SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 24, 2007

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                          to                          .

Commission file number 1-9444

 


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE   34-1560655

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259

(Address of principal executive offices)

(zip code)

(419) 626-0830

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes   ¨     No   x

 

Title of Class

 

Units Outstanding As Of July 1, 2007

Units Representing Limited Partner Interests   54,214,763

 



CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

INDEX

FORM 10-Q

 

Part I—Financial Information

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

   3-10

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   11-16

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   17

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   17

Part II—Other Information

  

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   18

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   18

Item 6. Exhibits

   18

Signatures

   19

Index to Exhibits

   20

 

2


P ART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     6/24/07     12/31/06  

ASSETS

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 36,152     $ 30,203  

Receivables

     56,172       21,796  

Inventories

     47,822       26,377  

Prepaids and other current assets

     24,336       26,132  
                
     164,482       104,508  

Property and Equipment:

    

Land

     335,306       325,617  

Land improvements

     324,757       315,406  

Buildings

     591,889       580,588  

Rides and equipment

     1,303,091       1,237,790  

Construction in progress

     4,334       25,288  
                
     2,559,377       2,484,689  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (544,960 )     (498,980 )
                
     2,014,417       1,985,709  

Goodwill

     319,474       314,057  

Other Intangibles, net

     65,472       64,837  

Other Assets

     36,530       41,810  
                
   $ 2,600,375     $ 2,510,921  
                

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 17,450     $ 17,450  

Accounts payable

     57,377       19,764  

Deferred revenue

     71,931       19,490  

Accrued interest

     8,895       1,345  

Accrued taxes

     348       38,632  

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

     21,251       27,537  

Self-insurance reserves

     22,122       22,124  

Other accrued liabilities

     21,986       12,916  
                
     221,360       159,258  

Deferred Tax Liability

     146,347       146,801  

Other Liabilities

     31,378       34,534  

Long-Term Debt:

    

Revolving credit loans

     146,650       40,888  

Term debt

     1,714,463       1,718,825  
                
     1,861,113       1,759,713  

Partners’ Equity:

    

Special L.P. interests

     5,290       5,290  

General partner

     —         1  

Limited partners, 54,215 and 54,092 units outstanding at

    

June 24, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

     340,647       440,516  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (5,760 )     (35,192 )
                
     340,177       410,615  
                
   $ 2,600,375     $ 2,510,921  
                

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

3


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended     Twelve months ended  
     6/24/07     6/25/06    6/24/07     6/25/06     6/24/07    6/25/06  

Net revenues:

              

Admissions

   $ 150,154     $ 71,434    $ 161,486     $ 79,953     $ 541,008    $ 290,216  

Food, merchandise and games

     106,160       59,588      120,133       71,370       355,677      218,786  

Accommodations and other

     17,700       14,407      22,394       18,051       69,343      55,426  
                                              
     274,014       145,429      304,013       169,374       966,028      564,428  
                                              

Costs and expenses:

              

Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues

     26,650       16,001      31,040       19,625       91,617      57,668  

Operating expenses

     124,177       71,146      182,281       107,214       415,331      243,576  

Selling, general and administrative

     37,375       20,192      51,444       28,665       123,503      72,083  

Depreciation and amortization

     45,653       18,218      49,971       21,692       118,982      56,517  
                                              
     233,855       125,557      314,736       177,196       749,433      429,844  
                                              

Operating income (loss)

     40,159       19,872      (10,723 )     (7,822 )     216,595      134,584  

Interest expense

     36,193       8,040      69,598       15,241       143,513      28,097  

Other expense, net

     179       —        299       —         4,075      —    
                                              

Income (loss) before taxes

     3,787       11,832      (80,620 )     (23,063 )     69,007      106,487  

Provision (credit) for taxes

     (1,743 )     772      (31,026 )     (7,619 )     15,680      (51,215 )
                                              

Net income (loss)

     5,530       11,060      (49,594 )     (15,444 )     53,327      157,702  

Net income (loss) allocated togeneral partner

     —         —        (1 )     —         —        2  
                                              

Net income (loss) allocated to limited partners

   $ 5,530     $ 11,060    $ (49,593 )   $ (15,444 )   $ 53,327    $ 157,700  
                                              

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:

              

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

     54,208       53,912      54,170       53,884       54,096      53,818  

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit

   $ 0.10     $ 0.21    $ (0.92 )   $ (0.29 )   $ 0.99    $ 2.93  
                                              

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:

              

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

     55,048       54,963      54,170       53,884       54,946      54,937  

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit

   $ 0.10     $ 0.20    $ (0.92 )   $ (0.29 )   $ 0.97    $ 2.87  
                                              

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

4


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 24, 2007

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

     Six Months
Ended
06/24/07
 

Limited Partnership Units Outstanding

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

     54,092  

Limited partnership unit options exercised

     71  

Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation

     52  
        
     54,215  
        

Limited Partners’ Equity

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

   $ 440,516  

Net loss

     (49,593 )

Partnership distribution declared ($0.945 per limited partnership unit)

     (51,180 )

Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options

     25  

Limited partnership unit options exercised

     11  

Tax effect of units involved in option exercises and treasury unit transactions

     (626 )

Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation

     1,494  
        
     340,647  
        

General Partner’s Equity

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

     1  

Net loss

     (1 )
        
     —    
        

Special L.P. Interests

     5,290  
        

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment:

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

     (2,039 )

Current period activity, net of tax ($ 4,003)

     7,376  
        
     5,337  
        

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

     (33,153 )

Current period activity, net of tax ($ 2,508)

     22,056  
        
     (11,097 )
        
     (5,760 )
        

Total Partners’ Equity

   $ 340,177  
        

Summary of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  

Net loss

   $ (49,594 )

Other comprehensive income

     29,432  
        

Total Comprehensive Loss

   $ (20,162 )
        

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

 

5


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     Three months
ended
    Six months ended     Twelve months ended  
     6/24/07     6/25/06     6/24/07     6/25/06     6/24/07     6/25/06  

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

            

Net income (loss)

   $ 5,530     $ 11,060     $ (49,594 )   $ (15,444 )   $ 53,327     $ 157,702  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:

            

Non-cash expense

     49,948       18,188       54,655       21,753       128,019       56,606  

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense

     (57 )     —         (356 )     —         (889 )     —    

Net change in working capital

     20,279       6,578       4,064       5,107       (23,279 )     (66,641 )

Net change in other assets/liabilities

     (581 )     7,899       (2,617 )     (447 )     2,218       6,245  
                                                

Net cash from operating activities

     75,119       43,725       6,152       10,969       159,396       153,912  
                                                

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

            

Acquisition of Paramount Parks, net of cash acquired

     —         —         —         —         (1,253,058 )     —    

Capital expenditures

     (31,782 )     (21,381 )     (53,181 )     (37,812 )     (74,955 )     (67,401 )
                                                

Net cash (for) investing activities

     (31,782 )     (21,381 )     (53,181 )     (37,812 )     (1,328,013 )     (67,401 )
                                                

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

            

Net borrowings (payments) on revolving credit loans

     (500 )     17,000       105,762       90,750       (49,950 )     28,600  

Term debt borrowings

     —         —         —         —         1,745,000       —    

Term debt payments, including early termination penalties

     (4,362 )     —         (4,362 )     —         (384,140 )     (20,000 )

Distributions paid to partners

     (25,748 )     (25,337 )     (51,180 )     (50,084 )     (101,942 )     (99,511 )

Termination of interest rate swap agreements

     —         —         3,867       —         3,867       2,981  

Exercise of limited partnership unit options

     (1 )     211       11       507       370       1,336  

Payment of debt issuance costs

     —         —         (2,000 )     —         (28,310 )     —    

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense

     57       —         356       —         889       —    
                                                

Net cash from (for) financing activities

     (30,554 )     (8,126 )     52,454       41,173       1,185,784       (86,594 )
                                                

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

     498       —         524       —         234       —    
                                                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

            

Net increase (decrease) for the period

     13,281       14,218       5,949       14,330       17,401       (83 )

Balance, beginning of period

     22,871       4,533       30,203       4,421       18,751       18,834  
                                                

Balance, end of period

   $ 36,152     $ 18,751     $ 36,152     $ 18,751     $ 36,152     $ 18,751  
                                                

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

            

Cash payments for interest expense

   $ 35,988     $ 5,310     $ 59,795     $ 15,022     $ 136,938     $ 28,133  

Interest capitalized

     945       307       1,343       600       1,901       848  

Cash payments for income taxes

     8,543       1,525       9,368       1,978       17,126       9,644  

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

6


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED JUNE 24, 2007 AND JUNE 25, 2006

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the financial records of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the Partnership) without audit and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the results of the interim periods covered in this report.

Due to the highly seasonal nature of the Partnership’s amusement and water park operations, the results for any interim period are not indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Accordingly, the Partnership has elected to present financial information regarding operations and cash flows for the preceding twelve-month periods ended June 24, 2007 and June 25, 2006 to accompany the quarterly results. Because amounts for the twelve months ended June 24, 2007 include actual 2006 peak season operating results, they may not be indicative of 2007 full calendar year operations.

On June 30, 2006, Cedar Fair, L.P. completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Paramount Parks, Inc. (“PPI”) from a subsidiary of CBS Corporation at an aggregate cash purchase price of $1.24 billion, prior to direct acquisition costs and certain adjustments per the purchase agreement related to working capital, which have yet to be finalized. Upon closing of the transaction, the Partnership acquired, indirectly through Magnum Management Corporation, its wholly owned subsidiary, the following amusement parks: Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto, Canada; Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio; Kings Dominion near Richmond, Virginia; Carowinds near Charlotte, North Carolina; and Great America located in Santa Clara, California. The Partnership also acquired Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure in Las Vegas, and a management contract for Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California. The results of operations of PPI since June, 30, 2006 are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Further discussion of this transaction can be found under Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, which was included in the Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2007.

(1) Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies:

The Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods ended June 24, 2007 and June 25, 2006 included in this Form 10-Q report have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, which were included in the Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2007. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K referred to above.

(2) Interim Reporting:

The Partnership owns and operates 12 amusement parks, five outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and six hotels. In order to more efficiently manage its properties and communicate its results, management has created regional designations for the parks. Parks in the Partnership’s northern region include Cedar Point and the adjacent Soak City water park in Sandusky, Ohio; Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio; Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto, Canada; Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom near Allentown, Pennsylvania; Valleyfair, near Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom near Cleveland, Ohio; and Michigan’s Adventure near Muskegon, Michigan. In the southern region are Kings Dominion near Richmond, Virginia; Carowinds near Charlotte, North Carolina; and Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri. The western parks include Knott’s Berry Farm, near Los Angeles in Buena Park, California; Great America located in Santa Clara, California; and three Knott’s Soak City water parks located in California. The Partnership also owns and operates the Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio and Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure in Las Vegas, and it operates Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California under a management contract. Virtually all of the Partnership’s revenues from its seasonal amusement parks, as well as its outdoor water parks and other seasonal resort facilities, are realized during a 130- to 140-day operating period beginning in early May, with the major portion concentrated in the third quarter during the peak vacation months of July and August. Castaway Bay, Star Trek: The Experience and Knott’s Berry Farm are open year-round, but Knott’s operates at its lowest level of attendance during the first quarter of the year.

To assure that these highly seasonal operations will not result in misleading comparisons of current and subsequent interim periods, the Partnership has adopted the following accounting and reporting procedures for its seasonal parks: (a) revenues on multi-day admission tickets are recognized over the estimated number of visits expected for each type of ticket and are adjusted at the end of each seasonal period, (b) depreciation, advertising and certain seasonal operating costs are expensed during each park’s operating season, including certain costs incurred prior to the season which are amortized over the season, and (c) all other costs are expensed as incurred or ratably over the entire year.

 

7


(3) Derivative Financial Instruments:

Derivative financial instruments are only used within the Partnership’s overall risk management program to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks from time to time. The Partnership has only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes.

During 2006, the Partnership entered into several interest rate swap agreements which effectively convert $1.0 billion of its variable-rate debt to a fixed-rate of 7.6%. Cash flows related to these interest rate swap agreements are included in interest expense over the term of the agreements, which are set to expire in 2012. The Partnership has designated these interest rate swap agreements and hedging relationships as cash flow hedges. The fair market value of these agreements at June 24, 2007, which was obtained from broker quotes, was recorded as a liability of $9.5 million in “Other Liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. No ineffectiveness was recorded in the second quarter of 2007.

In February 2007, the Partnership terminated two cross-currency interest rate swap agreements, which were effectively converting $268.7 million of term debt related to its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary from variable U.S. dollar denominated debt to fixed-rate Canadian dollar denominated debt. As a result of the termination of the swaps, the Partnership received $3.9 million of cash. The swaps were hedging the functional-currency-equivalent cash flows of debt that was remeasured at spot exchange rates. Accordingly, gains were previously reclassified out of “Accumulated other comprehensive income” (AOCI) into earnings to offset the related FASB Statement No. 52 transaction losses on the debt. This offset the value of the swap and resulted in an overall deferred hedging loss in AOCI of $8.6 million at the termination date, which is being amortized through August 2011 (the original hedge period and remaining term of the underlying debt).

The terminated swaps were replaced with two new cross-currency swap agreements, which effectively convert the variable U.S. dollar denominated debt, and the associated interest payments, to 6.3% fixed-rate Canadian dollar denominated debt. The Partnership designated the new cross currency swaps as foreign currency cash flow hedges. The fair market value of the cross-currency swaps was a liability of $17.5 million at June 24, 2007, which was recorded in “Other Liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. No ineffectiveness was recorded in the second quarter of 2007.

(4) Contingencies:

The Partnership is a party to a number of lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, these matters will not have a material effect in the aggregate on the Partnership’s financial statements.

