliates, at their respective sole expense, but without any prior approval by the Borrowers, to publish such tombstones and give such other publicity to this Agreement as each may from time to time determine in its sole discretion. The foregoing authorization shall remain in effect unless the Borrower Representative notifies the Joint Lead Arrangers in writing that such authorization is revoked.

 

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SECTION 9.19. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

 

(a)              the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and

 

(b)               the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

 

(i)                 a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

 

(ii)               a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

 

(iii)             the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.

 

SECTION 9.20. Judgment Currency. If for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert an amount due hereunder in the currency in which it is due (the “Original Currency”) into another currency (the “Second Currency”), the rate of exchange applied shall be that at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Administrative Agent could purchase the Original Currency with the Second Currency at the Spot Rate on the date two Business Days preceding that on which judgment is given. The Borrowers agree that their obligations in respect of any Original Currency due from it hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment or payment in such other currency, be discharged only to the extent that, on the Business Day following the date the applicable Agent receives payment of any sum so adjudged to be due hereunder in the Second Currency, the Administrative Agent may, in accordance with normal banking procedures, purchase, in the New York foreign exchange market, the Original Currency with the amount of the Second Currency so paid; and if the amount of the Original Currency so purchased or could have been so purchased is less than the amount originally due in the Original Currency, the Borrowers agree as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such payment or judgment to indemnify the Administrative Agent against such loss. The term “rate of exchange” in this Section means the Spot Rate at which the Administrative Agent, in accordance with normal practices, is able on the relevant date to purchase the Original Currency with the Second Currency, and includes any premium and costs of exchange payable in connection with such purchase.

 

SECTION 9.21. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs.

 

(a)                To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support “QFC Credit Support” and each such QFC a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):

 

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(b)                In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.

 

SECTION 9.22. No Fiduciary Duty, etc. (a) Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to such Loan Party with respect to the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, any Borrower or any other person. Each Loan Party agrees that it will not assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Additionally, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising the Borrowers as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. The Borrowers shall consult with their own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated herein or in the other Loan Documents, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to the Borrowers with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 9.23. Mortgaged Real Property. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges and agrees that, if there is any real property subject to a Mortgage, any increase, extension or renewal of any of the Commitments or Loans (including the increase in additional Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 2.09 but excluding (i) any continuation or conversion of borrowings, (ii) the making of any Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans or (iii) the issuance, renewal or extension of Letters of Credit) shall be subject to (and conditioned upon): (1) the prior delivery of all flood hazard determination certifications, acknowledgements and evidence of flood insurance and other flood-related documentation with respect to such real property as required by Flood Insurance Laws and as otherwise reasonably required by the Lenders and (2) the Administrative Agent shall have received written confirmation from the Lenders that flood insurance due diligence and flood insurance compliance has been completed by the Lenders (such written confirmation not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

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SECTION 9.24. Joint and Several. Each Borrower hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees it is jointly and severally liable to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders for the Secured Obligations. In furtherance thereof, each Borrower agrees that wherever in this Agreement it is provided that a Borrower is liable for a payment, such obligation is the joint and several obligation of each Borrower. Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that its joint and several liability under this Agreement and the Loan Documents is absolute and unconditional and shall not in any manner be affected or impaired by any acts or omissions whatsoever by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other Person. Each Borrower's liability for the Secured Obligations shall not in any manner be impaired or affected by who receives or uses the proceeds of the credit extended hereunder or for what purposes such proceeds are used, and each Borrower waives notice of borrowing requests issued by, and loans or other extensions of credit made to, other Borrowers. Each Borrower hereby agrees not to exercise or enforce any right of exoneration, contribution, reimbursement, recourse or subrogation available to such Borrower against any party liable for payment under this Agreement and the Loan Documents unless and until the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender has been paid in full and all of the Secured Obligations are satisfied and discharged following termination or expiration of all commitments of the Lenders to extend credit to the Borrowers. Each Borrower's joint and several liability hereunder with respect to the Secured Obligations shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the unconditional liability of such Borrower irrespective of (i) the validity, enforceability, avoidance or subordination of any of the Secured Obligations or of any other document evidencing all or any part of the Secured Obligations, (ii) the absence of any attempt to collect any of the Secured Obligations from any other Loan Party or any Collateral or other security therefor, or the absence of any other action to enforce the same, (iii) the amendment, modification, waiver, consent, extension, forbearance or granting of any indulgence by the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to any provision of any instrument executed by any other Loan Party evidencing or securing the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, or any other agreement now or hereafter executed by any other Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent, (iv) the failure by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to take any steps to perfect or maintain the perfected status of its Lien upon, or to preserve its rights to, any of the Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations or the Administrative Agent’s release of any Collateral or of its Liens upon any Collateral, (v) the release or compromise, in whole or in part, of the liability of any other Loan Party for the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, (vi) any increase in the amount of the Secured Obligations beyond any limits imposed herein or in the amount of any interest, fees or other charges payable in connection therewith, in each case, if consented to by any other Borrower, or any decrease in the same, or (vii) any other circumstance that might constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of any Loan Party. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may proceed directly and at once, without notice to any Borrower, against any or all of Loan Parties to collect and recover all or any part of the Secured Obligations, without first proceeding against any other Loan Party or against any Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations, and each Borrower waives any provision that might otherwise require the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under applicable law to pursue or exhaust its remedies against any Collateral or other Loan Party before pursuing such Borrower or its property. Each Borrower consents and agrees that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall be under no obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Loan Party or against or in payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations.

 

SECTION 9.25. Amendment and Restatement.

 

(a)                On the Restatement Date, the Existing Credit Agreement shall be amended, restated and superseded in its entirety hereby. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (i) this Agreement, any promissory notes delivered pursuant to Section 2.10(e) and the other Loan Documents executed and delivered in connection herewith do not constitute a novation, payment and reborrowing, refinancing or termination of the obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement as in effect prior to the Restatement Date; (ii) the “Loans” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) have not become due and payable prior to the Restatement Date as a result of the amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement; (iii) such obligations are in all respects continuing with only the terms thereof being modified as provided in this Agreement; (iv) upon the effectiveness of this Agreement all loans and letters of credit outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement immediately before the effectiveness of this Agreement will be part of the Loans and Letters of Credit hereunder on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and (v) the Liens granted under the Existing Credit Agreement and the other Collateral Documents (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) securing payment of such obligations are in all respects ratified, confirmed, and continuing and in full force and effect, without interruption or impairment of any kind, after giving effect to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and shall continue to secure the Obligations (as defined herein), except to the extent such Collateral Documents are amended, restated, modified or otherwise supplemented on the Restatement Date.

 

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(b)                Notwithstanding the modifications effected by this Agreement of the representations, warranties and covenants of any Loan Party contained in the Existing Credit Agreement, such Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that any causes of action or other rights created prior to the Restatement Date in favor of any Lender and its successors arising out of the representations and warranties of such Loan Party and contained in or delivered (including representations and warranties delivered in connection with the making of the loans or other extensions of credit thereunder) in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document executed in connection therewith prior to the Restatement Date shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement; provided, however, that it is understood and agreed that the Borrowers’ monetary obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement in respect of the loans and letters of credit thereunder are now monetary obligations of the Borrowers as evidenced by this Agreement as provided in Section 2 hereof.

 

(c)                All indemnification obligations of any Loan Party pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement (including any arising from a breach of the representations thereunder) with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses occurring prior to the Restatement Date shall survive the amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement pursuant to this Agreement. All costs and expenses which were due and owing under the Existing Credit Agreement shall continue to be due and owing under, and shall be due and payable in accordance with, this Agreement.

 

(d)                On and after the Restatement Date, each reference in the Loan Documents to the “Credit Agreement”, “thereunder”, “thereof” or similar words referring to the Existing Credit Agreement shall mean and be a reference to this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE X

Loan Guaranty

 

SECTION 10.01. Guaranty. Each Loan Guarantor (other than those that have delivered a separate Guaranty) hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as a primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Secured Parties, the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of the Secured Obligations and all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, all court costs and reasonable attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees (including allocated costs of in-house counsel and paralegals) and expenses paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders in endeavoring to collect all or any part of the Secured Obligations from, or in prosecuting any action against, any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the Secured Obligations (such costs and expenses, together with the Secured Obligations, collectively the “Guaranteed Obligations”; provided, however, that the definition of “Guaranteed Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Loan Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Loan Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Guarantor). Each Loan Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed in whole or in part without notice to or further assent from it, and that it remains bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any such extension or renewal. All terms of this Loan Guaranty apply to and may be enforced by or on behalf of any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of any Lender that extended any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

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SECTION 10.02. Guaranty of Payment. This Loan Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Each Loan Guarantor waives any right to require the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to sue any Borrower or any Loan Guarantor, or any other guarantor of, or any other Person obligated for, all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations (each, an “Obligated Party”), or otherwise to enforce its payment against any collateral securing all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

SECTION 10.03. No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty.

 

(a)                Except as otherwise provided for herein, the obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are unconditional and absolute and not subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations), including: (i) any claim of waiver, release, extension, renewal, settlement, surrender, alteration or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, by operation of law or otherwise; (ii) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of any Borrower or any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Obligated Party or their assets, or any resulting release or discharge of any obligation of any Obligated Party; or (iv) the existence of any claim, setoff or other rights which any Loan Guarantor may have at any time against any Obligated Party, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection herewith or in any unrelated transactions.

 

(b)                The obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are not subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise, or any provision of applicable law or regulation purporting to prohibit payment by any Obligated Party, of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof.

 

(c)                Further, the obligations of any Loan Guarantor hereunder are not discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by: (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy with respect to all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any waiver or modification of or supplement to any provision of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any release, non-perfection or invalidity of any indirect or direct security for the obligations of any Borrower for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or any obligations of any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) any action or failure to act by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender with respect to any collateral securing any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (v) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other circumstance, act, omission or delay that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Loan Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Loan Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations).

 

SECTION 10.04. Defenses Waived. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor hereby waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any Borrower or any Loan Guarantor or the unenforceability of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other Obligated Party, other than the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Guarantor irrevocably waives acceptance hereof, presentment, demand, protest and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any notice not provided for herein, as well as any requirement that at any time any action be taken by any Person against any Obligated Party or any other Person. Each Loan Guarantor confirms that it is not a surety under any state law and shall not raise any such law as a defense to its obligations hereunder. The Administrative Agent may, at its election, foreclose on any Collateral held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such Collateral in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise act or fail to act with respect to any collateral securing all or a part of the Guaranteed Obligations, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Obligated Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against any Obligated Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of such Loan Guarantor under this Loan Guaranty, except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been Paid in Full. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though that election may operate, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Loan Guarantor against any Obligated Party or any security.

 

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SECTION 10.05. Rights of Subrogation. No Loan Guarantor will assert any right, claim or cause of action, including, without limitation, a claim of subrogation, contribution or indemnification, that it has against any Obligated Party or any collateral, until the Loan Parties and the Loan Guarantors have fully performed all their obligations to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders.

 

SECTION 10.06. Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration. If at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff) is rescinded, or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a Secured Party in its discretion), each Loan Guarantor’s obligations under this Loan Guaranty with respect to that payment shall be reinstated at such time as though the payment had not been made and whether or not the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders are in possession of this Loan Guaranty. If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations shall nonetheless be payable by the Loan Guarantors forthwith on demand by the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 10.07. Information. Each Loan Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrowers’ financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Loan Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Loan Guaranty, and agrees that none of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have any duty to advise any Loan Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.

 

SECTION 10.08. Termination. Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank may continue to make loans or extend credit to the Borrowers based on this Loan Guaranty until five (5) days after it receives written notice of termination from any Loan Guarantor. Notwithstanding receipt of any such notice, each Loan Guarantor will continue to be liable to the Lenders for any Guaranteed Obligations created, assumed or committed to prior to the fifth day after receipt of the notice, and all subsequent renewals, extensions, modifications and amendments with respect to, or substitutions for, all or any part of such Guaranteed Obligations. Nothing in this Section 10.08 shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of, or eliminate, limit, reduce or otherwise impair any rights or remedies the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have in respect of, any Default or Event of Default that shall exist under Article VII hereof as a result of any such notice of termination.

 

SECTION 10.09. Taxes. Each payment of the Guaranteed Obligations will be made by each Loan Guarantor without withholding for any Taxes, unless such withholding is required by law. If any Loan Guarantor determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it is so required to withhold Taxes, then such Loan Guarantor may so withhold and shall timely pay the full amount of withheld Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law. If such Taxes are Indemnified Taxes, then the amount payable by such Loan Guarantor shall be increased as necessary so that, net of such withholding (including such withholding applicable to additional amounts payable under this Section), the Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank (as the case may be) receives the amount it would have received had no such withholding been made.

 

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SECTION 10.10. Maximum Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Loan Guaranty, the amount guaranteed by each Loan Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the extent, if any, required so that its obligations hereunder shall not be subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, Uniform Voidable Transactions Act or similar statute or common law. In determining the limitations, if any, on the amount of any Loan Guarantor’s obligations hereunder pursuant to the preceding sentence, it is the intention of the parties hereto that any rights of subrogation, indemnification or contribution which such Loan Guarantor may have under this Loan Guaranty, any other agreement or applicable law shall be taken into account.

 

SECTION 10.11. Contribution.

 

(a)                To the extent that any Loan Guarantor shall make a payment under this Loan Guaranty (a “Guarantor Payment”) which, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Loan Guarantor, exceeds the amount which otherwise would have been paid by or attributable to such Loan Guarantor if each Loan Guarantor had paid the aggregate Guaranteed Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payment in the same proportion as such Loan Guarantor’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Loan Guarantors as determined immediately prior to the making of such Guarantor Payment, then, following indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guarantor Payment and the Guaranteed Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations that have not yet arisen), and all Commitments and Letters of Credit have terminated or expired or, in the case of all Letters of Credit, are fully collateralized on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, and this Agreement, the Swap Agreement Obligations and the Banking Services Obligations have terminated, such Loan Guarantor shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Loan Guarantor for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.

 

(b)                As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of any Loan Guarantor shall be equal to the excess of the fair saleable value of the property of such Loan Guarantor over the total liabilities of such Loan Guarantor (including the maximum amount reasonably expected to become due in respect of contingent liabilities, calculated, without duplication, assuming each other Loan Guarantor that is also liable for such contingent liability pays its ratable share thereof), giving effect to all payments made by other Loan Guarantors as of such date in a manner to maximize the amount of such contributions.

 

(c)                This Section 10.11 is intended only to define the relative rights of the Loan Guarantors, and nothing set forth in this Section 10.11 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Loan Guarantors, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Loan Guaranty.

 

(d)                The parties hereto acknowledge that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute assets of the Loan Guarantor or Loan Guarantors to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.

 

(e)                The rights of the indemnifying Loan Guarantors against other Loan Guarantors under this Section 10.11 shall be exercisable upon the full and indefeasible payment of the Guaranteed Obligations in cash (other than Unliquidated Obligations that have not yet arisen) and the termination or expiry (or, in the case of all Letters of Credit, full cash collateralization), on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, of the Commitments and all Letters of Credit issued hereunder and the termination of this Agreement, the Swap Agreement Obligations and the Banking Services Obligations.

 

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SECTION 10.12.  Liability Cumulative. The liability of each Loan Party as a Loan Guarantor under this Article X is in addition to and shall be cumulative with all liabilities of each Loan Party to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or in respect of any obligations or liabilities of the other Loan Parties, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary.

 

SECTION 10.13.  Keepwell. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under this Guarantee in respect of a Swap Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 10.13 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 10.13 or otherwise under this Loan Guaranty voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). Except as otherwise provided herein, the obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 10.13 shall remain in full force and effect until the termination of all Swap Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 10.13 constitute, and this Section 10.13 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

The Borrower Representative

 

SECTION 11.01.   Appointment; Nature of Relationship. The Company is hereby appointed by each of the Borrowers as its contractual representative (herein referred to as the “Borrower Representative”) hereunder and under each other Loan Document, and each of the Borrowers irrevocably authorizes the Borrower Representative to act as the contractual representative of such Borrower with the rights and duties expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. The Borrower Representative agrees to act as such contractual representative upon the express conditions contained in this Article XI. Additionally, the Borrowers hereby appoint the Borrower Representative as their agent to receive all of the proceeds of the Loans in the Funding Account(s), at which time the Borrower Representative shall promptly disburse such Loans to the appropriate Borrower(s), provided that such amount shall not exceed Availability. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and their respective officers, directors, agents or employees, shall not be liable to the Borrower Representative or any Borrower for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Borrower Representative or the Borrowers pursuant to this Section 11.01.

 

SECTION 11.02.  Powers. The Borrower Representative shall have and may exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are specifically delegated to the Borrower Representative by the terms of each thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Borrower Representative shall have no implied duties to the Borrowers, or any obligation to the Lenders to take any action thereunder except any action specifically provided by the Loan Documents to be taken by the Borrower Representative.

 

SECTION 11.03.   Employment of Agents. The Borrower Representative may execute any of its duties as the Borrower Representative hereunder and under any other Loan Document by or through authorized officers.

 

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SECTION 11.04.   Notices. Each Borrower shall immediately notify the Borrower Representative of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder, refer to this Agreement, describe such Default or Event of Default, and state that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that the Borrower Representative receives such a notice, the Borrower Representative shall give prompt notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. Any notice provided to the Borrower Representative hereunder shall constitute notice to each Borrower on the date received by the Borrower Representative.

 

SECTION 11.05.   Successor Borrower Representative. Upon the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower Representative may resign at any time, such resignation to be effective upon the appointment of a successor Borrower Representative. The Administrative Agent shall give prompt written notice of such resignation to the Lenders.

 

SECTION 11.06. Execution of Loan Documents. The Borrowers hereby empower and authorize the Borrower Representative, on behalf of the Borrowers, to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders the Loan Documents (other than the Credit Agreement and any notes pursuant to Section 2.10(e) or any amendment or joinder document pursuant to which such Person becomes a Borrower hereunder, in each case, which shall be executed by each Borrower) and all related agreements, certificates, documents, or instruments as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, the Compliance Certificates. Each Borrower agrees that any action taken by the Borrower Representative or the Borrowers in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and the exercise by the Borrower Representative of its powers set forth therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all of the Borrowers.

 

(Signature Pages Follow)

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

BORROWERS: STAGWELL MARKETING GROUP LLC
   
  By: /s/ Ryan J. Greene

 

  Name: Ryan Greene
  Title: Authorized Person

 

  MIDAS OPCO HOLDINGS LLC
   
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto

 

  Name: Frank Lanuto
  Title: Authorized Person

 

  MAXXCOM LLC
   
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto

 

  Name: Frank Lanuto
  Title: Authorized Person

 

GUARANTORS: STAGWELL MARKETING GROUP HOLDINGS LLC
  STAGWELL PERFORMANCE MARKETING & DIGITAL
  TRANSFORMATION LLC
  PMX AGENCY LLC
  SKDKNICKERBOCKER LLC
  CODE AND THEORY LLC
  CODE AND THEORY (SF) LLC
  MEDIACURRENT INTERACTIVE SOLUTIONS, LLC
  RHYTHM INTERACTIVE LLC
  STAGWELL MARKET RESEARCH LLC
  HARRIS INSIGHTS AND ANALYTICS LLC
  SCOUT MARKETING LLC
  NATIONAL RESEARCH GROUP, INC.
  MULTI-VIEW HOLDINGS INC.
  MULTI-VIEW, INC.
  CONTENT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
  HARRISX LLC
  GRASON AGENCY LLC
  TARGETED VICTORY, LLC
  TARGETED HOLDINGS LLC
  FORWARDPMX GROUP LLC
  STAGWELL MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS LLC
  THE SEARCH AGENCY INC.
  STAGWELL PERFORMANCE MARKETING INC.
  GRASON AGENCY GROUP LLC
  SLOANE & COMPANY LLC
  KETTLE SOLUTIONS LLC
  MMI AGENCY, LLC
  CODE AND THEORY SOUTH AMERICA LLC
  TRUELOGIC SOFTWARE LLC

  As to all the above
   
  By: /s/ Ryan Greene

  Name: Ryan Greene
  Title: Authorized Person

 

[JPMC/Stagwell – Signature Page to A&R Credit Agreement]

 

 

 

  MDC CORPORATE (US) LLC
  ANOMALY PARTNERS LLC
  A-ALLIANCE LLC
  CRISPIN PORTER & BOGUSKY LLC
  TARGETCAST LLC
  GALE PARTNERS LLC
  Y MEDIA LABS LLC
  72ANDSUNNY PARTNERS, LLC
  72ANDSUNNY PARTNERS LLC
  COLLE & MCVOY LLC
  CONCENTRIC PARTNERS LLC
  DONER PARTNERS LLC
  HPR PARTNERS, LLC
  YAMAMOTO, LLC
  UNIQUE INFLUENCE PARTNERS LLC
  ALLEGORY LLC
  ANOMALY PARTNERS LA LLC
  MONO ADVERTISING, LLC
  72ANDSUNNY MIDCO LLC

 

  As to all the above
   
  By: /s/ Frank Lanuto

 

  Name: Frank Lanuto
  Title: Authorized Person

 

 

[JPMC/Stagwell – Signature Page to A&R Credit Agreement]

 

 

 

  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually, and
  as Administrative Agent and a Lender
   
  By: /s/ Daniel K. Reagle
  Name: Daniel K. Reagle
  Title: Authorized Signer

 

 

[JPMC/Stagwell – Signature Page to A&R Credit Agreement]

 

 

 

  CITIZENS BANK, N.A., as a Lender

 

  By: /s/ Jamie Salas
  Name: Jamie Salas
  Title: SVP

 

 

[JPMC/Stagwell – Signature Page to A&R Credit Agreement]

 

 

 

  BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender

 

  By: /s/ Jessica Cullen
  Name: Jessica Cullen
  Title: Vice President

 

 

[JPMC/Stagwell – Signature Page to A&R Credit Agreement]

 

 

 

  FIFTH THIRD BANK, N.A., as a Lender

 

  By: /s/ Eric Oberfield
  Name: Eric Oberfield
  Title: Executive Director

 

 

[JPMC/Stagwell – Signature Page to A&R Credit Agreement]

 

 

 

  M & T BaNK, as a Lender

 

  By: /s/ Drake Staniar
  Name: Drake Staniar
  Title: Vice President

 

 

[JPMC/Stagwell – Signature Page to A&R Credit Agreement]

 

 

 

  WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as a Lender

 

  By: /s/ Katherine A. Marcotte
  Name: Katherine A. Marcotte
  Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

[JPMC/Stagwell – Signature Page to A&R Credit Agreement]

 

 

 

COMMITMENT SCHEDULE

 

Lender   Revolving
Commitment
    Swingline
Commitment
    Aggregate
Commitment
 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.   $ 105,000,000.00     $ 50,000,000.00     $ 105,000,000.00  
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.   $ 105,000,000.00     $ 0.00     $ 105,000,000.00  
Bank of America, N.A.   $ 105,000,000.00     $ 0.00     $ 105,000,000.00  
Citizens Bank, N.A.   $ 105,000,000.00     $ 0.00     $ 105,000,000.00  
M&T Bank   $ 40,000,000.00     $ 0.00     $ 40,000,000.00  
Fifth Third Bank   $ 40,000,000.00     $ 0.00     $ 40,000,000.00  
Total   $ 500,000,000     $ 50,000,000     $ 500,000,000  

 

 

[Commitment Schedule] 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE ISSUE

 

FOR: Stagwell Inc.   CONTACT: Beth Sidhu
  One World Trade Center, Fl. 65     Stagwell Inc.
  New York, NY 10007     202.423.4414
        Beth.sidhu@stagwellglobal.com

 

STAGWELL MARKETING GROUP AND MDC PARTNERS (MDCA) COMBINE FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL SHAREHOLDER VOTE, FORMING STAGWELL INC.

 

Stagwell Inc. brings together the digital-first capabilities of Stagwell Marketing Group with the creative talent of MDC Partners, creating a top 10 global marketing services company

 

Combined Company will trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker STGW beginning on August 3

 

NEW YORK, NY August 2, 2021 – Stagwell Inc. (“Stagwell”) announced today that Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC (“Stagwell Marketing Group”) and MDC Partners Inc. (“MDC”) have officially completed a business combination (the “Combination”) following a successful shareholder vote on July 26, 2021, creating a top 10 global marketing services company. The combined company is called Stagwell Inc. and will trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “STGW” beginning Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Under the continued leadership of CEO Mark Penn, Stagwell’s roster of world-class clients will benefit from award-winning creative talent and the latest connected technologies to drive the most effective marketing outcomes.

 

I am excited about the unique opportunity we have to build a new kind of holding company that can transform the industry and create enhanced opportunities for growth and value in the marketplace,” said Mark Penn, CEO, Stagwell. “Stagwell is born from the understanding that modern culture demands the highest levels of agility and creativity to drive unique, connected experiences. Given the depth of our combined talent, we are uniquely positioned to build new marketing solutions help our clients achieve their business results. Madison Avenue, get ready for Stagwell.”

 

Stagwell targets growth to $3 billion in revenue by 2025, including acquisitions, organic growth, and new products. Stagwell expects its next-level growth to be driven by four key drivers:

 

· Leading-edge digital transformation: Stagwell boasts a digital engine that understands the fastest growing segments of the marketing and advertising industry, such as e-commerce, platform building, online advocacy, influencer marketing, and global performance marketing. 
· Scaled creative performance: The combined company will break down the artificial divide between brand marketing and performance media to help clients deliver effective advertising at scale, powered by higher levels of creativity. 
· Innovative SaaS digital marketing products: Stagwell will continue its investment in building SaaS marketing products that solve for key gaps in the marketing ecosystem based on industry know-how and engineering heft.

 

 

 

 

· Integrated solutions at global scale: While the top four marketing holding companies have historically had a stranglehold on these opportunities, the combined company can easily create global teams with the potential to win contracts at the highest levels.

 

These growth drivers will be supported by Stagwell’s culture of collaboration, which leverages the best in connected technology to bring together agencies across disciplines. The combined company’s nearly 10,000 employees and affiliates bring a wealth of experience across creativity, digital transformation, data analysis and audience targeting to help identify, design and execute the right solutions for modern marketers.

 

Stagwell now includes renowned brands including creative agencies such as 72andSunny, Anomaly, Doner and Forsman & Bodenfors, cutting edge digital transformation firms including Code and Theory, YML and Instrument, media powerhouses Assembly, ForwardPMX and GALE, public relations leaders Allison+Partners, SKDK and Hunter, and market research firms the Harris Poll and NRG. The combined company is expected to generate between $2.135 billion and $2.180 billion in total revenue and between $372 million and $387 million in Adjusted EBITDA in 2021 on a pro forma basis including $30 million of projected synergies. Stagwell’s clients include best-in-class marketers such as P&G, Nike, and Google.

 

“As we move forward as Stagwell, I could not be prouder of the incredible work our agencies have already achieved together on behalf of clients like Nike, Google and P&G,” said Penn. “As we enter this new phase of our partnership, I have no doubt we have the right talent, creativity and connected services to continue our combined legacy of industry-leading client work and truly transform the future of marketing.”

 

Designed and created by Doner, Stagwell’s new visual identity colorfully symbolizes the combination of MDC and the Stagwell Marketing Group, and the combination of creativity and connected experiences. Code and Theory designed Stagwell’s new website: www.stagwellglobal.com 

 

About Stagwell Inc.

Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 30+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

 

 

 

 

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. Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including statements about 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 business and operations of Stagwell; information concerning the Combination; and the anticipated benefits of the Combination. 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 Stagwell'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 caption "Risk Factors" in Stagwell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2020 under Item 1A and under the caption "Risk Factors" in Stagwell's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter-ended March 31, 2021 under Item 1A.