(5) Earnings per Unit:

Net income per limited partner unit is calculated based on the following unit amounts:

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended     Twelve months ended
     06/24/07    06/25/06    06/24/07     06/25/06     06/24/07    06/25/06
     (In thousands except per unit amounts)

Basic weighted average units outstanding

     54,208      53,912      54,170       53,884       54,096      53,818

Effect of dilutive units:

               

Unit options

     634      908      —         —         659      960

Phantom units

     206      143      —         —         191      159
                                           

Diluted weighted average units outstanding

     55,048      54,963      54,170       53,884       54,946      54,937
                                           

Net income (loss) per unit—basic

   $ 0.10    $ 0.21    $ (0.92 )   $ (0.29 )   $ 0.99    $ 2.93
                                           

Net income (loss) per unit—diluted

   $ 0.10    $ 0.20    $ (0.92 )   $ (0.29 )   $ 0.97    $ 2.87
                                           

 

8


The effect of unit options and phantom units for the six months ended June 24, 2007 and June 25, 2006, had they not been antidilutive, would have been 805,000 and 1.0 million units, respectively.

(6) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

As further described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, goodwill acquired during 2006 was the result of the completion of the acquisition of PPI. The Partnership obtained third-party valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets during the second quarter of 2007 which were used to adjust the preliminary purchase price allocation of goodwill acquired in 2006. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis. During the second quarter of 2007, we completed our annual impairment test on goodwill related to PPI, which did not indicate any impairment of goodwill. A summary of changes in the Partnership’s carrying value of goodwill is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

   $ 314,057  

Translation adjustment

     8,807  

Purchase accounting adjustments

     (3,390 )
        

Balance at June 24, 2007

   $ 319,474  
        

At June 24, 2007, the Partnership’s other intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

(In thousands)

  

Gross

Carrying
Amount

  

Accumulated

Amortization

  

Net

Carrying
Value

Other intangible assets:

        

Trade names

   $ 52,919    $ —      $ 52,919

License / franchise agreements

     14,046      1,653      12,393

Non-compete agreements

     200      40      160
                    

Total other intangible assets

   $ 67,165    $ 1,693    $ 65,472
                    

Amortization expense of other intangible assets for the six months ended June 24, 2007 was $658,000. The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2007 is $685,000. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is $1.4 million annually.

(7) New Accounting Pronouncements:

FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” —On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Under FIN 48, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.

The Partnership, which applied the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, has no unrecognized income tax benefits. As such, the implementation of FIN 48 did not have any effect on its financial position and results of operations. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, would be recognized in income tax expense.

The Partnership and its corporate subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S., Canada and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Partnership and its corporate subsidiaries are no longer subject to examination by the major taxing authorities for tax years before 2003.

 

9


FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” —In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, which establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied to GAAP guidance requiring use of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements. Statement No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Partnership is currently assessing the impact this Statement will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

FASB Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” —In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, which permits entities to choose to measure financial instruments and certain other financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Statement No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Partnership is currently assessing the impact this Statement will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

10


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business Overview:

We generate our revenues primarily from sales of (1) admission to our parks, (2) food, merchandise and games inside our parks, and (3) hotel rooms, food and other attractions outside our parks. Our principal costs and expenses, which include salaries and wages, advertising, maintenance, operating supplies, utilities and insurance, are relatively fixed and do not vary significantly with attendance.

On June 30, 2006, we completed the acquisition of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of Paramount Parks, Inc. (“PPI”) from a subsidiary of CBS Corporation. Upon closing of the transaction, we acquired, indirectly through Magnum Management Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair, the following amusement parks: Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto, Canada; Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio; Kings Dominion near Richmond, Virginia; Carowinds near Charlotte, North Carolina; and Great America located in Santa Clara, California. We also acquired Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure in Las Vegas, and a management contract for Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California. The acquisition represents a major strategic event in Cedar Fair’s history and is expected to result in cost synergies as well as future growth opportunities. The results of PPI operations have been included in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements from June 30, 2006, the date of the acquisition.

With this acquisition, we are now 18 distinct locations, covering a much larger and diversified footprint. In order to efficiently manage our properties and communicate our results going forward, we have created regional designations for our parks. The Northern Region, which is the largest, includes Cedar Point and the adjacent Soak City water park, Kings Island, Canada’s Wonderland, Dorney Park, Valleyfair, Geauga Lake and Michigan’s Adventure. The southern region includes Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. Finally, our Western Region includes Knott’s Berry Farm, Great America and the Soak City water parks located in Palm Springs, San Diego and adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm. This region also includes Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure in Las Vegas and the management contract with Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California.

Critical Accounting Policies:

This management’s discussion and analysis is based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions during the normal course of business that affect the reported amounts in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. The following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results and involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity (See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, as included in the Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2007, for a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies).

Accounting for Business Combinations —Business combinations are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The amounts assigned to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions are based on estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition, with the remainder, if any, recorded as goodwill. The fair values are determined by management, taking into consideration information obtained during the due diligence process, valuations supplied by independent appraisal experts and other relevant information. The valuations are generally based upon future cash flow projections for the acquired assets, discounted to present value. The determination of fair values requires significant judgment both by management and outside experts engaged to assist in this process.

Property and Equipment —Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures made to maintain such assets in their original operating condition are expensed as incurred, and improvements and upgrades are capitalized. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The composite method is used for the group of assets acquired as a whole in 1983, as well as for the groups of like assets of each subsequent business acquisition. The unit method is used for all individual assets purchased.

Self-Insurance Reserves —Reserves are recorded for the estimated amounts of guest and employee claims and expenses incurred each period that are not covered by insurance. These estimates are established based upon historical claims data and third-party estimates of settlement costs for incurred claims. These reserves are periodically reviewed for changes in these factors and adjustments are made as needed.

 

11


Revenue Recognition —Revenues on multi-day admission tickets are recognized over the estimated number of visits expected for each type of ticket, and are adjusted at the end of each seasonal period. All other revenues are recognized on a daily basis based on actual guest spending at our facilities, or over the park operating season in the case of certain marina dockage revenues and certain sponsorship revenues.

Derivative Financial Instruments —Derivative financial instruments are only used within our overall risk management program to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks from time to time. We only have limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and do not use them for trading purposes.

The use of derivative financial instruments is accounted for according to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and related amendments. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Derivative financial instruments used in hedging transactions are assessed both at inception and quarterly thereafter to ensure they are effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the related underlying exposures.

Results of Operations:

Our results of operations for the three, six and twelve months ended June 24, 2007 and June 25, 2006 are not directly comparable due to the acquisition of PPI on June 30, 2006. Since material differences in our statements of operations are primarily due to this acquisition, we will also discuss operating results on a same-park basis compared to previous periods.

Second Quarter

The following table presents key financial information for the three months ended June 24, 2007 and June 25, 2006:

 

     All Properties (a)    Same Park Comparison (b)  
    

Three months
ended

6/24/07

  

Three months
ended

6/24/07

  

Three months
ended

6/25/06

   Increase (Decrease)  
              $     %  
     (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending)  

Attendance

     6,269      3,121      3,226      (105 )   (3.3 )

Per capita spending

   $ 40.54    $ 39.96    $ 38.09    $ 1.87     4.9  

Out-of-park revenues

   $ 27,851    $ 25,026    $ 25,783    $ (757 )   (2.9 )

Net revenues

   $ 274,014    $ 146,596    $ 145,429    $ 1,167     0.8  

Operating costs and expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     188,202      102,274      105,518      (3,244 )   (3.1 )
                               

Adjusted EBITDA

     85,812      44,322      39,911      4,411     11.1  

Depreciation and amortization

     45,653      20,935      18,218      2,717     14.9  
                               

Operating income

   $ 40,159    $ 23,387    $ 21,693    $ 1,694     7.8  
                               

(a) Includes results for all owned and/or managed properties and corporate costs as of June 24, 2007.
(b) Same park comparison includes properties owned and operated for the full periods in 2007 and 2006 and excludes the newly acquired parks and corporate costs.

Same-Park Comparison:

Operating results on a same-park basis for the second quarter ended June 24, 2007, reflect a total of 15 less operating days than the same period a year ago due to management’s decision to adjust certain parks’ operating schedules. The 15 fewer operating days included seven less operating days at Cedar Point and five less operating days at Geauga Lake. For the quarter, consolidated net revenues on a same-park basis increased 1%, or $1.2 million, to $146.6 million from $145.4 million in 2006. This increase was primarily due to a 5% increase in per capita spending across all of the parks, offset somewhat by a 3% decrease, or 105,000 visits, in attendance primarily in the southern and western regions. Out-of-park revenues, including resort hotels, decreased 3%, or $757,000, during the second quarter due largely to the reduction in operating days at Cedar Point and Geauga Lake.

 

12


Excluding depreciation and amortization, total operating costs and expenses for the quarter, on a same-park basis, decreased 3% to $102.3 million from $105.5 million in 2006. The decrease in operating costs is attributable to the reduction in operating days for the quarter as well as our continued focus on bringing costs in line with attendance trends at our northern region parks, particularly at Geauga Lake. For the quarter, adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other non-cash costs), which management believes is a meaningful measure of the company’s park-level operating results, increased 11%, or $4.4 million, to $44.3 million from $39.9 million a year ago.

For the period, depreciation and amortization expense on a same-park basis increased $2.7 million, or 15%, due primarily to accelerated depreciation at Geauga Lake related to certain rides. After depreciation and amortization, operating income for the quarter on a same-park basis increased 8%, or $1.7 million, to $23.4 million from $21.7 million a year ago.

Combined Results:

On a combined basis including the results of the newly acquired parks, consolidated net revenues for the quarter were $274.0 million. Excluding depreciation and amortization, combined operating costs and expenses totaled $188.2 million, generating adjusted EBITDA of $85.8 million for the quarter. After depreciation and amortization, operating income for the quarter was $40.2 million compared with $19.9 million in 2006.

As we continue to integrate the acquired parks, we remain focused on realizing purchasing efficiencies, implementing a company personnel and wage structure and introducing new pricing and marketing programs. During the second quarter we successfully identified additional operating efficiencies through cost synergies at the new parks and continued to test various pricing and marketing programs.

Interest expense for the second quarter in 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 increased $28.2 million to $36.2 million, due principally to the acquisition of PPI. A credit for taxes of $1.7 million was recorded to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and publicly traded partnership (“PTP”) taxes during the second quarter of 2007. This compared to a provision for taxes of $0.8 million in the same period a year ago.

After interest expense and the credit for taxes, the net income for the period totaled $5.5 million, or $0.10 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income of $11.1 million, or $0.20 per unit, a year ago.

Six Months Ended June 24, 2007

The following table presents key financial information for the six months ended June 24, 2007 and June 25, 2006:

 

     All Properties (a)     Same Park Comparison (b)  
    

Six months
ended

6/24/07

   

Six months
ended

6/24/07

  

Six months
ended

6/25/06

    Increase (Decrease)  
            $     %  
     (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending)  

Attendance

     6,732       3,523      3,615       (92 )   (2.5 )

Per capita spending

   $ 40.72     $ 40.01    $ 38.05     $ 1.96     5.2  

Out-of-park revenues

   $ 37,984     $ 34,635    $ 35,713     $ (1,078 )   (3.0 )

Net revenues

   $ 304,013     $ 172,143    $ 169,374     $ 2,769     1.6  

Operating costs and expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     264,765       146,034      150,684       (4,650 )   (3.1 )
                                 

Adjusted EBITDA

     39,248       26,109      18,690       7,419     39.7  

Depreciation and amortization

     49,971       24,467      21,692       2,775     12.8  
                                 

Operating income (loss)

   $ (10,723 )   $ 1,642    $ (3,002 )   $ 4,644     N/M *
                                 

(a) Includes results for all owned and/or managed properties and corporate costs as of June 24, 2007.
(b) Same park comparison includes properties owned and operated for the full periods in 2007 and 2006 and excludes the newly acquired parks and corporate costs.
* N/M—not meaningful

 

13


Same-Park Comparison:

Operating results on a same-park basis for the six months ended June 24, 2007, reflect a total of 16 less operating days than the same period a year ago. Through the first half of the year consolidated net revenues on a same-park basis, increased 2% to $172.1 million from $169.4 million for the same period in 2006. The increase in revenues is due to a 5% increase in per capita spending across all of our parks, offset somewhat by a 3% decrease, or 92,000 visits, in combined attendance and a decrease of 3%, or $1.1 million, in out-of-park revenues, including resort hotels.

Excluding depreciation and amortization, total operating costs and expenses for the six months on a same-park basis decreased 3%, or $4.7 million, to $146.0 million from $150.7 million in 2006. The decrease in cash operating costs is primarily attributable to the decrease in operating days and a reduction in operating costs in our northern region, primarily at Geauga Lake. For the period, adjusted EBITDA on a same-park basis totaled $26.1 million, $7.4 million higher than last year, reflecting improved operating results in our northern and western region parks.

For the period, depreciation and amortization expense on a same-park basis increased $2.8 million, or 13%, due primarily to accelerated depreciation at Geauga Lake related to certain rides. After depreciation and amortization, operating income for the period on a same-park basis increased $4.6 million to $1.6 million versus an operating loss of $3.0 million a year ago.

Combined Results:

On a combined basis, consolidated net revenues for the six months were $304.0 million. Excluding depreciation and amortization, combined operating costs and expenses were $264.8 million versus $155.5 million for the same period in 2006. Adjusted EBITDA for the six-month period increased $25.4 million to $39.3 million. After depreciation and amortization, the operating loss for this period, on a combined basis, was $10.7 million compared with $7.8 million for the six months in 2006.

Interest expense over this same time increased approximately $54.4 million to $69.6 million, due to the acquisition of PPI. A credit for taxes of $31.0 million was recorded in 2007 to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and PTP taxes. This compares with a credit for taxes of $7.6 million for the same period in 2006.

After interest expense and provision for taxes, the net loss for the six months totaled $49.6 million, or $0.92 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with a net loss of $15.4 million, or $0.29 per unit, a year ago.

Twelve Months Ended June 24, 2007

The following table presents key financial information for the twelve months ended June 24, 2007 and June 25, 2006:

 

     All Properties (a)    Same Park Comparison (b)  
    

Twelve months
ended

6/24/07

  

Twelve months
ended

6/24/07

  

Twelve months
ended

6/25/06

   Increase (Decrease)  
              $     %  
     (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending)  

Attendance

     22,434      12,526      12,658      (132 )   (1.0 )

Per capita spending

   $ 39.42    $ 38.37    $ 37.63    $ 0.74     2.0  

Out-of-park revenues

   $ 105,102    $ 97,026    $ 97,376    $ (350 )   (0.4 )

Net revenues

   $ 966,028    $ 567,914    $ 564,428    $ 3,486     0.6  

Operating costs and expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     630,451      357,685      363,913      (6,228 )   (1.7 )
                               

Adjusted EBITDA

     335,577      210,229      200,515      9,714     4.8  

Depreciation and amortization

     118,982      60,270      56,517      3,753     6.6  
                               

Operating income

   $ 216,595    $ 149,959    $ 143,998    $ 5,961     4.1  
                               

(a) Includes results for all owned and/or managed properties and corporate costs as of June 24, 2007.
(b) Same park comparison includes properties owned and operated for the full periods in 2007 and 2006 and excludes the newly acquired parks and corporate costs.

 

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Same-Park Comparison:

For the twelve months ended June 24, 2007, which included actual 2006 peak season operating results, net revenues on a same-park basis increased 1% to $567.9 million from $564.4 million for the twelve months ended June 25, 2006, which included actual 2005 peak season operating results. The increase in consolidated net revenues was the result of a 2% increase in guest per capita spending, a 1% decrease, or 132,000 visits, in combined attendance and out-of-park revenues which remained relatively unchanged.

For the twelve months ended June 25, 2007, operating costs and expenses, on a same-park basis before depreciation and amortization, decreased to $357.7 million from $363.9 million a year ago. This decrease in operating costs and expenses, combined with a slight increase in revenues, helped produce a 5%, or $9.7 million, increase in adjusted EBITDA for the period. For the twelve month period, depreciation and amortization expense on a same-park basis increased $3.8 million, or 7%, in part due to the accelerated depreciation at Geauga Lake related to ride transfers. After depreciation and amortization, operating income for the twelve month period increased 4% to $150.0 million compared to $144.0 million a year ago, on a same-park basis.

Combined Results:

On a combined basis, consolidated net revenues for the twelve months ended June 24, 2007, were $966.0 million. Excluding depreciation and amortization, combined operating costs and expenses were $630.5 million, generating adjusted EBITDA for the period of $335.6 million. After depreciation and amortization, operating income for the twelve months, on a combined basis, was $216.6 million compared with $134.6 million for the same period in 2006. The twelve months ended June 24, 2007 includes the operations of the PPI parks since their acquisition on June 30, 2006 and therefore, does not reflect a full year of operations by six operating days, the result of our fiscal month close.

Interest expense for the twelve month period increased $115.4 million to $143.5 million, due to the acquisition. During the period, we recorded a provision for taxes of $15.7 million to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and PTP taxes. This compares with a credit for taxes of $51.2 million a year ago, when we reversed $66.1 million of contingent liabilities related to PTP taxes during the third quarter of 2005. The twelve-month period ended June 24, 2007, also reflects $4.1 million of other expense of which the primary component was the recognition of a $4.7 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt during the period.

After interest expense and provision for taxes, net income for the twelve months ended June 24, 2007 was $53.3 million, or $0.97 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income of $157.7 million, or $2.87 per diluted limited partner unit, for the twelve months ended June 25, 2006.

July 2007

Based on preliminary July results, net revenues through the first seven months of the year increased 2%, or $5.2 million, to $329.8 million, on a same park basis. This increase reflects a 6% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending to $39.76, offset somewhat by a decrease in attendance of 3%, or 244,000 visits, and a decrease of 1%, or $472,000, in out-of-park revenues.

Including results from the PPI parks since their acquisition, consolidated net revenues through the first seven months of the year totaled $574.3 million compared with $426.6 million in 2006. Over this same period, combined attendance totaled 12.7 million visits in 2007 versus 9.7 million visits for the same period a year ago and average in-park guest per capita spending was $40.41 compared with $37.78. Out-of-park revenues through July totaled $60.3 million, up from $58.5 million for the first seven months of 2006. Over the past four weeks, consolidated revenues were down 1%, or $3.1 million, largely due to a 7% decrease in attendance, or 363,000 visits. The attendance shortfall was primarily due to changes in pricing methodologies including the elimination of many complimentary tickets. This decrease was substantially offset by a 5% increase in in-park per capita spending to $40.39 and a 3%, or $501,000, increase in out-of-park revenues.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

We ended the second quarter of 2007 in sound financial condition in terms of both liquidity and cash flow. The negative working capital ratio (current liabilities divided by current assets) of 1.3 at June 24, 2007 is the result of our seasonal business and careful management of cash flow to reduce borrowings. Receivables and inventories are at normal seasonal levels and credit facilities are in place to fund current liabilities.

In June 2006, and as amended in August 2006, in connection with the acquisition of PPI we entered into a new $2.09 billion credit agreement with several banks and certain “Lenders” party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). In February 2007, we took advantage of favorable market conditions and amended the Credit Agreement, reducing interest rate spreads on term borrowings under the agreement by 50 basis points (bps). The 50 bps reduction in interest rate is expected to save us approximately $8.0 million in cash interest costs annually.

 

15


At the end of the quarter, we had $1.73 billion of variable-rate term debt and $146.7 million in borrowings under our revolving credit facilities. Of our total term debt, $17.5 million is scheduled to mature within the next twelve months.

In 2006, we entered into several interest rate swap agreements which effectively convert $1.0 billion of our variable-rate debt to a fixed rate of 7.6%. During the first quarter of 2007, we terminated two cross-currency swaps, which were effectively converting variable-rate debt related to our wholly owned Canadian subsidiary to fixed-rate debt, and received $3.9 million in cash upon termination. We replaced these swaps with two new cross-currency swap agreements, which effectively convert $268.7 million of term debt, and the associated interest payments, from U.S. dollar denominated debt at a rate of LIBOR plus 200 bps to 6.3% fixed-rate Canadian dollar denominated debt.

Credit facilities and cash flow from operations are expected to be sufficient to meet working capital needs, debt service, planned capital expenditures and regular quarterly cash distributions for the foreseeable future.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements:

We have no significant off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this report (including the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section) that are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including statements as to our expectations, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements may involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors, including those listed under Item 1A in the Partnership’s Form 10-K, could adversely affect our future financial performance and cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.

 

16


I TEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates, and currency exchange rates on our operations in Canada and, from time to time, on imported rides and equipment. The objective of our financial risk management is to reduce the potential negative impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to acceptable levels. We do not acquire market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

After considering the impact of interest rate swap agreements, at June 24, 2007, $1.27 billion of our outstanding long-term debt represented fixed-rate debt and $611 million represented variable-rate debt. A hypothetical one percentage point increase in the applicable interest rates on our variable-rate debt would increase annual interest expense by approximately $5.2 million as of June 24, 2007.

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures—

The Partnership maintains a system of controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the financial statements and other disclosures included in this report. As of June 24, 2007, the Partnership has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures under supervision of management, including the Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in the Partnership’s periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting—

There were no significant changes in the Partnership’s internal controls over financial reporting in connection with its 2007 second quarter evaluation, or subsequent to such evaluation, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

17


PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The annual meeting of the limited partners of Cedar Fair, L.P. was held on May 17, 2007 to consider and vote upon the election of three Directors of the general partner for a three-year term expiring in 2010. The following individuals were re-elected to the Board of Directors of the general partner, with votes as indicated opposite each director’s name:

 

Nominee

 

For

 

Withheld

Richard S. Ferreira

  46,211,020   1,344,538

Richard L. Kinzel

  46,868,471   688,636

Thomas A. Tracy

  46,835,651   719,907

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit (10.1)   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Executive Change of Control Plan
Exhibit (10.2)   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan
Exhibit (10.3)   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Senior Executive Management Incentive Plan
Exhibit (10.4)   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan
Exhibit (10.5)   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program
Exhibit (10.6)   Employment Agreement with Richard L. Kinzel
Exhibit (10.7)   Employment Agreement with Jacob T. Falfas
Exhibit (10.8)   Employment Agreement with Peter J. Crage
Exhibit (31.1)   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit (31.2)   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit (32.1)   Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

18


SIGNATURES

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

 

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

    (Registrant)

 

By:   Cedar Fair Management, Inc.
      General Partner

 

Date: August 2, 2007   / S /    P ETER J. C RAGE        
   
        Peter J. Crage      
  Corporate Vice President—Finance
  (Chief Financial Officer)
  / S /    B RIAN C. W ITHEROW        
   
        Brian C. Witherow      
  Vice President and Corporate Controller
  (Chief Accounting Officer)

 

19


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit (10.1)

   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Executive Change of Control Plan

Exhibit (10.2)

   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan

Exhibit (10.3)

   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Senior Executive Management Incentive Plan

Exhibit (10.4)

   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan

Exhibit (10.5)

   Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program

Exhibit (10.6)

   Employment Agreement with Richard L. Kinzel

Exhibit (10.7)

   Employment Agreement with Jacob T. Falfas

Exhibit (10.8)

   Employment Agreement with Peter J. Crage

Exhibit (31.1)

   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit (31.2)

   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit (32.1)

   Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

20

Exhibit 10.1

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE CHANGE OF CONTROL PLAN

Adopted: July 26, 1995

Revised: January 28, 1998

Revised: May 9, 2002

Revised: June 8, 2004

Revised: July 18, 2007

 

A. PURPOSE :

Cedar Fair, L.P. (the “Partnership”) has established this Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Executive Change of Control Plan (“Plan”) in order to clarify the circumstances under which certain key executive employees of Cedar Fair Management, Inc. and/or Magnum Management Corporation (both hereinafter referred to as the “Company”) could be terminated for cause and to provide these executive employees with assurances in the event a termination of employment or deemed termination occurs after a change of control of the Partnership.

 

B. ELIGIBILITY :

This Plan shall cover the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Corporate Vice President-Administration, the Corporate Vice President-Planning & Design, and certain other key executive employees as designated by the Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Management, Inc. (each, an “Executive”). The Executives so designated by the Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Management, Inc. (“Board”) shall continue to be covered by this Plan during their employment by the Partnership or one of its “Affiliates.” For purposes of this Plan, “Affiliates” shall mean all persons with whom the Partnership would be considered a single employer under Section 414(b) or Section 414(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Executive shall not participate in this Plan during any period of time in which a written employment agreement or other agreement between/among the Company and/or the Partnership and an Executive is in effect which contains change in control provisions relating to the change in control of the Partnership.

 

C. DEFINITION OF CHANGE IN CONTROL :

A “Change in Control” of the Partnership shall mean a “change in control event” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the April 10, 2007, final regulations thereunder (collectively “Section 409A”) if, by analogy to the rules applicable to corporations under Section 409A, the Partnership would be considered to have undergone a “change in control event” under Section 409A.

 

D. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE :

 

  1. The Company or the Partnership may terminate an Executive’s employment for Cause. For the purposes of this Plan, the Company or the Partnership shall have “Cause” to terminate an Executive’s employment only under the following circumstances:


  a. If termination shall have been the result of an act or acts by the Executive which have been found by an applicable court to constitute a felony; or

 

  b. If termination shall have been the result of an act or acts of dishonesty or significant impropriety by the Executive resulting or intended to result directly or indirectly in significant gain or personal enrichment (monetary or otherwise) to the Executive at the expense of or detriment to the Company or the Partnership; or

 

  c. Upon the willful and continued failure by the Executive substantially to perform his duties with the Company or the Partnership (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to mental or physical illness) after a demand in writing for substantial performance is delivered by the Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Executive has not substantially performed his duties, and such failure results in demonstrably material injury to the Company or the Partnership.

The Executive’s employment shall not be considered to have been terminated by the Company or the Partnership for Cause if such termination took place as the result of (i) the Executive’s bad judgment or negligence or (ii) any act or omission believed by the Executive in good faith to have been in or not opposed to the best interest of the Company or the Partnership. The Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to him a notice of termination, approved by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for him, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive was guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses a, b, or c, above, of Item 1 of this Section D, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

  2. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated for Cause, the Executive shall be paid his full base salary through the date of termination at the rate in effect at the time notice of termination is given, and neither the Company nor the Partnership shall have any further obligations to the Executive under this Plan or otherwise, except as may be provided under the terms of any written agreement between/among the Executive and the Company and/or the Partnership.

 

E. DEEMED TERMINATION AFTER CHANGE IN CONTROL :

Any of the following events shall be deemed to be a termination of the Executive’s employment (a “Deemed Termination” or “Deemed Terminated”) by the Company and/or the Partnership if they occur within twenty-four (24) months following a Change in Control:

 

  1.

Forced relocation of the Executive’s place of employment by the greater of thirty-five (35) miles, or the distance constituting a “material change in the geographic

 

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location” of the Executive’s place of employment (within the meaning of Section 409A).

 

  2. Reduction of the Executive’s base salary or significant reduction of his responsibility.

 

  3. Elimination of the Executive’s job.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not have incurred a Deemed Termination unless:

 

  a. Executive incurs a “separation from service” (as the term is defined under Section 409A) within the twenty-four (24) month period following the effective date of the Change in Control; and

 

  b. Executive provides notice to the Company within ninety (90) days of the event that constitutes the Deemed Termination; and

 

  c. The Company has at least thirty (30) days in which to remedy its action.