 

You can obtain copies of Stagwell'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.stagwellglobal.com. Stagwell 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.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page(s)
F-2
Consolidated Financial Statements
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7 – F-44
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-45 – F-46
F-51 – F-89
 
F-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
[MISSING IMAGE: TM214718D3-HR_ROCKFELL4C.JPG]
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the Management of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and subsidiaries (the “Company”), which comprise the balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, and the related consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Predecessor Auditors’ Opinion on 2019 Financial Statements
The financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 were audited by other auditors whose report, dated June 2, 2020 (except for the change in the manner in which the Company accounts for leases as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, except for the effects of the reorganization of entities under common control as discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements and except for the change in composition of reportable segments as discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the report is dated January 18, 2021), expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, NY
March 6, 2021
 
F-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$ 92,457 $ 63,860
Accounts receivable, net
225,733 196,511
Expenditures billable to clients
11,063 21,137
Other current assets
36,433 23,242
Total current assets
365,686 304,750
Investments
14,256 18,899
Property and equipment, net
35,614 32,571
Goodwill
351,725 325,185
Intangible assets, net
186,035 196,567
Right-of-use assets – operating leases
57,752 71,723
Other assets
2,787 1,094
Total assets
$ 1,013,855 $ 950,789
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 147,826 $ 139,507
Accruals and other liabilities
89,562 68,513
Current maturities of long-term debt
994 994
Advanced billings
66,418 57,864
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
19,579 17,488
Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration (Note 12)
12,579 64,845
Total current liabilities
336,958 349,211
Long-term debt, net
198,024 158,460
Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration (Note 12)
5,268
Lease liabilities – operating leases
52,606 67,463
Deferred tax liabilities, net
16,050 21,408
Other liabilities
5,802 2,108
Total liabilities
614,708 598,650
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 14)
604 3,602
Member’s equity
358,756 316,960
Noncontrolling interest
39,787 31,577
Total equity
398,543 348,537
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity
$ 1,013,855 $ 950,789
 
F-3

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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2020
2019
Revenue
$ 888,032 $ 628,666
Operating expenses:
Cost of services sold
571,588 376,280
Office and general expenses
191,679 175,962
Depreciation and amortization
41,025 35,729
Total operating expenses
804,292 587,971
Operating income
83,740 40,695
Other expenses, net:
Interest expense, net
(6,223) (8,659)
Other expense, net
(177) (1,144)
Income before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates
77,340 30,892
Provision for income taxes
(5,937) (10,004)
Income before equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates
71,403 20,888
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates
58 (158)
Net income
71,461 20,730
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
18,231 2,326
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
(3,126) 1,263
Net income attributable to Member
$ 56,356 $ 17,141
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes:
Net income attributable to Member
$ 56,356 $ 17,141
Net unrealized (loss) gain on available for sale investment
(5,156) 1,539
Foreign currency translation adjustments
2,371 4,202
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes
(2,785) 5,741
Comprehensive income attributable to Member
$ 53,571 $ 22,882
 