 

F. SEVERANCE PAYMENT IF TERMINATION OCCURS AFTER CHANGE IN CONTROL :

If, at any time within twenty-four (24) months after a Change in Control occurs, the Executive’s employment with the Company and/or the Partnership is involuntarily terminated (other than for Cause, as described in Section D) or the Executive incurs a Deemed Termination hereunder (within the meaning of Section E, above), then subject to Item 6 of this Section F , the Partnership and/or the Company shall make the following cash payments and provide the following benefits to the affected Executive:

 

  1. President and/or Chief Executive Officer

 

  a. If the Executive is the President and/or Chief Executive Officer, three (3) times average annual Cash Compensation (as defined in Item 6 of this Section F) for the previous three (3) years (or for the period of such Executive’s employment with the Company or Partnership if less than three (3) years) preceding the calendar year in which the Change in Control occurred, less One United States Dollar (US $1.00); and

 

  b. For a thirty-six- (36-) month period after the date of termination or Deemed Termination, the Partnership or the Company shall provide life, disability, accident, and health insurance benefits substantially similar to those that were received or entitled to be received by the Executive immediately before termination. If re-employment occurs, neither the Company nor the Partnership shall provide these benefits any longer.

 

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  2. Chief Operating Officer

Chief Financial Officer

 

  a. If Executive is either the Chief Operating Officer or the Chief Financial Officer, two and one-half (2.5) times average annual Cash Compensation (as defined in Item 6 of this Section F) for the previous three (3) years (or for the period of such Executive’s employment with the Company or Partnership if less than three (3) years) preceding the calendar year in which the Change in Control occurred, less One United States Dollar (US $1.00); and

 

  b. For a thirty- (30-) month period after the date of termination or Deemed Termination, the Partnership or the Company shall provide life, disability, accident, and health insurance benefits substantially similar to those that were received or entitled to be received by such Executive immediately before termination. If re-employment occurs, neither the Company nor the Partnership shall provide these benefits any longer.

 

  3. Corporate Vice President, Administration

Corporate Vice President, Planning & Design

Regional Vice Presidents

Corporate Division Heads

 

  a. If the Executive is the Corporate Vice President, Administration; Corporate Operating Officer; a Regional Vice President; or a Corporate Division Head, two (2) times average annual Cash Compensation (as defined in Item 6 of this Section F) for the previous three (3) years (or for the period of such Executive’s employment with the Company or Partnership if less than three (3) years) preceding the calendar year in which the Change in Control occurred, less One United States Dollar (US $1.00); and

 

  b. For a twenty-four- (24-) month period after the date of termination, the Partnership or the Company shall provide life, disability, accident, and health insurance benefits substantially similar to those that were received or entitled to be received by such Executive immediately before termination. If re-employment occurs, neither the Company nor the Partnership shall provide these benefits any longer.

 

  4. General Managers

 

  a. If the Executive is a General Manager, ninety percent (90%) of two (2) times average annual Cash Compensation (as defined in Item 6 of this Section F) for the previous three (3) years (or for the period of such Executive’s employment with the Company or Partnership if less than three (3) years) preceding the calendar year in which the Change in Control occurred; and

 

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  b. For a twelve- (12-) month period after the date of termination, the Partnership or the Company shall provide life, disability, accident, and health insurance benefits substantially similar to those that were received or entitled to be received by such Executive immediately before termination. If re-employment occurs, neither the Company nor the Partnership shall provide these benefits any longer.

 

  5. Certain other Executives as designated by the Board

 

  a. Such cash amounts as designated by the Board.

 

  b. Such benefits, if any, as designated by the Board.

 

  6. Definitions and Conditions to Payments, Benefits, and Reimbursements

 

  a. For purposes of this Item 6 of Section F, “Cash Compensation” is defined, with respect to any calendar year, as (i) the total salary payable in such calendar year, (ii) the annual cash bonuses earned by the Executive during such calendar year, and accrued by the Company and/or the Partnership with respect to such calendar year, notwithstanding the fact that a portion of such bonuses may be paid to the Executive by March 15 of the following calendar year in compliance with the short-term deferral rule under Section 409A, and (iii) respect to any multi-year cash bonuses, the amount actually paid in such calendar year. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Cash Compensation does not include payments or benefits to the Executive under any employee benefit or fringe benefit plan, program, or arrangement or awards or payments under the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program, as such plans, programs, or arrangements currently exist or are hereafter amended. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Item 6 of Section F, cash payments under Section F shall be made not later than sixty (60) days following the date of the Executive’s involuntary termination (other than a termination for Cause) or Deemed Termination following the Change in Control.

 

  b. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section F, to the extent that a payment, benefit, or reimbursement constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A:

 

  (i) In compliance with Section 409A, no payment or benefit shall be paid or provided unless and until Executive has incurred a “separation from service” (as defined under Section 409A) at the time his employment is terminated.

 

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  (ii) In compliance with Section 409A, in the event Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A) at the time his employment is terminated, no payments hereunder shall be made, or benefits conferred, prior to the first day that is six (6) months after the date of his “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A). Any lump-sum payments that are subject to the “specified employee” six- (6-) month delay under Section 409A shall be paid, and any delayed provision of benefits shall commence (with retroactive effect), within the first five (5) business days after the expiration of such six- (6-) month delay. Any delayed installments shall be accumulated, such that seven (7) months of payments shall be paid once payments commence, within the first five (5) business days after the expiration of such six- (6-) month delay. In each case, if such five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, the Executive shall not have a right to designate the taxable year of payment.

 

  (iii) In compliance with Section 409A, to the extent that an Executive would receive reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Section F:

(A) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement and the provision of in-kind benefits during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or the provision of in-kind benefits in any other calendar year;

(B) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(C) The right to reimbursement or right to in-kind benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

  c. Except as otherwise provided in a written agreement between/among an Executive and the Partnership and/or the Company, the cash payments and provision of benefits shall be in lieu of any further salary payment and provision of benefits for periods after the date of the involuntary termination or Deemed termination unless otherwise required by law.

 

  d. The payment of any amounts and provision of any benefits under this Section F are conditioned upon the execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement and release in a form mutually acceptable to the Executive and the Company and/or Partnership.

 

  e.

No payment or benefit shall be paid or provided if the terms of any written employment agreement between/among an Executive and the Company

 

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and/or the Partnership provides that an Executive shall not have rights to payments or benefits under this Plan.

 

G. TERMINATION PRIOR TO CHANGE OF CONTROL :

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in any written employment agreement between/among an Executive and the Company and/or the Partnership, in the event of an Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or the Partnership, for any reason, before a Change in Control, the Executive’s rights under this Plan will terminate simultaneously with the Executive’s termination of employment.

 

H. INCOME TAX PROTECTION PROVISIONS :

The payments and benefits described herein are intended to meet the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. However, if the Internal Revenue Service shall determine that any payment or entitlement hereunder subjects an affected Executive to the additional tax described in Code Sections 409A(a)(1)(B)(i) and (ii), then the Partnership and/or the Company shall “gross up” the payments and benefits described in Section F (that is, pay an additional amount to the Executive), such that the total cash and benefits paid by the Partnership to the Executive pursuant to Section F and the aforementioned gross up, net of: (a) the additional tax described in Code Sections 409A(a)(1)(B)(i) and (ii) imposed on such Executive, and (b) the income tax liability attributable to such gross up, shall equal the amount described in Section F above for such Executive; provided that such gross-up payment shall be made by the end of the Executive’s taxable year next following his taxable year in which he remits such taxes under Section 409A.

 

I. EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS :

Nothing contained herein, either express or implied, shall be construed as a contract of employment or as a creation of any right of employment on behalf of an Executive or of any duty by the Company or the Partnership prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control. Except as otherwise provided in this Section I or in any written agreement between/among an Executive and the Company and/or the Partnership, to the extent that an Executive has a written employment agreement with the Company and/or the Partnership, this Plan shall be considered a term and condition of any such employment agreement.

 

J. NO SEGREGATION OF ASSETS :

Neither the Company nor the Partnership shall be required to segregate any assets with respect to benefits under this Plan, and nothing herein shall be deemed to result in any pledge or encumbrance on any of their properties.

 

K. TAX REPORTING AND WITHHOLDING :

The Company and/or Partnership or any agent of the Company and/or the Partnership shall report all income required to be reported, and withhold from any payment under this Plan the amount of withholding taxes due, in the opinion of the Company and/or Partnership in respect of such income or payment and shall take any other action as may be necessary, in the opinion of the Company and/or Partnership, to satisfy all obligations for the reporting of such income and

 

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payment of such taxes. The Company, the Partnership, the Board, or any delegatee shall not be held liable for any taxes, penalties, interest, or other monetary amounts owed by the Executive or other person as a result of the deferral or payment of any amounts under this Plan or as a result of the Company’s administration of amounts subject to the Plan, except as expressly provided herein.

 

L. ASSIGNMENT AND ALIENATION PROHIBITED :

Neither the Executive, his surviving spouse, nor other beneficiaries shall have the power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecate, mortgage, commute, modify, or otherwise encumber, in advance, any of the amounts payable hereunder, nor shall any of such payments be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance owed by the Executive or his beneficiary, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or otherwise.

*    *     *

 

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Exhibit 10.2

CEDAR FAIR, L.P. AMENDED AND RESTATED

2000 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Amended and Restated: July 18, 2007

SECTION 1. PURPOSE.

The purposes of the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) are to encourage employees of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the “Company”) and its Affiliates (the Company and its Affiliates are herein collectively referred to as “Cedar Fair”), and its general partner, Cedar Fair Management, Inc. (“CFMI”), and their respective officers and directors, to acquire a proprietary and vested interest in the growth and performance of Cedar Fair, to generate an increased incentive to contribute to Cedar Fair’s future success and prosperity, thus enhancing the value of Cedar Fair for the benefit of its limited partners (or unitholders), and to enhance the ability of Cedar Fair to attract and retain individuals of exceptional managerial talent upon whom, in large measure, the sustained progress, growth and profitability of Cedar Fair depends.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.

As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) “Affiliate” shall mean an employer with which the Company would be considered a single employer under Sections 414(b) and 414(c) of the Code including, without limitation, Magnum Management Corporation.

(b) “Award” shall mean any Option, Unit Appreciation Right, Restricted Unit Award, Performance Unit, Distribution Equivalent, Other Unit Award, or any other right, interest, or option relating to Units or other securities of the Company granted pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.

(c) “Award Agreement” shall mean any written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document evidencing any Award granted by the Committee hereunder and signed by both the Company and the Participant.

(d) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of CFMI.

(e) “CFMI” means Cedar Fair Management, Inc.

(f) “Change in Control” shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company that constitutes a “change in control” under Section 409A of the Code (applied by analogy as if the Company were a corporation).

(g) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.


(h) “Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, composed of no fewer than three directors, each of whom is a Non-Employee Director, or any other committee or designee of the Board that the Board authorizes to administer this Plan; provided, however, that Awards to, and other determinations hereunder with respect to, Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder shall, to the extent practicable, be made by the Board or by a committee of the Board meeting the requirements of Rule 16b-3(d)(1) under the Exchange Act, as from time to time amended or superseded.

(i) “Company” shall mean Cedar Fair, L.P. a Delaware limited partnership.

(j) “Distribution Equivalent” shall mean any right granted pursuant to Section 13(i) hereof.

(k) “Eligible Person” shall mean any key employee of the Company, any Affiliate, or CFMI and any officer or director thereof (including directors who are not employees of the Company or any Affiliate) designated in the sole discretion of the Committee to be eligible to participate in the Plan.

(l) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.

(m) “Fair Market Value” shall mean, with respect to any property, the fair market value of such property determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee in accordance with applicable law, including Section 409A. Fair Market Value with respect to Units shall mean the closing price on the trading day before the applicable date, such as the date of grant or the date of exercise.

(n) “Non-Employee Director” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 16b-3(b)(3) promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act or any successor definition adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(o) “Option” shall mean a right granted to a Participant by the Committee under Section 6 hereof.

(p) “Other Unit Award” shall mean any right granted to a Participant by the Committee pursuant to Section 10 hereof.

(q) “Participant” shall mean an Eligible Person who is selected by the Committee to receive an Award under the Plan.

(r) “Performance Award” shall mean any Award of Performance Units pursuant to Section 9 hereof.

(s) “Performance Period” shall mean that period established by the Committee at the time any Performance Award is granted during which any performance goals specified by the Committee with respect to such Award are to be measured.

 

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(t) “Performance Unit” shall mean any Performance Award granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof of a Unit valued by reference to a designated number of Units or other property, which value may be paid to the Participant by delivery of such property as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Units, or any combination thereof, upon achievement of such performance goals during the Performance Period.

(u) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company, other entity or government or political subdivision thereof.

(v) “Restricted Unit” shall mean any Unit issued with the restrictions that the holder must perform substantial services for Cedar Fair and may not sell, transfer, pledge, or assign such Unit and with such other restrictions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may impose (including, without limitation, any restriction on the right to vote such Unit, and the right to receive any cash distributions) which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in installments or otherwise, as the Committee specifies pursuant to Section 8.

(w) “Restricted Unit Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Unit under Section 8 hereof.

(x) “Retirement” shall mean a Separation from Service at or after attainment of age 62.

(y) “Schedule A” shall mean the Schedule A of the Plan, which deals with procedures for deferring those Awards (other than Options and Unit Appreciation Rights) that may be deferred under Section 409A.

(z) “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and the April 10, 2007, final regulations issued thereunder.

(aa) “Separation from Service” shall mean the termination of employment of an employee with the Company and all Affiliates and, if applicable with CFMI; provided, however, that an approved leave of absence shall not be considered a termination of employment if the leave does not exceed six (6) months or, if longer, so long as the employee’s right to reemployment is provided either by statute or by contract. Whether an employee has incurred a Separation from Service shall be determined in accordance with Section 409A, including, without limitation, the rules applicable to spin-offs and sales of assets.

(bb) “Specified Employee” shall mean a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A.

(cc) “Unit” shall mean a unit of limited partnership interest of the Company.

(dd) “Unit Appreciation Right” shall mean any right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 7 hereof.

 

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SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION.

The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have full power and authority, subject to such orders or resolutions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as may from time to time be adopted by the Board, to:

(a) Select the Eligible Persons to whom Awards may from time to time be granted hereunder;

(b) Determine the type or types of Award to be granted to each Participant hereunder;

(c) Determine the number of Units to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

(d) Determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder;

(e) Determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be settled in cash, Units, or other property or canceled or suspended;

(f) Determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Units and other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under this Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant pursuant to Schedule A;

(g) Interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement entered into under the Plan;

(h) Establish such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and

(i) Make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for administration of the Plan.

Decisions of the Committee shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all persons including the Company, any Participant, any unitholder, and any Eligible Person of the Company, any Affiliate, or CFMI. A majority of the members of the Committee may determine its actions and fix the time and place of its meetings.

SECTION 4. DURATION OF, AND UNITS SUBJECT TO, PLAN.

(a) TERM . Subject to the provisions of Section 15 below, the Plan shall remain in effect for ten (10) years after the Effective Date.

(b) UNITS SUBJECT TO THE PLAN . The maximum number of Units with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c) of the Plan, is four million eight hundred thirty thousand (4,830,000) Units. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Participant may be granted Awards in any one calendar year with respect to more than two-hundred thousand (200,000) Units, except that the foregoing

 

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limitation shall not apply to Awards contemplated by the restructuring of CFMI’s executive compensation as described in the Company’s proxy statement dated July 26, 2000, for the Special Meeting of Unitholders called to be held August 25, 2000.

For the purpose of computing the total number of Units available for Awards under the Plan, there shall be counted against the foregoing limitations the number of Units subject to issuance upon exercise or settlement of Awards as of the dates on which such Awards are granted. The Units which were previously subject to Awards shall again be available for Awards under the Plan if any such Awards are forfeited, terminated, unexercised at the time of expiration, settled in cash, or exchanged for other Awards (to the extent of such forfeiture or expiration of such Awards), or if the Units subject thereto can otherwise no longer be issued. Further, any Units which are used as full or partial payment to the Company by a Participant of the purchase price upon exercise of an Option shall again be available for Awards under the Plan.

Units which may be issued under the Plan may be either authorized and unissued Units or issued Units which have been reacquired by the Company. No fractional Units shall be issued under the Plan.

(c) CHANGES IN UNITS . In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, Unit dividend, Unit split, reverse Unit split, spin off or similar transaction, or other change in legal structure affecting the Units, such adjustments and other substitutions shall be made to the Plan and to Awards as the Committee in its sole discretion deems equitable or appropriate, including without limitation such adjustments in the aggregate number, class, and kind of Units which may be delivered under the Plan, in the aggregate or to any one Participant, in the number, class, kind, and exercise price of Units subject to outstanding Options, Unit Appreciation Rights, or other Awards granted under the Plan, and in the number, class, and kind of Units subject to Awards granted under the Plan (including, if the Committee deems appropriate, the substitution of similar options to purchase the shares of, or other awards denominated in the shares of, another company) as the Committee may determine to be appropriate in its sole discretion; provided that the number of Units or other securities subject to any Award shall always be a whole number and provided the Committee shall consider the requirements of Section 409A in making such adjustments and substitutions.

SECTION 5. ELIGIBILITY.

Any Eligible Person shall be eligible to be selected as a Participant, except that any member of the Committee shall not participate in his own selection as a Participant, or in the grant of any Award to such member of the Committee.

SECTION 6. UNIT OPTIONS.

(a) IN GENERAL . Options may be granted hereunder to Participants either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan; provided that no other Award may have the effect of reducing the exercise price of an Option.

Any Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve. Any such Option shall be subject

 

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to the following terms and conditions and to such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:

(b) DATE OF GRANT . For purposes of the Plan, a grant shall be considered to have been made when the Committee has fixed for each Option the identity of the Eligible Employee, the maximum numbers of Units, and the minimum exercise price; provided that there is no unreasonable delay in giving notice of the grant to the Participant.

(c) EXERCISE PRICE . The exercise price per Unit purchasable under an Option shall never be less than the Fair Market Value of the Unit on the date of grant of the Option.

(d) NUMBER OF OPTIONED UNITS . The number of Units subject to an Option shall be fixed on the date of grant of the Option.

(e) TERM . The term of each Option shall be fixed on the date of grant of the Option.

(f) EXERCISABILITY . Options shall be exercisable at such time or times as determined by the Committee at or subsequent to grant; provided that any extension of an Option shall result in exercise no later than the earlier of the latest date upon which the Option would have expired by its original terms or the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the date of grant of the Option.

(g) METHOD OF EXERCISE . Subject to the other provisions of the Plan, any Option may be exercised by the Participant in whole or in part at such time or times as specified in the Award Agreement. The Participant may make payment of the Option price in such form or forms, including, without limitation, payment by delivery of cash, Units, or other consideration (including, where permitted by law and the Committee, vested Awards) having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the total Option price, or by any combination of cash, Units, and other consideration as specified in the applicable Award Agreement.

(h) NO DEFERRAL FEATURE . No Option shall have any feature that would allow for the deferral of compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) other than the deferral of recognition of gain until the later of the exercise or disposition of the Option or the time the stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of the Option first becomes substantially vested (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.83-3(b)).

SECTION 7. UNIT APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

(a) IN GENERAL . The Committee may grant a Participant a right to receive, upon exercise by the Participant, the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of one Unit on the date of exercise or, if the Committee shall so determine, at any time during a specified period before the date of exercise over (ii) the exercise price. Unit Appreciation Rights may be granted hereunder to Participants either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan and may, but need not, relate to a specific Option granted under Section 6. The provisions of Unit Appreciation Rights need not be the same with respect to each recipient. The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any Unit Appreciation Right as it shall deem appropriate.

 

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(b) UNIT APPRECIATION RIGHTS RELATED TO OPTIONS. Any Unit Appreciation Right related to an Option may be granted at the same time the Option is granted or at any time thereafter before exercise or expiration of such Option. In the case of any Unit Appreciation Right related to any Option, the Unit Appreciation Right or applicable portion thereof shall terminate and no longer be exercisable upon the termination or exercise of the related Option, except that a Unit Appreciation Right granted with respect to less than the full number of Units covered by a related Option shall not be reduced until the exercise or termination of the related Option exceeds the number of Units not covered by the Unit Appreciation Right. Any Option related to any Unit Appreciation Right shall no longer be exercisable to the extent the related Unit Appreciation Right has been exercised.

(c) DATE OF GRANT. For purposes of the Plan, a grant shall be considered to have been made when the Committee has fixed for each Unit Appreciation Right the identity of the Eligible Employee, the maximum numbers of Units, and the minimum exercise price; provided that there is no unreasonable delay in giving notice of the grant to the Participant.

(d) EXERCISE PRICE . The exercise price per Unit Appreciation Right shall never be less than the Fair Market Value of the Unit on the date of grant.

(e) NUMBER OF UNIT APPRECIATION RIGHTS . The number of Units subject to a Unit Appreciation Right shall be fixed on or before the date of grant.

(f) TERM. The term of each Unit Appreciation Right shall be fixed on the date of grant.

(g) EXERCISABILITY . Unit Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable at such time or times as determined by the Committee at or subsequent to grant; provided that any extension of a Unit Appreciation Right shall result in exercise no later than the earlier of the latest date upon which the Unit Appreciation Right would have expired by its original terms or the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the date of grant.

(h) COMPENSATION UPON EXERCISE . The compensation payable upon exercise of a Unit Appreciation Right shall not be greater than the excess of the Fair Market Value of a Unit on the date of exercise over the Fair Market Value of a Unit on the date of grant times the number of Unit Appreciation Rights exercised. Any payment by the Company in respect of such right may be made in cash, Units, other property, or any combination thereof, as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine.

(i) NO DEFERRAL FEATURE . No Unit Appreciation Right shall have any feature that would allow for the deferral of compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) other than the deferral of recognition of income until the exercise of the Unit Appreciation Right.

SECTION 8. RESTRICTED UNIT AWARDS.

(a) IN GENERAL . Restricted Unit Awards may be issued hereunder to Participants, for no cash consideration or for such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law, either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan. The provisions of Restricted Unit Awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient.

 

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(b) REGISTRATION . Any Restricted Units issued hereunder may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee in its sole discretion shall deem appropriate, including, without limitation, book-entry registration or issuance of a unit certificate or certificates. In the event any unit certificate is issued in respect of Restricted Units awarded under the Plan, such certificate shall be registered in the name of the Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Award.

(c) FORFEITURE . Except as otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant, upon a Participant’s termination of employment for any reason during the restriction period, all Restricted Units still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by the Participant and reacquired by the Company; provided that in the event of a Participant’s Retirement, permanent disability, death, or in cases of special circumstances, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, when it finds that a waiver would be in the best interests of the Company, waive in whole or in part any or all remaining restrictions with respect to such Participant’s Restricted Units. Unrestricted Units, evidenced in such manner as the Committee shall deem appropriate, shall be issued to the grantee promptly after the expiration of the period of forfeiture.

SECTION 9. PERFORMANCE AWARDS.

(a) GRANTS . Performance Awards may be granted hereunder to Participants, for no cash consideration or for such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law, either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan. The performance criteria to be achieved during any Performance Period, the length of the Performance Period, and the time and form of payment of Performance Awards shall be determined and specified by the Committee upon the grant of each Performance Award.

(b) PAYMENT OF PERFORMANCE AWARDS .

(i) Determination of Award . Determination of the performance levels achieved for each Performance Period and the amount of the Award to be distributed shall be conclusively determined by the Committee.

(ii) Payment of Award . Except as provided in Section 11 (Change in Control), Performance Awards will be paid only after the end of the relevant Performance Period. Performance Awards may be paid in cash, Units, other property, or any combination thereof, in the sole discretion of the Committee at the time of payment. Subject to Section 9(b)(iii), Performance Awards shall be paid in a lump sum within seventy-five (75) days following the close of the Performance Period; provided that the Committee may in the alternative at the time of grant specify a number of installment payments and the period over and time at which they will be paid and provided further that if such seventy-five- (75-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, the Participant shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment.

(iii) In the event that payment of Performance Awards as provided in Section 9(b)(ii) to Participants who incur Retirement is considered to be payment “upon” Separation from Service, payment to any Participant who is a Specified Employee shall not be made until

 

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the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day after such Specified Employee Participant’s Retirement.

(c) FORFEITURES . Except as determined by the Committee at the time of grant, a Participant who, before the end of the relevant Performance Period, incurs a Separation from Service for any reason other than death or Retirement, shall forfeit any unpaid Performance Award. Performance Awards of Participants who die or who incur Retirement prior to the end of the Performance Period shall be prorated, unless the Committee determines otherwise.

SECTION 10. OTHER UNIT AWARDS.

(a) IN GENERAL . Other Awards of Units and other Awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, Units or other property (“ Other Unit Awards ”) may be granted hereunder to Participants, either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan. The provisions of Other Unit Awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient.

(b) TERMS AND CONDITIONS . Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority to determine the Eligible Persons to whom and the time or times at which such Awards shall be made, the number of Units to be granted pursuant to such Awards, and all other conditions of the Awards; provided that the time and form of payment ( e.g ., lump sum or installments over a fixed number of years beginning on a specified date) shall be specified at the time the Other Unit Award is granted. In the event that payment of such Other Unit Awards to Participants who incur Retirement is considered to be payment “upon” Separation from Service, payment to any Participant who is a Specified Employee shall not be made until the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day after such Specified Employee Participant’s Retirement. Units (including securities convertible into Units) granted under this Section 10 may be issued for no cash consideration or for such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law. Units (including securities convertible into Units) purchased pursuant to a purchase right awarded under this Section 10 shall be purchased for such consideration as the Committee shall in its sole discretion determine, which shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of such Units or other securities as of the date such purchase right is awarded. Other Unit Awards may be paid in Units, other securities of the Company, cash, or any other form of property as the Committee shall determine.

SECTION 11. CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS.

(a) IMPACT OF EVENT . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, unless the Committee shall determine otherwise at the time of grant with respect to a particular Award, in the event of a Change in Control:

(i) Any Options and Unit Appreciation Rights outstanding as of the date such Change in Control is determined to have occurred, and which are not then exercisable and vested, shall become fully exercisable and vested to the full extent of the original grant.

(ii) The restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any Restricted Unit shall lapse, and such Restricted Unit shall become free of all restrictions and limitations and become

 

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fully vested and transferable to the full extent of the original grant.

(iii) All Performance Awards shall be considered to be earned and payable in full, and any deferral or other restriction shall lapse, and such Performance Awards shall be immediately settled or distributed.

(iv) The restrictions and deferral limitations and other conditions applicable to any Other Unit Awards or any other Awards shall lapse, and such Other Unit Awards or such other Awards shall become free of all restrictions, limitations, or conditions and become fully vested and transferable to the full extent of the original grant.