F-4

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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(in thousands)
Member’s
equity
Noncontrolling
interest
Total
equity
Balance at December 31, 2018
$ 264,169 $ 40,040 $ 304,209
Capital contributions
59,724 59,724
Distributions
(38,032) (2,180) (40,212)
Net income attributable to Member and noncontrolling
interests
17,141 2,326 19,467
Other comprehensive income, net
5,741 5,741
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest
(392) (392)
Purchase of units from noncontrolling interest
8,609 (8,609)
Balance at December 31, 2019
316,960 31,577 348,537
Capital contributions
95,434 95,434
Distributions
(108,468) (7,075) (115,543)
Net income attributable to Member and noncontrolling
interests
56,356 18,231 74,587
Other comprehensive loss, net
(2,785) (2,785)
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest
(128) (128)
Purchase of units from noncontrolling interest
1,387 (2,946) (1,559)
Balance at December 31, 2020
$ 358,756 $ 39,787 $ 398,543
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2020
2019
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income
$ 71,461 $ 20,730
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
41,025 35,729
Debt issuance cost amortization
811 728
Provision for bad debt expense
6,222 970
Deferred tax benefit
(5,463) (560)
Changes in fair value of investments in unconsolidated affiliates
518 350
Changes in deferred acquisition consideration
4,520 15,651
Interest from preferred investments
(600) (600)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends received
(58) 158
Transaction costs contributed by Stagwell Media LP
10,160
Foreign currency transaction loss on foreign denominated debt
721
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
386
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
(26,805) (41,681)
Expenditures billable to clients
10,078 (997)
Other assets
(10,461) (9,979)
Accounts payable
5,606 32,757
Accruals and other liabilities
22,922 904
Advanced billings
7,423 10,300
Net cash provided by operating activities
138,080 64,846
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment
(12,099) (12,472)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(14,732) (5,615)
Acquisitions of intangible assets
(1,895)
Loan to related party
(295)
Net cash used in investing activities
(29,021) (18,087)
Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of contingent consideration
(500) (500)
Payment of deferred consideration
(1,000) (2,000)
Payment of long-term debt
(126,994) (169,770)
Proceeds from long-term debt
167,000 175,203
Debt issuance costs
(3,099) (1,784)
Distributions
(115,543) (40,212)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
(1,559)
Contributions
1,554 4,044
Net cash used in financing activities
(80,141) (35,019)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(321) 343
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
28,597 12,083
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
63,860 51,777
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$ 92,457 $ 63,860
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash interest paid
$ (9,287) $ (12,100)
Income taxes paid
(10,714) (8,588)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisitions of business
(23,720) (69,233)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interest
(15,560)
Net unrealized (loss) gain on available for sale investment
(5,156) 1,539
Non-cash contributions included in Member’s equity
93,880 71,240
Non-cash debt proceeds
18,000
Non-cash payment of deferred acquisition consideration
(64,345)
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.   Business Description
Stagwell Marketing Group LLC (the “Company,” or “SMG”) is a Delaware company that was formed on March 9, 2017 and is governed by the terms and conditions of a limited liability agreement effective as of the same date. Stagwell Media LP (the “Member”, “Stagwell Media” or the “Fund”), is a private equity fund that owns all interests in Stagwell Marketing Group through a wholly owned holding company named Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC. The Fund is managed by a registered investment advisor named The Stagwell Group LLC (“Stagwell Group” or the “Manager”).
On March 9, 2017 Stagwell Media formed two holding company subsidiaries, Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC and Stagwell Marketing Group. The companies were formed in contemplation of holding all of Stagwell Media’s operating investments. Under a single entity, the Company could realize cost savings under enterprise level vendor arrangements, better serve the Company’s customers with an integrated offering, and more effectively report the operating results of the Company’s businesses. The transaction was effectuated by way of a contribution agreement dated March 13, 2017, which contributed all the Fund interests in the existing businesses as of the execution date to Stagwell Marketing Group. This transaction has been accounted for at historical cost as a transaction under common control. The Company’s equity structure is a non-unitized single member limited liability company (“LLC”), therefore all components of equity attributable to the Member are reported within Member’s Equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity.
The Company owns the membership interests of small and mid-sized marketing services companies that create customized marketing programs for clients that range in scale from regional and local clients to large global marketers. The Company’s equity positions usually include, but are not limited to, partner and membership interests, common and preferred stock as well as call and put options.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company has six reportable segments with its Corporate function reported separately. The Company’s segments aggregate its operating companies (referred to as “Brands”) based on the services provided, comparable marketing verticals serviced, and comparability of economic performance. The Company’s segments are as follows: 1. Digital Transformation and Performance Marketing (“Digital — Marketing”), 2. Digital Content (“Digital — Content”), 3. Research for Technology and Entertainment (“Research — Technology”), 4. Research for Corporate (“Research — Corporate”), 5. Marketing Communications for Public Affairs and Corporate Communication (“Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy”), and 6. All Other Brands (“All Other”). Refer to Note 18 — Segment Information for further information.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced a new strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was reported worldwide, resulting in COVID-19 being declared a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020 the U.S. President announced a National Emergency relating to the disease. The spread of COVID-19 has caused significant volatility in the United States and international markets and, in many industries, business activity has virtually shut down entirely. While it is difficult to predict the full scale of the impact, including whether any such impact could materially impact operations and cash flows, some of the Company’s Brands have experienced a negative impact to their operating results for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a downturn in the industries their customers operate in. The Company has taken actions to address the impact of the pandemic, such as working closely with clients, reducing expenses and monitoring liquidity. The impact of the pandemic and the corresponding actions are reflected in the Company’s judgments, assumptions and estimates in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. However, if the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic is longer and the operational impact is greater than estimated, the judgments, assumptions and estimates will be updated and could result in different results in the future.
The Company also adopted a remote-work policy and other physical distancing policies for its offices. The Company does not anticipate these policies to have any adverse impact on its ability to continue to operate its business.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On September 30, 2020, the Stagwell Group contributed 100% of the assets and liabilities of RepDef Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, (collectively “Reputation Defender”), to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805:Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), the contribution is accounted for as a transaction among entities under common control due to the Stagwell Group controlling both the Company and Reputation Defender. As a result, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements at their respective carry-over basis, and are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the earliest date of the periods presented. Refer to Note 5 — Common Control Acquisition for further information.
On December 21, 2020, the Fund reached a definitive agreement with MDC Partners, Inc. (“MDC”) for a potential merger between the Company and MDC (the “Proposed MDC Transaction”). The definitive agreement is subject to customary closing procedures for transactions of this nature and subject to several conditions, including obtaining relevant third-party consents. The definitive agreement allows for certain conditions under which the agreement can be terminated, including in instances where the required regulatory approvals are not obtained. No assurances can be given regarding the likelihood of obtaining such consents, obtaining such regulatory approvals, or ultimately completing the Proposed MDC Transaction. Refer to Note 20 — Subsequent Events for further information related to the Proposed MDC Transaction.
2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Principles of Consolidation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of its consolidated subsidiaries, some of which are not wholly owned. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Noncontrolling Interest
The Company recognizes the noncontrolling interests that were created as part of a business combination at fair value as of the date of the transaction.
When acquiring less than 100% ownership of an entity, the Company may enter into agreements with the noncontrolling interest holders that offer the ability to tender their membership interests for redemption by the Company or the related subsidiary under certain circumstances. The Company presents noncontrolling interests as permanent equity when the option to redeem the incremental ownership is within the control of the Company. Noncontrolling interest holders have usual and customary voting and other rights under the respective operating agreements and/or governing documents as they pertain to the class of equity held.
Net income or loss of the Company’s subsidiaries are allocated to its noncontrolling interests based on the noncontrolling interests’ ownership percentages in the subsidiary.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
The Company enters into contractual arrangements under which noncontrolling shareholders may require the Company to purchase such noncontrolling shareholders’ incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances. The redemption date value under these contractual arrangements are not a fixed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valuation formulas, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise or the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period. These contractual arrangements are contingently redeemable at the option of the
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
noncontrolling shareholder and are presented in Redeemable noncontrolling interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its acquisition date fair value, plus net income or loss attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, which is based on the noncontrolling interests’ ownership percentage in the subsidiary. The options are only adjusted to their redemption date value at such point in time that the options are deemed to be currently redeemable by the Company, and if determined to be greater than the cumulative net income allocated to the noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the reporting date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used in the allocation of fair value of purchase consideration, deferred acquisition consideration, redeemable noncontrolling interests, goodwill and intangible assets, property and equipment, income taxes, and revenue recognition. These estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates require the use of assumptions about future performance, which are uncertain at the time of estimation. To the extent actual results differ from the assumptions used, results of operations and cash flows could be materially impacted. Further, the uncertainty over the ultimate impact COVID-19 will have on the global economy and the Company’s business makes any estimates and assumptions as of December 31, 2020 inherently less certain than they would be absent the current and potential impacts of COVID-19. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The financial instruments that could potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash deposits and trade receivables. All cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash are held at financial institutions that management believes to be of high credit quality. Domestically, cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash from time-to-time may exceed federally insured limits set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (“FDIC”), and international cash balances may not qualify for foreign government insurance programs. To date, the Company has not experienced any losses on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
Exposure to losses on trade receivables is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition. To manage the credit risk associated with trade receivables, the Company evaluates the creditworthiness of customers, monitors exposure for credit losses and maintains a provision for bad debt expense. The Company does not believe its exposed to a concentration of credit risk. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue and accounts receivable, with no individual country other than the United States accounting for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Refer to Note 3 — Revenue for further information.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash consists of cash maintained in checking and other operating accounts. The Company invests in money market funds which are classified as cash equivalents. When investments in a SEC-registered money market fund meet the qualifications of Investment Company Act Rule 2a-7, investors in the fund are permitted to classify their investments as cash equivalents. In addition, a floating rate NAV money market fund would meet the definition of a cash equivalent except in the event credit or liquidity issues arise, including the enactment of liquidity fees or redemption gates. The Company has evaluated the classification of the money market funds as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and determined that they are appropriately classified as cash equivalents as there are no known credit or liquidity issues.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $0.5 million of restricted cash on hand. The restricted cash is held in a separate bank account in order to pay healthcare providers for claims incurred by the plan participants. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had no restricted cash on hand.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable includes both receivables billed to customers and unbilled receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounts receivable also includes expenditures that have been billed to customers for pass through media and production costs. Typically, customers are invoiced monthly or based on a billing schedule that is defined by the contract.
The Company extends credit based on a customer’s financial condition and does not require collateral, and utilizes the allowance method to calculate an estimate for uncollectible accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s evaluation of the collectability of accounts receivable and the reserve it records is equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts.
Expenditures billable to clients
Expenditures billable to clients consists principally of outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients when providing services that have not yet been invoiced to clients. Typically, customers are invoiced monthly or based on a billing schedule that is defined by the contract.
Investments
The Company employs the equity method of accounting for investments where it can exercise significant influence, but the investment does not meet the criteria for consolidation. This is generally represented by a common stock ownership or an equity interest of at least 20 percent, but not more than 50 percent. Under the equity method, the investment is recorded initially at cost and subsequently adjusted for the Company’s share of earnings as well as contributions and distributions in accordance with respective operating agreements and/or governing documents of these subsidiaries. Earnings and impairment charges of an equity method investee are reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income as equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates.
Management reviews all investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting each reporting period for impairment. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, no equity investments were impaired.
Investments also include preferred shares in Finn Partners, Inc. (“Finn Partners”), which are accounted for as available-for-sale debt investments consistent with the guidance in ASC 320, Investments — Debt and Equity Securities. Available-for-sale debt investments are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in other expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest on the preferred shares classified as available-for-sale are included in interest expense, net. There were no impairment losses related to available-for-sale investments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Prepaid expenses, which are contained in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and other assets are expenditures made in advance of when the economic benefit of the cost will be realized. These accounts will be expensed in future periods with the passage of time or when a triggering event occurs.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment consist of furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and software, capitalized software and leasehold improvements that are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, as follows:
Useful Lives
Computer equipment and software
3 – 5 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Capitalized software
3 – 5 years
Leasehold improvements
shorter of remaining lease term or useful life
Additions and improvements are capitalized, while replacements, maintenance, and repairs, which do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets, are expensed as incurred. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations in the period of disposition.
The Company capitalizes software development and acquisition costs incurred in connection with developing software for licensing to clients and internal use. Costs incurred in the preliminary stages of development are expensed as incurred. Once the development stage is reached, the Company capitalizes software costs incurred on new applications or upgrades to existing platforms.
Capitalized software is included in property and equipment in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Depreciation expense related to the capitalized software was $3.1 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in Depreciation and amortization expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The net book value of capitalized software was $15.4 million and $11.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Deferred Acquisition Consideration
Certain acquisitions include an initial payment at closing and provide for future additional contingent payments. These payments are typically contingent upon the acquired businesses reaching certain profit and/or growth targets. In instances where such contingent payments require sellers’ continuous employment with the Company after the transaction, they are recorded as compensation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The related liability is measured using management’s best estimate of such future payments and is recorded as a deferred acquisition consideration liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At each reporting date, the Company models each business’ future performance, including revenue growth and free cash flows, to estimate the value of each deferred acquisition consideration liability. Subsequent changes to the liability are recorded in results of operations. When contingent payment arrangements do not require continuous employment, they are initially recorded as purchase consideration at fair value and are subsequently remeasured at fair value at each reporting date with any changes recorded in Office and general expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the result of the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of tangible net assets and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is “more likely than not” to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount under the qualitative assessment, the Company would not need to perform the quantitative impairment test for that reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment, then the Company must perform the quantitative impairment test. The Company performs a one-step quantitative test and records the amount of goodwill impairment, if any, as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a weighted average approach of discounted cash flow analysis, which often includes the use of significant judgments and estimates, and further reviews recent available sale transactions of comparable businesses that operate in similar industries to its reporting units. The significant estimates and assumptions include: a) the amount and timing of future cash flows, b) working capital requirements, c) estimation of a long-term growth rate, and d) the determination of an appropriate discount rate. The discount rate utilized in the analysis was based on the reporting unit’s weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), which takes into account the weighting of each component of capital structure and represents the expected cost of new capital, adjusted as appropriate to consider the risk inherent in future cash flows of the reporting unit. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or conclusions on goodwill impairment.
The Company has historically tested goodwill for impairment as of December 31 during each fiscal year; however, in 2020 the Company changed the date of its annual goodwill impairment test to October 1 in order to allow for more time to complete the test due to the Proposed MDC Transaction and the Company becoming a public issuer. The Company does not believe that this change in goodwill impairment testing date represents a material change in accounting principle as the change did not have a material effect to the consolidated financial statements in light of the continuing requirement to assess goodwill impairment in the presence of certain indicators and the excess of fair value over carrying value at both dates.
Further to the required annual test of impairment of goodwill, the Company identified certain triggering events related to the impact of COVID-19 on certain of its Brands that required the Company to perform an interim impairment test of goodwill.
Based on the goodwill impairment analysis performed as of October 1, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the interim goodwill impairment analysis performed on June 30, 2020, no impairment loss was recorded. There were no accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The following tables summarizes goodwill for each of the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):
Reportable Segment
December 31,
2019
Acquisitions
Currency
Translation
December 31,
2020
Digital – Marketing
$ 160,641 $ 7,507 $ 701 $ 168,849
Digital – Content
83,335 2,057 85,392
Research – Technology
23,817 23,817
Research – Corporate
19,151 19,151
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy
33,258 16,275 49,533
All Other
4,983 4,983
Total
$ 325,185 $ 23,782 $ 2,758 $ 351,725
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reportable Segment
December 31,
2018
Acquisitions
Currency
Translation
December 31,
2019
Digital – Marketing
$ 137,491 $ 21,992 $ 1,158 $ 160,641
Digital – Content
38,623 43,455 1,257 83,335
Research – Technology
23,817 23,817
Research – Corporate
19,151 19,151
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy
33,258 33,258
All Other
4,983 4,983
Total
$ 257,323 $ 65,447 $ 2,415 $ 325,185
Intangible Assets, Net
The Company’s intangible assets include purchased intangible assets with determinable useful lives. These intangible assets consist of customer relationships, tradenames and trademarks, airline relationships, noncompete agreements, advertiser relationships and other intangible assets, and are amortized over their respective useful lives noted below:
Useful Lives
Customer relationships
3 – 15 years
Tradenames and trademarks
5 – 20 years
Airline relationships
4 years
Noncompete agreements
2 – 7 years
Advertiser relationships
3 years
Association relationships
18 years
Recovery of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, capitalized software and purchased intangible assets that are amortized, are evaluated for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment or when the useful lives are no longer appropriate. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value and an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value.
Assets to be disposed or classified as held for sale at the end of a reporting period are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.
As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, no long-lived assets were impaired and no assets have been identified as being held for disposal.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized as the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied. The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from the provision of marketing and communications services which includes: Digital Marketing, which includes the development of websites and content management systems, execution of performance marketing campaigns, and/or execution of targeted digital advertising; Digital Content, which includes the creation, production and distribution of media in execution of a customer’s marketing campaigns; Research, which includes the development and execution of custom consumer surveys as well as reporting on the insights and analytics that will inform a customer’s development of products and/or communication strategies;
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
and Communications, public affairs and advocacy, which includes consulting services that manage a marketer’s reputation with the public through traditional media, social media, and in-person engagements, as well as utilizing digital channels to mobilize and raise funds from supporters and constituents to support political candidates and issue organizations in the public arena. Revenue is recorded net of sales, use and value added taxes.
In substantially all the Company’s Brands, the performance obligation is to provide marketing and communications services to accomplish the specified engagement with the customer. The Company’s client contracts involve fees based on any one or a combination of the following: an agreed fee for the level of effort expended by the Company’s employees; commissions based on the client’s spending for media purchased from third parties or based on the amounts raised for a client’s political campaign; and when the Company is primarily responsible for the services and controls the third-party vendor services, the costs for these third-party vendor services are included in revenue. Where applicable, the transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation based on its relative stand-alone selling price, either through an observable price when the service is sold separately or an estimate, predominantly based on an expected cost plus margin, and is recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Clients typically receive and consume the benefit of the Company’s services as they are performed. Client contracts typically provide that the Company is compensated for services performed to date and allow for cancellation by either party on short notice without penalty.
Many of the Company’s contracts consist of a single performance obligation. The Company does not consider the underlying activities as separate or distinct performance obligations because its services are highly interrelated, and the integration of the various components is essential to the overall promise to the Company’s customer. In certain of the Company’s client contracts, the performance obligation is a stand-ready obligation because the Company provides a constant level of similar services over the term of the contract.
Revenue is predominantly recognized over time, as the services are performed, because the client receives and consumes the benefit of the Company’s performance throughout the contract period, or an asset is created with no alternative use and are contractually entitled to payment for performance to date in the event the client terminates the contract for convenience. For these over time contracts, other than when the Company has a stand-ready obligation to perform services in the form of a retainer or when its providing online subscription-based hosted services, revenue is generally recognized over time using input measures that correspond to the level of staff effort expended to satisfy the performance obligation, in certain instances, using the right to invoice practical expedient. To a lesser extent, revenue is recognized using output measures, such as impressions or ongoing reporting. For client contracts where the Company has a stand-ready obligation to perform services on an ongoing basis over the life of the contract, where the scope of these arrangements includes an undefined number of broad activities and there are no significant gaps in performing the services, the Company recognizes revenue using a time-based measure resulting in a straight-line revenue recognition. For client contracts where the Company is providing online subscription-based hosted services, it recognizes revenue ratably over the contract term. Occasionally, there may be changes in the client service requirements during the term of a contract and the changes could be significant. These changes are typically negotiated as new contracts covering the additional requirements and the associated costs, as well as additional fees for the incremental work to be performed that are negotiated at the stand-alone selling price based on an observable price when the service is sold separately or an estimate, predominantly based on an expected cost plus margin.
For contracts where the transaction price is derived from commissions based on a percentage of purchased media from third parties, the performance obligation is not satisfied until the media is run, and the Company has an enforceable contract providing a right to payment. Accordingly, revenue for commissions is recognized at a point in time.
Some of the Company’s client arrangements include variable consideration provisions, primarily related to certain commissions. Variable consideration for Brands that provide media buying services is recorded to revenue when earned and when the variability is resolved, typically when the media is run.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Principal vs. Agent Considerations
Many of the Company’s Brands incur third-party costs on behalf of clients, including direct costs and incidental, or out-of-pocket costs. Third-party direct costs incurred in connection with the delivery of marketing and communication services primarily include purchased media, studio production services, specialized talent, including artists and other freelance labor, market research and third-party data and other related expenditures.
Out-of-pocket costs primarily include transportation, hotel, meals and telecommunication charges incurred by the Company in the course of providing its services. Billings related to out-of-pocket costs are included in revenue since the Company controls the goods or services prior to delivery to the client.
The inclusion of billings related to third-party direct costs in revenue depends on whether the Company acts as a principal or as an agent in the client arrangement. In certain of the Company’s Brands, such as where it provides media buying services, the Company acts as an agent and arranges, at the client’s direction, for third parties to perform certain services. In these cases, the Company does not control the goods or services prior to the transfer to the client. As a result, revenue is recorded net of these costs, equal to the amount retained for the Company’s fee or commission.
In certain Brands the delivery of services to its customer requires the Company to utilize certain third-party services, such as production services and data costs. In these situations, the Company controls these third-party services before they are transferred to the client and is responsible for providing the service, or the Company is responsible for directing and integrating third-party vendors to fulfill its performance obligation at the agreed upon contractual price. This also includes the execution of targeted digital advertising campaigns because the Company controls the advertising inventory before it is transferred to its clients, and bears sole responsibility for fulfillment of the advertising promise, and the Company has full discretion in establishing prices. When the Company acts as principal, it includes billable amounts related to third-party costs in the transaction price and records revenue at the gross amount billed, including out-of-pocket costs, consistent with the manner that the Company recognizes revenue for the underlying services contract.
Cost of Services Sold
Cost of services sold primarily consists of staff costs that are directly attributable to the Company’s client engagements, as well as third-party direct costs of production and delivery of services to its clients. Cost of services sold does not include depreciation, amortization, and other office and general expenses that are not directly attributable to the Company’s client engagements.
Advertising
All advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense, which is included in office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, totaled $9.8 million and $8.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs represent the costs incurred in connection with credit agreements, which are described in Note 13 — Long-Term Debt. Debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. These costs are amortized over the term of the related debt on the effective interest method. The revolver is presented net of debt issuance costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding debt on the delayed draw term loan, therefore the related deferred issuance costs are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and are amortized using the straight-line method over the contractual term of the term loan.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Income Taxes
The Company is a limited liability company classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, the Company is not subject to taxes from a U.S. federal income tax perspective. Rather, federal taxable income or loss is included in the federal income tax return of the Member. The provision for income taxes recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income includes U.S. federal and state income taxes for certain of the Company’s corporations and foreign taxes for its foreign subsidiaries.
Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Following this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that such tax rate changes are enacted. A valuation allowance on deferred tax assets is recorded if, based on the available evidence, it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income during the carryback or carryforward periods applicable in each stated tax jurisdiction. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers both positive and negative evidence. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. The Company present net deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in its Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net consists of changes in fair value of previously held equity interests which are required to be remeasured as part of step acquisitions, as well as, changes in the fair value of call and put options at each reporting date.
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
The functional currency of the Company’s foreign operations is generally their respective local currency. For reporting purposes assets and liabilities, as well as results of the Company’s foreign operations were translated into the reporting currency, U.S. Dollar, as follows: assets and liabilities are translated at the spot exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the period presented and equity, exclusive of net income for the period, is translated at the historical exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly in equity. Foreign exchange gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded in Office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. This also includes any gains and losses on intercompany balances with foreign subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies. These gains and losses are not eliminated and are included in the results of operations.
Derivatives and Hedging Instruments
The Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk through various strategies, including the use of derivative financial instruments, which are recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in its fair value being recorded in Other comprehensive income, net of taxes on its Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its interest expense and structure its long-term debt portfolio to achieve a blend between fixed and floating rate debt. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition accounting method, which requires the Company to assign the purchase price paid to acquire assets or stock of a business to the identifiable net assets acquired and any noncontrolling interest based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company accounts for acquisitions in which it obtains control of one or more businesses as a business combination. The purchase price of the acquired businesses, including management’s estimation of the fair value of any contingent consideration, is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over those fair values is recognized as goodwill.
During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments, in the period in which they are determined, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Acquisition-related costs, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other costs are expensed as incurred to Office and general expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Leases
The Company has various rental agreements in place to lease office space, with several of these leases containing annual rate escalations.
The Company’s leasing policies are established in accordance with ASC 842, and accordingly, the Company recognizes on the balance sheet at the time of lease commencement a right-of-use lease asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. Right-of-use lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. All right-of-use lease assets are reviewed for impairment. As the Company’s implicit rate in its leases is not readily determinable, in calculating the present value of lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are comprised of noncancelable lease payments, payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and payments for early termination options unless it is reasonably certain the lease will not be terminated early. There were no impairment losses related to right-of-use lease assets for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Lease costs are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset.
As an accounting policy, the Company has elected not to apply the recognition requirements to short-term leases and elected the practical expedient not to separate non-lease components from lease components for its leases of office space where the Company is a lessee which comprises majority of the Company’s leases. Upon adoption of ASC842 on January 1, 2019, the Company also elected to apply the package of practical expedients available for existing contracts which allowed it to carry forward its historical assessments of: (i) whether a contract is or contains a lease, (ii) the classification of existing leases, and (iii) whether previously capitalized costs continue to qualify as initial indirect costs.
Some of the Company’s leases contain variable lease payments for utilities, insurance, real estate tax, repairs and maintenance, and other variable operating expenses. Such amounts are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and are recognized in the period when the variable lease payments occur. The Company has no leases that contain variable lease payments based on an index or rate.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-15, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40):
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”). The standard aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs in a cloud computing arrangement service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred for an internal-use software license. Entities can adopt the standard prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after the date the standard is first applied or retrospectively. On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2018-15. The new standard does not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). This new guidance modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. Public entities will be required to disclose the following: (i) the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and (ii) the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. In addition, public entities will no longer be required to disclose the following: (i) the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, (ii) the policy for timing of transfers between levels and (iii) the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The new pronouncement also clarifies and modifies certain existing provisions, including eliminating “at a minimum” from the phrase “an entity shall disclose at a minimum” to promote the appropriate exercise of discretion by entities when considering fair value measurement disclosures and clarifying that materiality is an appropriate consideration when evaluating disclosure requirements. On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2018-13. The new standard does not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements not yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments in this update require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset within the scope of Topics 960 through 965 on plan accounting. This amended guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2023. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740) (“ASU 2019-12”). The update removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and simplifies accounting for income taxes in certain areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments — Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323 and Topic 815, which clarifies that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the fair value measurement alternative. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), and in January 2021 subsequently issued ASU 2021-01 (“ASU 2021-01”), which refines the scope of Topic 848. These ASUs provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. Adoption of the expedients and exceptions is permitted upon issuance of ASU 2020-04 through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
3.   Revenue
The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from the provision of marketing and communications services which includes digital marketing, digital content, research, and communications, public affairs and advocacy.
Disaggregated Revenue
Certain clients may engage with the Company in various geographic locations, across multiple disciplines, and through multiple Brands. The Company has historically focused on regions in North America, the largest market for its services globally. The Company has also continued to expand its global footprint to support clients looking for assistance with growing their businesses in new markets and regions, or through strategic acquisitions in offshore businesses. The Company’s Brands are principally located in the United States, the United Kingdom, and 20 other countries around the world.
The following table presents revenue disaggregated by geography (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2020
2019
Country:
United States
$ 804,418 $ 504,818
United Kingdom
41,489 25,873
All other (each country individually less than 5% of total revenue)
42,125 97,975
Total Revenue
$ 888,032 $ 628,666
Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract assets consist of fees and reimbursable outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients. Unbilled service fees were $30.6 million and $31.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are included in Accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients which have yet to be invoiced were $11.1 million and $21.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Expenditures billable to clients. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of providing services.
Contract liabilities consists of fees billed to customers in excess of fees recognized as revenue, are expected to be collected from the customer, and the Company has a remaining performance obligation to fulfil. Contract liabilities, included in Advanced billings on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $66.4 million and $57.9 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Further, there were no material balances included in the contract liability balances as of January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, that were not recognized as revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Changes in Expenditures billable to clients and Advanced billings for the years ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, were not materially impacted by write offs, impairment losses or any other factors.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In certain arrangements, the Company purchases media it does not control on behalf of its customers as their agent, or pay other third parties on behalf of its customers for services that the Company does not control. The Company does not include in revenue the amounts it bills to customers related to such third parties, and does not consider these amounts to be contract liabilities. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company had $4.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, included in Advanced billings, with an amount in equal value included in Accounts receivable, net, on its Consolidated Balance Sheets related to these media costs.
The Company has elected the practical expedient to not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less. Most of the Company’s contracts are for periods of one year or less. For those contracts with a term of more than one year, the Company had approximately $8.8 million of unsatisfied performance obligations as of December 31, 2020, of which it expects to recognize approximately 74% in 2021, and 26% in the periods after December 31, 2021.
4.   Leases
Lessee
The Company leases office space in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. This space is primarily used for office and administrative purposes by the Company’s employees in performing professional services. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between years 2020 through 2031. The Company’s finance leases are immaterial.
The Company’s leases include options to extend or renew the lease through 2035. The renewal and extension options are not included in the lease term as the Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise its option.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company has no operating leases for which the commencement date has not yet occurred.
The discount rate used for leases accounted for under ASC 842 is the Company’s collateralized credit adjusted borrowing rate.
The following table presents lease costs and other quantitative information (in thousands):
Year ended
December 31,
2020
Year ended
December 31,
2019
Lease cost:
Operating lease costs
$ 23,707 22,201
Short-term lease costs
1,800 2,274
Variable lease costs
3,843 3,965
Sublease rental income
(3,777) (2,985)
Total lease costs
$ 25,573 25,455
Additional information:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for operating leases
Operating cash flows
$ 20,942 19,203
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
$ 2,952 20,042
Weighted average remaining lease term – Operating leases
4.42 years
5.01 years
Weighted average discount rate – Operating leases
4.01% 4.17%
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Operating lease expense is included in Office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Company’s lease expense for leases with a term of 12 months or less is immaterial.
The following table presents minimum future rental payments under the Company’s leases, and a reconciliation to the corresponding lease liability as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Maturity
Analysis
2021
$ 22,639
2022
17,235
2023
17,037
2024
10,678
2025
7,506
2026 and thereafter
5,692
Total
80,787
Less: Present value discount
8,602
Operating lease liability
$ 72,185
Lessor
From time to time, the Company enters into sublease arrangements both with unrelated third parties and with its partner agencies. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between 2020 through 2023. Sublease income is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Currently, the Company subleases office space in North America and Europe. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components to the lessor contracts.
The following table presents minimum future rental payments due to be received under the Company’s leases where it is a lessor (in thousands):
Maturity
Analysis
2021
$ 4,191
2022
2,505
2023
54
Total
$ 6,750
5.   Common Control Acquisition
On April 3, 2018, RepDef Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund, acquired ReputationDefender LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. The acquisition by RepDef Holdings LLC was treated as a business combination and accounted for using the acquisition accounting method. The total consideration included a promissory note to the seller of $4.0 million, payable in four equal installments, with the final payment due on April 3, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had $1.0 million included in Accruals and other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the promissory note, which was paid in the second quarter of 2020. Transaction costs incurred and expensed on the acquisition were immaterial.
On September 30, 2020, the Fund contributed 100% of the assets and liabilities of Reputation Defender for nominal consideration to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In accordance with ASC 805: Business Combinations, the contribution is accounted for as a transaction among entities under
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
common control due to the Fund controlling both the Company and Reputation Defender. As a result, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements at the Stagwell Group’s carry-over basis in the Reputation Defender business which are presented in the table below, and are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the earliest date of the periods presented.
The contribution of the Reputation Defender business is included in the results of the Company’s All Other reportable segment.
The following table presents the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition (in thousands):
April 3, 2018
Accounts receivable and other current assets
$ 1,546
Tradenames and trademarks
3,500
Customer relationships
5,600
Property, plant and equipment and other noncurrent assets
20
Advanced billings
(3,176)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
(776)
Goodwill
830
Total net assets acquired
$ 7,544
The acquired finite-lived intangible assets of Reputation Defender consist of tradenames and trademarks and customer relationships, with useful lives of ten and three years, respectively.
6.   Acquisitions
The Company completed three business acquisitions during each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. For certain of these acquisitions the Fund completed the business acquisition and contributed the net assets to the Company. The results of each acquired business are included in the Company’s results of operations from the acquisition date.
2020 Acquisitions
On February 14, 2020, SKDKnickerbockker (“SKDK”), a subsidiary of the Company, acquired Sloane & Company (“Sloane”) from an affiliate of MDC for $24.4 million of total consideration. Total consideration included a cash payment of $18.9 million made by the Fund which was accounted for as a non-cash contribution for the purposes of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and Statement of Changes in Equity, the acquisition date fair value of the contingent deferred acquisition consideration of $4.8 million, and $0.7 million of cash paid by the Company. Refer to Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies for further detail on the contingent deferred acquisition consideration. Sloane is an industry-leading strategic communications firm, based out of New York. Sloane will extend SKDK’s current suite of services and allow for the expansion into the capital markets and special situations verticals. MDC is considered a related party to the Company, refer to Note 19 — Related Party Transactions for further detail. Sloane is included in the Company’s SKDK Brand, which is part of its Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy reportable segment.
On August 14, 2020, Code and Theory, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired Kettle Solutions, LLC (“Kettle”) for $5.4 million of total consideration. Total consideration included a cash payment of $4.9 million, plus an additional $0.5 million due upon the finalization of Kettle’s working capital accounts, as outlined in the purchase agreement. The $0.5 million is included in Deferred acquisition consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The purchase agreement also offers the previous owners of Kettle an additional
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
$11.9 million in deferred consideration, and is dependent on Kettle reaching contractually defined operating goals in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Company considers the additional $11.9 million as contingent compensation, refer to Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies for further detail. Kettle is an industry recognized web design and content creation firm that assists its customers in developing and executing marketing campaigns, based out of New York. Kettle is included in the Company’s Code and Theory Brand, which is part of its Digital — Marketing reportable segment.