(b) CHANGE IN CONTROL CASH-OUT . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, a Participant holding an Option shall have the right, (whether or not the Option is fully exercisable and in lieu of the payment of the purchase price for the Units being purchased under the Option, during the sixty- (60-) day period from and after a Change in Control (the “Exercise Period”), by giving notice to the Company, to elect (within the Exercise Period) to surrender all or part of the Option to the Company and to receive cash, within thirty (30) days of such notice, in an amount equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value per Unit on the date of such election shall exceed the Option price (the “Spread”) multiplied by the number of Units under the Option being exercised (cashed out).

(c) POOLING OF INTERESTS . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, if any grant or right under the Plan would make a Change in Control transaction ineligible for pooling-of-interests accounting under APB No. 16 that (after giving effect to any other actions taken to cause such transaction to be eligible for such pooling-of-interests accounting treatment) but for the nature of such grant or right would otherwise be eligible for such accounting treatment, the Committee shall have the ability to substitute for cash payable pursuant to such grant or right Units with a Fair Market Value equal to the cash that would otherwise be payable.

SECTION 12. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION.

The Board may amend, alter, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration, or discontinuation shall be made that would impair the rights of an optionee or Participant under an Award theretofore granted, without the optionee’s or Participant’s consent. The Committee may amend the terms of any Award, prospectively or retroactively; provided that no such amendment shall impair the rights of any Participant without his consent and provided further that the Committee shall consider the impact of such amendment under Section 409A.

SECTION 13. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

(a) Unless the Committee determines otherwise at the time the Award is granted (taking into consideration the impact of the Code, including without limitation Sections 83 and 409(A)), no Award, and no Units subject to Awards described in Section 10 which have not been issued or as to which any applicable restriction, performance or deferral period has not lapsed, may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; provided that, if so determined by the Committee, a Participant may, in the manner established by the Committee, designate a beneficiary to exercise the rights of the

 

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Participant with respect to any Award upon the death of the Participant. Each Award shall be exercisable, during the Participant’s lifetime, only by the Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

(b) The term of each Award shall be for such period of months or years from the date of its grant as may be determined by the Committee at the time of grant.

(c) No Eligible Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Eligible Persons under the Plan.

(d) The prospective recipient of any Award under the Plan shall not, with respect to such Award, be deemed to have become a Participant, or to have any rights with respect to such Award, until and unless such recipient shall have executed a written agreement or other written instrument evidencing the Award and delivered a fully executed copy thereof to the Company and otherwise complied with the then applicable terms and conditions.

(e) The Committee shall be authorized to make adjustments in Performance Award criteria or in the terms and conditions of other Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company or its financial statements or changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable to carry it into effect. In the event the Company shall assume outstanding employee awards or the right or obligation to make future awards in connection with the acquisition of another corporation or business entity, the Committee may, in its discretion, make such adjustments in the terms of Awards under the Plan as it shall deem appropriate; provided that the Committee considers the impact of such adjustments under Section 409A.

(f) The Committee shall have full power and authority to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances any Award shall be canceled or suspended. In particular, but without limitation, all outstanding Awards to any Participant shall be canceled if the Participant, without the consent of the Committee while employed by the Company or after termination of such employment, becomes associated with, employed by, renders services to, or owns any interest in (other than any nonsubstantial interest, as determined by the Committee), any business that is in competition with the Company or with any business in which the Company has a substantial interest as determined by the Committee.

(g) All certificates for Units delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award shall be subject to such stock-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Units are then listed, and any applicable Federal or state securities law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

(h) The Committee shall be authorized to establish procedures, as provided in Schedule A hereto, pursuant to which the payment of any Award may be deferred.

(i) Subject to the provisions of this Plan and any Award Agreement, the recipient of an Award (including, without limitation, any deferred Award) other than an Option or a Unit

 

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Appreciation Right may, if so determined by the Committee at the time of grant, be entitled to receive, currently or on a deferred basis, interest or distributions, or interest or distribution equivalents, with respect to the number of Units covered by the Award, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and the Committee may provide that such amounts (if any) shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Units or otherwise reinvested.

(j) Except as otherwise required in any applicable Award Agreement or by the terms of the Plan, recipients of Awards under the Plan shall not be required to make any payment or provide consideration more than the rendering of services.

(k) The Company shall be authorized to report income with respect to an Award and to withhold from any Award granted or payment due under the Plan the amount of withholding taxes due in respect of an Award or payment hereunder and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes. The Committee shall be authorized to establish procedures for election by Participants to satisfy such withholding taxes by delivery of, or directing the Company to retain, Units.

(l) Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to unitholder approval if such approval is otherwise required; and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

(m) The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and applicable Federal law.

(n) If any provision of this Plan is or becomes or is deemed invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan, it shall be stricken and the remainder of the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

(o) Awards may be granted to Eligible Persons who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States, or both, on such terms and conditions different from those specified in the Plan as may, in the judgment of the Committee, be necessary or desirable in order to recognize differences in local law or tax policy. The Committee also may impose conditions on the exercise or vesting of Awards in order to minimize the Company’s obligation with respect to tax equalization for Eligible Persons on assignments outside their home country.

(p) SECTION 409A. To the extent applicable, the Company intends that this Plan comply with Section 409A, and this Plan shall be construed in a manner to comply with Section 409A. Should any provision be found not in compliance with Section 409A. Should any provision be found not in compliance with Section 409A, the Participants shall be contractually obligated to execute any and all amendments to Awards deemed necessary and required by legal counsel for the Company to achieve compliance with Section 409A. By acceptance of an Award, Participants irrevocably waive any objections they may have to the amendments required

 

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by Section 409A. Participants also agree that in no event shall any payment required to be made pursuant to this Plan that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A be accelerated in violation of Section 409A. In the event a Participant is a Specified Employee, and payments that are nonqualified deferred compensation cannot commence until the lapse of six (6) months after a Separation from Service, then any such payments that are required to be paid in a single lump sum shall be made on the date which is six (6) months and one (1) day after the Participant’s Separation from Service. Furthermore, the first six (6) months of any such payments of nonqualified deferred compensation that are required to be paid in installments shall be paid on the date which is six (6) months and one (1) day following the Participant’s Separation from Service. All remaining installment payments shall be made or provided as they would ordinarily have been under the provisions of this Plan and the Award Agreement.

SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN.

The Plan was originally effective on January 1, 2000, subject to approval of the Plan by the Company’s Unitholders (the “ Effective Date ”). Awards made under the Plan prior to approval of the Plan by the Company’s Unitholders was contingent on such approval and, in the event that the Company’s Unitholders failed to approve the Plan, the Plan would have been null and void. The Plan has been amended and restated in accordance with Section 409A, effective June 20, 2007, and prior to such date the Plan has been administered in good faith compliance with Section 409A.

SECTION 15. TERM OF PLAN.

No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan after ten (10) years from the Effective Date, but any Award theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.

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SCHEDULE A

TO THE

CEDAR FAIR, L.P. AMENDED AND RESTATED

2000 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

If the Committee so determines in compliance with Section 409A, Participants may elect to defer Awards pursuant to this Schedule A . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Schedule A, compensation upon the exercise of an Option or a Unit Appreciation Right cannot be deferred.

A.1. Definitions

(a) “Performance-Based Compensation” means compensation, the amount of which, or the entitlement to which, is contingent on the satisfaction of pre-established organizational or individual performance criteria relating to a performance period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months. Performance criteria shall be established in writing not later than ninety (90) days after the commencement of the period of service to which the criteria relate; provided that the outcome is substantially uncertain at the time the criteria are established. Compensation shall not be Performance-Based Compensation if any amount or portion will be paid regardless of performance or if the outcome is based upon a level of performance that is substantially certain to be met at the time the criteria are established.

A.2. Deferral Elections

A Participant’s election to defer shall be made pursuant to a written or electronic form and shall specify the percentage of Award being deferred in accordance with Section A.4 and the time and form of payment in accordance with Section A.6. The deferral election, including the election of the time and form of payment, shall be irrevocable as of the dates specified in Section A.3. Pursuant to Section A.6, a Participant may make a subsequent election to delay payment and change the form of payment of a deferral.

A.3. Timing of Deferral Elections

(a) Award That Is Not Performance-Based Compensation. In the case of an Award that is not Performance-Based Compensation, a Participant may, not later than the December 31 immediately preceding the calendar year in which the service period for the Award begins, elect to defer all or a portion of the Award. Such election shall be irrevocable as of the end of each December 31 with respect to an Award payable for services to be performed in the immediately following calendar year (or such longer period related to the Award) for which an election has been made.

(b) Award That Is Performance-Based Compensation. In the case of an Award that is Performance-Based Compensation, a Participant may, not later than six (6) months before the end of the performance period, elect to defer all or a portion of the Award; (i) provided that the Participant has continuously performed services from the later of the beginning of the performance period or the date the performance criteria are established through the date the

 

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election is made and (ii) provided further that in no event shall such election be made after such compensation has become readily ascertainable.

(c) First Year of Eligibility. In the first year in which an employee becomes eligible to participate in the Plan (taking into consideration eligibility under all other nonqualified elective account balance plans of the Company and any Affiliate that are required to be aggregated with the Plan under Section 409A in determining whether such year is in fact the first year of eligibility (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(a)(7)(ii)) under a “plan” that includes the Plan), such employee may make an initial deferral election within thirty (30) days of becoming first eligible with respect to that portion of his Award attributable to services to be performed subsequent to the election and ending on the last day of the performance period. Such an election shall be irrevocable.

A.4. Amount of Deferrals

(a) Participation for Entire Performance Period . The amount to be deferred shall be irrevocably specified in the Participant’s deferral election form as a percentage of the Award. In the case of participation for the full performance period, the minimum amount that can be deferred from any type of Award shall be ten percent (10%) and the maximum percentage shall be one hundred percent (100%).

(b) Participation for Less Than Full Performance Period . If a Participant has participated for less than the full performance period and is permitted to make a deferral election under Section A.3(c):

 

  (i) The minimum deferral shall be limited and calculated as follows: the total Award for the performance period shall be multiplied by the ratio of (A) the number of days remaining in the performance period as of the date the Participant submits an election form to the Committee over (B) the total number of days in the performance period, and that amount shall be multiplied by the minimum percentage set forth in (a) above; and

 

  (ii) The maximum deferral shall be limited and calculated as follows: the total Award for the performance period shall be multiplied by the ratio of (A) the number of days remaining in the performance period as of the date the Participant submits an election form to the Committee over (B) the total number of days in the performance period, and that amount shall be multiplied by the maximum percentage set forth in (a) above.

A.5. Establishment of Accounts.

(a) Background. In order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A and to facilitate administration of nonqualified deferrals thereunder, the deferred accounts under the Plan have been bifurcated effective January 1, 2005.

Committee deferral procedures, as in effect on October 3, 2004 (“ Frozen Procedures ”), have been frozen and shall not be modified except as permitted under Section 409A so as to preserve the grandfathered status of deferrals and related earnings thereunder. Deferrals retained

 

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under the Frozen Procedures shall be those Awards earned and vested as of December 31, 2004, as well as income attributable to such grandfathered Awards.

Awards earned or vested after December 31, 2004, including those for 2005, 2006, and 2007, although technically deferred under the Frozen Procedures, have been made and administered in good faith in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A. Such non-grandfathered deferrals of Awards and related earnings have been transferred to, and have become part of, accounts under this Schedule A.

(b) Establishment of Accounts. Beginning with the performance period beginning on or after January 1, 2005, there shall be established for each Participant who deferred or defers an Award an account under this Schedule A (“ Account ”). An Account shall also be established for any Participant with undistributed deferrals under the Frozen Procedures that are not eligible for grandfathered treatment under Section 409A.

Deferred Awards attributable to a Participant’s deferral elections shall be allocated to the Participant’s Account at the time that such Award would otherwise have been paid had no election to defer been made.

In addition, the Account of a Participant, as well as any Participant or former Participant in the Frozen Procedures, shall be credited with (i) that portion, if any, of his undistributed account balance under the Frozen Procedures not eligible for grandfathered treatment under Section 409A, and (ii) deferrals for calendar years 2005, 2006, and 2007, which were made and administered in good faith in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, and corresponding debits shall be made to the applicable account balance under the Frozen Procedures.

To facilitate the operation of this Schedule A, the Committee may direct the establishment and maintenance of sub-accounts within a Participant’s Account (for example, a sub-account for transfers of amounts from the Frozen Procedures). Accounts shall continue to be maintained until paid out pursuant to the terms of this Schedule A.

(c) Deemed Investments. The Committee, in its discretion, may specify certain investments, including one or more investment options under a qualified plan maintained by the Company or an Affiliate, and may invest amounts deferred under the Plan in such investments (collectively, the “ investment options ”) at their then current fair market value. The Committee is not obligated to make these or any other particular investment options available or, if made available at any one time, to continue to make them available. All investments shall at all times continue to be a part of the Company’s or Affiliate’s or CFMI’s general assets for all purposes. A Participant will have no rights as a shareholder, including voting rights, with respect to the investment options representing his Account.

If the Committee makes any investment options available to Participants, each Participant may be permitted to direct how his Account is invested among the investment options at the time deferral elections are made. The Committee may also allow Participants to change or reallocate investment options for their Accounts, from time to time. If applicable, the Committee will deem a Participant’s Accounts to be invested in accordance with the Participant’s directions as

 

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soon as practicable after the Committee has deemed such amount to have been earned. Any deemed purchases shall be at the then current fair market value.

(d) Earnings and/or Losses. At least once each calendar year while a Participant has a credit balance in his Account, the Committee shall credit Accounts with earnings and/or losses, if any, for the period since the last such crediting and determine the value of each Participant’s Account at such time. The earnings and/or losses may either be credited on the basis of the earnings and/or losses allocable to the Participant’s directed portion of the investment options, if any, Units, or a predetermined reasonable interest rate, as specified by the Committee prior to the applicable calendar year. The Committee also reserves the right to adjust the earnings (or losses) credited to Accounts and to determine the value of Accounts as of any date to reflect the Company’s and/or Affiliate’s and/or CFMI’s tax and other costs of providing the Plan.

A.6. Time and Form of Payment

(a) Payment. Any amounts payable under the Plan will be made solely in cash and and/or Units and not in the form of any other property or securities, notwithstanding any investment option hereunder.

(b) Payment upon Separation from Service

 

  (i) Participants Who are Not Specified Employees. A Participant who is not a Specified Employee shall be eligible to receive payment of his Account in one lump-sum payment or in installments following his Separation from Service, as specified in his deferral election pursuant to Section A.3. Installments shall be calculated by dividing the Participant’s Account balance as of the end of the month in which his Separation from Service occurs (and as of the date of each subsequent installment payment) by the number of installments remaining to be paid.

 

 

(ii)

Participants Who Are Specified Employees. A Participant who is a Specified Employee shall be eligible to receive payment of his Account in one lump-sum payment on the first day of the seventh (7 th ) month following his Separation from Service or in installments beginning on the first day of the seventh (7 th ) month following his Separation from Service, as specified in his deferral election pursuant to Section A.3. Annual installments shall be calculated by dividing the Participant’s Account balance as of the end of the fifth month following the month in which his Separation from Service occurs (and as of the date of each subsequent installment payment) by the number of installments remaining to be paid. Installments for the first six months shall be accumulated and paid with the installment for the seventh month. Other installments shall be paid in accordance with the Participant’s deferral election.

(c) Specified Time . In accordance with a Committee-approved form that complies with Section 409A, a Participant may elect to receive payment of his Account in a single-sum

 

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payment or in substantially equal installments at a specified time that is nondiscretionary and objectively determinable at the time the deferral is elected.

(d) Payment upon Death. If a Participant dies while or before receiving payments of his Account, the Committee shall pay his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries any remaining payments of his Account in one lump-sum payment within ninety (90) days following the Participant’s death; provided that where the ninety- (90-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, neither the estate nor any beneficiary of the Participant shall have a right to designate the taxable year of payment.

The Committee shall provide Participants with the form for designating a beneficiary or beneficiaries. A Participant may change his beneficiary designation at any time (without the prior consent of any prior beneficiary) by executing a revised beneficiary designation form and delivering it to the Committee before his death. If no beneficiary is designated, or if the designated beneficiary predeceases the Participant or cannot be located, any death benefits shall be paid to the Participant’s estate.

(e) Payment upon Change in Control. Notwithstanding any provision of this Schedule A to the contrary, upon a Change in Control, the Committee shall direct that the Accounts of Participants under the Plan shall be paid to Participants within thirty (30) days following the Change in Control; provided that where the thirty- (30-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, the Participant shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment.

(f) Section 409A Violation. If this Schedule A fails to meet the requirements of Section 409A with respect to a Participant, the Committee shall distribute the amount required to be included in such Participant’s gross income as a result of such failure within thirty (30) days of the Committee’s determination of such compliance failure; provided that where the thirty- (30-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, the Participant shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment.

(g) Subsequent Elections. A Participant may, to the extent permitted by the Committee, elect to delay payment or to change the form of payment elected if all the following conditions are met:

 

  (i) Such election will not take effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the election is made; and

 

  (ii) The payment with respect to which such election is made is deferred for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date such payment would otherwise be made; and

 

  (iii) Any election for a “specified time (or pursuant to a fixed schedule)” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(iv) of the Code, may not be made less than twelve (12) months prior to the date of the first scheduled payment.

 

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For purposes of this Section A.6(g), installment payments shall be treated as a single payment.

(h) No Acceleration. Except as permitted under Section 409A, no acceleration of the time or form of payment of a Participant’s Account shall be permitted.

A.7. Claims Procedures

Generally benefits shall be paid under this Schedule A without the necessity of filing a claim. A Participant, beneficiary, or other person who believes he is entitled to a benefit under Schedule A (hereinafter referred to as the “ Claimant ”) may file a written claim with the Committee. A claim must state with specificity the determination desired by the Claimant.

The Committee shall consider the Claimant’s claim within a reasonable time, but no later than ninety (90) days of receipt of the claim. If the Committee determines that special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, the Committee shall notify the Claimant in writing of the extension before the end of the initial ninety (90)-day period and the written notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Committee expects to make a decision. The extension of time shall not exceed ninety (90) days from the end of the initial ninety (90)-day period.

The Committee shall notify the Claimant (in writing or electronically) that a determination has been made and that the claim is either allowed in full or denied in whole or in part. If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the Committee shall notify (in writing or electronically) such Claimant or an authorized representative of the Claimant, as applicable, of any adverse benefit determination within ninety (90) days of receipt of the claim. Any adverse benefit determination notice shall describe the specific reason or reasons for the denial, refer to the specific Plan provisions on which the determination was based, describe any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect his claim and explain why that material or information is necessary, describe the Plan’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to those procedures, including a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following a denial upon review. If the notification is made electronically, it must comply with applicable Department of Labor Regulations.

Upon receipt of an adverse benefit determination, a Claimant may, within sixty (60) days after receiving notification of that determination, submit a written request asking the Board to review the Claimant’s claim. Each Claimant, when making his request for review of his adverse benefit determination, shall have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records, and any other information relating to the claim for benefits. Each Claimant shall also be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to such Claimant’s claim for benefits. The review shall take into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by the Claimant relating to the claim, regardless of whether the information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. If a Claimant does not submit his request for review in writing within the sixty (60)-day period described above, his claim shall be deemed to have been conclusively determined for all purposes of the Plan and the adverse benefit determination will be deemed to be correct.

 

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If the Claimant submits in writing a request for review of the adverse benefit determination within the sixty (60)-day period described above, the Board (or its designee) shall notify (in writing or electronically) him of its determination on review within a reasonable period of time but not later than sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of his request for review, unless the Board (or its designee) determines that special circumstances require an extension of time. If the Board (or its designee) determines that an extension of time for processing a Claimant’s request for review is required, the Board (or its designee) shall notify him in writing before the end of the initial sixty (60)-day period and inform him of the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Board (or its designee) expects to render its determination on review. The extension of time will not exceed sixty (60) days from the end of the initial sixty (60)-day period.

If the Board (or its designee) confirms the adverse benefit determination upon review, the notification will describe the specific reason or reasons for the adverse determination, refer to the specific Plan provisions on which the benefit determination is based, include a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the Claimant’s claim and include a statement describing the Claimant’s right to bring an action under ERISA Section 502(a), and any other required information under applicable Department of Labor Regulations. The claims procedure described above shall be administered in a manner not inconsistent with ERISA Section 503 and applicable Department of Labor Regulations.

A Claimant’s compliance with the foregoing claims procedures shall be a mandatory prerequisite to the Claimant’s right to commence any legal action with respect to any claim for benefits under the Plan.

*****

 

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Exhibit 10.3

CEDAR FAIR, L.P. AMENDED AND RESTATED

2000 SENIOR EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN

Amended and Restated: July 18, 2007

 

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Senior Executive Management Incentive Plan (“Plan”) is to provide certain employees of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the “Company”), and its Affiliates and its general partner, Cedar Fair Management, Inc., with incentive compensation based on the achievement of financial, business, and other performance criteria. To achieve this purpose, the Plan provides for the authority to grant Cash Incentive Awards.

 

2. DEFINITIONS

As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) “Affiliate” means an employer with which the Company would be considered a single employer under Sections 414(b) and 414(c) of the Code, including, without limitation, Magnum Management Corporation.

(b) “Award Target” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Management, Inc.

(d) “Cash Incentive Award” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.

(e) “CFMI” means Cedar Fair Management, Inc.

(f) “Change in Control” means a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company that constitutes a “change in control” under Section 409A of the Code (applied by analogy as if the Company were a corporation).

(g) “ Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(h) “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board, or any other committee or designee of the Board that the Board authorizes to administer the Plan.

(i) “Company” means Cedar Fair, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

(j) “Company Performance Measures” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.

(k) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any law that supersedes or replaces it, as amended from time to time.


(l) “Participant” means any person to whom a Cash Incentive Award has been granted under the Plan.

(m) “ Plan” means the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Senior Executive Management Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

(n) “ Retirement ” means a Separation from Service on or after attainment of age 62.

(o) “Schedule A” means Schedule A of the Plan, which provides for deferrals of Cash Incentive Awards.

(p) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code, and the April 10, 2007, final regulations issued thereunder.

(q) “Separation from Service” means the termination of employment of an employee with the Company and all Affiliates and, if applicable, CFMI; provided, however, that an approved leave of absence shall not be considered a termination of employment if the leave does not exceed six (6) months or, if longer, so long as the employee’s right to reemployment is provided either by statute or by contract. Whether an employee has incurred a Separation from Service shall be determined in accordance with Section 409A, including, without limitation, the rules applicable to spin-offs and sales of assets.

(r) “Specified Employee” means a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

3. ELIGIBILITY :

All key employees of the Company, its Affiliates, and CFMI that are designated or selected by the Committee pursuant to Section 4 hereof shall be eligible to receive Cash Incentive Awards.

 

4. ADMINISTRATION :

(a) Committee. Subject to Section 4(b), the Plan will be administered by the Committee. The Committee will, subject to the terms of the Plan, have the authority to: (i) designate or select the eligible employees of the Company and its Affiliates who will receive Cash Incentive Awards, (ii) determine the Cash Incentive Awards to be granted, (iii) determine the terms, conditions, performance periods (which may be a full fiscal year or a longer or shorter period of time), and restrictions applicable to the Cash Incentive Awards, (iv) prescribe the forms of any notices, agreements, or other instruments relating to the Cash Incentive Awards, (vi) grant the Cash Incentive Awards, (vi) adopt, alter, and repeal rules governing the Plan, (viii) interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Cash Incentive Awards granted under the Plan, and (ix) otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan. All decisions by the Committee will be made with the approval of not less than a majority of its members.

(b) Delegation. The Committee may delegate any of its authority to any other person or persons that it deems appropriate.

 

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(c) Decisions Final. All decisions by the Committee, and by any other person or persons to whom the Committee has delegated authority, will be final and binding on all persons.

(d) Expenses. The expenses of the administration of the Plan shall be borne by the Company, its Affiliates, and CFMI.

 

5. ADJUSTMENT OF CASH INCENTIVE AWARDS :

In its sole discretion, the Committee may, but is not required to, make an adjustment in a Participant’s Cash Incentive Award to take into account: (i) acquisitions and investments closed or completed during the applicable performance period that were not already taken into account in the Participant’s Cash Incentive Award for such period; (ii) the effect of any major change in accounting principles during the applicable performance period; and/or (iii) the effect of any major reorganization within the Company or any Affiliate during the applicable performance period.

 

6. CASH INCENTIVE AWARD :

A Cash Incentive Award is payable in cash at the time specified by the Committee pursuant to Section 7 and is contingent upon the achievement of performance measures established by the Committee for the Participant. Each Participant to whom a Cash Incentive Award is granted is paid a base salary designed to be competitive in the marketplace, with the salary level determined by the Committee. The target amount of the Cash Incentive Award for each Participant shall be a percentage of the Participant’s base salary for the performance period, subject to adjustment as provided in this Section 6 (the “Award Target”), as determined by the Committee, in the range of fifty percent (50%) to one hundred percent (100%) of a Participant’s base salary.

Prior to the commencement of the performance period, the Committee shall determine and set forth in writing (a) the length of the performance period and (b) reasonable performance measures (with such multiple levels of performance and such relative weights as the Committee may determine and which may or may not be readily quantifiable) for the performance period for each Participant in the Plan, which may be the same as or different from the performance measures established by the Committee for other Participants and may include individual performance measures that are specific to that Participant and/or performance measures determined on a Company, Affiliate, business unit, management function or other basis, in such combination as the Committee determines to be reasonable under the circumstances.

A performance period may be equal to, more than, or less than a full fiscal year of the Company, but in no event less than one fiscal quarter. The individual Participant’s actual Cash Incentive Award amount for the applicable performance period will be determined by the extent to which the Participant’s individual performance measures are achieved for the applicable performance period, as adjusted to reflect the relative weights determined by the Committee for the respective performance measures. In its discretion based on factors it deems relevant, the Committee may adjust a Participant’s actual Cash Incentive Award payout for a performance period up or down from the payout the Participant would receive based on achievement of performance measures, but, except as provided in the next paragraph of this Section 6, in no

 

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event may any upward adjustment result in a Cash Incentive Award in excess of the Award Target.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the performance measures applicable to a Participant for the applicable performance period are achieved at a level greater than that which, subject to the Committee’s discretion in adjusting Cash Incentive Awards as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, would entitle the Participant to receive a Cash Incentive Award at the Award Target, the Committee, in its discretion based on factors it deems relevant, may increase the Participant’s Cash Incentive Award for the applicable performance period to an amount not in excess of one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the Award Target. In addition, and notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 6, (x) no amounts shall be payable under the Plan to a Participant if none of the Participant’s performance measures for the applicable performance period are met and (y) the aggregate amount of all Cash Incentive Awards paid for the applicable performance period shall not exceed the limits, if any, imposed on the payment of cash bonuses under the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as heretofore or hereafter amended or restated.