On October 30, 2020, Code & Theory, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired Truelogic Software, LLC, Ramenu S.A., and Polar Bear Development S.R.L. (collectively referred to as “Truelogic”), for $17.3 million of total consideration. Total consideration included a cash payment of $8.9 million,the acquisition date fair value of the contingent deferred acquisition consideration of $7.9 million, and an additional $0.5 million due upon the finalization of Truelogic’s working capital accounts, as outlined in the purchase agreement. Refer to Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies for further detail on the contingent deferred acquisition consideration. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded using preliminary estimates of their fair value and remains an ongoing process that is subject to change for up to one year subsequent to the closing date of the acquisition. Truelogic is a software development firm based in Buenos Aires that assists customers in sourcing top South American engineering talent and developing small-scale software projects. Truelogic is included in the Company’s Code and Theory Brand, which is part of its Digital — Marketing reportable segment.
The following table summarizes the purchase price as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
2020
Name
Purchase Price
Sloane
$ 24,416
Kettle
5,402
Truelogic
17,300
$ 47,118
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
2020
Sloane
Kettle
Truelogic
Total
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$ $ 49 $ 90 $ 139
Accounts receivable and other current assets
2,768 2,732 2,958 8,458
Other noncurrent assets
172 10 182
Intangible assets
5,900 1,930 9,500 17,330
Property and equipment
72 58 50 180
Right-of-use assets – operating leases
533 201 734
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
(469) (552) (1,063) (2,084)
Advanced billings
(130) (310) (429) (869)
Operating lease liabilities
(533) (201) (734)
Goodwill
16,275 1,323 6,184 23,782
Total net assets acquired
$ 24,416 $ 5,402 $ 17,300 $ 47,118
Goodwill recognized on the Sloane, Kettle and Truelogic acquisitions is fully-deductible for income tax purposes.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table reports the fair value of intangible assets acquired, including the corresponding weighted average amortization periods, as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands, except years):
2020
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
Sloane
Kettle
Truelogic
Total
Customer relationships
10 years
$ 4,600 $ 1,600 $ 9,100 $ 15,300
Tradenames and trademarks
11 years
1,300 330 400 2,030
Total
$ 5,900 $ 1,930 $ 9,500 $ 17,330
The following table summarizes the total revenue and net income included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income from the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
2020
Revenue
$ 22,381
Net income
2,685
Pro Forma Financial Information (unaudited)
The unaudited pro forma information for the periods set forth below gives effect to the 2020 acquisitions as if they had occurred as of January 1, 2019. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated as of that time (in thousands):
Year ended December 31,
2020
2019
Revenue
$ 911,203 $ 671,404
Net income
75,767 29,195
Transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2020, which are included in Office and general expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income, were immaterial.
2019 Acquisitions
On January 2, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Rhythm Interactive, Inc. (“Rhythm”), a corporation headquartered in Irvine, California, which develops web and mobile applications, as well as designs, develops and builds digital infrastructures. The Company is obligated to make yearly earn-out payments up to $1.2 million per year to the sellers through the year ending December 31, 2023, provided that Rhythm meets minimum financial targets. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination since it is dependent upon the sellers remaining employed by the Company during the earnout period. Rhythm is included in the Company’s Code and Theory Brand, which is part of its Digital — Marketing reportable segment.
On April 8, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Multi-View Holdings, Inc., (“Multi-View”). Cash consideration for the acquisition was paid by the Fund and accounted for as a non-cash contribution for the purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Fund also contributed $18.0 million of debt to the Company that it incurred in relation to the Multi-View acquisition. Multi-View is a business-to-business marketing agency that leverages partnerships with trade associations across market verticals to deliver targeted programmatic display advertising and other digital
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
advertising solutions, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Multi-View is included in the Company’s Digital —Content reportable segment.
On December 8, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of The Search Agency, Inc. (“TSA”). Cash consideration for the acquisition was paid by the Fund and accounted for as a non-cash contribution for the purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. TSA is a global brand performance marketing agency headquartered in Los Angeles, California, that offers multi-channel marketing solutions. The Search Agency, Inc. is now operating under the ForwardPMX brand, which is included in the Company’s Digital — Marketing reportable segment.
The following table summarizes the purchase price as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
2019
Name
Purchase Price
Rhythm
$ 5,818
Multi-View
44,621
TSA
27,900
$ 78,339
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
2019
Rhythm
Multi-View
TSA
Total
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$ 453 $ 2,020 $ 1,268 $ 3,741
Accounts receivable and other current assets
869 6,648 5,251 12,768
Developed technology
3,379 3,379
Intangible assets
4,240 31,900 11,720 47,860
Property, plant and equipment and other noncurrent assets
28 1,426 582 2,036
Right-of-use assets – operating leases
10,562 1,816 12,378
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
(1,097) (10,991) (11,338) (23,426)
Advanced billings
(23,600) (23,600)
Operating lease liabilities
(10,562) (1,816) (12,378)
Other noncurrent liabilities
(9,616) (9,616)
Goodwill
1,325 43,455 20,417 65,197
Total net assets acquired
$ 5,818 $ 44,621 $ 27,900 $ 78,339
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table reports the fair value of intangible assets acquired, including the corresponding weighted average amortization periods, as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands, except years):
2019
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
Rhythm
Multi-View
TSA
Total
Customer relationships
6 – 10 years
$ 3,400 $ 12,800 $ 11,500 $ 27,700
Noncompete arrangements
7 years
640 640
Association relationships
18 years
11,500 11,500
Tradenames and trademarks
10 – 13 years
200 7,600 7,800
Other
3 years
220 220
Total
$ 4,240 $ 31,900 $ 11,720 $ 47,860
Goodwill recognized was not deductible for income tax purposes for the year ended December 31, 2019, and is due to the sizable skilled workforces acquired and considerable buyer-specific synergies expected as a result of the acquisitions.
The following table summarizes the total revenue and net loss included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income from the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
Year ended
December 31, 2019
Revenue
$ 61,758
Net loss
(1,311)
Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited)
The unaudited pro forma information for the periods set forth below gives effect to the 2019 acquisitions as if they had occurred as of January 1, 2018. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated as of that time (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
Revenue
$ 684,207 $ 539,504
Net income
18,082 22,080
Transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2019, which are included in office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income, were $2.8 million.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7.   Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Trade receivables
$ 198,930 $ 168,039
Unbilled receivables
30,570 30,976
Related party receivables
1,342 273
Total accounts receivable
230,842 199,288
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
(5,109) (2,777)
Total accounts receivable, net
$ 225,733 $ 196,511
The provision for bad debts recognized was $6.2 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in Office and general expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Year Ended
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Removal of
Uncollectable
Receivables
Translation
Adjustments
Increase /
(Decrease)
Balance at
the End of
Period
December 31, 2020
$ 2,777 $ 6,222 $ (3,907) $ 17 $ 5,109
December 31, 2019
$ 2,382 $ 971 $ (603) $ 27 $ 2,777
8.   Investments
Investments consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Finn Partners
Preferred shares
$ 12,033 $ 16,589
Call option
505
Emerald Research Group
Call option
360
Wolfgang
Equity interest
1,863 1,805
Total investments
$ 14,256 $ 18,899
Equity interest is primarily comprised of a 20% interest in Wolfgang LLC (“Wolfgang”), where the Company concluded it has significant influence. This investment is accounted for as an equity method investment.
Preferred shares investment is comprised of the Company’s interest in Series B preferred shares of Finn Partners. These preferred shares have a cost basis of $10.0 million and accrue non-cash dividends at a simple rate of 6% annually on a cost basis. They are redeemable to cash in the amount of cost-plus accrued interest any time after February 28, 2021 or upon a liquidation event. These preferred shares also may be converted to common shares of Finn Partners at any time until February 28, 2021 using a conversion ratio of 1% per $1.0 million of preferred shares held including accrued dividends. The conversion feature was not bifurcated and is clearly and closely related to the host instrument, preferred shares. Management
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
determined that these preferred shares are a debt-like financial instrument and should be accounted for as available-for-sale securities at their fair market value at each reporting period.
Call options represent the Company’s right to purchase additional equity interests in Wolfgang, Finn Partners and Emerald Research Group (“Emerald”) during a certain pre-determined time horizon. The Company accounts for the Wolfgang and Emerald call options at fair value, and accounts for the Finn Partners call option at historical cost, at each reporting date. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company determined the fair value of the call option in Wolfgang as Nil due to their operating results during the respective periods.
9.   Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Leasehold improvements
$ 22,689 $ 20,361
Capitalized software
19,916 12,507
Furniture and fixtures
4,525 3,805
Computer equipment and software
16,848 15,426
Total cost
63,978 52,099
Less: Accumulated depreciation
(28,364) (19,528)
Total property and equipment, net
$ 35,614 $ 32,571
Depreciation expense, including amortization of leasehold improvements, which is included in Depreciation and amortization expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, totaled $10.1 million and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
10.   Intangible Assets, Net
In 2020, the Company entered into three transactions that were accounted for as asset acquisitions, as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. A total amount of $1.8 million was recorded to intangible assets, and $0.1 million of net current assets, as a result of these transactions.
Intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31, 2020
Remaining
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Customer relationships
7 years
$ 129,086 $ (47,003) $ 82,083
Tradenames and trademarks
12 years
118,647 (32,431) 86,216
Advertiser relationships
1 years
1,911 (1,435) 476
Airline relationships
2 years
12,013 (6,755) 5,258
Association relationships
16 years
11,500 (1,106) 10,394
Noncompete arrangements
3 years
4,005 (2,980) 1,025
Other
2 years
2,893 (2,310) 583
Total
$ 280,055 $ (94,020) $ 186,035
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2019
Remaining
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Customer relationships
10 years
$ 114,070 $ (32,117) $ 81,953
Tradenames and trademarks
16 years
114,663 (21,961) 92,702
Advertiser relationships
3 years
1,837 (765) 1,072
Airline relationships
4 years
11,544 (3,607) 7,937
Association relationships
18 years
11,500 (467) 11,033
Noncompete arrangements
4 years
3,952 (2,505) 1,447
Other
3 years
1,745 (1,322) 423
Total
$ 259,311 $ (62,744) $ 196,567
The Company recognized amortization of $30.9 million and $28.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is included in Depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. There were no impairment losses related to intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The table below reflects the Company’s estimate of future amortization of these intangible assets as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Amortization
2021
$ 30,252
2022
27,519
2023
22,852
2024
19,599
2025
17,422
2026 and thereafter
68,391
Total
$ 186,035
11.   Accruals and other liabilities
Accruals and other liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Accrued expenses
$ 14,910 $ 10,055
Accrued salaries and related expenses
11,908 10,529
Accrued bonuses
22,149 15,935
Accrued media and related expenses
9,311 10,995
Accrued airline fees
6,948 6,705
Taxes payable
10,149 7,327
Other current liabilities
14,187 6,967
Total accruals and other liabilities
$ 89,562 $ 68,513
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
12.   Commitments and Contingencies
Revenue and Profit-Sharing Commitments
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into long-term, non-cancellable contracts with partner associations that include revenue or profit-sharing commitments related to the provision of its services. These contracts may also include provisions that require the partner associations to meet certain performance targets prior to any obligation to the Company.
The table below provides the estimated future minimum commitments under non-cancellable agreements as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Future Minimum
Commitments
2021
$ 15,659
2022
15,326
2023
12,667
2024
8,967
$ 52,619
Legal Proceedings
Currently, and from time to time, the Company and its businesses are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company is currently neither party to any lawsuit nor proceeding that, in its opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Deferred Acquisition Consideration
SKDKnickerbocker LLC (“SKDK”)
On September 22, 2015, SKDK entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, SKDK sellers are entitled to a contingent payment based on achievement of certain financial performance, which is payable between May 2018 and May 2020, and is also dependent upon the seller’s continued employment during the earn-out period, which ends April 1, 2020. On May 11, 2020, the Fund completed the contingent payment of $64.3 million to SKDK as required under the Agreement. This payment is treated as a non-cash contribution in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statement of Equity for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Scout Marketing LLC (“Scout”)
On April 19, 2017, as part of its acquisition, Scout agreed to a deferred acquisition consideration arrangement with the former principals of the seller to be paid in three installments within 150 days of December 31, 2018, 2020 and 2021, respectively. This compensation arrangement is contingent on the principals’ continued employment with Scout and adherence to noncompete arrangements through each respective distribution date. The amounts to be distributed are stipulated in the purchase agreement and are based upon certain financial performance measures of Scout from the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021.
The Company determines the amount of deferred acquisition consideration expense and the related deferred acquisition consideration liability on a systematic method which matches the formulas of the specific earnout periods of the original Scout purchase agreement. The Company recorded a liability of $0.3 million, all of which is considered a noncurrent liability, in deferred acquisition consideration on the
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, the financial performance measures of Scout were determined not to be met, and accordingly the Company recorded no deferred acquisition consideration liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and no related compensation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, related to the Scout arrangement. The maximum deferred acquisition consideration under the contract if all financial performance measures are met is $38.4 million.
MediaCurrent Interactive Solutions LLC (“MediaCurrent”)
The Company incurred an obligation to make contingent earn-out payments to the former shareholders of MediaCurrent Interactive Solutions LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Code and Theory LLC, based upon the achievement of certain metrics as defined by the terms of the acquisition agreement, earned through the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination. On January 15, 2020, the Company completed the contingent payment of $0.5 million as required under the acquisition agreement.
Rhythm
On January 2, 2019, as part of the acquisition, the Company entered into a deferred acquisition consideration arrangement with the former owners of Rhythm based upon continued employment with Rhythm and the achievement of certain minimum financial targets in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Company’s maximum exposure related to the deferred acquisition consideration is $1.2 million on an annual basis. The payment for a respective year, if the conditions are determined to be achieved, is due no later than 195 days after the end of the respective fiscal period. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company determined the minimum financial targets to not be met, and accordingly recorded no deferred acquisition consideration liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and no related compensation expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income, related to the Rhythm arrangement.
Sloane
The Company incurred an obligation to make two contingent earn-out payments to the former shareholders of Sloane based upon the achievement of certain operating goals in 2020 and 2021, as defined in the arrangement. The payments, if the operating goal is determined to be achieved, is due no later than March 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. This arrangement was determined to represent deferred acquisition consideration rather than contingent compensation expense. The Company recorded an initial liability of $4.8 million, which represents the fair value of the consideration upon the acquisition of Sloane. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $7.1 million in deferred acquisition consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum deferred acquisition consideration to be expensed is $7.1 million.
Kettle
The Company incurred an obligation to make contingent earn-out payments to the former shareholders of Kettle, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Code and Theory, LLC, based upon the achievement of contractually defined operating goals in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The payments, if the operating goal is determined to be achieved, is due no later than June 30, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination. The Company recorded a liability of $2.1 million, all of which is considered a current liability, in deferred acquisition consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Truelogic
The Company incurred an obligation to make contingent earn-out payments to the former shareholders of Truelogic based upon the achievement of certain operating goals in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, as defined in the arrangement. This arrangement was determined to represent deferred acquisition consideration rather than contingent compensation expense. The Company recorded an initial liability of $7.9 million, which represents the fair value of the consideration upon the acquisition of Truelogic. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $8.4 million, including $5.0 million as a noncurrent liability, in deferred acquisition consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum deferred acquisition consideration to be expensed is $15.0 million.
The Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
SKDK
$ $ 64,345
MediaCurrent
500
Sloane
7,080
Kettle
2,110
Truelogic
3,389
Total current portion of deferred acquisition consideration
$ 12,579 $ 64,845
The Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
Truelogic
$ 5,028
Scout
240
Total long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration
$ 5,268
13.   Long-Term Debt
Stagwell Marketing Group Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase
On November 18, 2019, the Company entered into a new debt agreement (“JPM Syndicated Facility”) with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A (“JPM”). The JPM Syndicated Facility consists of a five-year revolving credit facility of $265.0 million (“JPM Revolver”) with the right to be increased by an additional $150.0 million provided additional commitments are obtained. On March 18, 2020, the Company increased the commitments on the JPM Revolver by $60.0 million to $325.0 million. The JPM Revolver offers the Company the ability to draw borrowings denoted in British Pound Sterling. As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company had $30.7 million and $30.0 million, respectively, in borrowings that were held by its foreign subsidiaries in the United Kingdom. A portion of the JPM Revolver in an amount not to exceed $10.0 million is available for the issuance of standby letters of credit, of which $5.5 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The purpose of the borrowings was to refinance the Company’s previous indebtedness that was held by certain subsidiaries of the Company.
On November 13, 2020, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to its JPM Syndicated Facility (“Second Amendment”) in contemplation of the Proposed MDC Transaction, where the Company amended the following terms: (i) the definition of Adjusted LIBOR is the mathematical calculation of LIBOR for a period equal to 1 month, 3 month or 6 months, multiplied by a fraction of the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the definition of the Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) is the greatest of (a) the prime rate of
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
interest announced from time to time by the Wall Street Journal, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus half of 0.5% and (c) Adjusted LIBOR for a one-month period plus 1.0%, and in the event (a), (b) or (c) result in an interest rate of less than 1.5%, the interest rate for the period is set to 1.5%, and (iii) the maturity date of the JPM Revolver is November 18, 2024, subject to the refinancing or termination of debt facilities held by MDC ninety-one days prior to their respective maturity dates. The Second Amendment also included a waiver for certain clauses related to legal entity restructuring activities that did not have any bearing on the Company’s covenant ratios, nor the Company’s ability to make further draws on its JPM Revolver in 2020.
The Second Amendment was entered into within twelve-months of the original debt agreement for the JPM Syndicated Facility. Accordingly, the Company applied the guidance under ASC 470, Debt to determine if the JPM Syndicated Facility and all related amendments should be treated as a debt modification or debt extinguishment of its previous credit agreements. Based on the applicable criteria for revolver and term loan debt the Company determined that borrowings under its JPM Syndicated Facility with all banks should be treated as a debt modification of their respective previous credit agreements, and accordingly the Company did not recognize a gain or loss, and have appropriately recognized fees paid to lenders as debt issuance costs. Fees paid to third parties in the amount of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, are included in office and general expenses on its Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
The obligations under the JPM Syndicated Facility are senior in priority to all other obligations of the Company and are collateralized by substantially all its assets, including but not limited to, its subsidiaries.
Voluntary prepayments are permitted in whole or in part with prior written notice, but without premium or penalty. The facility matures on November 18, 2024. There are no required payments for the facility until its maturity. Additionally, the Company must meet certain financial and nonfinancial covenants on an ongoing basis. The financial covenant the Company needs to satisfy is a total leverage ratio, which may not (calculated without giving effect to earn-out payments) be greater than 4.25 to 1.0. The ratio is calculated quarterly on a trailing 12-month basis.
As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the JPM Syndicated Facility, and it expects to be in compliance for the following twelve-month period.
On November 13, 2020, the Company, JPM as administrative agent, and a group of lenders entered into a term loan agreement (“JPM Credit Agreement”) that provided the Company with a Delayed Draw Term Loan A in an aggregate principal amount of $90.0 million (“DD Term Loan A”). The DD Term Loan A will mature on November 13, 2023, provided that if the MDC Proposed Transaction is not consummated within thirty days of the draw of the DD Term Loan A, the maturity date will be thirty-one days after the draw. Proceeds of the borrowing under the DD Term Loan A will be used to partially fund a distribution by the Company prior to the closing of the Proposed MDC Transaction. The Company may elect that borrowings in respect of the DD Term Loan A bear interest at an annual rate equal to either ABR or Adjusted LIBOR, as defined in the JPM Credit Agreement, plus a margin of 2% or 3%, respectively. The DD Term Loan A is payable in quarterly installments of principal and interest. Interest is calculated on the first Business Day after a draw on the DD Term Loan A, with principal payments due at a rate of 0.625% per quarter until November 13, 2021, at a rate of 1.25% thereafter, with the remaining balance due upon maturity. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had not made any draws on its DD Term Loan A, and accordingly the capitalized deferred financing costs of $1.1 million are recorded in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020.
The Company also owns an interest rate swap maturing April 2022 with Bank of America to convert $18.3 million of its variable rate debt as of December 31, 2020 to a fixed rate of 2.6%. The fair value of the swap was $(0.4) million and is included in Accruals and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table represents the Company’s outstanding debt balances (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Revolver
$ 201,636 $ 159,916
Term Debt
994 1,988
Total revolver and term debt
202,630 161,904
Debt issuance costs
(3,612) (2,450)
Total revolver, term debt and line of credit, net
199,018 159,454
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt
(994) (994)
Long-term debt, net
$ 198,024 $ 158,460
Total interest expense, including amortized debt issuance costs of $0.8 million, on the JPM Syndicated Facility was $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The weighted average interest rate on the JPM Syndicated Facility as of December 31, 2020 was 2.5%.
Total interest expense, including amortized debt issuance costs of $0.7 million, on the JPM Syndicated Facility and previous credit agreements were $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The weighted average interest rate on the JPM Syndicated Facility and previous credit agreements as of December 31, 2019 was 5.76%.
14.   Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling Interest
The noncontrolling interests (“NCI”) in certain subsidiaries of the Company are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
NCI
Percentage
Ownership
NCI Equity
Value
NCI
Percentage
Ownership
NCI Equity
Value
Code and Theory
8.5% $ 2,979 8.5% $ 2,676
StagTech Technologies
44.0% 11,941 44.0% 12,857
Emerald Research Group*
40.0% 207 20.0% (64)
Wye Communications
0.0% 35.0% 469
Targeted Victory
40.0% 24,660 40.0% 13,213
Observatory
8.1% 27.6% 2,426
Total
$ 39,787 $ 31,577
* — subsidiary of Harris Insights and Analytics. The value as of December 31, 2019 includes the noncontrolling interest’s proportionate share of losses in the consolidated entity.
On September 17, 2020, Emerald issued additional units to an accredited investor for cash consideration of $0.5 million. After completing this transaction, the Company’s ownership was diluted to 60.0% of the issued and outstanding equity in Emerald.
On November 24, 2020, the Company acquired the outstanding noncontrolling interest holder’s remaining interests in Wye Communications for a total cash consideration of $0.6 million.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On December 8, 2020, the Company acquired the outstanding equity interest of one of the noncontrolling interest holder’s in Observatory for a total cash consideration of $1.0 million. After completing this transaction, the noncontrolling interest holders were diluted to 40% of the issued and outstanding equity in Observatory.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
The Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests relate to its shareholding in Volanti Media (Holdings) Ltd (“INK”), through its consolidated subsidiary, Travel Content Ltd. (“TCL”), and in Code and Theory, LLC (“Code and Theory”), through its consolidated subsidiary, Stagwell Performance Marketing & Digital Transformation, LLC (“Stagwell Digital”).
INK
The noncontrolling shareholders’ ability to redeem their shares is subject to the occurrence of certain events and the satisfaction of certain conditions, specifically employment termination conditions and the related notices. As of December 31, 2020, the Company determined the redemption option available to the noncontrolling shareholders were not currently redeemable, and in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity were not adjusted to its estimated redemption value.
Code and Theory
Code and Theory has one noncontrolling shareholder that owns a put option, which if exercised would require the Company to redeem their shares, after customary closing conditions as outlined in the shareholders agreement. There are no limitations or restrictions on the noncontrolling shareholder’s ability to exercise the put option. In accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the put option is considered currently redeemable, and is measured at the greater of its estimated redemption value and accumulated profits and losses allocated to the noncontrolling interest in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation.
The following table presents the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):
2020
2019
Balance as of January 1
$ 3,602 $ 1,947
Net (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
(3,126) 1,263
Changes in redemption value
128 392
Balance as of December 31
$ 604 $ 3,602
15.   Fair Value Measurements
The Company evaluates the fair value of certain assets and liabilities using the fair value hierarchy. Fair value is an exit price representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. In determining the fair value, the Company uses valuation techniques that require it to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the Company applies the three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1
Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2
Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly;
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Level 3
Unobservable inputs of which there is little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions.
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents information about the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of each instrument:
December 31, 2020
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Call Options
$    — $    — $ 360 $ 360
Preferred Shares
12,033 12,033
Liabilities
Deferred acquisition consideration
15,497 15,497
Interest rate swap
416 416
December 31, 2019
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Call options
$    — $    — $ 505 $ 505
Preferred Shares
16,589 16,589
Liabilities
Interest rate swap
400 400
The increase in the interest rate swap were related to its change in fair market value for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company owns preferred shares in Finn Partners. These shares were determined by management to be available-for-sale investments and are recorded at fair value at each reporting period. These preferred shares are considered to be Level 3 fair value measurements since they utilize unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. The Company determines fair value of preferred shares utilizing an option pricing model. Key assumptions include enterprise value and future growth rates of Finn Partners.
The summary of fair value changes of the preferred shares held by the Company are presented below (in thousands):
2020
2019
Balance as of January 1
$ 16,589 $ 14,427
Interest earned on investment
600 600
Purchase of additional preferred shares
Change in fair market value
(5,156) 1,562
Balance as of December 31
$ 12,033 $ 16,589
The Company incurred an obligation to make contingent deferred acquisition consideration payments to the former owners of Sloane and Truelogic and are recorded at fair value at each reporting period. Refer to Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies for further detail. The earn-out payments are recorded at fair value at each reporting period, and are considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as they utilize unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and requires the Company to develop its
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
own assumptions. The Company determines fair value of options utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. Key assumptions include the term of the earn-out payments and the future growth rates of Sloane and Truelogic.
The summary of fair value changes of the contingent deferred acquisition consideration is presented below (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
Balance as of January 1
$
Fair market value upon acquisition
13,217
Change in fair market value
2,280
Balance as of December 31
$ 15,497
Due to the short-term nature, the carrying values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable and accruals and other liabilities approximate fair value.
Financial Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt closely approximates its fair value as of December 31, 2020 due to its variable interest rates. The fair value is based on quoted market prices in markets that are not active and are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Non-financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and accordingly are not measured and adjusted to fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to periodic evaluations for potential impairment. These assets and liabilities include goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, other noncurrent assets and other noncurrent liabilities (Level 3 fair value assessments) and right-of-use lease assets (a Level 2 fair value assessment). As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company has not recognized an impairment on these non-financial assets and liabilities.
16.   Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Contribution Plan
The Company’s US based businesses maintain 401(k) plans (collectively, the “401(k)”), which provide for tax-deferred contributions of employees’ salaries. Each eligible employee may elect to contribute up to the maximum amount allowed by the Code of the employee’s annual compensation to 401(k). The Company may match a percentage of employee contributions to 401(k). The total matching contributions funded to the 401(k) were $2.9 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and were recorded as part of Cost of services sold and Office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
The Company’s UK based businesses operate a defined contribution plan that complies with the local laws in that country. The plan provides a tax deferred contribution to the employees’ salaries, limited to a maximum annual amount established by the relevant government body of the specific country. The Company’s businesses provide for a matching contribution that meets the minimum percent requirement. The total matching contributions made by the Company’s UK businesses totaled $1.1 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and were recorded as part of Cost of services sold and Office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan
The Company established the Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) as a means for providing long term incentives for certain key officers and members of Brand management. These individuals are eligible to earn nonvoting equity interests in their respective companies. The Equity Plan provides the Brands key officers and members of management with an opportunity to participate in the distribution of the future profits of the Company by granting profit interest units and other incentive awards. The vesting of the awards is typically conditioned, amongst other things, upon occurrence of an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) or other qualified liquidity events (“change in control events”). As of December 31, 2020, the Company determined that it is not probable that the change in control events will occur and, as such, compensation expenses related to these awards were not recognized in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
17.   Income Taxes
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted into law and the new legislation contains several key tax provisions, including the five-year net operating loss carryback, an adjusted business interest limitation, and payroll tax deferral. The Company is required to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment, which required the Company to reassess the net realizability of its deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company has assessed the applicability of the CARES Act and determined there is no impact.
The Company’s Income before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, and Provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2020
2019
Income before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates
United States
$ 95,939 $ 23,215
Foreign
(18,599) 7,677
Income before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates
$ 77,340 $ 30,892
Current tax expense
Federal
$ 5,812 $ 3,300
State
3,242 2,202
Foreign & other
2,346 5,062
Total current income tax expense
11,400 10,564
Deferred tax benefit
Federal
(1,951) 1,279
State
389 351
Foreign
(3,901) (2,190)
Total deferred tax benefit
(5,463) (560)
Total provision for income taxes
$ 5,937 $ 10,004
Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting purposes and those measured for income tax return purposes.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The table below summarizes the significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss
$ 10,229 $ 7,223
Tax credits
583 800
Deductible start-up costs
699 752
Accruals and other liabilities
1,296 322
Allowance for doubtful accounts
376 162
Right-of-use asset – operating leases
4,141 4,634
Intangible assets, net
2,483
Advanced billings, net
417
Other, net
556 420
Less: Valuation allowance
(5,551) (2,945)
Total deferred tax assets
15,229 11,368
Deferred tax liabilities
Intangible assets, net
24,442 24,595
Property and equipment, net
463 396
Deferred costs, net
1,545 902
Advanced billings, net
387
State taxes, net
417 262
Accrual to cash difference
1,466
Operating lease liability
3,577 4,634
Other, net
677 134
Total deferred tax liabilities
31,121 32,776
Total deferred tax liabilities, net
$ 15,892 $ 21,408
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $0.2 million of deferred tax assets, which is included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, related to its Canadian entities.
As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company had $18.6 million and $16.6 million, respectively, of net operating losses (“NOL”) related to federal and state income taxes at StagTech. The NOL’s generated prior to December 12, 2018 are subject to IRC Section 382 limitations and any future ownership changes may cause the Company’s existing tax attributes to have additional limitations. The NOL carryforward will begin to expire in 2032. Based on the assessment of recoverability of deferred tax assets and expected future taxable profits for StagTech, a valuation allowance of $4.6 million and $2.8 million has been provided against deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company had $8.3 million and $10.6 million, respectively, of NOL’s at TSA of which, $6.6 million are subject to IRC Section 382 limitations. A valuation allowance of $0.1 million has been provided against capital losses incurred at The Search Agency that are not “more likely than not” to be realized. The NOL carryforward will begin to expire in 2029.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2020, additional valuation allowances were provided against NOL’s at the Company’s Code and Theory Brand’s Philippine entity of $0.2 million and its National Research Group Brand’s UK entity of $0.5 million.
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Income Taxes
Year Ended
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Other
Translation
Adjustments
Balance at
the End of
Period
December 31, 2020
$ 2,945 $ 2,606 $    — $    — $ 5,551
December 31, 2019
$ 3,678 $ (733) $ $ $ 2,945
A reconciliation of income tax expense using the U.S. federal income tax rate compared with actual income tax expense is as follows (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2020
2019
Income before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates
$ 77,340 $ 30,892
Theoretical tax of 21%
16,241 6,487
Impact of disregarded entity structure
(16,049) (3,075)
Foreign, net
752 1,256
Restructuring
2,764
State taxes, net
1,980 2,043
Guaranteed payment
840 467
Valuation allowance
1,286 (257)
Other
887 319
Total provision for income taxes
$ 5,937 $ 10,004
The Company is a limited liability company classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and as such is not subject to taxes from a U.S. federal income tax perspective. The theoretical tax rate of 21% has been used to capture the U.S. federal taxes of the corporations owned by the Company and recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
The significant drivers of the effective tax rate relate to the segmentation of income between the portion subject to entity level tax and the portion of income reported directly by the Member, state income taxes, as well as valuation allowances established during the period.
There were no uncertain tax positions taken by the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 that are not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Years ended December 31, 2016 and later remain subject to examination by U.S. federal authorities and various state and foreign authorities. There are currently no audits in progress.
18.   Segment Information
The Company determines an operating segment if a component (i) engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses, (ii) has discrete financial information, and is (iii) regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to make decisions regarding resource allocation for the segment and assess its performance. After performing this analysis, the Company determined that each of its Brands are an operating segment.
Once its operating segments were identified, the Company performed an analysis to determine if aggregation of operating segments is applicable under ASC 280, Segment Reporting. This determination is
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
based on a quantitative analysis of historic and projected long-term results of operations for each operating segment, together with a qualitative assessment to determine if operating segments have similar economic and operating characteristics.
The CODM uses Adjusted EBITDA (defined below) as a key metric, to evaluate the operating and financial performance, identify trends, develop projections and make strategic business decisions for each of the reportable segments.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net income before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, plus depreciation and amortization, interest expense, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments, and other items, net. Other items, net includes items such as acquisition-related expenses, other non-recurring items and other restructuring costs.
The six reportable segments that resulted from applying the aggregation criteria are discussed below. The Company also reports results, as further detailed below, for the “Corporate” group.
•   Digital — Marketing:   includes Brands that support the delivery of content, commerce, service and sales using online channels. These Brands create websites, back-end systems and other digital environments allowing consumers to engage with Brands using search engine optimization, bots, search engine marketing, influencer & affiliate marketing, email marketing, customer relationship management and programmatic advertising. Brands include Code and Theory, Forward PMX Group, MMI Agency and Stagwell Technologies;
•   Digital — Content:   includes Brands that create online and offline content supported by ad sales to help clients target niche B2B audience and general consumers. Brands include Multi-View, INK and Observatory;
•   Research — Technology:   includes a single Brand, National Research Group, which conducts qualitative and quantitative research among consumers on behalf of theatrical, television, streaming content creators, gaming companies and technology companies to attract and engage consumers;
•   Research — Corporate:   includes Brands that conducts qualitative and quantitative research among consumers and B2B audiences to help companies understand their purchase intent habits and trends to aid in marketing decisions and product development, views of brand and corporate reputation and the use of research for public release. Brands include Harris Insights and Analytics and HarrisX;
•   Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy:   includes Brands that provides strategic communications through traditional media relations, social media and in-person engagements, as well as utilizing digital channels to mobilize and raise funds from supporters and constituents to support political candidates and issue organizations in the public arena. Brands include SKDK, Targeted Victory and Wye Communications;
•   All Other:   includes Brands that create, produce, and promote advertising through traditional and digital channels, provides public relations, online reputation and digital privacy solutions for individuals and businesses. Brands include Scout, Reputation Defender and Collect, Understand and Engage (“CUE”); and
•   Corporate:   Corporate includes expenses incurred by the Company’s corporate function. These costs primarily consist of office and general expenses, salaries and related employee-related expenses that are not fully allocated to the operating segments. These costs include salaries, long-term incentives, bonuses and other miscellaneous benefits for corporate office employees, corporate office expenses, professional fees related to financial statement audits and legal, information technology and other consulting services that are engaged through the Company’s corporate office, and depreciation incurred on its corporate office.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The tables below provide summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2020
2019
Total Revenue:
Digital – Marketing
$ 217,091 $ 208,343
Digital – Content
125,152 157,546
Research – Technology
55,487 58,353
Research – Corporate
54,062 51,968
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy
385,319 112,388
All Other
50,921 40,068
Total Revenue
$ 888,032 $ 628,666
Adjusted EBITDA:
Digital – Marketing
$ 44,866 $ 36,511
Digital – Content
(46) 22,475
Research – Technology
11,796 14,553
Research – Corporate
6,653 8,739
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy
78,913 18,213
All Other
4,566 88
Corporate
(3,580) (1,736)
Total Adjusted EBITDA
$ 143,168 $ 98,843
Reconciliation to Income before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates:
Depreciation and amortization
(41,025) (35,729)
Interest expense, net
(6,223) (8,659)
Other expense, net
(177) (1,144)
Deferred acquisition consideration adjustments
(4,497) (15,652)
Other items, net
(13,906) (6,767)
Income before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates
$ 77,340 $ 30,892
Depreciation and amortization:
Digital – Marketing
$ 13,422 $ 11,786
Digital – Content
12,086 11,570
Research – Technology
2,429 1,815
Research – Corporate
2,274 2,320
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy
5,907 4,148
All Other
2,942 3,015
Corporate
1,965 1,075
Total Depreciation and amortization
$ 41,025 $ 35,729
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The table below provides a summary of the Company’s long-lived assets, comprising of fixed assets, goodwill and intangibles assets, and right-of-use assets — operating leases, net of applicable accumulated depreciation and amortization, by geographic region (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Property and equipment, net
United States
$ 31,130 $ 29,277
United Kingdom
4,484 3,294
Total
$ 35,614 $ 32,571
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net
United States
$ 426,539 $ 405,765
United Kingdom
111,221 115,987
Total
$ 537,760 $ 521,752
Right-of-use assets – operating leases
United States
$ 50,092 $ 62,241
United Kingdom
7,660 9,482
Total
$ 57,752 $ 71,723
The CODM does not use segment assets to allocate resources or to assess performance of the segments and therefore total segment assets have not been disclosed.
19.   Related Party Transactions
The Stagwell Group engaged certain of the Company’s Brands to provide services for the Stagwell Group for interagency customers (collectively referred to as “Related Party Work”). Accounts receivable due from the Stagwell Group was immaterial as of December 31, 2020, with $1.9 million of accounts receivable due from the Stagwell Group as of December 31, 2019. Additionally, the Company recorded $0.9 million and $3.3 million of related party revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, $0.1 million of cost of service paid to the Stagwell Group for the years ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively, and $0.1 million of other expenses, for the year ended December 31, 2019, in connection with such Related Party Work.
The Fund from time to time makes additional equity investments in the Company. The investment may be either cash or noncash in the form of its interest in companies acquired by the Fund. Noncash contributions are recorded in Member’s equity at the value of the actual cash the Fund paid for the asset. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Stagwell Media made additional noncash investments in the Company of $93.9 million, and additional cash investments in the Company of $1.5 million. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made cash distributions to Stagwell Media of $108.5 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, Stagwell Media acquired and immediately contributed 100% of the assets and liabilities of Multi-View to the Company. Stagwell Media funded the total value of the assets and liabilities of $44.6 million by cash of $26.3 million and by debt of $18.0 million. Accordingly, the Company accounted for this transaction as a non-cash contribution of equity of $24.3 million, cash contribution of $2.0 million resulting from the cash acquired as part of the assets of Multi-View, and $18.0 million of debt assigned to the Company. Total non-cash contributions for the year ended December 31, 2019, including the Multi-View transaction, was $71.2 million. Stagwell Media made cash investments in the Company of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Additionally, the Company made cash distributions to the Fund of $38.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
A $3.4 million loan receivable due from an affiliate of one of the Company’s Brands is included within other current assets on its Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with MDC. MDC is considered a related party due to: i) an affiliate of the Stagwell Group owning a minority ownership in MDC, and ii) the manager of the Stagwell Group, Mark Penn, is also the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of MDC.
In October 2019, the Company entered into an arrangement with an affiliate of MDC, in which the Company and the affiliate will collaborate to provide various services to a client of the affiliate. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, $1.3 million and $0.4 million was due from the affiliate for services provided. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized $1.7 million in revenue under the arrangement.
In January 2020, the Company entered into an arrangement with an affiliate of MDC to develop advertising technology for the affiliate. Under the arrangement the Company recognized $0.6 million of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020, of which an immaterial amount was owed to the Company as of December 31, 2020.
In January 2020, the Company entered into an arrangement with an MDC affiliate whereby this affiliate performed media planning, buying and reporting services on behalf of the Company’s client. The Company owed the MDC affiliate $30.1 million as of December 31, 2020.
In March 2020, the Company entered in an arrangement with a client owned by an investor of the Fund. Under this arrangement, the Company will provide the client with media, production, planning and public relations services. During the year December 31, 2020, the client paid the Company $11.8 million which the Company recognized $6.5 million as revenue within its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income. In connection with this arrangement, the Company paid an MDC affiliate $5.3 million for media services.
In May 2020, the Company entered into an arrangement with an affiliate of MDC, in which the affiliate will provide media planning, buying and reporting services. Under the arrangement, the Company recognized $0.3 million in fees for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, $0.2 million was due to the affiliate for services provided.
In August 2020, the Company entered into an arrangement with an MDC affiliate to provide research and concept testing services. Under the arrangement, the Company recognized approximately $0.1 million in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, $0.1 million was due from the MDC affiliate for services provided.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company paid an MDC affiliate $1.4 million on behalf of a client for media buying, planning and reporting services. The arrangement was accounted for on a pass-through basis, whereby the Company recognized a net zero amount of revenue and costs on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
20.   Subsequent Events
Subsequent events have been evaluated through March 6, 2021, the date these consolidated financial statements were available for issuance:
On February 8, 2021, MDC filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (“Registration Statement”) with the SEC related to the Proposed MDC Transaction. The Registration Statement has not yet been declared effective by the SEC, and the information contained therein is subject to change.
 
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[MISSING IMAGE: LG_PWC-4C.JPG]
Report of Independent Auditors
To the Management of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and its subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, of changes in equity and of cash flows for the years then ended.
Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM214718D1-FTR_ADDRESS4C.JPG]
 
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Emphasis of Matter
As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
[MISSING IMAGE: SG_PRICEWATERHOUSELLP-BW.JPG]
June 2, 2020, except for the change in the manner in which the Company accounts for leases as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, except for the effects of the reorganization of entities under common control as discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements and except for the change in composition of reportable segments as discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is January 18, 2021
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
December31,
2019
December 31,
2018
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 63,860 $ 51,777
Accounts receivable, net
196,511 145,677
Expenditures billable to clients
21,137 20,140
Other current assets
23,242 12,170
Total current assets
304,750 229,764
Investments
18,899 17,268
Property and equipment, net
32,571 22,989
Goodwill
325,185 257,323
Intangible assets, net
196,567 174,572
Right-of-use assets – operating leases
71,723
Other assets
1,094 1,178
Total assets
$ 950,789 $ 703,094
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 139,507 $ 99,265
Accruals and other liabilities
68,513 61,472
Current maturities of long-term debt
994 19,410
Advanced billings
57,864 19,086
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
17,488
Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration (Note 12)
64,845 309
Total current liabilities
349,211 199,542
Long-term debt, net
158,460 120,307
Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration (Note 12)
49,385
Lease liabilities – operating leases
67,463
Deferred tax liabilities, net
21,408 12,925
Other liabilities
2,108 14,779
Total liabilities
598,650 396,938
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 14)
3,602 1,947
Member’s equity
316,960 264,169
Noncontrolling interest
31,577 40,040
Total equity
348,537 304,209
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity
$ 950,789 $ 703,094
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2019
2018
Revenue
$ 628,666 $ 426,432
Operating expenses:
Cost of services sold
376,280 257,524
Office and general expenses
175,962 131,171
Depreciation and amortization
35,729 21,775
Total operating expenses
587,971 410,470
Operating income
40,695 15,962
Other expenses, net:
Interest expense, net
(8,659) (6,406)
Other (expense) income, net
(1,144) 11,443
Income before taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
30,892 20,999
Provision for income taxes
(10,004) (4,494)
Income before equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
20,888 16,505
Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
(158) 1,919
Net income
20,730 18,424
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,326 2,328
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
1,263 153
Net income attributable to Member
$ 17,141 $ 15,943
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net income attributable to Member
$ 17,141 $ 15,943
Net unrealized gain on available for sale investment
1,539 1,886
Foreign currency translation adjustments
4,202 (3,740)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
5,741 (1,854)
Comprehensive income attributable to Member
$ 22,882 $ 14,089
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(in thousands)
Member’s
equity
Noncontrolling
interest
Total
equity
Balance at December 31, 2017
$ 236,231 $ 11,843 $ 248,074
Capital contributions
45,128 45,128
Distributions
(33,279) (2,065) (35,344)
Net income attributable to Member and noncontrolling interest
15,943 2,328 18,271
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
(1,854) (1,854)
Noncontrolling interest acquired
30,074 30,074
Purchase of units from noncontrolling interest
2,000 (2,140) (140)
Balance at December 31, 2018
264,169 40,040 304,209
Capital contributions
59,724 59,724
Distributions
(38,032) (2,180) (40,212)
Net income attributable to Member and noncontrolling interest
17,141 2,326 19,467
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
5,741 5,741
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest
(392) (392)
Purchase of units from noncontrolling interest
8,609 (8,609)
Balance at December 31, 2019
$ 316,960 $ 31,577 $ 348,537
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2019
2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income
$ 20,730 $ 18,424
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
35,729 21,775
Debt issuance cost amortization
728 1,036
Provision for bad debt expense
970 311
Deferred tax benefit
(560) (1,458)
Changes in fair value of investments in unconsolidated affiliates
350 (9,850)
Changes in deferred acquisition consideration
15,651 21,327
Interest from preferred investments
(600) (338)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends received
158 (1,389)
Real estate security deposit refund
4,746
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
386 123
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
(41,681) 12,915
Expenditures billable to clients
(997) (10,828)
Other assets
(9,979) 8,977
Accounts payable
32,757 (5,397)
Accruals and other liabilities
904 (2,013)
Advanced billings
10,300 2,497
Net cash provided by operating activities
64,846 60,858
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment
(12,472) (9,777)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(5,615) (19,412)
Other investing activities
(590)
Net cash used in investing activities
(18,087) (29,779)
Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of contingent consideration
(500) (5,000)
Payment of deferred consideration
(2,000) (7,412)
Payment of long-term debt
(169,770) (27,437)
Proceeds from long-term debt
175,203 43,897
Debt issuance costs
(1,784) (1,323)
Distributions
(40,212) (35,344)
Contributions
4,044 14,500
Net cash used in financing activities
(35,019) (18,119)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
343 (120)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
12,083 12,840
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
51,777 38,937
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 63,860 $ 51,777
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash interest paid
$ (12,100) $ (6,359)
Income taxes paid
(8,588) (5,798)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisitions of business
(69,233) (59,129)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interest
(15,560) (2,000)
Net unrealized gain on available for sale investment
1,539 1,886
Non-cash contributions included in Member’s equity
71,240 32,061
Non-cash debt proceeds
18,000 96,444
Non-cash payment of debt
(70,775)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.
Business Description
Stagwell Marketing Group LLC (the “Company,” “Stagwell Marketing Group,” “SMG,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a Delaware company that was formed on March 9, 2017 and is governed by the terms and conditions of a limited liability agreement effective as of the same date. Stagwell Media LP (the “Member”, “Stagwell Media” or the “Fund”), is a private equity fund that owns all interests in Stagwell Marketing Group through a wholly owned holding company named Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC. The Fund is managed by a registered investment advisor named The Stagwell Group LLC (“Stagwell Group” or the “Manager”).
On March 9, 2017 Stagwell Media formed two holding company subsidiaries, Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC, and Stagwell Marketing Group. The companies were formed in contemplation of holding all Stagwell Media’s operating investments. Under a single entity, we could realize cost savings under enterprise level vendor arrangements, better serve our customers with an integrated offering, and more effectively report the operating results of our businesses. The transaction was effectuated by way of a contribution agreement dated March 13, 2017, which contributed all the Fund’s interests in the existing businesses as of the execution date to Stagwell Marketing Group. This transaction has been accounted for at historical cost as a transaction under common control. The Company’s equity structure is a non-unitized single member LLC, therefore all components of equity attributable to the Member are reported within Member’s Equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity.
We own the membership interests of small and mid-sized marketing services companies that create customized marketing programs for clients that range in scale from regional and local clients to large global marketers. Our equity positions usually include, but are not limited to, partner and membership interests, common and preferred stock as well as call and put options.
As December 31, 2019, the Company has six reportable segments with our Corporate function reported separately. Our segments aggregate each of our operating companies (referred to as “Brands”) based on the services provided, comparable marketing verticals serviced, and comparability of economic performance. Our segments are as follows: 1. Digital Transformation and Performance Marketing (“Digital — Marketing”), 2. Digital Content (“Digital — Content”), 3. Research for Technology and Entertainment (“Research — Technology”), 4. Research for Corporate (“Research — Corporate”), 5. Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy (“Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy”), and 6. All Other Brands (“All Other”). Refer to Note 18 — Segment Information for further information.
On September 30, 2020, the Stagwell Group contributed 100% of the assets and liabilities of RepDef Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, (collectively “Reputation Defender”), to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805: Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), the contribution is accounted for as a transaction among entities under common control due to the Stagwell Group controlling both the Company and Reputation Defender. As a result, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements at their respective carry-over basis and are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the earliest date of the periods presented, or April 3, 2018, the date upon which the Stagwell Group acquired Reputation Defender. Refer to Note 5 — Common Control Acquisition for further information.
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Principles of Consolidation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of its consolidated subsidiaries, some of which are not wholly owned. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Noncontrolling Interest
The Company recognizes the noncontrolling interests that were created as part of a business combination at fair value as of the date of the transaction.
When acquiring less than 100% ownership of an entity, the Company may enter into agreements with the noncontrolling interest holders that offer the ability to tender their membership interests for redemption by the Company or the related subsidiary under certain circumstances. The Company presents noncontrolling interests as permanent equity when the option to redeem the incremental ownership is within the control of the Company.
Net income or loss of the Company’s subsidiaries are allocated to its noncontrolling interests based on the noncontrolling interests’ ownership percentages in the subsidiary.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
The Company enters into contractual arrangements under which noncontrolling shareholders may require the Company to purchase such noncontrolling shareholders’ incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances. The redemption date value under these contractual arrangements are not a fixed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valuation formulas, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise or the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period. These contractual arrangements are contingently redeemable at the option of the noncontrolling shareholder and is presented in mezzanine equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its acquisition date fair value, plus net income or loss attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, which is based on the noncontrolling interests’ ownership percentage in the subsidiary. The options are only adjusted to their redemption date value at such point in time that the options are deemed to be currently redeemable by the Company, and if determined to be greater than the cumulative net income allocated to the noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the reporting date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used in the allocation of fair value of purchase consideration, deferred acquisition consideration, redeemable noncontrolling interests, goodwill and intangible assets, property and equipment, income taxes, and revenue recognition. These estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates require the use of assumptions about future performance, which are uncertain at the time of estimation. To the extent actual results differ from the assumptions used, results of operations and cash flows could be materially impacted.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The financial instruments that could potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash deposits and trade receivables. All cash and cash equivalents are held at financial institutions that management believes to be of high credit quality. Domestically, cash and cash equivalents from time-to-time may exceed federally insured limits set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (“FDIC”), and international cash balances may not qualify for foreign government insurance programs. To date, we have not experienced any losses on cash and cash equivalents.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Exposure to losses on trade receivables is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition. To manage the credit risk associated with trade receivables, we evaluate the creditworthiness of customers, monitor exposure for credit losses and maintain a provision for bad debt expense. We do not believe we are exposed to a concentration of credit risk. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue and accounts receivable, with no individual countries other than the United States accounting for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, except for the United Kingdom, which accounted for 11.8% of our consolidated revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to Note 3 — Revenue for further information.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash consists of cash maintained in checking and other operating accounts. The Company invests in money market funds which are classified as cash equivalents. When investments in a SEC- registered money market fund meet the qualifications of Investment Company Act Rule 2a-7, investors in the fund are permitted to classify their investments as cash equivalents. In addition, a floating rate NAV money market fund would meet the definition of a cash equivalent except in the event credit or liquidity issues arise, including the enactment of liquidity fees or redemption gates. The Company has evaluated the classification of the money market funds as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and determined that they are appropriately classified as cash equivalents as there are no known credit or liquidity issues.
As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, we had no restricted cash on hand.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable includes receivables billed to customers, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounts receivable also includes expenditures billable to customers for pass through media and production costs. Typically, customers are invoiced monthly or based on a billing schedule that is defined by the contract.
We extend credit based on a customer’s financial condition and do not require collateral. We utilize the allowance method to calculate an estimate for uncollectible accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our evaluation of the collectability of accounts receivable and the reserve we record is equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts.
Expenditures billable to clients
Expenditure billable to clients consists of revenue that is earned and recognized but has not been invoiced to the customer. Typically, customers are invoiced monthly or based on a billing schedule that is defined by the contract.
Equity Method Investments
The Company employs the equity method of accounting for investments where we can exercise significant influence, but the investment does not meet the criteria for consolidation. This is generally represented by a common stock ownership or an equity interest of at least 20 percent, but not more than 50 percent. Under the equity method, the investment is recorded initially at cost and subsequently adjusted for our share of earnings as well as contributions and distributions in accordance with respective operating agreements and/or governing documents of these subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interest holders have usual and customary voting and other rights under the respective operating agreements and/or governing documents as they pertain to the class of equity held. Earnings and impairment charges of an equity method investee are reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income as equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.
Management reviews all investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting each reporting period for impairment. As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, no equity investments were impaired.
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Other Investments
Other investments include preferred shares in Finn Partners, which are accounted for as available- for-sale investments consistent with the guidance in ASC 320, Investments — Debt and Equity Securities. Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in other (expense) income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest on the preferred shares classified as available-for-sale are included in interest income. There were no impairment losses related to available-for-sale investments for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Prepaid expenses and other assets are expenditures made in advance of when the economic benefit of the cost will be realized. These accounts will be expensed in future periods with the passage of time or when a triggering event occurs.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment consist of furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and software, and leasehold improvements that are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.
Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, as follows:
Computer equipment and software
3 – 5 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Capitalized software
3 – 10 years
Leasehold improvements
shorter of remaining lease term or useful life
Additions and improvements are capitalized, while replacements, maintenance, and repairs, which do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets, are expensed as incurred. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations in the period of disposition.
We capitalize software development and acquisition costs incurred in connection with developing software for external licensing to clients and internal use. Costs incurred between achievement of technological feasibility and when it is available for general release to our clients is immaterial. Costs incurred to develop the internal-use software are capitalized, while costs incurred for planning the project and for post-implementation training and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Capitalized software is included in property and equipment in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Depreciation expense related to the capitalized software was $1.4 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and is included in Depreciation and amortization expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The net book value of capitalized software was $11.1 million and $2.9 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Deferred Acquisition Consideration
Certain acquisitions include an initial payment at closing and provide for future additional contingent payments. These payments are typically contingent upon the acquired businesses reaching certain profit and/or growth targets. In instances where such contingent payments require sellers’ continuous employment with the Company after the transaction, they are recorded as compensation expense in the Consolidated
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The related liability is measured using management’s best estimate of such future payments and is recorded as a deferred acquisition consideration liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At each reporting date, we model each business’ future performance, including revenue growth and free cash flows, to estimate the value of each deferred acquisition consideration liability. Subsequent changes to the liability are recorded in results of operations. When contingent payment arrangements do not require continuous employment, they are initially recorded as purchase consideration at fair value and are subsequently remeasured at fair value at each reporting date with any changes recorded in results of operations.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the result of the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of tangible net assets and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired.
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment on an annual basis, as of December 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment. Factors that may result in an interim impairment test include but are not limited to a change in identified reporting units, an adverse change in business conditions, a significant adverse change in customer demand or impairment of long-lived assets. If necessary, we reassign goodwill using a relative fair value allocation approach.
Goodwill is first evaluated using a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment indicates that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than the carrying amount, we conduct a quantitative impairment test of goodwill; otherwise, we conclude that there is no impairment. The quantitative test compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, a goodwill impairment charge is recorded for such difference, in an amount not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a weighted average approach of discounted cash flow analysis, which often includes the use of significant judgments and estimates, and further review recent market available sale transactions of comparable businesses that operate in similar industries to our reporting units. The significant estimates and assumptions include: a) the amount and timing of future cash flows, b) working capital requirements, c) estimation of a long-term growth rate, and d) the determination of an appropriate discount rate. The discount rate utilized in the analysis was based on the reporting unit’s weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), which takes into account the weighting of each component of capital structure and represents the expected cost of new capital, adjusted as appropriate to consider the risk inherent in future cash flows of the reporting unit. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or conclusions on goodwill impairment.
Based on the goodwill impairment analysis performed as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, no impairment loss was recorded. There were no accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables summarizes goodwill for each of our reportable segments (in thousands):
Reportable Segment
December 31,
2018
Acquisitions
Currency
Translation
December 31,
2019
Digital – Marketing
$ 137,491 $ 21,992 $ 1,158 $ 160,641
Digital – Content
38,623 43,455 1,257 83,335
Research – Technology
23,817 23,817
Research – Corporate
19,151 19,151
Communications, Public Affairs &
Advocacy
33,258
33,258
All Other
4,983 4,983
Total
$ 257,323 $ 65,447 $ 2,415 $ 325,185
Reportable Segment
December 31,
2017
Acquisitions
Currency
Translation
December 31,
2018
Digital – Marketing
$ 100,782 $ 36,709 $ $ 137,491
Digital – Content
38,101 522 38,623
Research – Technology
23,817 23,817
Research – Corporate
19,151 19,151
Communications, Public Affairs &
Advocacy
17,571 15,687 33,258
All Other
4,052 830 101 4,983
Total
$ 165,373 $ 91,327 $ 623 $ 257,323
Intangible Assets, Net
The Company’s intangible assets include purchased intangible assets with determinable useful lives. These intangible assets consist of customer relationships, tradenames and trademarks, airline relationships, noncompete agreements, advertiser relationships and other intangible assets, and are amortized over their respective useful lives noted below:
Useful Lives
Customer relationships
3 – 15 years
Tradenames and trademarks
5 – 20 years
Airline relationships
4 years
Noncompete agreements
2 – 7 years
Advertiser relationships
3 years
Association relationships
18 years
Recovery of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. These events or circumstances include a significant adverse change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business or other factors. In performing this assessment, we consider operating results, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. We calculate the fair value of an asset using discounted future cash flows where observable fair values are not readily determinable. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on our WACC, risk adjusted where appropriate, or an alternate discount rate as we deem appropriate.
Assets to be disposed or classified as held for sale at the end of a reporting period are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.
As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, we do not believe any long-lived assets were impaired and have not identified any assets as being held for disposal.
Revenue Recognition
Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (“ASC 606”). In accordance with ASC 606, we changed certain aspects of our revenue recognition accounting policy as described below. ASC 606 was applied using the modified retrospective method to contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018.
The adoption of ASC 606 resulted in a change in our accounting policy for certain third-party costs. After adoption, these third-party costs are included in revenue when we act as a principal for the services rendered in the client arrangement. Under ASC 606, the principal versus agent assessment is based on whether we control the specified goods or services before they are transferred to the customer. Adoption of ASC 606 did not have an impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018. However, as a result of the adoption of ASC 606, there was an immaterial increase in the amount of third-party costs included in revenue and cost of services sold for the year ended December 31, 2018. This change had no impact on operating income.
Except for the above item, the timing and amount of recognized revenue was not materially impacted by the adoption of ASC 606.
Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized as our performance obligations are satisfied. Our revenue is primarily derived from the provision of marketing and communications services which includes: Digital, which includes the development of websites and content management systems, execution of performance marketing campaigns, and/or execution of targeted digital advertising; Research, which includes the development and execution of custom consumer surveys as well as reporting on the insights and analytics that will inform a customer’s development of products and/or communication strategies; Communications, public affairs and advocacy, which includes consulting services that manage a marketer’s reputation with the public through traditional media, social media, and in-person engagements; and Digital Content, which includes the creation, production and distribution of media in execution of a customer’s marketing campaigns. Revenue is recorded net of sales, use and value added taxes.
In substantially all our Brands, the performance obligation is to provide marketing and communications services to accomplish the specified engagement with our customer. Our client contracts involve fees based on any one or a combination of the following: an agreed fee for the level of effort expended by our employees; commissions based on the client’s spending for media purchased from third parties or based on the amounts raised for a client’s political campaign; and reimbursement for third-party costs that we are required to include in revenue when we control the vendor services related to these costs and we act as principal. The transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation based on its relative stand-alone selling price and is recognized as revenue when, or as, the customer receives the benefit of the performance obligation. Clients typically receive and consume the benefit of our services as they are performed. Our client contracts typically provide that we are compensated for services performed to date and allow for cancellation by either party on short notice without penalty.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Many of our contracts consist of a single performance obligation. We do not consider the underlying activities as separate or distinct performance obligations because our services are highly interrelated, and the integration of the various components is essential to our overall promise to our customer. In certain of our client contracts, the performance obligation is a stand-ready obligation because we provide a constant level of similar services over the term of the contract.
Our revenue is predominantly recognized over time, as the services are performed, because the client receives and consumes the benefit of our performance throughout the contract period, or we create an asset with no alternative use and are contractually entitled to payment for our performance to date in the event the client terminates the contract for convenience. For these over time contracts, other than when we have a stand-ready obligation to perform services in the form of a retainer or when we are providing online subscription-based hosted services, revenue is generally recognized over time using input measures that correspond to the level of staff effort expended to satisfy the performance obligation, and to a lesser extent using output measures, such as impressions or ongoing reporting. For client contracts when we have a stand-ready obligation to perform services on an ongoing basis over the life of the contract, where the scope of these arrangements is broad and there are no significant gaps in performing the services, we recognize revenue using a time- based measure resulting in a straight-line revenue recognition. For client contracts when we are providing online subscription-based hosted services, we recognize revenue ratably over the contract term. Occasionally, there may be changes in the client service requirements during the term of a contract and the changes could be significant. These changes are typically negotiated as new contracts covering the additional requirements and the associated costs, as well as additional fees for the incremental work to be performed.
For contracts where the transaction price or a portion of the transaction price is derived from commissions based on a percentage of purchased media from third parties or based on the amounts raised for a client’s political campaign, the performance obligation is not satisfied until the media is run or the fundraising occurs, and we have an enforceable contract providing a right to payment. Accordingly, revenue for commissions is recognized at a point in time, including when it is not subject to cancellation by the client or media vendor.
Some of our client arrangements include variable consideration provisions, primarily related to certain commissions. Variable consideration for Brands that provide media services is recorded to revenue when earned, typically when the media is run.
Principal vs. Agent Considerations
In many of our Brands, we incur third-party costs on behalf of clients, including direct costs and incidental, or out-of-pocket costs. Third-party direct costs incurred in connection with the delivery of marketing and communication services primarily include purchased media, studio production services, specialized talent, including artists and other freelance labor, market research and third- party data and other related expenditures. Out-of-pocket costs primarily include transportation, hotel, meals and telecommunication charges incurred by us in the course of providing our services. Billings related to out-of-pocket costs are included in revenue since we control the goods or services prior to delivery to the client.
However, the inclusion of billings related to third-party direct costs in revenue depends on whether we act as a principal or as an agent in the client arrangement. In certain of our Brands, such as where we provide media planning and buying services, we act as an agent and arrange, at the client’s direction, for third parties to perform certain services. In these cases, we do not control the goods or services prior to the transfer to the client. As a result, revenue is recorded net of these costs, equal to the amount retained for our fee or commission.
In certain Brands the delivery of our service to our customer requires us to utilize certain third-party services, such as production services and data costs. In these situations, we control these third-party services before they are transferred to the client and we are responsible for providing the service, or we are responsible for directing and integrating third-party vendors to fulfill our performance obligation at the agreed upon contractual price. This also includes the execution of targeted digital advertising campaigns because we control the advertising inventory before it is transferred to our clients, we bear sole responsibility
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for fulfillment of the advertising promise, and we have full discretion in establishing prices. When we act as principal, we include billable amounts related to third-party costs in the transaction price and record revenue at the gross amount billed, including out-of-pocket costs, consistent with the manner that we recognize revenue for the underlying services contract.
Cost of Services Sold
Cost of services sold primarily consists of staff costs that are directly attributable to our client engagements, as well as third-party direct costs of production and delivery of our services to our clients. Cost of services sold does not include depreciation, amortization, and other office and general expenses that are not directly attributable to our client engagements.
Advertising
All advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense, which is included in office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, totaled $8.9 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs represent the costs incurred in connection with credit agreements, which are described in Note 13 — Long-Term Debt, and are amortized over the term of the related debt on the effective interest method. The revolver and term loans are presented net of debt issuance costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. No term loans existed as of December 31, 2019.
Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code including but not limited to a reduction in U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings. The Company has assessed the applicability of the Tax Act and determined there is no material impact.
The Company is a limited liability company classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, we are not subject to taxes from a U.S. federal income tax perspective. Rather, federal taxable income or loss is included in the federal income tax return of our Member. The provision for income taxes recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income includes U.S. federal and state income taxes for certain of our corporations and foreign taxes for our foreign subsidiaries.
Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Following this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that such tax rate changes are enacted. A valuation allowance on deferred tax assets is recorded if, based on the available evidence, it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient taxable income during the carryback or carryforward periods applicable in each stated tax jurisdiction. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider both positive and negative evidence. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. We present net deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Other (Expense) Income
Other (expense) income consists of changes in fair value of previously held equity interests which are required to be remeasured as part of step acquisitions. Other (expense) income also includes changes in the fair value of call and put options at each reporting date.
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
The functional currency of our foreign operations is generally their respective local currency. For reporting purposes assets and liabilities, as well as results of our foreign operations were translated into the reporting currency, U.S. Dollar, as follows: Assets and liabilities are translated at the spot exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the period presented and equity, exclusive of net income for the period, is translated at the historical exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly in equity. Foreign exchange gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded in office and general expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. This also includes any gains and losses on intercompany balances with foreign subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies. These gains and losses are not eliminated and are included in the results of operations.
Derivatives and Hedging Instruments
The Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk through various strategies, including the use of derivative financial instruments, which are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in its fair value being recorded in Other comprehensive income, net of taxes on our Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. We use interest rate swaps to manage our interest expense and structure our long-term debt portfolio to achieve a blend between fixed and floating rate debt. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Business Combinations
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business” ​(“ASU 2017-01”). Adoption of the standard had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
We account for our business combinations using the acquisition accounting method, which requires us to assign the purchase price paid to acquire assets or stock of a business to the identifiable net assets acquired and any noncontrolling interest based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.
For each acquisition, the Company undertakes a detailed review to identify other intangible assets and a valuation is performed for all such identified assets. The Company uses several market participant measurements to determine the estimated acquisition date fair value. This approach includes consideration of similar and recent transactions, information obtained during our pre- acquisition due diligence, as well as utilizing discounted expected cash flow methodologies. A substantial portion of the intangible assets value that the Company acquires is the specialized know- how of the workforce, which is treated as part of goodwill and is not required to be valued separately. Most of the value of the identifiable intangible assets acquired is derived from customer relationships, including the related customer contracts, as well as tradenames and trademarks.
Acquisition-related costs, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other costs are expensed as incurred.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Leases
The Company has various rental agreements in place to lease office space, with several of these leases containing annual rate escalations. Rent payments for our leases are charged to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease if the lease contains defined escalation clauses and/or rent abatements.
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the new accounting guidance in ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), including all related ASUs, using the modified retrospective transition method. As such, we have recognized a right-of-use-asset and a corresponding lease liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets for all leases with a term of more than twelve months. Comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under ASC 840, Leases.
As an accounting policy, we have elected not to apply the recognition requirements to short-term leases and elected the practical expedient not to separate non-lease components from lease components for the real estate leases where the Company is a lessee and lessor which comprises majority of the Company’s leases. We also elected to apply the package of practical expedients available for existing contracts which allowed us to carry forward our historical assessments of: (1) whether a contract is or contains a lease, (2) the classification of existing leases, and (3) whether previously capitalized costs continue to qualify as initial indirect costs.
The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition, on January 1, 2019, of a lease liability of $78.9 million, including a current portion of $12.4 million, which represents the present value of the remaining lease payments, and a right-of-use lease asset of 67.8 million, which represents the lease liability, offset by adjustments such as initial direct costs, prepaid lease payments, and lease incentives, when applicable.
Other
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825- 10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), which makes amendments to the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We adopted ASU 2016-01 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which amends ASC 230 Statement of Cash Flows (“ASU 2016-15”). The amendments apply to all entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows. The amendments provide guidance on how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be classified on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments should be applied retrospectively. We adopted ASU 2016-15 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. Adoption of the standard had no material impact on cash from or used in operating, financing, or investing on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) (“ASU” 2017-04”) that simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the current goodwill impairment test in the event that there is evidence of an impairment based on qualitative or quantitative assessments. ASU 2017-04 does not change how the goodwill impairment is identified, and we will continue to perform a qualitative assessment annually. ASU 2017-04 is effective for public entities with annual or interim impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
We adopted ASU 2017-04 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. Adoption of the standard had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements not yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments in this update require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset within the scope of Topics 960 through 965 on plan accounting. This amended guidance is effective beginning January 1, 2021. We are evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. The standard aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs in a cloud computing arrangement service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred for an internal-use software license. This amended guidance is effective beginning January 1, 2020. Entities can adopt the standard prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after the date the standard is first applied or retrospectively. We are evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018- 13”). This new guidance is effective on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. Public entities will be required to disclose the following: (i) the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and (ii) the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. In addition, public entities will no longer be required to disclose the following: (i) the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, (ii) the policy for timing of transfers between levels and (iii) the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The new pronouncement also clarifies and modifies certain existing provisions, including eliminating “at a minimum” from the phrase “an entity shall disclose at a minimum” to promote the appropriate exercise of discretion by entities when considering fair value measurement disclosures and clarifying that materiality is an appropriate consideration when evaluating disclosure requirements. We are evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740) (“ASU 2019-12”). The update removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and simplifies accounting for income taxes in certain areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments — Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323 and Topic 815, which clarifies that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the fair value measurement alternative. The ASU will be effective
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In April 2020, the FASB issued a question and answer document, Topic 842 and Topic 840: Accounting for Lease Concessions Related to the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, which focused on the application of lease accounting guidance to lease concessions provided as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Under existing lease guidance, the entity would have to determine, on a lease by lease basis, if a lease concession was the result of a new arrangement reached with the tenant, which would be accounted for under the lease modification framework, or if a lease concession was under the enforceable rights and obligations that existed in the original lease, which would be accounted for outside the lease modification framework. Entities can elect to not evaluate whether certain concessions provided by lessors to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on lessees are lease modifications. Entities that make this election can then elect to apply the lease modification guidance in ASC 842 or account for the concession as if it were contemplated as part of the existing contract. We are evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
3.
Revenue
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606. The Company’s revenue recognition policies are established in accordance with the Revenue Recognition topics of ASC 606, and accordingly, we recognize revenue when we determine our customer obtains control of promised services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those services. Refer to Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information regarding the Company’s adoption of ASC 606.
Our revenue is primarily derived from the provision of marketing and communications services which includes digital, research, marketing communications, and content.
Disaggregated Revenue
Certain clients may engage with the Company in various geographic locations, across multiple disciplines, and through multiple Brands. We have historically focused on regions in North America, the largest market for our services globally. We have also continued to expand our global footprint to support clients looking for assistance with growing their businesses in new markets and regions, or through strategic acquisitions in offshore businesses. Our Brands are principally located in the United States and the United Kingdom, with operations in an additional 17 countries around the world.
The following table presents revenue disaggregated by geography (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
Country:
United States
$ 504,818 $ 360,802
United Kingdom
25,873 18,266
All other (each country individually less than 5% of total revenue)
97,975 47,364
Total Revenue
$ 628,666 $ 426,432
Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract assets consist of fees and reimbursable outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients. Unbilled service fees were $31.0 million and $23.5 million as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and are included in Accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Outside vendor costs incurred on
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
behalf of clients which have yet to be invoiced were $21.1 million and $20.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Expenditures billable to clients. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of providing services.
Contract liabilities consists of fees billed to customers in excess of fees recognized as revenue, are expected to be collected from the customer, and we have a remaining performance obligation to fulfil. Contract liabilities, included in Advanced billings on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $57.9 million and $19.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in our contract liabilities of $38.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 is primarily due to the acquisition of Multi-View Holdings, Inc. Refer to Note 6 — Acquisitions for further information. Further, there were no material balances included in the contract liability balances as of January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 that were not recognized as revenue for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Changes in Expenditures billable to clients and Advanced billings for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were not materially impacted by write offs, impairment losses or any other factors.
In certain arrangements, we purchase media we do not control on behalf of our customers as their agent or pay other third parties on behalf of our customers for services that we do not control. We do not include in revenue the amounts we bill to customers related to such third parties, and do not consider these amounts to be contract liabilities. As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, we had $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, included in Advanced billings, with an amount in equal value included in Accounts receivable, net, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As part of the adoption of ASC 606, the Company applied the practical expedient to not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less. Most of our contracts are for periods of one year or less. For those contracts with a term of more than one year, we had approximately $11.8 million of unsatisfied performance obligations as of December 31, 2019, of which we expect to recognize approximately 66% in 2020, and 34% in the periods after December 31, 2020.
4.
Leases
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842. As a result, comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under ASC 840. Refer to Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information regarding the Company’s adoption of ASC 842. The policies described herein refer to those in effect as of January 1, 2019.
Lessee
The Company leases office space in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. This space is primarily used for office and administrative purposes by the Company’s employees in performing professional services. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between years 2020 through 2031. The Company’s finance leases are immaterial.
The Company’s leasing policies are established in accordance with ASC 842, and accordingly, the Company recognizes on the balance sheet at the time of lease commencement a right-of-use lease asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. Right-of- use lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. All right-of-use lease assets are reviewed for impairment. As the Company’s implicit rate in its leases is not readily determinable, in determining the present value of lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are comprised of noncancelable lease payments, payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and payments for early termination options unless it is
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
reasonably certain the lease will not be terminated early. There were no impairment losses related to right-of-use lease assets for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Lease costs are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset.
Some of the Company’s leases contain variable lease payments for utilities, insurance, real estate tax, repairs and maintenance, and other variable operating expenses. Such amounts are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and are recognized in the period when the variable lease payments occur. The Company has no leases that contain variable lease payments based on an index or rate.
The Company’s leases include options to extend or renew the lease through 2035. The renewal and extension options are not included in the lease term as the Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise its option.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company has entered into two operating leases for which the commencement date has not yet occurred as the space is being prepared for occupancy by the landlord. Accordingly, these leases represent an obligation of the Company that is not on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2019. The aggregate future liability related to these leases is approximately $1.9 million.
The discount rate used for leases accounted for under ASC 842 is the Company’s collateralized credit adjusted borrowing rate.
The following table presents lease costs and other quantitative information (in thousands):
Year ended
December 31,
2019
Lease cost:
Operating lease costs
$ 22,201
Short-term lease costs
2,274
Variable lease costs
3,965
Sublease rental income
(2,985)
Total lease costs
$ 25,455
Additional information:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for operating leases
Operating cash flows
$ 19,203
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
$ 20,042
Weighted average remaining lease term – Operating leases
5.01 years
Weighted average discount rate – Operating leases
4.17%
Operating lease expense is included in office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Company’s lease expense for leases with a term of 12 months or less is immaterial.
Rental expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $14.6 million, including $2.9 million of variable lease costs, offset by $1.8 million in sublease rental income.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table presents minimum future rental payments under the Company’s leases, and a reconciliation to the corresponding lease liability as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
Maturity
Analysis
2020
$ 20,599
2021
21,602
2022
16,630
2023
16,885
2024
9,524
2025 and thereafter
11,907
Total
97,147
Less: Present value discount
(12,196)
Operating lease liability
$ 84,951
Lessor
From time to time, the Company enters into sublease arrangements both with unrelated third parties and with our partner agencies. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between 2020 through 2023. Sublease income is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Currently, the Company subleases office space in North America and Europe. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components to the lessor contracts.
The following table presents minimum future rental payments due to be received under the Company’s leases where it is a lessor (in thousands):
Maturity
Analysis
2020
$ 4,177
2021
4,191
2022
2,505
2023
54
$ 10,927
5.
Common Control Acquisition
On April 3, 2018, RepDef Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund, purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding stock in ReputationDefender LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. The acquisition by RepDef Holdings LLC was treated as a business combination and accounted for using the acquisition accounting method. The total consideration included a promissory note to the seller of $4.0 million, payable in four equal installments, with the final payment due on April 3, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively, we had $1.0 million included in Other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and as of December 31, 2018, we had $2.0 million included in Other noncurrent liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the remaining payments on the promissory note. Transaction costs incurred and expensed on the acquisition were immaterial.
On September 30, 2020, the Fund contributed 100% of the assets and liabilities of Reputation Defender for nominal consideration to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In accordance with ASC 805: Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), the contribution is accounted for as a transaction among entities under common control due to the Fund controlling both the Company and Reputation Defender. As a result, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
at the Stagwell Group’s carry-over basis in the Reputation Defender business which are presented in the table below, and are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the earliest date of the periods presented, or April 3, 2018, the date upon which the Fund acquired Reputation Defender.
The contribution of the Reputation Defender business is included in the results of our All Other reportable segment.
The following table presents the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition (in thousands):
April 3, 2018
Accounts receivable and other current assets
$ 1,546
Tradenames and trademarks
3,500
Customer relationships
5,600
Property, plant and equipment and other noncurrent assets
20
Advanced billings
(3,176)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
(776)
Goodwill
830
Total net assets acquired
$ 7,544
The acquired finite-lived intangible assets of Reputation Defender consist of tradenames and trademarks and customer relationships, with useful lives of ten and three years, respectively.
6.
Acquisitions
We completed three and four business acquisitions during 2019 and 2018, respectively. For certain of these acquisitions the Fund completed the business acquisition and contributed the net assets to the Company. The results of each acquired business are included in our results of operations from the acquisition date.
2019 Acquisitions
On January 2, 2019, we acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Rhythm Interactive, Inc. (“Rhythm”), a corporation headquartered in Irvine, California, which develops web and mobile applications, as well as designs, develops and builds digital infrastructures. We are obligated to make yearly earn-out payments up to $1.2 million per year to the sellers through the year ending December 31, 2023 provided that Rhythm meets minimum financial targets. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination since it is dependent upon the sellers remaining employed by the Company during the earnout period. Rhythm is included in our Code and Theory Brand, which is part of our Digital — Marketing reportable segment.
On April 8, 2019, we acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Multi-View Holdings, Inc., (“Multi-View”). Cash consideration for the acquisition was paid by the Fund and accounted for as a non-cash contribution for the purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Fund also contributed $18.0 million of debt to the Company that it incurred in relation to the Multi-View acquisition. Multi-View is a business-to-business marketing agency that leverages partnerships with trade associations across market verticals to deliver targeted programmatic display advertising and other digital advertising solutions, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Multi-View is included in our Digital — Content reportable segment.
On December 8, 2019, we acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of The Search Agency, Inc. (“TSA”). Cash consideration for the acquisition was paid by the Fund and accounted for as a non-cash contribution for the purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. TSA is a global brand performance marketing agency headquartered in Los Angeles, California, that offers multi- channel
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
marketing solutions. The Search Agency, Inc. is now operating under the ForwardPMX brand, which is included in our Digital — Marketing reportable segment.
The following table summarizes the purchase price as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
2019
Name
Purchase Price
Rhythm
$ 5,818
Multi-View
44,621
TSA
27,900
$ 78,339
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
2019
Rhythm
Multi-View
TSA
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 453 $ 2,020 $ 1,268 $ 3,741
Accounts receivable and other current assets
869 6,648 5,251 12,768
Developed technology
3,379 3,379
Intangible assets
4,240 31,900 11,720 47,860
Property, plant and equipment and other noncurrent assets
28 1,426 582 2,036
Right-of-use assets – operating leases
10,562 1,816 12,378
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
(1,097) (10,991) (11,338) (23,426)
Advance billings
(23,600) (23,600)
Operating lease liabilities
(10,562) (1,816) (12,378)
Other noncurrent liabilities
(9,616) (9,616)
Goodwill
1,325 43,455 20,417 65,197
Total net assets acquired
$ 5,818 $ 44,621 $ 27,900 $ 78,339
The following table reports the fair value of intangible assets acquired, including the corresponding weighted average amortization periods, as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands, except years):
2019
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
Rhythm
Multi-View
TSA
Total
Customer
6 – 10 years
$ 3,400 $ 12,800 $ 11,500 $ 27,700
Noncompete arrangements
7 years
640 640
Association
18 years
11,500 11,500
Tradenames and trademarks
10 – 13 years
200 7,600 7,800
Other
3 years
220 220
Total
$ 4,240 $ 31,900 $ 11,720 $ 47,860
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table summarizes the total revenue and net loss included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income from the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
Year ended
December 31,
2019
Revenue
$ 61,758
Net loss
(1,311)
Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited)
The unaudited pro forma information for the periods set forth below gives effect to the 2019 acquisitions as if they had occurred as of January 1, 2018. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated as of that time (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
Revenue
$ 684,207 $ 539,504
Net income
18,082 22,080
2018 Acquisitions
On September 26, 2018, we acquired 85.5% of the issued and outstanding stock of Volanti Media (Holdings) Ltd (“INK”), a travel media publishing and technology agency headquartered in London, United Kingdom, through a newly formed entity — Travel Content Ltd. (“TCL”). Total consideration also included the assumption of $18.4 million of debt. Fair value of noncontrolling interest at the date of the acquisition was valued at zero. As part of the transaction, former management of INK received equity instruments in TCL. Due to certain restrictive provisions embedded in these equity instruments, they are deemed to be a compensation arrangement and not part of consideration transferred in a business combination. These equity instruments vest upon a change in control event, as defined in the stock purchase agreement, and therefore no compensation expense was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income related to these awards.
The Company is obligated to repay the nominal value of equity instruments to their holders in case of their departure from the Company and a related liability in the amount of $5.2 million was recorded in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. INK is included in our Digital — Content reportable segment.
We acquired an additional 47.6% of common units through transactions on October 1, 2018 and November 6, 2018, of MMI Agency LLC (“MMI”), a media innovation agency headquartered in Houston, Texas. As a result of these transactions, we owned 77.4% of the issued and outstanding equity in MMI as of December 31, 2018. Cash consideration was paid by the Fund and accounted for as a non-cash transaction for the purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We accounted for this transaction as a step acquisition. Our previous investment in MMI, which was accounted for as an equity method investment, and related call and put options, which had a fair value of $8.9 million as of the acquisition date, were remeasured to fair value and as a result a gain of $3.0 million was recorded in other (expense) income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Consideration included a pre-acquisition loan of $1.8 million and the transaction was also financed with a $3.0 million promissory note held by the seller. MMI is included in our Digital — Marketing reportable segment.
On October 31, 2018, we acquired an additional 31% equity interest in Targeted Victory LLC (“Targeted Victory”), a full-service strategy and marketing agency headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. As a result of this transaction, we own 51% of the issued and outstanding equity in Targeted Victory as of December 31,
 
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2018. We accounted for this transaction as a step acquisition in 2018. Our previous investment in Targeted Victory, which was accounted for as an equity method investment, and related call options were remeasured to fair value and as a result a gain of $6.8 million was recorded in other (expense) income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Targeted Victory is included in our Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy reportable segment.
On December 12, 2018, we acquired an additional 43.5% of common units of Stagwell Technologies Inc. (“StagTech”), a digital innovation agency headquartered in Toronto, Canada. As a result of this transaction, we own 56% of the issued and outstanding shares of StagTech. Cash consideration was paid by the Fund and accounted for as a non-cash transaction for the purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We accounted for this transaction as a step acquisition. Our previous investment in StagTech, which was accounted for as an equity method investment, and related call options were remeasured to fair value and as a result, a gain of $0.8 million was recorded in other (expense) income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. StagTech is included in our Digital — Marketing reportable segment.
The following table summarizes the purchase price as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
2018
Name
Cash paid
Fair value of
previously held
equity and options
Other
consideration
Fair Value
of NCI
Total
INK
$ 33,828 $ $ 18,430 $ $ 52,258
MMI
8,940 4,835 168 13,943
Targeted Victory
9,125 10,176 18,544 37,845
StagTech
12,000 4,468 12,800 29,268
$ 54,953 $ 23,584 $ 23,265 $ 31,512 $ 133,314
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
2018
INK
MMI
Targeted
Victory
StagTech
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 5,885 $ 2,546 $ 6,395 $ 7 $ 14,833
Accounts receivable and other current assets
14,945 4,324 17,139 2,572 38,980
Developed technology
2,000 2,000
Intangible assets
28,525 3,900 13,900 46,325
Property, plant and equipment and other noncurrent assets
1,892 494 2,386
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
(32,045) (7,709) (15,770) (1,138) (56,662)
Deferred income tax liability, net
(5,045) (5,045)
Goodwill
38,101 10,882 15,687 25,827 90,497
Total net assets acquired
$ 52,258 $ 13,943 $ 37,845 $ 29,268 $ 133,314
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table reports the fair value of intangible assets acquired, and the corresponding weighted average amortization periods, as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands, except years):
2018
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
INK
MMI
Targeted Victory
Total
Customer
8 – 10 years
$ $ 800 $ 9,400 $ 10,200
Noncompete arrangements
5 years
500 500
Airline
4 years
11,568 11,568
Advertiser relationships
3 years
1,840 1,840
Tradenames and trademarks
10 – 20 years
15,117 2,600 4,500 22,217
Total
$ 28,525 $ 3,900 $ 13,900 $ 46,325
Various models were used in valuing intangible assets acquired for the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018. Our models include several variables including, but not limited to, an estimate for the projected revenues and a discount rate applied to those estimated cash flows. The relief-from- royalty model also includes the estimates of the royalty rate that a market participant might assume. The determination of the discount rate was based on a cost of equity model, using a risk-free rate, adjusted by a stock beta-adjusted risk premium and a size premium.
Goodwill recognized was not deductible for income tax purposes for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and is due to the sizable skilled workforces acquired and considerable buyer-specific synergies expected as a result of the acquisitions.
We incurred $2.8 million and $0.6 million in transaction costs for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which are included in office and general expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
The following table summarizes the total revenue and net loss included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income from the date of each acquisition (in thousands):
Year ended
December 31, 2018
Revenue
$ 35,830
Net loss
(2,510)
Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited)
The unaudited pro forma information for the periods set forth below gives effect to the 2018 acquisitions as if they had occurred as of January 1, 2018. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated as of that time (in thousands):
Year ended
December 31, 2018
Revenue
$ 550,787
Net income
33,687
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7.
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
Trade receivables
$ 168,039 $ 120,957
Unbilled receivables
30,976 23,490
Related party receivables
273 3,647
Total accounts receivable
199,288 148,094
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
(2,777) (2,417)
Total accounts receivable, net
$ 196,511 $ 145,677
The provision for bad debts recognized was $1.0 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and is included in office and general expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
8.
Investments
Investments consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
Finn Partners
Preferred shares
$ 16,589 $ 14,427
Call option
505 505
Wolfgang
Equity interest
1,805 1,963
Call option
23
Other equity interest
350
Total investments
$ 18,899 $ 17,268
Equity interest is primarily comprised of a 20% interest in Wolfgang LLC (“Wolfgang”), where the Company concluded it has significant influence. This investment is accounted for as an equity method investment.
Preferred shares investment is comprised of the Company’s interest in Series B preferred shares of Finn Partners. These preferred shares have a cost basis of $10.0 million and accrue non-cash dividends at a simple rate of 6% annually on a cost basis. They are redeemable to cash in the amount of cost-plus accrued interest any time after February 28, 2021 or upon a liquidation event. These preferred shares also may be converted to common shares of Finn Partners at any time until February 28, 2021 using a conversion ratio of 1% per $1.0 million of preferred shares held including accrued dividends. The conversion feature was not bifurcated and is clearly and closely related to the host instrument, preferred shares. Management determined that these preferred shares are a debt-like financial instrument and should be accounted for as available-for-sale securities at their fair market value at each reporting period.
Call options represent the Company’s right to purchase additional equity interests in Wolfgang and Finn Partners during a certain pre-determined time horizon. Management accounts for them at fair value at each reporting date.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
Leasehold improvements
$ 20,361 $ 15,880
Capitalized software
12,507 2,987
Furniture and fixtures
3,805 2,382
Computer equipment and software
15,426 10,227
Total cost
52,099 31,476
Less: Accumulated depreciation
(19,528) (8,487)
Total property and equipment, net
$ 32,571 $ 22,989
Depreciation expense, which is included in Depreciation and amortization expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, totaled $7.4 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
10.
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31, 2019
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Customer relationships
10
$ 114,070 $ (32,117) $ 81,953
Tradenames and trademarks
16
114,663 (21,961) 92,702
Advertiser relationships
3
1,837 (765) 1,072
Airline relationships
4
11,544 (3,607) 7,937
Association relationships
18
11,500 (467) 11,033
Noncompete arrangements
4
3,952 (2,505) 1,447
Other
3
1,745 (1,322) 423
Total
$ 259,311 $ (62,744) $ 196,567
December 31, 2018
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Customer relationships
10
$ 99,813 $ (21,378) $ 78,435
Tradenames and trademarks
16
91,912 (10,391) 81,521
Advertiser relationships
3
2,094 (164) 1,930
Airline relationships
4
10,964 (669) 10,295
Noncompete arrangements
4
2,746 (1,403) 1,343
Other
8
1,702 (654) 1,048
Total
$ 209,231 $ (34,659) $ 174,572
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company recognized amortization of $28.3 million and $17.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which is included in Depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. There were no impairment losses related to intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
The table below reflects our estimate of future amortization of these intangible assets as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
Amortization
2020
$ 28,631
2021
27,114
2022
24,788
2023
20,429
2024
17,301
2025 and thereafter
78,304
Total
$ 196,567
11.
Accruals and other liabilities
Accruals and other liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
Accrued expenses
$ 34,137 $ 28,891
Accrued salaries and related expenses
26,465 21,217
Other current liabilities
7,911 11,364
Total accruals and other liabilities
$ 68,513 $ 61,472
12.
Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantees
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into long-term, non-cancellable contracts with partner associations that include revenue or profit sharing guarantees related to the provision of our services. These contracts may also include provisions that require the partner associations to meet certain performance targets prior to any obligation to the Company. We account for guarantees in accordance with ASC 460, Guarantees.
The table below provides the estimated future minimum obligations under non-cancellable agreements as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
Maturity
Analysis
2020
$ 13,528
2021
15,659
2022
15,326
2023
12,667
2024
8,967
$ 66,147
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Legal Proceedings
Currently, and from time to time, the Company and its businesses are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. We are currently neither party to any lawsuit nor proceeding that, in our opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Deferred Acquisition Consideration
SKDKnickerbocker LLC (“SKDK”)
On September 22, 2015, SKDK entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, SKDK sellers are entitled to a contingent payment based on achievement of certain financial performance, which is payable between May 2018 and May 2020, and is also dependent upon the seller’s continued employment during the earn-out period, which ends April 1, 2020. As such, we determined this contingent payment should be treated as compensation. The deferred acquisition consideration excludes a payment of $5.0 million that is considered contingent consideration.
In addition to the purchase price, there is a provision in the Agreement for a special bonus, which is payable upon meeting certain financial milestones. The total amount of special bonus pool available to be paid out is $7.5 million. The impact of this special bonus pool on the deferred acquisition consideration was a $1.3 million and $0.5 million increase for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The following table summarizes the liability and expense recognized related to SKDK’s deferred acquisition consideration (in thousands):
2019
2018
Balance as of January 1,
$ 48,885 $ 27,376
Expense
15,460 31,509
Payment of advance earn-out
(10,000)
Balance as of December 31,
$ 64,345 $ 48,885
The Company recorded this liability as deferred acquisition consideration in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and a corresponding expense in office and general expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Expense was recorded using a systematic method which matches the formulas of the specific earnout periods of the Agreement. The maximum deferred acquisition consideration liability to the Company is $64.3 million.
Scout Marketing LLC (“Scout”)
On April 19, 2017, as part of its acquisition, Scout agreed to a deferred acquisition consideration arrangement with the former principals of the Seller to be paid in three installments within 150 days of December 31, 2018, 2020 and 2021, respectively. This compensation arrangement is contingent on the principals’ continued employment with Scout and adherence to noncompete arrangements through each respective distribution date. The amounts to be distributed are stipulated in the purchase agreement and are based upon certain financial performance measures of Scout from the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021.
The Company determines the amount of deferred acquisition consideration expense and the related deferred acquisition consideration liability on a systematic method which matches the formulas of the specific earnout periods of the original Scout purchase agreement. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the financial performance measures of Scout were determined not to be met, and accordingly we recorded no deferred acquisition consideration liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and no related compensation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, related to the Scout arrangement. The maximum deferred acquisition consideration to be expensed is $38.4 million.
 
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MediaCurrent Interactive Solutions LLC (“MediaCurrent”)
The Company incurred an obligation to make contingent earn-out payments to the former shareholders of MediaCurrent Interactive Solutions LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Code and Theory LLC, based upon the achievement of certain metrics as defined by the terms of the acquisition agreement, earned through the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination. The Company recorded this liability of $0.5 million and $0.8 million as deferred acquisition consideration in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Rhythm
On January 2, 2019, as part of the acquisition, the Company entered into a deferred acquisition consideration arrangement with the former owners of Rhythm based upon continued employment with Rhythm and the achievement of certain minimum financial targets in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Our maximum exposure related to the deferred acquisition consideration is $1.2 million on an annual basis. The payment for a respective year, if the conditions are determined to be achieved, is due no later than 195 days after the end of the respective fiscal period. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, we determined the minimum financial targets to not be met, and accordingly recorded no deferred acquisition consideration liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and no related compensation expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income, related to the Rhythm arrangement.
13.
Long-Term Debt
Stagwell Marketing Group Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase
On November 18, 2019, the Company entered into a new debt agreement (“New JPM Syndicated Facility”) with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A (“JPM”). The New JPM Syndicated Facility consists of a five-year revolving credit facility of $265.0 million (“New JPM Revolver”) with the right to be increased by an additional $150.0 million provided additional commitments are obtained. The New JPM Revolver offers the Company the ability to draw borrowings denoted in British Pound Sterling. As of December 31, 2019, we had $30.0 million in borrowings that were held by our foreign subsidiaries in the United Kingdom. A portion of the New JPM Revolver in an amount not to exceed $10.0 million is available for the issuance of standby letters of credit, of which $5.5 million are outstanding as of December 31, 2019. The purpose of the borrowings was to refinance the $141.1 million of existing indebtedness to Bank of America (“BoA”), JPM, Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”), and M&T Bank (“M&T”) that was previously held by certain subsidiaries of the Company (“Previous Credit Agreements”). The Previous Credit Agreements have been paid in full and were accounted for as a debt modification except for one of the banks in the Previous Credit Agreements syndicate, which was accounted for as a debt extinguishment. As a result, the deferred financing costs related to the Previous Credit Agreements with the exception of amounts attributable to the debt that was extinguished, in addition to incremental costs of $1.4 million, will be amortized over the term of the New JPM Syndicated facility. Repayments of principal and interest related to the debt extinguishment have been classified within financing and operating activities, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There was no gain or loss recorded as a result of the transaction. Subsequent to November 18, 2019, the Company drew an additional $17.0 million and the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2019 was $159.5 million.
Rates are set at either LIBOR for a period equal to 1 month, 3 month or 6 month terms at the direction of the Company plus the Applicable Rate as defined in the agreement or the Alternate Base Rate
(“ABR”) plus the Applicable Rate. The ABR is the greatest of (a) the prime rate of interest announced from time to time by JPM or its parent, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% and (c) the Adjusted LIBOR rate (subject to a 1% interest floor) for a one-month period plus 1.0%. We have also entered into an
 
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interest rate swap maturing April 2022 with BoA to convert $18.3 million of our variable rate debt as of December 31, 2019 to a fixed rate of 2.6%. The fair value of the swap was $(0.4) million and is included in Accruals and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2019. The obligations under the New JPM Syndicated Facility are senior in priority to all other obligations of the Company and are collateralized by substantially all its assets, including but not limited to, its subsidiaries.
Voluntary prepayments are permitted in whole or in part with prior written notice, but without premium or penalty. The facility matures on November 18, 2024. There are no required payments for the facility until its maturity. Additionally, we must meet certain financial and nonfinancial covenants on an ongoing basis. The financial covenant we need to satisfy is a total leverage ratio, which may not (calculated without giving effect to earn-out payments) be greater than 4.25 to 1.0. The ratio is calculated quarterly on a trailing 12-month basis. The nonfinancial covenants include providing audited financial statements to the bank within 120 days from year-end (180 days from year-end for the year ending December 31, 2019). As of December 31, 2019, we are in compliance with all covenants contained in the New JPM Syndicated Facility, and we expect to be in compliance for the following twelve-month period.
Previous Credit Agreements
Stagwell Market Research Holdings Credit Agreement with BoA
On April 19, 2017 (“BoA Effective Date”), a subsidiary of the Company entered into a credit agreement (“BoA Credit Agreement”) with BoA that consisted of (a) a revolving facility for (i) a line of credit up to $5.0 million, (ii) a standby letter of credit up to $2.0 million and (b) a term loan facility of $45.0 million (“BoA Term Loan”) with a maturity date of April 19, 2022. The weighted average interest rate under the BoA Credit Agreement was 4.78% for the year ended December 31, 2018.
On June 30, 2017 the BoA Credit Agreement was amended to include an additional $5.0 million of the BoA Term Loan used to partially fund the NRG United business combination. The amendment also increased the letter of credit capacity to $2.5 million.
We fully paid off the outstanding balance under the BoA Term Loan as of December 31, 2019, which was funded by our New JPM Syndicated Facility discussed above.
Stagwell PM Credit Agreement with JPM
On February 5, 2018, certain subsidiaries of the Company entered into a debt agreement (“JPM Syndicated Facility”) with a syndicate of banks led by JPM. The JPM Syndicated Facility consists of (i) a five-year term facility of $40.0 million and (ii) a five-year revolving credit facility of $45.0 million. The purpose of the borrowings was to refinance existing indebtedness and fund closing cash distributions to the Fund, which was accounted for as a debt extinguishment. As a result, all of the deferred financing costs related to the refinanced debt were expensed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income and recorded within Interest expense, net. Repayment of principal and interest related to the debt extinguishment have been classified within financing and operating activities, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Additionally, the JPM Syndicated Facility was used to finance the working capital needs for the subsidiaries and their general corporate purposes in the ordinary course of business. In addition, the proceeds from the JPM Syndicated Facility were utilized to settle an existing $4.5 million loan between the subsidiaries and the Fund. The weighted average interest rate under the JPM Syndicated Facility was 5.17% for the year ended December 31, 2018.
We fully paid off the outstanding balance under our previous JPM Syndicated Facility as of December 31, 2019, which was funded by our New JPM Syndicated Facility discussed above.
Stagwell UK Holding Ltd Credit Agreement with Barclays
On June 19, 2018, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a credit agreement (“Original Barclays Facility”) with Barclays. The Original Barclays Facility was denominated in British pounds and consisted of
 
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(i) a five-year term facility of £12 million ($15.8 million) and (ii) five-year revolving credit facility of £2 million ($2.6 million). The purpose of the borrowings was to recapitalize SUKH’s full equity investment in Forward 3D Ltd.
On September 25, 2018, the subsidiary entered into another credit agreement (“Primary Barclays Facility”, collectively with the Original Barclays Facility, the “Barclays Facilities”) with Barclays. The Primary Barclays Facility was also denominated in British pounds and consisted of (i) a five-year term facility of £26 million ($34.2 million), and (ii) five-year revolving credit facility of £3.5 million ($4.6 million). U.S. Dollar equivalents have been converted using exchange rates in effect at the time of the transaction. The purpose of the borrowings was to settle the Original Barclays Facility, partially to fund the INK acquisition, as disclosed in Note 6 — Acquisitions, and the residual for general corporate purposes in the ordinary course of business. The weighted average interest rate under the Barclays Facilities was 3.91% for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The U.S. Dollar equivalents have been converted using exchange rates in effect at the time of each transaction, and at the end of each reporting period for which we have outstanding indebtedness on the Barclays Facilities.
We fully paid off the outstanding balance under the Primary Barclays Facility as of December 31, 2019, which was funded by our New JPM Syndicated Facility discussed above.
Stagwell B2B Credit Agreement with M&T
On April 8, 2019, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a $25 million credit arrangement (“B2B Credit Agreement”) with M&T consisting of a term loan of $13.5 million and an $11.5 million revolving credit facility to fund the acquisition of Multi-View and support its working capital requirements.
The following table represents our outstanding debt balances (in thousands):
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
Revolver
$ 159,916 $
Term Debt
JPM
32,000
BoA
42,500
Barclays
32,819
Other
1,988 3,313
Total term debt
1,988 110,632
Line of credit
30,554
Total revolver, term debt and line of credit
161,904 141,186
Debt issuance costs
(2,450) (1,469)
Total revolver, term debt and line of credit, net
159,454 139,717
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt
(994) (19,410)
Long-term debt, net
$ 158,460 $ 120,307
Other debt primarily represents seller financing pertaining to the acquisition of MMI (Refer to Note 6 — Acquisitions). Total interest expense related to the New JPM Credit Facility, the Previous Credit Agreements and the B2B Credit Agreement was $8.9 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the weighted average interest rate on the New JPM Credit Facility, the Previous Credit Agreements and the B2B Credit Agreement was 5.76%.
 
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Amortized debt issuance costs of $0.7 million and $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and is included in Interest expense, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
14.
Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling Interest
The noncontrolling interests (“NCI”) in certain subsidiaries of the Company are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
NCI
Percentage
Ownership
NCI
Equity
Value
NCI
Percentage
Ownership
NCI
Equity
Value
Code and Theory
8.5% $ 2,676 8.5% $ 2,430
PMX Agency
0.0% 18.3% 6,352
MMI
0.0% 12.5% 140
StagTech
44.0% 12,857 44.0% 12,683
Emerald Research Group*
20.0% (64) 0.0%
Wye Communications
35.0% 469 35.0% 317
Targeted Victory
40.0% 13,213 49.0% 16,128
Observatory
27.6% 2,426 21.2% 1,990
Total
$ 31,577 $ 40,040
*
subsidiary of Harris Insights and Analytics. The value as of December 31, 2019 includes the noncontrolling interest’s proportionate share of losses for the year ended December 31, 2019.
During 2019, we acquired the two noncontrolling interest holder’s interests in PMX Agency LLC for a total of $12.2 million, including one of the noncontrolling interest holder’s forfeiting his units in MMI to the Company. Cash consideration for the equity interest purchase was paid by the Fund and accounted for as a non-cash transaction for the purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In addition, Observatory issued additional interests to its noncontrolling interest holders that resulted in a dilution of the Company’s holdings in the Observatory entity.
On December 2, 2019, we acquired an additional 9.0% of common units of Targeted Victory for $3.4 million. Cash consideration for the equity interest purchase was paid by the Fund and accounted for as a non-cash transaction for the purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As a result of this transaction, the noncontrolling interest holders were diluted to 40% of the issued and outstanding equity in Targeted Victory.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
The Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests relates to its shareholding in Volanti Media (Holdings) Ltd (“INK”), through its consolidated subsidiary, Travel Content Ltd. (“TCL”), and in Code and Theory, LLC (“Code and Theory”), through its consolidated subsidiary, Stagwell Performance Marketing & Digital Transformation, LLC (“Stagwell Digital”).
INK
The noncontrolling shareholders’ ability to redeem their shares is subject to the occurrence of certain events and the satisfaction of certain conditions, specifically employment termination conditions and the related
 
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notices. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company determined the redemption option available to the noncontrolling shareholders were not currently redeemable, and in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity were not adjusted to its estimated redemption value.
Code and Theory
Code and Theory has one noncontrolling shareholder that owns a put option, which if exercised would require the Company to redeem their shares, after customary closing conditions as outlined in the shareholders agreement. There are no limitations or restrictions on the noncontrolling shareholder’s ability to exercise the put option. In accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the put option is considered currently redeemable, and is measured at the greater of its estimated redemption value and accumulated profits and losses allocated to the noncontrolling interest in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation.
The following table presents the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):
2019
2018
Balance as of January 1
$ 1,947 $ 1,794
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
1,263 153
Changes in redemption value
392
Balance as of December 31
$ 3,602 $ 1,947
15.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company evaluates the fair value of certain assets and liabilities using the fair value hierarchy. Fair value is an exit price representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. In determining the fair value, we use valuation techniques that require us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. As a basis for considering such assumptions, we apply the three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1
Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2
Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly;
Level 3
Unobservable inputs of which there is little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions.
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents information about our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of each instrument:
December 31, 2019
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Call options
$ $ $ 505 $ 505
Preferred Shares
   —    — 16,589 16,589
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps
400 400
 
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December 31, 2018
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Call options
$    — $    — $ 528 $ 528
Preferred Shares
14,427 14,427
The Company holds call options to acquire certain additional amounts of equity interest of its subsidiaries. These options are considered to be Level 3 fair value measurements since they utilize unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. Management determines fair value of options utilizing a Black Scholes model. Key assumptions include the fair value of the underlying equity instruments, term of the options and equity volatility estimates.
The summary of fair value changes of outstanding options held by the Company are presented below (in thousands):
2019
2018
Balance as of January 1
$ 528 $ 7,563
Change in fair market value
(23) 5,797
Exercise and cancellation of options in connection with step acquisitions
(11,562)
Options recorded as part of noncontrolling interest
(1,838)
Purchase of new options
568
Balance as of December 31
$ 505 $ 528
The Company owns preferred shares in Finn Partners. These shares were determined by management to be available-for-sale investments and are recorded at fair value at each reporting period. These preferred shares are considered to be Level 3 fair value measurements since they utilize unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. Management determines fair value of preferred shares utilizing an option pricing model. Key assumptions include enterprise value and future growth rates of Finn Partners.
The summary of fair value changes of the preferred shares held by the Company are presented below (in thousands):
2019
2018
Balance as of January 1
$ 14,427 $ 7,541
Interest earned on investment
600 338
Purchase of additional preferred shares
5,000
Change in fair market value
1,562 1,548
Balance as of December 31
$ 16,589 $ 14,427
Due to the short-term nature, the carrying values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable and accruals and other liabilities approximate fair value.
Financial Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The carrying amount of our long-term debt closely approximates its fair value as of December 31, 2019 due to its variable interest rates. The fair value is based on quoted market prices in markets that are not active and is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Non-financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and accordingly are not measured and adjusted to fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to periodic evaluations for
 
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potential impairment. These assets and liabilities include goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, other noncurrent assets and other noncurrent liabilities (Level 3 fair value assessments) and right-of-use lease assets (a Level 2 fair value assessment). As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, the Company has not recognized an impairment on these non-financial assets and liabilities.
16.
Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Contribution Plan
The Company’s US based businesses maintain 401(k) plans (collectively, the “401(k)”), which provide for tax-deferred contributions of employees’ salaries. Each eligible employee may elect to contribute up to the maximum amount allowed by the Code of the employee’s annual compensation to 401(k). We may match a percentage of employee contributions to 401(k). The total matching contributions funded to the 401(k) were $2.5 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were recorded as part of cost of services sold or office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Our UK based businesses operate a defined contribution plan that complies with the local laws in that country. The plan provides a tax deferred contribution to the employees’ salaries, limited to a maximum annual amount established by the relevant government body of the specific country. Our businesses provide for a matching contribution that meets the minimum percent requirement. The total matching contributions made by our UK businesses totaled $1.0 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were recorded as part of cost of services sold or office and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan
The Company established the Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) as a means for providing long term incentives for certain key officers and members of Brand management. These individuals are eligible to earn nonvoting equity interests in their respective companies. The Equity Plan provides the Brands key officers and members of management with an opportunity to participate in the distribution of the future profits of the Company by granting profit interest units and other incentive awards. The vesting of the awards is typically conditioned, amongst other things, upon occurrence of an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) or other qualified liquidity events (“change in control events”). As of December 31, 2019, the Company determined that it is not probable that the change in control events will occur and, as such, compensation expenses related to these awards were not recognized in the financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
17.
Income Taxes
The Company’s Income before taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, and Provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
Income before taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
United States
$ 23,215 $ 26,189
Foreign
7,677 (5,190)
Income before taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
$ 30,892 $ 20,999
Current tax expense
Federal
$ 3,300 $ 2,840
State
2,202 1,403
 
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Years ended
December 31,
2019
2018
Foreign & other
5,062 1,709
Total current income tax expense
10,564 5,952
Deferred tax benefit
Federal
1,279 (270)
State
351 (75)
Foreign
(2,190) (1,113)
Total deferred tax benefit
(560) (1,458)
Total provision for income taxes
$ 10,004 $ 4,494
Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting purposes and those measured for income tax return purposes.
The table below summarizes the significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands):
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss
$ 7,223 $ 4,573
Tax credits
800
Deductible start-up costs
752 831
Accruals and other liabilities
322 252
Allowance for doubtful accounts
162 136
Right-of-use asset – operating leases
4,634
Other, net
420
Less: Valuation allowance
(2,945) (3,551)
Total deferred tax assets
11,368 2,241
Deferred tax liabilities
Intangible assets, net
24,595 14,918
Property and equipment, net
396 201
Deferred costs, net
902
Advance billings, net
387
State taxes, net
262
Accrual to cash difference
1,466
Operating lease liability
4,634
Other, net
134 47
Total deferred tax liabilities
32,776 15,166
Total deferred tax liabilities, net
$ 21,408 $ 12,925
As of December 31, 2019, we had $16.6 million of net operating losses (“NOL”) related to federal and state income taxes at StagTech. The NOL’s generated prior to December 12, 2018 are subject to IRC Section 382 limitations and any future ownership changes may cause the Company’s existing tax attributes to have additional limitations. The NOL carryforward will begin to expire in 2032. Based on the assessment of
 
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recoverability of deferred tax assets and expected future taxable profits for StagTech, a valuation allowance of $2.8 million has been provided against deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
As of December 31, 2019, we had $10.6 million of NOL’s at TSA that consists of $10.8 million that was acquired in the TSA transaction, which are subject to IRC Section 382 limitations. A valuation allowance of $0.1 million has been provided against capital losses incurred at The Search Agency that are not “more likely than not” to be realized. The NOL carryforward will begin to expire in 2029.
A reconciliation of income tax expense using the U.S. federal income tax rate compared with actual income tax expense is as follows (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
Income before taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
$ 30,892 $ 20,999
Theoretical tax of 21%
6,487 4,410
Impact of flowthrough entity structure
(2,608) (1,903)
Foreign, net
1,256 679
Restructuring
2,764
State taxes, net
2,043 1,328
Other
62 (20)
Total provision for income taxes
$ 10,004 $ 4,494
The Company is a limited liability company classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and as such is not subject to taxes from a U.S. federal income tax perspective. The theoretical tax rate of 21% has been used to capture the U.S. federal taxes of the corporations owned by the Company and recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
The significant drivers of the effective tax rate relate to the segmentation of income between the portion subject to entity level tax and the portion of income reported directly by the Member, as well as the restructuring of the Forward PMX group.
There were no uncertain tax positions taken by us as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 that are not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Years ended December 31, 2015 and later remain subject to examination by U.S. federal authorities and various state and foreign authorities. There are currently no audits in progress.
18.
Segment Information
The Company determines an operating segment if a component (i) engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses, (ii) has discrete financial information, and is (iii) regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to make decisions regarding resource allocation for the segment and assess its performance. After performing this analysis, the Company determined that each of its Brands are an operating segment.
Once its operating segments were identified, the Company performed an analysis to determine if aggregation of operating segments is applicable under ASC 280, Segment Reporting. This determination is based on a quantitative analysis of historic and projected long-term results of operations for each operating segment, together with a qualitative assessment to determine if operating segments have similar economic and operating characteristics.
The CODM uses Adjusted EBITDA (defined below) as a key metric, to evaluate the operating and financial performance, identify trends, develop projections and make strategic business decisions for each of the reportable segments.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net income before taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, plus depreciation and amortization, interest expense, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments, and other items, net. Other items, net includes items such as acquisition- related expenses, other non-recurring items and other restructuring costs.
The six reportable segments that resulted from applying the aggregation criteria are discussed below. We also report results, as further detailed below, for the “Corporate” group.

Digital — Marketing: includes Brands that support the delivery of content, commerce, service and sales using online channels. These Brands create websites, back-end systems and other digital environments allowing consumers to engage with Brands using search engine optimization, bots, search engine marketing, influencer & affiliate marketing, email marketing, customer relationship management and programmatic advertising. Brands include Code and Theory, Forward PMX Group, MMI Agency and Stagwell Technologies;

Digital — Content: includes Brands that create online and offline content supported by ad sales to help clients target niche B2B audience and general consumers. Brands include Multi-View, INK and Observatory;

Research — Technology: includes a single Brand, National Research Group, which conducts qualitative and quantitative research among consumers on behalf of theatrical, television, streaming content creators, gaming companies and technology companies to attract and engage consumers;

Research — Corporate: includes Brands that conducts qualitative and quantitative research among consumers and B2B audiences to help companies understand their purchase intent habits and trends to aid in marketing decisions and product development, views of brand and corporate reputation and the use of research for public release. Brands include Harris Insights and Analytics and HarrisX;

Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy: includes Brands that provides strategic communications through traditional media relations, social media and in-person engagements, as well as utilizing digital channels to mobilize and raise funds from supporters and constituents to support political candidates and issue organizations in the public arena. Brands include SKDK, Targeted Victory and Wye Communications;

All Other: includes Brands that create, produce, and promote advertising through traditional and digital channels, provides public relations, online reputation and digital privacy solutions for individuals and businesses. Brands include Scout, Reputation Defender and Collect, Understand and Engage (“CUE”); and

Corporate: Corporate includes expenses incurred by our corporate function. These costs primarily consist of office and general expenses, salaries and related employee-related expenses that are not fully allocated to the operating segments. These costs include salaries, long-term incentives, bonuses and other miscellaneous benefits for corporate office employees, corporate office expenses, professional fees related to financial statement audits and legal, information technology and other consulting services that are engaged through our corporate office, and depreciation incurred on our corporate office.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The tables below provide summarized financial information for each of our reportable segments
(in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
Total Revenue:
Digital – Marketing
$ 208,343 $ 168,859
Digital – Content
157,546 34,221
Research – Technology
58,353 56,187
Research – Corporate
51,968 52,388
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy
112,388 79,397
All Other
40,068 35,380
Total Revenue
$ 628,666 $ 426,432
Adjusted EBITDA:
Digital – Marketing
$ 36,511 $ 24,550
Digital – Content
22,475 3,623
Research – Technology
14,553 13,950
Research – Corporate
8,739 7,379
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy
18,213 20,540
All Other
88 3,827
Corporate
(1,736) (3,421)
Total Adjusted EBITDA
$ 98,843 $ 70,448
Reconciliation to Income before taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates:
Depreciation and amortization
(35,729) (21,775)
Interest expense, net
(8,659) (6,406)
Other (expense) income, net
(1,144) 11,443
Deferred acquisition consideration adjustments
(15,652) (28,327)
Other items, net
(6,767) (4,384)
Income before taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
$ 30,892 $ 20,999
Depreciation and amortization:
Digital – Marketing
$ 11,786 $ 5,456
Digital – Content
11,570 3,792
Research – Technology
1,815 1,765
Research – Corporate
2,320 2,243
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy
4,148 3,034
All Other
3,015 2,490
Corporate
1,075 2,995
Total Depreciation and amortization
$ 35,729 $ 21,775
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The table below provides a summary of our long-lived assets, comprising of fixed assets, goodwill and intangibles assets, and right-of-use assets — operating leases, net of applicable accumulated depreciation and amortization, by geographic region (in thousands):
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
Property and equipment, net
United States
$ 29,277 $ 20,515
United Kingdom
3,294 2,474
Total
$ 32,571 $ 22,989
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net
United States
$ 405,765 $ 310,292
United Kingdom
115,987 121,603
Total
$ 521,752 $ 431,895
Right-of-use assets – operating leases
United States
$ 62,241 $
United Kingdom
9,482
Total
$ 71,723 $
The CODM does not use segment assets to allocate resources or to assess performance of the segments and therefore total segment assets have not been disclosed.
19.
Related Party Transactions
The Stagwell Group engaged certain of our companies to provide services for the Stagwell Group for interagency customers (collectively referred to as “Related Party Work”). Our Related Party Work represented $1.9 million and $0.8 million of accounts receivable due from the Stagwell Group as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Additionally, we recorded $3.3 million and $2.7 million of related party revenue and $0.1 million and $0.7 million of cost of service paid to the Stagwell Group, and $0.1 million and $0.6 million of other expenses, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in connection with such Related Party Work.
In January 2019, the Stagwell Group assigned its rights to the subsidiary operating agreements to the Company. Within these operating agreements, each subsidiary is required to pay a management fee, no later than 30 days after the end of each quarter, of 2.5 percent of EBITDA for such quarter, not to exceed $250,000 annually. The management fee paid, or payable, by the Company’s subsidiaries are treated as intercompany transactions and are eliminated upon consolidation as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019. Total management fee incurred by the Company’s operating subsidiaries paid to the Stagwell Group was $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and is recorded in office and general expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
The Fund from time to time makes additional equity investments in the Company. The investment may be either cash or non-cash in the form of its interest in companies acquired by the Fund. Non- cash contributions are recorded in Member’s equity at the value of the actual cash the Fund paid for the asset. Stagwell Media made additional non-cash investments in the Company of $71.2 million, including approximately $15.5 million for acquisitions of non-controlling interests, and $32.1 million, including approximately $1.5 million for acquisitions of non-controlling interests, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Stagwell Media made cash investments in the Company of $4.0 million and $14.5 million for the years ended December 2019 and 2018, respectively. Additionally, the Company made cash distributions to the Fund of $38.0 million and $33.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with MDC Partners, Inc. (“MDC”). MDC is considered a related party due to: i) an affiliate of the Stagwell Group owning a minority ownership in MDC, and ii) the manager of the Stagwell Group, Mark Penn, is also the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of MDC. In October 2019, the Company entered into an arrangement with an affiliate of MDC, in which the Company and the affiliate will collaborate to provide various services to a client of the affiliate. Under the arrangement, we are entitled to $0.7 million, which is expected to be recognized through the end of 2020. As of December 31, 2019, $0.4 million was due from the affiliate for services provided.
20.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent events have been evaluated through June 2, 2020, the date these consolidated financial statements were available for issuance.
On March 18, 2020, the Company increased the commitments on the New JPM Revolver by $60 million to $325 million.
On February 14, 2020, SKDK acquired Sloane & Company (“Sloane”) from MDC, a related party to the Company, for $19.6 million plus up to an additional $7.1 million dependent on Sloane reaching contractually defined operating goals in 2020 and 2021. Sloane is an industry-leading strategic communications firm, based out of New York. Sloane will extend SKDK’s current suite of services and allow for the expansion into the capital markets and special situations verticals.
On May 11, 2020, the Fund made the contingent payment of $64.3 million, recorded in Deferred acquisition consideration in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2019, to SKDK as required under its Asset Purchase Agreement.
Beginning in December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) emerged in China and has spread to other parts of the world, including locations where the Company conducts business. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 had been declared a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020 the U.S. President announced a National Emergency relating to the disease. The spread of COVID-19 has caused significant volatility in the United States and international markets and, in many industries, business activity has virtually shut down entirely. While it is difficult to predict the full scale of the impact, including whether any such impact could materially impact our operations and cash flows, some of our Brands have experienced a negative impact to their operating results, primarily due to a downturn in the industries their customers operate in. The Company has taken actions to address the impact of the pandemic, such as working closely with our clients, reducing our expenses and monitoring liquidity. The full extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company’s business will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including additional actions taken to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others. The Company’s business and financial results could be materially and adversely impacted.
The Company also adopted a remote-work policy and other physical distancing policies for its offices. The Company does not anticipate these policies to have any adverse impact on its ability to continue to operate its business.
Events Subsequent to Original Issuance of Financial Statements (Unaudited)
In connection with the reissuance of the financial statements, the Company has evaluated subsequent events through January 18, 2021, the date the financial statements were available to be reissued.
Proposed Transaction with MDC
On December 21, 2020, the Fund reached a definitive agreement with MDC for a potential merger between the Company and MDC (the “Proposed MDC Transaction”). If completed, the transaction will be treated as a reverse-merger, with the Company being deemed to be the accounting acquirer for GAAP
 
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Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
purposes. The definitive agreement is subject to customary closing procedures for transactions of this nature and subject to several conditions, including obtaining relevant third-party consents. The definitive agreement allows for certain conditions under which the agreement can be terminated, including in instances where the required regulatory approvals are not obtained. No assurances can be given regarding the likelihood of obtaining such consents, obtaining such regulatory approvals, or ultimately completing the Proposed MDC Transaction.
Long-Term Debt
On November 13, 2020, we entered into a Second Amendment to our New JPM Syndicated Facility (“Second Amendment”) in contemplation of the Proposed MDC Transaction, where we amended the following terms: (i) the definition of Adjusted LIBOR is the mathematical calculation of LIBOR for a period equal to 1 month, 3 month or 6 months, multiplied by a fraction of the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the definition of ABR is the greatest of (a) the prime rate of interest announced from time to time by the Wall Street Journal, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus half of 0.5% and (c) Adjusted LIBOR for a one-month period plus 1.0%, and in the event (a), (b) or (c) result in an interest rate of less than 1.5%, the interest rate for the period is set to 1.5%, and (iii) the maturity date of the JPM Revolver is November 18, 2024, subject to the refinancing or termination of debt facilities held by MDC ninety-one days prior to their respective maturity dates. The Second Amendment also included a waiver for certain clauses related to legal entity restructuring activities that did not have any bearing on our covenant ratios, nor our ability to make further draws on our New JPM Revolver in 2020.
On November 13, 2020, the Company, JPM as administrative agent, and a group of lenders entered into a term loan agreement (“JPM Credit Agreement”) that provided the Company with a Delayed Draw Term Loan A in an aggregate principal amount of $90.0 million (“DD Term Loan A”). The DD Term Loan A will mature on November 13, 2023, provided that if the proposed transaction with MDC is not consummated within thirty days of the draw of the DD Term Loan A, the maturity date will be thirty-one days after the draw. Proceeds of the borrowing under the DD Term Loan A may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries, subject to certain restrictions. The Company may elect that borrowings in respect of the DD Term Loan A bear interest at an annual rate equal to either ABR or Adjusted LIBOR, as defined in the JPM Credit Agreement, plus a margin of 2% or 3%, respectively. The DD Term Loan A is payable in quarterly installments of principal and interest. Interest is calculated on the first Business Day after a draw on the DD Term Loan A, with principal payments due at a rate of 0.625% per quarter until November 13, 2021, at a rate of 1.25% thereafter, with the remaining balance due upon maturity. We currently have not made any draws on our DD Term Loan A.
2020 Acquisitions
On August 14, 2020, Code and Theory acquired Kettle Solutions, LLC (“Kettle”) for $5.6 million plus up to an additional $11.9 million, dependent on Kettle reaching contractually defined operating goals in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Kettle is an industry recognized web design and content creation firm that assists its customers in developing and executing marketing campaigns, based out of New York.
On October 30, 2020, Code & Theory acquired Truelogic Software, LLC (“Truelogic”) for $10.0 million plus up to an additional $15.0 million, dependent on Truelogic reaching contractually defined operating goals in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Truelogic is a Buenos Aires-based software development firm that assists customers in sourcing top South American engineering talent and developing small-scale software projects.
 
F-89

Exhibit 99.3 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Index to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  Page(s)
Review Report of Independent Auditors 2
   
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and December 31, 2020. 3
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 4
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 5
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 6 - 7
   
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8 - 37

 

 

 

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP

30 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10112

USA

 

Tel: 1-212-492-4000
Fax: 1-212-489-1687
www.deloitte.com

 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REVIEW REPORT

 

To the Management of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC

 

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2021, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (the “interim financial information”).

 

Management’s Responsibility for the Interim Financial Information

 

The Company’s management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the interim financial information in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this responsibility includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control sufficient to provide a reasonable basis for the preparation and fair presentation of interim financial information in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Auditors’ Responsibility

 

Our responsibility is to conduct our reviews in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to reviews of interim financial information. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial information. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Conclusion

 

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the interim financial information referred to above for it to be in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Report on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and we expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those audited consolidated financial statements in our report dated March 6, 2021. In our opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2020, is consistent, in all material respects, with the audited consolidated financial statements from which it has been derived.

 

Restriction on Use

 

This report is intended solely for the information and use of management and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.

 

 

 

April 30, 2021

 

2

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

(in thousands)   March 31,
2021
(Unaudited)
    December 31,
2020
 
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 53,784     $ 92,457  
Accounts receivable, net     166,492       225,733  
Expenditures billable to clients     16,445       11,063  
Other current assets     37,890       36,433  
Total current assets     274,611       365,686  
Investments     2,456       14,256  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $31,146 and $28,364, respectively     36,677       35,614  
Goodwill     351,571       351,725  
Intangible assets, net     178,096       186,035  
Right-of-use assets – operating leases     52,642       57,752  
Other assets     2,768       2,787  
Total assets   $ 898,821     $ 1,013,855  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 79,479     $ 147,826  
Accruals and other liabilities (Note 9)     86,400       89,562  
Current maturities of long-term debt     745       994  
Advanced billings     67,444       66,418  
Current portion of operating lease liabilities     19,299       19,579  
Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration (Note 10)     5,610       12,579  
Total current liabilities     258,977       336,958  
Long-term debt, net     183,698       198,024  
Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration (Note 10)     9,075       5,268  
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities     48,134       52,606  
Deferred tax liabilities, net     15,901       16,050  
Other liabilities     7,775       5,802  
Total liabilities     523,560       614,708  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)                
                 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 12)     89       604  
                 
Member’s equity     345,122       358,756  
Noncontrolling interest     30,050       39,787  
Total equity     375,172       398,543  
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity   $ 898,821     $ 1,013,855  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 

3

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

 

    For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in thousands)   2021     2020  
Revenue   $ 181,242     $ 184,543  
                 
Operating expenses:                
Cost of services sold     111,999       120,758  
Office and general expenses     52,278       43,272  
Depreciation and amortization     10,950       9,756  
Total operating expenses     175,227       173,786  
                 
Operating income     6,015       10,757  
                 
Other expenses, net:                
Interest expense, net     (1,351 )     (911 )
Other income, net     608       3,027  
Income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates     5,272       12,873  
Provision for income taxes     (673 )     (459 )
Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates     4,599       12,414  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates     4       79  
Net income     4,603       12,493  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     1,153       1,138  
Less: Net (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests     (915 )     (692 )
Net income attributable to Member   $ 4,365     $ 12,047  
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:                
Net income attributable to Member   $ 4,365     $ 12,047  
                 
Net unrealized gain on available for sale investment     -       1,376  
Foreign currency translation adjustments     137       (4,912 )
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes     137       (3,536 )
                 
Comprehensive income attributable to Member   $ 4,502     $ 8,511  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 

4

 

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)  

Member’s
equity

    Noncontrolling
interest
    Total equity  
Balance at December 31, 2020   $ 358,756     $ 39,787     $ 398,543  
Capital contributions     10,268       -       10,268  
Distributions     (28,004 )     (10,890 )     (38,894 )
Net income attributable to Member and
noncontrolling interests
    4,365       1,153       5,518  
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest     (400 )     -       (400 )
Other comprehensive income, net     137       -       137  
Balance at March 31, 2021   $ 345,122     $ 30,050     $ 375,172  

 

(in thousands)  

Member’s
equity

    Noncontrolling
interest
    Total equity  
Balance at December 31, 2019   $ 316,960     $ 31,577     $ 348,537  
Capital contributions     18,920       -       18,920  
Distributions     (25,914 )     -       (25,914 )
Net income attributable to Member and
noncontrolling interests
    12,047       1,138       13,185  
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest     392       -       392  
Other comprehensive loss, net     (3,536 )     -       (3,536 )
Balance at March 31, 2020   $ 318,869     $ 32,715     $ 351,584  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

  

    For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)   2021     2020  
Cash flows from operating activities                
Net income   $ 4,603     $ 12,493  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     10,950       9,756  
Debt issuance cost amortization     136       135  
Provision for bad debt expense     255       1,043  
Deferred tax benefit     (181 )     (1,471 )
Changes in fair value of investments in unconsolidated affiliates     (1,082 )     (362 )
Changes in deferred acquisition consideration     3,918       -  
Interest from preferred investments     (113 )     (150 )
Interest from loan to related party     (50 )     -  
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends received     (4 )     79  
Transaction costs contributed by Stagwell Media LP     3,188       -  
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) on foreign denominated debt     677       (3,316 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     59,536       30,581  
Expenditures billable to clients     (5,387 )     (2,560 )
Other assets     (1,134 )     (6,886 )
Accounts payable     (69,133 )     (27,095 )
Accruals and other liabilities     (1,411 )     (6,230 )
Advanced billings     1,003       1,951  
Net cash provided by operating activities     5,771       7,968  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities                
Purchases of property and equipment     (3,311 )     (2,663 )
Acquisitions of intangible assets     -       (1,695 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (3,311 )     (4,358 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities                
Payment of contingent consideration     -       (500 )
Payment of long-term debt     (25,248 )     (248 )
Proceeds from long-term debt     10,000       107,000  
Debt issuance costs     -       (319 )
Distributions     (25,894 )     (25,914 )
Net cash used in financing activities     (41,142 )     80,019  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     9       989  
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (38,673 )     84,618  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period     92,457       63,860  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period   $ 53,784     $ 148,478  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

 

Supplemental cash flow information:            
Cash interest paid   $ (2,361 )   $ (1,871 )
Income taxes paid     (928 )     (2,105 )
Non-cash investing and financing activities:                
Acquisitions of business     -       (23,720 )
Net unrealized gain on available for sale investment     -       1,376  
Non-cash contributions included in Member’s equity     10,268       18,920  
Non-cash distributions to Stagwell Media LP (Note 7)     (13,000 )     -  
Non-cash payment of deferred acquisition consideration     (7,080 )     -  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

1. Business Description

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC (the “Company,” or “SMG”) is a Delaware company that was formed on March 9, 2017 and is governed by the terms and conditions of a limited liability agreement effective as of the same date. Stagwell Media LP (the “Member”, “Stagwell Media” or the “Fund”), is a private equity fund that owns all interests in Stagwell Marketing Group through a wholly owned holding company named Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC. The Fund is managed by a registered investment advisor named The Stagwell Group LLC (“Stagwell Group” or the “Manager”).

 

On March 9, 2017 Stagwell Media formed two holding company subsidiaries, Stagwell Marketing Group Holdings LLC and Stagwell Marketing Group. The companies were formed in contemplation of holding all of Stagwell Media’s operating investments. Under a single entity, the Company could realize cost savings under enterprise level vendor arrangements, better serve the Company’s customers with an integrated offering, and more effectively report the operating results of the Company’s businesses. The transaction was effectuated by way of a contribution agreement dated March 13, 2017, which contributed all the Fund interests in the existing businesses as of the execution date to Stagwell Marketing Group. This transaction has been accounted for at historical cost as a transaction under common control. The Company’s equity structure is a non-unitized single member limited liability company (“LLC”), therefore all components of equity attributable to the Member are reported within Member’s Equity on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity.

 

The Company owns the membership interests of small and mid-sized marketing services companies that create customized marketing programs for clients that range in scale from regional and local clients to large global marketers. The Company’s equity positions usually include, but are not limited to, partner and membership interests, common and preferred stock as well as call and put options.

 

As of March 31, 2021, the Company has six reportable segments with its Corporate function reported separately. The Company’s segments aggregate each of its operating companies (referred to as “Brands”) based on the services provided, comparable marketing verticals serviced, and comparability of economic performance. The Company’s segments are as follows: 1. Digital Transformation and Performance Marketing (“Digital - Marketing”), 2. Digital Content (“Digital - Content”), 3. Research for Technology and Entertainment (“Research - Technology”), 4. Research for Corporate (“Research – Corporate”), 5. Marketing Communications for Public Affairs and Corporate Communication (“Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy”), and 6. All Other Brands (“All Other”). Refer to Note 16 – Segment Information for further information.

 

On December 21, 2020, the Fund reached a definitive agreement with MDC Partners, Inc. (“MDC”) for a potential merger between the Company and MDC (the “Proposed MDC Transaction”). The definitive agreement is subject to customary closing procedures for transactions of this nature and subject to several conditions, including obtaining relevant third-party consents. The definitive agreement allows for certain conditions under which the agreement can be terminated, including in instances where the required regulatory approvals are not obtained. No assurances can be given regarding the likelihood of obtaining such consents, obtaining such regulatory approvals, or ultimately completing the Proposed MDC Transaction. On February 8, 2021, MDC filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (“Registration Statement”), together with an amendment filed March 29, 2021 and the second amendment filed April 22, 2021, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) related to the Proposed MDC Transaction. The Registration Statement has not yet been declared effective by the SEC, and the information contained therein is subject to change.

 

8

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced a new strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was reported worldwide, resulting in COVID-19 being declared a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020 the U.S. President announced a National Emergency relating to the disease. The spread of COVID-19 has caused significant volatility in the United States and international markets and, in many industries, business activity has virtually shut down entirely. While it is difficult to predict the full scale of the impact, including whether any such impact could materially impact operations and cash flows, certain of the Company’s Brands have experienced a negative impact to their operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, primarily due to a downturn in the industries their customers operate in. The Company has taken actions to address the impact of the pandemic, such as working closely with the Company’s clients, reducing expenses and monitoring liquidity. The impact of the pandemic and the corresponding actions are reflected in the Company’s judgments, assumptions and estimates in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements. However, if the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic is longer and the operational impact is greater than estimated, the judgments, assumptions and estimates will be updated and could result in different results in the future.

 

The Company also adopted a remote-work policy and other physical distancing policies for its offices. The Company does not anticipate these policies to have any adverse impact on its ability to continue to operate its business.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and all normal recurring adjustments have been included. The condensed consolidated balance sheet and income statement were derived from the Company’s audited annual consolidated financial statements, but do not contain all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, which provide a more complete understanding of the Company’s accounting policies, financial position, operating results, and other matters.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the results for the period presented have been included. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of its consolidated subsidiaries, some of which are not wholly owned. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Noncontrolling Interest

 

The Company recognizes the noncontrolling interests that were created as part of a business combination at fair value as of the date of the transaction.

 

When acquiring less than 100% ownership of an entity, the Company may enter into agreements with the noncontrolling interest holders that offer the ability to tender their membership interests for redemption by the Company or the related subsidiary under certain circumstances. The Company presents noncontrolling interests as permanent equity when the option to redeem the incremental ownership is within the control of the Company. Noncontrolling interest holders have usual and customary voting and other rights under the respective operating agreements and/or governing documents as they pertain to the class of equity held.

 

9

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Net income or loss of the Company’s subsidiaries are allocated to its noncontrolling interests based on the noncontrolling interests’ ownership percentages in the subsidiary.

 

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

 

The Company enters into contractual arrangements under which noncontrolling shareholders may require the Company to purchase such noncontrolling shareholders’ incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances. The redemption date value under these contractual arrangements are not a fixed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valuation formulas, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise or the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period. These contractual arrangements are contingently redeemable at the option of the noncontrolling shareholder and are presented in Redeemable noncontrolling interest on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at its acquisition date fair value, plus net income or loss attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation, which is based on the noncontrolling interests’ ownership percentage in the subsidiary. The options are only adjusted to their redemption date value at such point in time that the options are deemed to be currently redeemable by the Company, and if determined to be greater than the cumulative net income allocated to the noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the reporting date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used in the allocation of fair value of purchase consideration, deferred acquisition consideration, redeemable noncontrolling interests, goodwill and intangible assets, property and equipment, income taxes, and revenue recognition. These estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates require the use of assumptions about future performance, which are uncertain at the time of estimation. To the extent actual results differ from the assumptions used, results of operations and cash flows could be materially impacted. Further, the uncertainty over the ultimate impact COVID-19 will have on the global economy and the Company’s business makes any estimates and assumptions as of March 31, 2021 inherently less certain than they would be absent the current and potential impacts of COVID-19. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

The financial instruments that could potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash deposits and trade receivables. All cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash are held at financial institutions that management believes to be of high credit quality. Domestically, cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash from time-to-time may exceed federally insured limits set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (“FDIC”), and international cash balances may not qualify for foreign government insurance programs. To date, the Company has not experienced any losses on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.

 

10

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Exposure to losses on trade receivables is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition. To manage the credit risk associated with trade receivables, the Company evaluates the creditworthiness of customers, monitors exposure for credit losses and maintains a provision for bad debt expense. The Company does not believe its exposed to a concentration of credit risk. As of March 31, 2021, and 2020, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue and accounts receivable, with no individual countries except for the United States and the United Kingdom accounting for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Refer to Note 3 – Revenue for further information.

 

Deferred Acquisition Consideration

 

Certain acquisitions include an initial payment at closing and provide for future additional contingent payments. These payments are typically contingent upon the acquired businesses reaching certain profit and/or growth targets. In instances where such contingent payments require sellers’ continuous employment with the Company after the transaction, they are recorded as compensation expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The related liability is measured using management’s best estimate of such future payments and is recorded as a deferred acquisition consideration liability in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At each reporting date, the Company models each business’ future performance, including revenue growth and free cash flows, to estimate the value of each deferred acquisition consideration liability. Subsequent changes to the liability are recorded in results of operations. When contingent payment arrangements do not require continuous employment, they are initially recorded as purchase consideration at fair value and are subsequently remeasured at fair value at each reporting date with any changes recorded in Office and general expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized as the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied. The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from the provision of marketing and communications services which includes: Digital Marketing, which includes the development of websites and content management systems, execution of performance marketing campaigns, and/or execution of targeted digital advertising; Digital Content, which includes the creation, production and distribution of media in execution of a customer’s marketing campaigns; Research, which includes the development and execution of custom consumer surveys as well as reporting on the insights and analytics that will inform a customer’s development of products and/or communication strategies; and Communications, public affairs and advocacy, which includes consulting services that manage a marketer’s reputation with the public through traditional media, social media, and in-person engagements, as well as utilizing digital channels to mobilize and raise funds from supporters and constituents to support political candidates and issue organizations in the public arena. Revenue is recorded net of sales, use and value added taxes.

 

In substantially all the Company’s Brands, the performance obligation is to provide marketing and communications services to accomplish the specified engagement with the customer. The Company’s client contracts involve fees based on any one or a combination of the following: an agreed fee for the level of effort expended by the Company’s employees; commissions based on the client’s spending for media purchased from third parties or based on the amounts raised for a client’s political campaign; and when the Company is primarily responsible for the services and controls the third-party vendor services, the costs for these third-party vendor services are included in revenue. Where applicable, the transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation based on its relative stand-alone selling price, either through an observable price when the service is sold separately or an estimate, predominantly based on an expected cost plus margin, and is recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Clients typically receive and consume the benefit of the Company’s services as they are performed. Client contracts typically provide that the Company is compensated for services performed to date and allow for cancellation by either party on short notice without penalty.

 

11

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Many of the Company’s contracts consist of a single performance obligation. The Company does not consider the underlying activities as separate or distinct performance obligations because its services are highly interrelated, and the integration of the various components is essential to the overall promise to the Company’s customer. In certain of the Company’s client contracts, the performance obligation is a stand-ready obligation because the Company provides a constant level of similar services over the term of the contract.

 

Revenue is predominantly recognized over time, as the services are performed, because the client receives and consumes the benefit of the Company’s performance throughout the contract period, or an asset is created with no alternative use and are contractually entitled to payment for performance to date in the event the client terminates the contract for convenience. For these over time contracts, other than when the Company has a stand-ready obligation to perform services in the form of a retainer or when its providing online subscription-based hosted services, revenue is generally recognized over time using input measures that correspond to the level of staff effort expended to satisfy the performance obligation, in certain instances, using the right to invoice practical expedient. To a lesser extent, revenue is recognized using output measures, such as impressions or ongoing reporting. For client contracts when the Company has a stand-ready obligation to perform services on an ongoing basis over the life of the contract, where the scope of these arrangements includes an undefined number of broad activities and there are no significant gaps in performing the services, the Company recognizes revenue using a time-based measure resulting in a straight-line revenue recognition. For client contracts where the Company is providing online subscription-based hosted services, it recognizes revenue ratably over the contract term. Occasionally, there may be changes in the client service requirements during the term of a contract and the changes could be significant. These changes are typically negotiated as new contracts covering the additional requirements and the associated costs, as well as additional fees for the incremental work to be performed that are negotiated at the stand-alone selling price based on an observable price when the service is sold separately or an estimate, predominantly based on an expected cost plus margin.

 

For contracts where the transaction price is derived from commissions based on a percentage of purchased media from third parties, the performance obligation is not satisfied until the media is run, and the Company has an enforceable contract providing a right to payment. Accordingly, revenue for commissions is recognized at a point in time.

 

Some of the Company’s client arrangements include variable consideration provisions, primarily related to certain commissions. Variable consideration for Brands that provide media buying services is recorded to revenue when earned and when the variability is resolved, typically when the media is run.

 

12

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Principal vs. Agent Considerations

 

Many of the Company’s Brands incur third-party costs on behalf of clients, including direct costs and incidental, or out-of-pocket costs. Third-party direct costs incurred in connection with the delivery of marketing and communication services primarily include purchased media, studio production services, specialized talent, including artists and other freelance labor, market research and third-party data and other related expenditures.

 

Out-of-pocket costs primarily include transportation, hotel, meals and telecommunication charges incurred by the Company in the course of providing its services. Billings related to out-of-pocket costs are included in revenue since the Company controls the goods or services prior to delivery to the client.

 

The inclusion of billings related to third-party direct costs in revenue depends on whether the Company acts as a principal or as an agent in the client arrangement. In certain of the Company’s Brands, such as where it provides media buying services, the Company acts as an agent and arranges, at the client’s direction, for third parties to perform certain services. In these cases, the Company does not control the goods or services prior to the transfer to the client. As a result, revenue is recorded net of these costs, equal to the amount retained for the Company’s fee or commission.

 

In certain Brands the delivery services to its customer requires the Company to utilize certain third-party services, such as production services and data costs. In these situations, the Company controls these third-party services before they are transferred to the client and is responsible for providing the service, or the Company is responsible for directing and integrating third-party vendors to fulfill its performance obligation at the agreed upon contractual price. This also includes the execution of targeted digital advertising campaigns because the Company controls the advertising inventory before it is transferred to its clients and bears sole responsibility for fulfillment of the advertising promise, and the Company has full discretion in establishing prices. When the Company acts as principal, it includes billable amounts related to third-party costs in the transaction price and records revenue at the gross amount billed, including out-of-pocket costs, consistent with the manner that the Company recognizes revenue for the underlying services contract.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company is a limited liability company classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, the Company is not subject to taxes from a U.S. federal income tax perspective. Rather, federal taxable income or loss is included in the federal income tax return of the Member. The provision for income taxes recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) includes U.S. federal and state income taxes for certain of the Company’s corporations and foreign taxes for its foreign subsidiaries.

 

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Following this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that such tax rate changes are enacted. A valuation allowance on deferred tax assets is recorded if, based on the available evidence, it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income during the carryback or carryforward periods applicable in each stated tax jurisdiction. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers both positive and negative evidence. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. The Company present net deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

13

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Leases

 

The Company has various rental agreements in place to lease office space, with several of these leases containing annual rate escalations.

 

The Company’s leasing policies are established in accordance with ASC 842, and accordingly, the Company recognizes on the balance sheet at the time of lease commencement a right-of-use lease asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. Right-of-use lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. All right-of-use lease assets are reviewed for impairment. As the Company’s implicit rate in its leases is not readily determinable, in calculating the present value of lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are comprised of noncancelable lease payments, payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and payments for early termination options unless it is reasonably certain the lease will not be terminated early. There were no impairment losses related to right-of-use lease assets for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

Lease costs are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset.

 

As an accounting policy, the Company has elected not to apply the recognition requirements to short-term leases and elected the practical expedient not to separate non-lease components from lease components for its leases of office space where the Company is a lessee which comprises majority of the Company’s leases. The Company also elected to apply the package of practical expedients available for existing contracts which allowed it to carry forward its historical assessments of: (i) whether a contract is or contains a lease, (ii) the classification of existing leases, and (iii) whether previously capitalized costs continue to qualify as initial indirect costs.

 

Some of the Company’s leases contain variable lease payments for utilities, insurance, real estate tax, repairs and maintenance, and other variable operating expenses. Such amounts are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and are recognized in the period when the variable lease payments occur. The Company has no leases that contain variable lease payments based on an index or rate.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740) (“ASU 2019-12”).  The update removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and simplifies accounting for income taxes in certain areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted ASU 2019-12. The new standard does not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323 and Topic 815, which clarifies that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the fair value measurement alternative. On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted ASU 2020-01. The new standard does not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

14

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements not yet Adopted

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments in this update require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset within the scope of Topics 960 through 965 on plan accounting. This amended guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2023. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

 

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), and in January 2021 subsequently issued ASU 2021-01 (“ASU 2021-01”), which refines the scope of Topic 848. These ASUs provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. Adoption of the expedients and exceptions is permitted upon issuance of ASU 2020-04 through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

 

3. Revenue

 

The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from the provision of marketing and communications services which includes digital marketing, digital content, research and communications, public affairs and advocacy.

 

Disaggregated Revenue

 

Certain clients may engage with the Company in various geographic locations, across multiple disciplines, and through multiple Brands. The Company has historically focused on regions in North America, the largest market for its services globally. The Company has also continued to expand its global footprint to support clients looking for assistance with growing their businesses in new markets and regions, or through strategic acquisitions in offshore businesses. The Company’s Brands are principally located in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 20 other countries around the world.

 

15

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

 

The following table presents revenue disaggregated by geography (in thousands):

 

    For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2021     2020  
Country:                
United States   $ 166,747     $ 160,893  
United Kingdom     4,705       8,371  
All other (each country individually less than 5% of total revenue)     9,790       15,279  
Total Revenue   $ 181,242     $ 184,543  

 

Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities

 

Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract assets consist of fees and reimbursable outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients. Unbilled service fees were $37.9 million and $30.6 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are included in Accounts receivable, net on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients which have yet to be invoiced were $16.4 million and $11.1 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Expenditures billable to clients. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of providing services.

 

Contract liabilities consists of fees billed to customers in excess of fees recognized as revenue, that are expected to be collected from the customer, and the Company has a remaining performance obligation to fulfil. Contract liabilities, included in Advanced billings on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $67.4 million and $66.4 million, respectively. Further, there were no material balances included in the contract liabilities balance as of December 31, 2020 that were not recognized as revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

Changes in Expenditures billable to clients and Advanced billings for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and 2020 were not materially impacted by write offs, impairment losses or any other factors.

 

In certain arrangements, the Company purchases media it does not control on behalf of its customers as their agent or pay other third parties on behalf of its customers for services that the Company does not control. The Company does not include in revenue the amounts it bills to customers related to such third parties and does not consider these amounts to be contract liabilities. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company had $3.0 million and $4.8 million, respectively, included in Advanced billings, with an amount in equal value included in Accounts receivable, net, on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The Company has elected the practical expedient to not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less. Most of the Company’s contracts are for periods of one year or less. For those contracts with a term of more than one year, the Company had approximately $7.5 million of unsatisfied performance obligations as of March 31, 2021, of which the Company expects to recognize approximately 74% in the next twelve months, and 26% in the periods after March 31, 2022.

 

16

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

 

4. Leases

 

Lessee

 

The Company leases office space in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. This space is primarily used for office and administrative purposes by the Company’s employees in performing professional services. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between years 2021 through 2031. The Company’s finance leases are immaterial.

 

The Company’s leases include options to extend or renew the lease through 2035. The renewal and extension options are not included in the lease term as the Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise its option.

 

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had no operating leases for which the commencement date has not yet occurred.

 

The discount rate used for leases accounted for under ASC 842 is the Company’s collateralized credit adjusted borrowing rate.

 

The following table presents lease costs and other quantitative information (in thousands):

 

    For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2021     2020  
Lease cost:                
Operating lease costs   $ 5,088     $ 6,080  
Short-term lease costs     417       572  
Variable lease costs     1,053       1,144  
Sublease rental income     (959 )     (919 )
Total lease costs   $ 5,599     $ 6,877  
Additional information:                
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for operating leases                
Operating cash flows     5,601       5,110  
                 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities     -       1,906  
Weighted average remaining lease term – Operating leases     4.30 years       4.85 years  
Weighted average discount rate – Operating leases     4.03 %     4.15 %

 

Operating lease expense is included in office and general expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The Company’s lease expense for leases with a term of 12 months or less is immaterial.

 

 

17

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

 

The following table presents minimum future rental payments under the Company’s leases, and a reconciliation to the corresponding lease liability as of March 31, 2021 (in thousands):

 

  Maturity Analysis  
Remainder of 2021 $ 17,065  
2022   17,248  
2023   17,054  
2024   10,691  
2025   7,510  
2026 and thereafter   5,694  
Total   75,262  
Less: Present value discount   7,829  
Lease liability $ 67,433  

 

Lessor

 

From time to time, the Company enters into sublease arrangements both with unrelated third parties and with its partner brands. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between 2022 through 2024. Sublease income is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Currently, the Company subleases office space in North America and Europe. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components to the lessor contracts.

 

The following table presents minimum future rental payments due to be received under the Company’s leases where it is a lessor (in thousands):

 

  Maturity Analysis  
Remainder of 2021 $ 3,252  
2022   2,662  
2023   250  
2024   147  
  $ 6,311  

 

5. Acquisitions

 

The Company completed three business acquisitions in 2020. For certain of these acquisitions the Fund completed the business acquisition and contributed the net assets to the Company. The results of each acquired business are included in the Company’s results of operations from the acquisition date.

 

2020 Acquisitions

 

On February 14, 2020, SKDKnickerbocker (“SKDK”), a subsidiary of the Company, acquired Sloane & Company (“Sloane”) from an affiliate of MDC for $24.4 million of total consideration. Total consideration included a cash payment of $18.9 million made by the Fund which was accounted for as a non-cash contribution for the purposes of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and Statement of Changes in Equity, the acquisition date fair value of the contingent deferred acquisition consideration of $4.8 million, and $0.7 million of cash paid by the Company. Refer to Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies for further detail on the contingent deferred acquisition consideration. Sloane is an industry-leading strategic communications firm, based out of New York. Sloane will extend SKDK’s current suite of services and allow for the expansion into the capital markets and special situations verticals. MDC is considered a related party to the Company, refer to Note 17 – Related Party Transactions for further detail. Sloane is included in the Company’s SKDK Brand, which is part of its Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy reportable segment.

 

 

18

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

On August 14, 2020, Code and Theory, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired Kettle Solutions, LLC (“Kettle”) for $5.4 million of total consideration. Total consideration included a cash payment of $4.9 million, plus an additional $0.5 million due upon the finalization of Kettle’s working capital accounts, as outlined in the purchase agreement. The $0.5 million is included in Deferred acquisition consideration on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The purchase agreement also offers the previous owners of Kettle an additional $11.9 million in deferred consideration and is dependent on Kettle reaching contractually defined operating goals in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Company considers the additional $11.9 million as contingent compensation, refer to Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies for further detail. Kettle is an industry recognized web design and content creation firm that assists its customers in developing and executing marketing campaigns, based out of New York. Kettle is included in the Company’s Code and Theory Brand, which is part of its Digital - Marketing reportable segment.

 

On October 30, 2020, Code & Theory, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired Truelogic Software, LLC, Ramenu S.A., and Polar Bear Development S.R.L. (collectively referred to as “Truelogic”), for $17.3 million of total consideration. Total consideration included a cash payment of $8.9 million, the acquisition date fair value of the contingent deferred acquisition consideration of $7.9 million, and an additional $0.5 million due upon the finalization of Truelogic’s working capital accounts, as outlined in the purchase agreement. Refer to Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies for further detail on the contingent deferred acquisition consideration. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition. Truelogic is a software development firm based in Buenos Aires that assists customers in sourcing top South American engineering talent and developing small-scale software projects. Truelogic is included in the Company’s Code and Theory Brand, which is part of its Digital - Marketing reportable segment.

 

The following table summarizes the purchase price as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):

 

    2020  
Name   Purchase Price  
Sloane   $ 24,416  
Kettle     5,402  
Truelogic     17,300  
    $ 47,118  

 

19

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands):

 

  2020  
    Sloane     Kettle     Truelogic     Total  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ -     $ 49     $ 90     $ 139  
Accounts receivable and other current assets     2,768       2,732       2,958       8,458  
Other noncurrent assets     -       172       10       182  
Intangible assets     5,900       1,930       9,500       17,330  
Property and equipment     72       58       50       180  
Right-of-use assets – operating leases     -       533       201       734  
Accounts payable and other current liabilities     (469 )     (552 )     (1,063 )     (2,084 )
Advanced billings     (130 )     (310 )     (429 )     (869 )
Operating lease liabilities     -       (533 )     (201 )     (734 )
Goodwill     16,275       1,323       6,184       23,782  
Total net assets acquired   $ 24,416     $ 5,402     $ 17,300     $ 47,118  

 

Goodwill recognized on the Sloane, Kettle and Truelogic acquisitions is fully-deductible for income tax purposes.

 

The following table reports the fair value of intangible assets acquired, including the corresponding weighted average amortization periods, as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands, except years):

  

    2020  
    Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
    Sloane     Kettle     Truelogic     Total  
Customer relationships   10 years     $ 4,600     $ 1,600     $ 9,100     $ 15,300  
Tradenames and trademarks   11 years       1,300       330       400       2,030  
Total         $ 5,900     $ 1,930     $ 9,500     $ 17,330  

 

20

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the total revenue and net income included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) from the date of each acquisition (in thousands):

 

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
2020
 
Revenue   $ 2,127  
Net income     478  

 

Pro Forma Financial Information (unaudited)

 

The unaudited pro forma information for the periods set forth below gives effect to the 2020 acquisitions as if they had occurred as of January 1, 2020. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated as of that time (in thousands):

 

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
2020
 
Revenue   $ 189,061  
Net income     12,717  

 

Transaction costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, which are included in Office and general expenses in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), were immaterial.

 

6. Accounts Receivable, Net

 

Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
Trade receivables   $ 129,693     $ 198,930  
Unbilled receivables     37,946       30,570  
Related party receivables     4,059       1,342  
Total accounts receivable     171,698       230,842  
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts     (5,206 )     (5,109 )
Total accounts receivable, net   $ 166,492     $ 225,733  

 

21

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

7. Investments

 

Investments consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31, 2020  
Finn Partners                
Preferred shares   $ -     $ 12,033  
Emerald Research Group                
Call option     588       360  
Wolfgang                
Equity interest     1,868       1,863  
Total investments   $ 2,456     $ 14,256  

 

As of December 31, 2020, the Preferred shares investment is comprised of the Company’s interest in Series B preferred shares of Finn Partners. The preferred shares had a cost basis of $10.0 million, accrued non-cash dividends at a simple rate of 6% annually on a cost basis. They were redeemable to cash in the amount of the cost-plus accrued interest any time after February 28, 2021 or upon a liquidation event. These preferred shares also were convertible to common shares of Finn Partners at any time until February 28, 2021 using a conversion ratio of 1% per $1.0 million of preferred shares held including accrued dividends. The conversion feature was not bifurcated and was clearly and closely related to the host instrument, preferred shares. Management determined that the preferred shares were a debt-like financial instrument and should be accounted for as available-for-sale securities at their fair market value at each reporting period. On March 11, 2021, the Company transferred its ownership in the Preferred shares to the Fund, who redeemed the shares for cash in line with the option described above. This transaction is treated as a $13.0 million non-cash distribution on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company recognized a gain of $1.2 million within other income, net on its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 related to this transaction.

 

The call option represents the Company’s right to purchase additional equity interests in Emerald Research Group (“Emerald”) during a certain pre-determined time horizon. The Company accounts for the option at fair value, at each reporting date.

 

Equity interest is primarily comprised of a 20% interest in Wolfgang LLC (“Wolfgang”), where the Company concluded it has significant influence. This investment is accounted for as an equity method investment.

 

22

 

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

 

Goodwill

 

The following tables summarizes goodwill for each of the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):

 

Reportable Segment   December 31, 2020     Acquisitions     Currency Translation     March 31, 2021  
Digital – Marketing   $ 168,849     $ -     $ (453 )   $ 168,396  
Digital – Content     85,392           -       295       85,687  
Research – Technology     23,817       -       -       23,817  
Research – Corporate     19,151       -       -       19,151  
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy     49,533       -       -       49,533  
All Other     4,983       -       4       4,987  
Total   $ 351,725     $ -     $ (154 )   $ 351,571  

 

Intangibles Assets, net

 

Intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    March 31, 2021  
    Gross Carrying Amount     Accumulated Amortization     Net  
Customer relationships   $ 129,163     $ (50,875 )   $ 78,288  
Tradenames and trademarks     118,870       (34,992 )     83,878  
Advertiser relationships     1,925       (1,605 )     320  
Airline relationships     12,098       (7,559 )     4,539  
Association relationships     11,500       (1,630 )     9,870  
Noncompete arrangements     4,015       (3,095 )     920  
Other     2,915       (2,634 )     281  
Total   $ 280,486     $ (102,390 )   $ 178,096  

 

   

 

December 31, 2020

 
    Gross Carrying Amount     Accumulated Amortization     Net  
Customer relationships   $ 129,086     $ (47,003 )   $ 82,083  
Tradenames and trademarks     118,647       (32,431 )     86,216  
Advertiser relationships     1,911       (1,435 )     476  
Airline relationships     12,013       (6,755 )     5,258  
Association relationships     11,500       (1,106 )     10,394  
Noncompete arrangements     4,005       (2,980 )     1,025  
Other     2,893       (2,310 )     583  
Total   $ 280,055     $ (94,020 )   $ 186,035  

 

23

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) 

 

9. Accruals and other liabilities

 

Accruals and other liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,

2021

    December 31, 2020  
Accrued expenses   $ 16,701     $ 14,910  
Accrued salaries and related expenses     7,985       11,908  
Accrued bonuses     11,023       22,149  
Accrued media and related expenses     19,383       9,311  
Accrued airline fees     8,254       6,948  
Taxes payable     7,730       10,149  
Other current liabilities     15,324       14,187  
Total accruals and other liabilities   $ 86,400     $ 89,562  

 

10. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Revenue and Profit-Sharing Commitments

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into long-term, non-cancellable contracts with partner associations that include revenue or profit-sharing commitments related to the provision of its services. These contracts may also include provisions that require the partner associations to meet certain performance targets prior to any obligation to the Company.

 

The table below provides the estimated future minimum commitments under non-cancellable agreements as of March 31, 2021 (in thousands):

 

    Future Minimum Commitments  
Remainder of 2021   $ 12,258  
2022     16,541  
2023     12,729  
2024     8,992  
    $ 50,520  

 

Legal Proceedings

 

Currently, and from time to time, the Company and its businesses are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company is currently neither party to any lawsuit nor proceeding that, in its opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Deferred Acquisition Consideration

 

Scout Marketing LLC (“Scout”)

 

On April 19, 2017, as part of its acquisition, Scout agreed to a deferred acquisition consideration arrangement with the former principals of the seller to be paid in three installments within 150 days of December 31, 2018, 2020 and 2021, respectively. This compensation arrangement is contingent on the principals’ continued employment with Scout and adherence to noncompete arrangements through each respective distribution date. The amounts to be distributed are stipulated in the purchase agreement and are based upon certain financial performance measures of Scout from the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021.

 

24

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The Company determines the amount of deferred acquisition consideration expense and the related deferred acquisition consideration liability on a systematic method which matches the formulas of the specific earnout periods of the original Scout purchase agreement. The Company recorded a liability of $0.5 million and $0.3 million, all of which is considered a noncurrent liability, in deferred acquisition consideration on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recorded $0.2 million as compensation expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the financial performance measures of Scout were determined not to be met, and accordingly the Company recorded no deferred acquisition consideration expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), related to the Scout arrangement. The maximum deferred acquisition consideration under the contract if all financial performance measures are met is $38.4 million.

 

MediaCurrent Interactive Solutions LLC (“MediaCurrent”)

 

The Company incurred an obligation to make contingent earn-out payments to the former shareholders of MediaCurrent Interactive Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Code and Theory LLC, based upon the achievement of certain metrics as defined by the terms of the acquisition agreement, earned through the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination. On January 15, 2020, the Company completed the contingent payment of $0.5 million as required under the acquisition agreement.

 

Rhythm

 

On January 2, 2019, as part of the acquisition, the Company entered into a deferred acquisition consideration arrangement with the former owners of Rhythm based upon continued employment with Rhythm and the achievement of certain minimum financial targets in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Company’s maximum exposure related to the deferred acquisition consideration is $1.2 million on an annual basis. The payment for a respective year, if the conditions are determined to be achieved, is due no later than 195 days after the end of the respective fiscal period. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination. As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and 2020, the financial performance measures of Rhythm were determined not to be met, and accordingly the Company recorded no deferred acquisition consideration liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and no related compensation expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), related to the Rhythm arrangement.

 

Sloane

 

The Company incurred an obligation to make two contingent earn-out payments to the former shareholders of Sloane based upon the achievement of certain operating goals in 2020 and 2021, as defined in the arrangement. The payments, if the operating goal is determined to be achieved, is due no later than March 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. This arrangement was determined to represent deferred acquisition consideration rather than contingent compensation expense. The Company recorded an initial liability of $4.8 million, which represents the fair value of the consideration upon the acquisition of Sloane. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $7.1 million in deferred acquisition consideration on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. On March 30, 2021, the Fund completed the contingent payment of $7.1 million to Sloane as required under the arrangement. This payment is treated as a non-cash contribution in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

 

25

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Kettle

 

The Company incurred an obligation to make contingent earn-out payments to the former shareholders of Kettle, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Code and Theory, LLC, based upon the achievement of contractually defined operating goals in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The payments, if the operating goal is determined to be achieved, is due no later than June 30, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively. This arrangement was determined to represent post-acquisition compensation expense rather than purchase consideration related to the business combination. The Company had $3.6 million and $2.1 million in deferred acquisition consideration on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

Truelogic

 

The Company incurred an obligation to make contingent earn-out payments to the former shareholders of Truelogic based upon the achievement of certain operating goals in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, as defined in the arrangement. This arrangement was determined to represent deferred acquisition consideration rather than contingent compensation expense. The Company recorded an initial liability of $7.9 million, which represents the fair value of the consideration upon the acquisition of Truelogic. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company had $10.6 million and $8.4 million, respectively, including $7.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, as a noncurrent liability, in deferred acquisition consideration on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The maximum deferred acquisition consideration under the contract if all financial performance measures are met is $15.0 million.

 

The Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
Sloane   $ -     $ 7,080  
Kettle     2,110       2,110  
Truelogic     3,500       3,389  
Total current portion of deferred acquisition consideration   $ 5,610     $ 12,579  

 

The Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
Truelogic   $ 7,071     $ 5,028  
Scout     527       240  
Kettle     1,477       -  
Total long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration   $ 9,075     $ 5,268  

 

11. Long-Term Debt

 

Stagwell Marketing Group Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase

 

On November 18, 2019, the Company entered into a new debt agreement (“JPM Syndicated Facility”) with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A (“JPM”). The JPM Syndicated Facility consists of a five-year revolving credit facility of $265.0 million (“JPM Revolver”) with the right to be increased by an additional $150.0 million provided additional commitments are obtained. On March 18, 2020, the Company increased the commitments on the JPM Revolver by $60.0 million to $325.0 million.

 

26

 

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) 

 

The JPM Revolver offers the Company the ability to draw borrowings denoted in British Pound Sterling. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company had $31.4 million and $30.7 million, respectively, in borrowings that were held by its foreign subsidiaries in the United Kingdom.

 

A portion of the JPM Revolver in an amount not to exceed $10.0 million is available for the issuance of standby letters of credit, of which $6.7 million and $5.5 million is outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The purpose of the borrowings was to refinance the Company’s previous indebtedness that was held by certain subsidiaries of the Company.

 

On November 13, 2020, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to its JPM Syndicated Facility (“Second Amendment”) in contemplation of the Proposed MDC Transaction, where the Company amended the following terms: (i) the definition of Adjusted LIBOR is the mathematical calculation of LIBOR for a period equal to 1 month, 3 month or 6 months, multiplied by a fraction of the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the definition of the Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) is the greatest of (a) the prime rate of interest announced from time to time by the Wall Street Journal, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus half of 0.5% and (c) Adjusted LIBOR for a one-month period plus 1.0%, and in the event (a), (b) or (c) result in an interest rate of less than 1.5%, the interest rate for the period is set to 1.5%, and (iii) the maturity date of the JPM Revolver is November 18, 2024, subject to the refinancing or termination of debt facilities held by MDC ninety-one days prior to their respective maturity dates. The Second Amendment also included a waiver for certain clauses related to legal entity restructuring activities that did not have any bearing on the Company’s covenant ratios, nor the Company’s ability to make further draws on its JPM Revolver in 2020.

 

The obligations under the JPM Syndicated Facility are senior in priority to all other obligations of the Company and are collateralized by substantially all its assets, including but not limited to, its subsidiaries.

 

Voluntary prepayments are permitted in whole or in part with prior written notice, but without premium or penalty. The facility matures on November 18, 2024. There are no required payments for the facility until its maturity. Additionally, the Company must meet certain financial and nonfinancial covenants on an ongoing basis. The financial covenant the Company needs to satisfy is a total leverage ratio, which may not (calculated without giving effect to earn-out payments) be greater than 4.25 to 1.0. The ratio is calculated quarterly on a trailing 12-month basis.

 

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the JPM Syndicated Facility, and it expects to be in compliance for the following twelve-month period.

 

27

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

On November 13, 2020, the Company, JPM as administrative agent, and a group of lenders entered into a term loan agreement (“JPM Credit Agreement”) that provided the Company with a Delayed Draw Term Loan A in an aggregate principal amount of $90.0 million (“DD Term Loan A”). The DD Term Loan A will mature on November 13, 2023, provided that if the MDC Proposed Transaction is not consummated within thirty days of the draw of the DD Term Loan A, the maturity date will be thirty-one days after the draw. Proceeds of the borrowing under the DD Term Loan A will be used to partially fund a distribution by the Company prior to the closing of the Proposed MDC Transaction. The Company may elect that borrowings in respect of the DD Term Loan A bear interest at an annual rate equal to either ABR or Adjusted LIBOR, as defined in the JPM Credit Agreement, plus a margin of 2% or 3%, respectively. The DD Term Loan A is payable in quarterly installments of principal and interest. Interest is calculated on the first Business Day after a draw on the DD Term Loan A, with principal payments due at a rate of 0.625% per quarter until November 13, 2021, at a rate of 1.25% thereafter, with the remaining balance due upon maturity. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had not made any draws on its DD Term Loan A. The capitalized deferred financing costs associated with the DD Term Loan A of $1.0 million and $1.1 million are recorded in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

The Company also owns an interest rate swap maturing April 2022 with Bank of America to convert $13.8 million of its variable rate debt as of March 31, 2021 to a fixed rate of 2.6%. The fair value of the swap was $0.3 million and $0.4 million and is included in Accruals and other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

The following table represents the Company’s outstanding debt balances (in thousands):

 

    March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
Revolver   $ 187,314     $ 201,636  
Term Debt     745       994  
Total revolver and term debt     188,059       202,630  
Debt issuance costs     (3,616 )     (3,612 )
Total revolver and term debt, net     184,443       199,018  
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt     (745 )     (994 )
Long-term debt, net   $ 183,698     $ 198,024  

 

Total interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 on the JPM Syndicated Facility was $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on the JPM Syndicated Facility as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, was 2.47% and 2.25%, respectively.

 

Total amortized debt issuance costs, which is included in Interest expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was nil and $0.1 million, respectively.

 

28

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

12. Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

 

Noncontrolling Interest

 

The Company’s noncontrolling interest (“NCI”) in certain subsidiaries are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

  

    March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
    NCI Percentage Ownership     NCI Equity Value     NCI Percentage Ownership     NCI Equity Value  
Code and Theory     8.5 %   $ 3,008       8.5 %   $ 2,979  
StagTech     44.0 %     11,470       44.0 %     11,941  
Emerald Research Group     40.0 %     499       40.0 %     207  
Targeted Victory     40.0 %     15,073       40.0 %     24,660  
Observatory     8.1 %     -       8.1 %     -  
Total           $ 30,050             $ 39,787  

 

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

 

The Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests relate to its shareholding in Volanti Media (Holdings) Ltd (“INK”), through its consolidated subsidiary, Travel Content Ltd. (“TCL”), and in Code and Theory, LLC (“Code and Theory”), through its consolidated subsidiary, Stagwell Performance Marketing & Digital Transformation, LLC (“Stagwell Digital”).

 

INK

 

The noncontrolling shareholders’ ability to redeem their shares is subject to the occurrence of certain events and the satisfaction of certain conditions, specifically employment termination conditions and the related notices. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company determined the redemption option available to the noncontrolling shareholders were not currently redeemable, and in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity were not adjusted to its estimated redemption value.

 

Code and Theory

 

Code and Theory has one noncontrolling shareholder that owns a put option, which if exercised would require the Company to redeem their shares, after customary closing conditions as outlined in the shareholders agreement. There are no limitations or restrictions on the noncontrolling shareholder’s ability to exercise the put option. In accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the put option is considered to be currently redeemable, and is measured at the greater of its estimated redemption value and accumulated profits and losses allocated to the noncontrolling interest in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation.

 

The following tables present the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):

 

    Amount  
Beginning Balance as of December 31, 2020   $ 604  
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests     (915 )
Changes in redemption value     400  
Ending Balance as of March 31, 2021   $ 89  

 

29

 

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

13. Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company evaluates the fair value of certain assets and liabilities using the fair value hierarchy. Fair value is an exit price representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. In determining the fair value, the Company uses valuation techniques that require it to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the Company applies the three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Level 1    Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

 

Level 2    Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly;

 

Level 3    Unobservable inputs of which there is little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions.

 

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

The following table presents information about the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of each instrument:

 

    March 31, 2021  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Assets                                
Call Options   $ -     $ -     $ 588     $ 588  
                                 
Liabilities                                
Deferred acquisition consideration     -       -       10,571       10,571  
Interest rate swap     -       -       322       322  

 

    December 31, 2020  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Assets                                
Call Options   $ -     $ -     $ 360     $ 360  
Preferred Shares     -       -       12,033       12,033  
                                 
Liabilities                                
Deferred acquisition consideration     -       -       15,497       15,497  
Interest rate swap     -       -       416       416  

 

The decrease in the Interest rate swap was related to its change in fair market value as of March 31, 2021.

 

30

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The Company owned preferred shares in Finn Partners at December 31, 2020. These shares were determined by management to be available-for-sale investments and are recorded at fair value at each reporting period. These preferred shares are considered to be Level 3 fair value measurements since they utilize unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. The Company determines fair value of preferred shares utilizing an option pricing model. Key assumptions include enterprise value and future growth rates of Finn Partners. On March 11, 2021, the Company transferred its ownership in the Preferred shares to the Fund. This transaction is treated as a $13.0 million non-cash distribution on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

The summary of fair value changes of the preferred shares held by the Company are presented below (in thousands):

 

    Amount  
Beginning Balance as of December 31, 2020   $ 12,033  
Interest earned on investment     113  
Change in fair market value     854  
Distribution     (13,000 )
Ending Balance as of March 31, 2021   $ -  

 

The Company incurred an obligation to make contingent deferred acquisition consideration payments to the former shareholders of Sloane and Truelogic that are recorded at fair value at each reporting period. Refer to Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies for further detail. The earn-out payments are recorded at fair value at each reporting period and are considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as they utilize unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and requires the Company to develop its own assumptions. The Company determines fair value of options utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. Key assumptions include the term of the earn-out payments and the future growth rates of Sloane and Truelogic.

 

The summary of fair value changes of the contingent deferred acquisition consideration is presented below (in thousands):

 

    Amount  
Beginning Balance as of December 31, 2020   $ 15,497  
Change in fair market value     2,154  
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration     (7,080 )
Ending Balance as of March 31, 2021   $ 10,571  

 

Due to the short-term nature, the carrying values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, and accruals and other liabilities approximate fair value.

 

Financial Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

 

The carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt closely approximates its fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 due to its variable interest rates. The fair value is based on quoted market prices in markets that are not active and is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

31

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Non-financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

 

Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and accordingly are not measured and adjusted to fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to periodic evaluations for potential impairment. These assets and liabilities include goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, other noncurrent assets and other noncurrent liabilities (Level 3 fair value assessments) and right-of-use lease assets (a Level 2 fair value assessment). As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020 the Company has not recognized an impairment on these non-financial assets and liabilities.

 

14. Employee Benefit Plans

 

Defined Contribution Plan

 

The Company’s US based businesses maintain 401(k) plans (collectively, the “401(k)”), which provide for tax-deferred contributions of employees’ salaries. Each eligible employee may elect to contribute up to the maximum amount allowed by the Code of the employee’s annual compensation to 401(k). The Company may match a percentage of employee contributions to 401(k). The total matching contributions funded to the 401(k) were $1.0 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and were recorded as part of Cost of services sold and Office and general expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

The Company’s UK based businesses operate a defined contribution plan that complies with the local laws in that country. The plan provides a tax deferred contribution to the employees’ salaries, limited to a maximum annual amount established by the relevant government body of the specific country. The Company’s businesses provide for a matching contribution that meets the minimum percent requirement. The total matching contributions made by the Company’s UK businesses totaled $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and were recorded as part of Cost of services sold and Office and general expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Company established the Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) as a means for providing long term incentives for certain key officers and members of Brand management. These individuals are eligible to earn nonvoting equity interests in their respective companies. The Equity Plan provides the Brands key officers and members of management with an opportunity to participate in the distribution of the future profits of the Company by granting profit interest units and other incentive awards. The vesting of the awards is typically conditioned amongst other things upon occurrence of an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) or other qualified liquidity events (“change in control events”). As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company determined that it is not probable that the change in control events will occur and, as such, did not recognize a contingent compensation expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and did not recognize a liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020.

 

15. Income Taxes

 

The Company’s tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising in interim periods.

 

32

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The Company had income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 of $0.7 million (on pre-tax income of $5.3 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 12.7%) compared to an expense of $0.5 million (on pre-tax income of $12.9 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 3.6%) for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

The difference in effective tax rate of 9.1% in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to 3.6% in same period in 2020 results from an increase in the pre-tax income of taxable entities and a decrease in the pre-tax losses not benefited for purposes of the effective tax rate calculation.

 

16. Segment Information

 

The Company determines an operating segment if a component (i) engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses, (ii) has discrete financial information, and is (iii) regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to make decisions regarding resource allocation for the segment and assess its performance. After performing this analysis, the Company determined that each of its Brands are an operating segment.

 

Once its operating segments were identified, the Company performed an analysis to determine if aggregation of operating segments is applicable under ASC 280, Segment Reporting. This determination is based on a quantitative analysis of historic and projected long-term results of operations for each operating segment, together with a qualitative assessment to determine if operating segments have similar economic and operating characteristics.

 

The CODM uses Adjusted EBITDA (defined below) as a key metric, to evaluate the operating and financial performance, identify trends, develop projections and make strategic business decisions for each of the reportable segments.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net income before taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, plus depreciation and amortization, interest expense, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments, and other items, net. Other items, net includes items such as acquisition-related expenses, other non-recurring items and other restructuring costs.

 

The six reportable segments that resulted from applying the aggregation criteria are discussed below. The Company also report results, as further detailed below, for the “Corporate” group.

 

· Digital - Marketing: includes Brands that support the delivery of content, commerce, service and sales using online channels. These Brands create websites, back-end systems and other digital environments allowing consumers to engage with Brands using search engine optimization, bots, search engine marketing, influencer & affiliate marketing, email marketing, customer relationship management and programmatic advertising. Brands include Code and Theory, Forward PMX Group, MMI Agency and Stagwell Technologies;

 

· Digital - Content: includes Brands that create online and offline content supported by ad sales to help clients target niche B2B audience and general consumers. Brands include Multi-View, INK and Observatory;

 

· Research - Technology: includes a single Brand, National Research Group, which conducts qualitative and quantitative research among consumers on behalf of theatrical, television, streaming content creators, gaming companies and technology companies to attract and engage consumers;

 

33

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

· Research - Corporate: includes Brands that conducts qualitative and quantitative research among consumers and B2B audiences to help companies understand their purchase intent habits and trends to aid in marketing decisions and product development, views of brand and corporate reputation and the use of research for public release. Brands include Harris Insights and Analytics and HarrisX;

 

· Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy: includes Brands that provides strategic communications through traditional media relations, social media and in-person engagements, as well as utilizing digital channels to mobilize and raise funds from supporters and constituents to support political candidates and issue organizations in the public arena. Brands include SKDK, Targeted Victory and Wye Communications;

 

· All Other: includes Brands that create, produce, and promote advertising through traditional and digital channels, provides public relations, online reputation and digital privacy solutions for individuals and businesses. Brands include Scout, Reputation Defender and Collect, Understand and Engage (“CUE”); and

 

· Corporate: Corporate includes expenses incurred by the Company’s corporate function. These costs primarily consist of office and general expenses, salaries and related employee-related expenses that are not fully allocated to the operating segments. These costs include salaries, long-term incentives, bonuses and other miscellaneous benefits for corporate office employees, corporate office expenses, professional fees related to financial statement audits and legal, information technology and other consulting services that are engaged through the Company’s corporate office, and depreciation incurred on its corporate office.

 

The tables below provide summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):

 

    For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2021     2020  
Total Revenue:                
Digital – Marketing   $ 66,631     $ 50,548  
Digital - Content     28,015       40,701  
Research - Technology     15,339       16,310  
Research – Corporate     16,575       12,314  
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy     43,300       52,239  
All Other     11,382       12,431  
Total Revenue   $ 181,242     $ 184,543  
Adjusted EBITDA:                
Digital – Marketing   $ 11,384     $ 5,971  
Digital – Content     (1,797 )     988  
Research - Technology     3,673       3,788  
Research – Corporate     2,589       1,180  
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy     8,009       10,095  
All Other     576       (184 )
Corporate     (592 )     (207 )
Total Adjusted EBITDA   $ 23,842     $ 21,631  
Reconciliation to Income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates:            
Depreciation and amortization     (10,950 )     (9,756 )
Other income, net     608       3,027  
Interest expense, net     (1,351 )     (911 )
Deferred acquisition consideration adjustments     (3,936 )     -  
Other items, net     (2,941 )     (1,118 )
Income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates     5,272       12,873  
                 
Depreciation and amortization:                
Digital – Marketing   $ 3,729     $ 3,228  
Digital – Content     3,148       3,053  
Research – Technology     631       487  
Research – Corporate     541       571  
Communications, Public Affairs & Advocacy     1,583       1,183  
All Other     833       756  
Corporate     485       478  
Total Depreciation and amortization   $ 10,950     $ 9,756  

 

34

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The table below provides a summary of the Company’s long-lived assets, comprising of fixed assets, goodwill and intangibles assets, and right-of-use assets – operating leases, net of applicable accumulated depreciation and amortization, by geographic region (in thousands):

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
Property and equipment, net                
United States   $ 31,294     $ 31,130  
United Kingdom     5,383       4,484  
Total   $ 36,677     $ 35,614  
                 
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net                
United States   $ 420,118     $ 426,539  
United Kingdom     109,549       111,221  
Total   $ 529,667     $ 537,760  
                 
Right-of-use assets – operating leases                
United States   $ 45,537     $ 50,092  
United Kingdom     7,105       7,660  
Total   $ 52,642     $ 57,752  

 

The CODM does not use segment assets to allocate resources or to assess performance of the segments and therefore, total segment assets have not been disclosed.

 

17. Related Party Transactions

 

The Stagwell Group engaged certain its Brands to provide services for the Stagwell Group for interagency customers (collectively referred to as “Related Party Work”). The Company recorded $0.5 million of related party revenue and $0.1 million of cost of service paid to the Stagwell Group for the three months ended March 31, 2020 in connection with such Related Party Work. The Company did not recognize any related party revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

35

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The Fund from time to time makes additional equity investments in the Company. The investment may be either cash or noncash in the form of its interest in companies acquired by the Fund. Noncash contributions are recorded in Member’s equity at the value of the actual cash the Fund paid for the asset. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, Stagwell Media made additional noncash investments in the Company of $10.3 million and $18.9 million, respectively. On March 11, 2021, the Fund received a Noncash distribution of $13.0 million for the transfer of the Company’s ownership in the Finn Partners Preferred shares. Additionally, the Company made cash distributions to the Fund of $15.0 million and $25.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

The Company made cash distributions to noncontrolling interests of $10.9 million and nil for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

A $3.6 million and $3.4 million loan receivable due from an affiliate of one of the Company’s Brands is included within other current assets on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company recognized $0.1 million of interest income within interest expense, net on its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recognized $2.0 million in revenue for providing marketing services to a client, in which one of the Company’s Brand partners holds an executive leadership position. As of March 31, 2021, $3.5 million was due from the client for the services provided.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company paid $0.3 million in data management commissions to a vendor, in which family members of one of the Company’s Brand partners hold executive leadership positions. As of March 31, 2021, $0.3 million was due to the vendor for services provided.

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with MDC. MDC is considered a related party due to: i) an affiliate of the Stagwell Group owning a minority ownership in MDC, and ii) the manager of the Stagwell Group, Mark Penn, is also the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of MDC.

 

In October 2019, the Company entered into an arrangement with an affiliate of MDC, in which the Company and the affiliate will collaborate to provide various services to a client of the affiliate. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, was due from the affiliate for services provided. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in revenue under the arrangement.

 

In January 2020, the Company entered into an arrangement with an affiliate of MDC to develop advertising technology for the affiliate. Under the arrangement the Company recognized nil and $0.3 million of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, an immaterial amount was owed to the Company.

 

In January 2020, the Company entered into an arrangement with an MDC affiliate whereby this affiliate performed media planning, buying and reporting services on behalf of the Company’s client.

 

36

 

 

Stagwell Marketing Group LLC and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The Company owed the MDC affiliate $0.1 million and $30.1 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

In May 2020, the Company entered into an arrangement with an affiliate of MDC, in which the affiliate will provide media planning, buying and reporting services. Under the arrangement, the Company recognized $0.2 million and nil in fees for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $0.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively, was due to the affiliate for services provided.

 

In November 2020, the Company entered into an arrangement with an affiliate of MDC, in which the MDC affiliate provided event management services. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020 $0.3 million and $0.1m, respectively, was due to the affiliate for services provided. This arrangement was accounted for on a pass-through basis, whereby the Company recognized a net zero amount of revenue and costs on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

In January 2021, the Company entered into an arrangement with an affiliate of MDC. Under this arrangement, the Company owed the MDC affiliate $0.1 million for providing media planning, buying and reporting services to the Company and its clients as of March 31, 2021.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company paid an MDC affiliate nil and $1.4 million on behalf of a client for media buying, planning and reporting services. The arrangement was accounted for on a pass-through basis, whereby the Company recognized a net zero amount of revenue and costs on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

18. Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent events have been evaluated through April 30, 2021, the date these condensed consolidated financial statements were available for issuance.

 

37