 

7. PAYMENT AND DEFERRAL OF CASH INCENTIVE AWARD :

(a) Payment . Except as provided in Section 9, a Cash Incentive Award for a particular performance period shall be paid in a lump sum at a time specified before the beginning of the performance period as follows:

 

  (i) If the performance period consists of one calendar quarter that is the first, second, or third calendar quarter but not the fourth calendar quarter, the payment date shall be a date within the ninety- (90-) day period that begins on the first day immediately following the end of such calendar quarter;

 

  (ii) If the performance period consists of one calendar quarter that is the fourth calendar quarter, the payment date shall be a date within the period January 1 to March 15 of the immediately following calendar year;

 

  (iii) If the performance period consists of two or three consecutive calendar quarters that include the first, second, or third calendar quarters but not the fourth calendar quarter, the payment date shall be a date within the ninety- (90-) day period that begins on the first day immediately following the end of such calendar quarter;

 

  (iv) If the performance period consists of two or three consecutive calendar quarters that include the fourth calendar quarter, the payment date shall be a date or dates within the period January 1 to March 15 of the immediately following calendar year;

 

  (v) If the performance period consists of a calendar year, the payment date shall be a date or dates within the period January 1 to March 15 of the immediately following calendar year;

 

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  (vi) If the performance period consists of more than one calendar year, the payment date shall be the applicable date based upon the final quarter of the performance period as provided in (a)(i) through (v) above.

In no event shall any payment be made in a calendar year other than the calendar year as provided in Section 7(a)(i) through (vi) above, and in no event shall any payment date be advanced by more than thirty (30) days prior to the specified payment date.

(b) Deferral . Notwithstanding the foregoing payment dates, the Committee may permit Participants to defer the payment of some or all of their Cash Incentive Awards in accordance with the requirements of Schedule A of the Plan.

 

8. TAXES ASSOCIATED WITH CASH INCENTIVE AWARD :

The Company or Affiliate or CFMI (or any agent of the Company or Affiliate or CFMI) shall report all income required to be reported, and withhold from any payment under the Plan the amount of withholding taxes due, in the opinion of the Company or Affiliate or CFMI, in respect of such income or payment and shall take any other action as may be necessary, in the opinion of the Company or Affiliate or CFMI, to satisfy all obligations for the reporting of such income and payment of such taxes. The Company, the Board, the Committee, any Affiliate, CFMI, or any delegatee shall not be held liable for any taxes, penalties, interest, or other monetary amounts owed by a Participant or other person, including any taxes, penalties, and/or interest under Section 409A, as a result of the payment or deferral of any amounts under the Plan or as a result of the Committee’s administration of the Plan.

 

9. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT :

(a) If a Participant incurs a Retirement before the end of a performance period, his Cash Incentive Award shall be prorated; provided that:

 

  (i) Payment is made no earlier than in the normal course in accordance with Section 7; and

 

  (ii) In the event a Participant is a Specified Employee at the time the Participant incurs a Retirement, no payments hereunder shall be made prior to the first day that is six (6) months after the date of his Retirement; provided that this Section 9(a) shall be effective only to the extent that such payment would constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A. Any Cash Incentive Award subject to the “specified employee” six- (6-) month delay and otherwise payable under this Section 9(a) shall be paid at the later of (x) within the first five (5) business days after the expiration of such six- (6-) month delay (provided that if such five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, the Participant shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment), or (y) the time specified in accordance with Section 7.

(b) If a Participant incurs a Separation from Service because of death, his Cash Incentive Award shall be prorated and paid within ninety (90) days following the Participant’s

 

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death; provided that where the ninety- (90-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, neither the estate nor any beneficiary of the Participant shall have a right to designate the taxable year of payment.

(c) Except as provided in Sections 9(a) and 9(b), Participants who incur a Separation from Service shall forfeit their entire Cash Incentive Award, unless the Committee determines irrevocably by December 31 of the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year that contains the first quarter of a performance period that payments will be prorated and paid upon Separation from Service for any reason.

 

10. TERMINATION OF CASH INCENTIVE AWARDS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS :

A Participant shall forfeit any unpaid Cash Incentive Award, as well as any unpaid awards deferred under Schedule A , if the Committee determines that the Participant, without the prior written consent of the Company, has engaged in any of the following activities:

(a) Rendering services to an organization, or engaging in a business, that is, in the sole judgment of the Committee, in competition with the Company or any Affiliate, or

(b) Disclosing to anyone outside of the Company or any Affiliate, or using for any purpose other than the Company’s or an Affiliate’s business, any material confidential information or material relating to the Company or any Affiliate, whether acquired by the Participant during or after employment with the Company and/or any Affiliate.

The Committee may, in its discretion and as a condition to the payment of a Cash Incentive Award, require a Participant to acknowledge in writing that he or she has not engaged in any activities referred to in Section 10(a) and (b) above.

 

11. CHANGE IN CONTROL :

In the event of a Change in Control, all Cash Incentive Awards will be deemed to have been earned as if the target achieved were one hundred percent (100%). Any Cash Incentive Award shall be paid to all Participants who were employed on the effective date of the Change in Control within thirty (30) days following the Change in Control; provided that if the thirty- (30-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, the Participant shall not have a right to designate the taxable year of payment.

 

12. AMENDMENT OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN :

The Board may amend or suspend the Plan at any time; provided that no such amendment or suspension shall cause the payment of any Cash Incentive Award to be accelerated or delayed except as permitted under Section 409A.

 

13. NO TRUST :

Neither the Plan nor any Cash Incentive Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any

 

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Affiliate and any Participant. To the extent that the Participant acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or an Affiliate in respect of any Cash Incentive Award (whether or not deferred under Schedule A ), such rights shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

14. NONASSIGNABILITY :

Prior to payment, no Cash Incentive Award (whether or not deferred under Schedule A ) may be transferred or assigned by the Participant to whom it is granted other than by will, pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution, or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. A Cash Incentive Award granted under the Plan may be paid, during the Participant’s lifetime, only to the Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative or the alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order.

 

15. GOVERNING LAW :

The interpretation, validity, and enforcement of the Plan will be governed by the law of the State of Delaware.

 

16. RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES :

Nothing in the Plan will confer upon any Participant the right to continued employment by the Company, any of its Affiliates, or CFMI or limit in any way the Company’s, an Affiliate’s, or CFMI’s right to terminate any Participant’s employment at will.

 

17. EFFECTIVE AND TERMINATION DATES :

(a) Effective Date. Originally effective on the date it was approved by the Board, but with effect from January 1, 2000, the Plan, as amended and restated for Section 409A, is effective June 20, 2007 .

(b) Termination Date. The Plan will continue in effect until terminated by the Board; provided, however, that such termination shall be in compliance with Section 409A.

[The balance of this page was intentionally left blank.]

 

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SCHEDULE A

TO THE

CEDAR FAIR, L.P. AMENDED AND RESTATED

2000 SENIOR EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN

If the Committee so determines in compliance with Section 409A, Participants may elect to defer their Cash Incentive Award pursuant to this Schedule A .

A.1. Definitions

(a) “Performance-Based Compensation” means compensation that is not equity-based compensation, and the amount of which, or the entitlement to which, is contingent on the satisfaction of pre-established organizational or individual performance criteria relating to a performance period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months. Performance criteria shall be established in writing not later than ninety (90) days after the commencement of the period of service to which the criteria relate; provided that the outcome is substantially uncertain at the time the criteria are established. Compensation shall not be Performance-Based Compensation if any amount or portion will be paid regardless of performance or if the outcome is based upon a level of performance that is substantially certain to be met at the time the criteria are established.

A.2. Deferral Elections

A Participant’s election to defer shall be made pursuant to a written or electronic form and shall specify the percentage of Cash Incentive Award being deferred in accordance with Section A.4 and the time and form of payment in accordance with Section A.6. The deferral election, including the election of the time and form of payment, shall be irrevocable as of the dates specified in Section A.3. Pursuant to Section A.6, a Participant may make a subsequent election to delay payment and change the form of payment of a deferral.

A.3. Timing of Deferral Elections

(a) Cash Incentive Award That Is Not Performance-Based Compensation. In the case of a Cash Incentive Award that is not Performance-Based Compensation, a Participant may, not later than the December 31 immediately preceding the calendar year in which the performance period for the Cash Incentive Award begins, elect to defer all or a portion of the Cash Incentive Award. Such election shall be irrevocable as of the end of each December 31 with respect to a Cash Incentive Award payable for services to be performed in the immediately following calendar year (or such longer period related to the Cash Incentive Award) for which an election has been made.

(b) Cash Incentive Award That Is Performance-Based Compensation. In the case of a Cash Incentive Award that is Performance-Based Compensation, a Participant may, not later than six (6) months before the end of the performance period, elect to defer all or a portion of the Cash Incentive Award; (i) provided that the Participant has continuously performed services from the later of the beginning of the performance period or the date the performance criteria are established through the date the election is made and (ii) provided further that in no event shall such election be made after such compensation has become readily ascertainable.

 

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(c) First Year of Eligibility. In the first year in which an employee becomes eligible to participate in the Plan (taking into consideration eligibility under all other nonqualified elective account balance plans of the Company and any Affiliate that are required to be aggregated with the Plan under Section 409A in determining whether such year is in fact the first year of eligibility (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(a)(7)(ii)) under a “plan” that includes the Plan), such employee may make an initial deferral election within thirty (30) days of becoming first eligible with respect to that portion of his Cash Incentive Award attributable to services to be performed subsequent to the election and ending on the last day of the performance period. Such an election shall be irrevocable.

A.4. Amount of Deferrals

(a) Participation for Entire Performance Period . The amount to be deferred shall be irrevocably specified in the Participant’s deferral election form as a percentage of the Cash Incentive Award. In the case of participation for the full performance period, the minimum amount that can be deferred from any type of Compensation for a Plan Year shall be ten percent (10%), and the maximum percentage shall be one hundred percent (100%).

(b) Participation for Less Than Full Performance Period . If a Participant has participated for less than the full performance period and is permitted to make a deferral election under Section A.3(c):

 

  (i) The minimum deferral shall be limited and calculated as follows: the total Cash Incentive Award for the performance period shall be multiplied by the ratio of (A) the number of days remaining in the performance period as of the date the Participant submits an election form to the Committee over (B) the total number of days in the performance period, and that amount shall be multiplied by the minimum percentage set forth in (a) above; and

 

  (ii) The maximum deferral shall be limited and calculated as follows: the total Cash Incentive Award for the performance period shall be multiplied by the ratio of (A) the number of days remaining in the performance period as of the date the Participant submits an election form to the Committee over (B) the total number of days in the performance period, and that amount shall be multiplied by the maximum percentage set forth in (a) above.

A.5. Establishment of Accounts.

(a) Background. In order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A and to facilitate administration of nonqualified deferrals thereunder, the deferred accounts under the Plan have been bifurcated effective January 1, 2005.

Committee deferral procedures, as in effect on October 3, 2004 (“ Frozen Procedures ”), have been frozen and shall not be modified except as permitted under Section 409A so as to preserve the grandfathered status of deferrals and related earnings thereunder. Deferrals retained under the Frozen Procedures shall be those Cash Incentive Awards earned and vested as of December 31, 2004, as well as income attributable to such grandfathered awards.

 

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Cash Incentive Awards earned or vested after December 31, 2004, including those for 2005, 2006, and 2007, although technically deferred under the Frozen Procedures, have been made and administered in good faith in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A. Such non-grandfathered deferrals of Cash Incentive Awards and related earnings have been transferred to, and have become part of, accounts under this Schedule A .

(b) Establishment of Accounts. Beginning with the performance period beginning on or after January 1, 2005, there shall be established for each Participant who deferred or defers a Cash Incentive Award an account under this Schedule A (“ Account ”). An Account shall also be established for any Participant with undistributed deferrals under the Frozen Procedures that are not eligible for grandfathered treatment under Section 409A.

Deferred Awards attributable to a Participant’s deferral elections shall be allocated to the Participant’s Account at the time that such Award would otherwise have been paid had no election to defer been made.

In addition, the Account of a Participant, as well as any Participant or former Participant in the Frozen Procedures, shall be credited with (i) that portion, if any, of his undistributed account balance under the Frozen Procedures not eligible for grandfathered treatment under Section 409A, and (ii) deferrals for calendar years 2005, 2006, and 2007, which were made and administered in good faith in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, and corresponding debits shall be made to the applicable account balance under the Frozen Procedures.

To facilitate the operation of this Schedule A, the Committee may direct the establishment and maintenance of sub-accounts within a Participant’s Account (for example, a sub-account for transfers of amounts from the Frozen Procedures). Accounts shall continue to be maintained until paid out pursuant to the terms of this Schedule A.

(c) Deemed Investments. The Committee, in its discretion, may specify certain investments, including one or more investment options under a qualified plan maintained by the Company or an Affiliate, and may invest amounts deferred under the Plan in such investments (collectively, the “ investment options ”) at their then current fair market value. The Committee is not obligated to make these or any other particular investment options available or, if made available at any one time, to continue to make them available. All investments shall at all times continue to be a part of the Company’s or Affiliate’s or CFMI’s general assets for all purposes. A Participant will have no rights as a shareholder, including voting rights, with respect to the investment options representing his Account.

If the Committee makes any investment options available to Participants, each Participant may be permitted to direct how his Account is invested among the investment options at the time deferral elections are made. The Committee may also allow Participants to change or reallocate investment options for their Accounts, from time to time. If applicable, the Committee will deem a Participant’s Accounts to be invested in accordance with the Participant’s directions as soon as practicable after the Committee has deemed such amount to have been earned. Any deemed purchases shall be at the then current fair market value.

 

A- 3


(d) Earnings and/or Losses. At least once each calendar year while a Participant has a credit balance in his Account, the Committee shall credit Accounts with earnings and/or losses, if any, for the period since the last such crediting and determine the value of each Participant’s Account at such time. The earnings and/or losses may either be credited on the basis of the earnings and/or losses allocable to the Participant’s directed portion of the investment options, if any, or a predetermined reasonable interest rate, as specified by the Committee prior to the applicable calendar year. The Committee also reserves the right to adjust the earnings (or losses) credited to Accounts and to determine the value of Accounts as of any date to reflect the Company’s and/or Affiliate’s and/or CFMI’s tax and other costs of providing the Plan.

A.6. Time and Form of Payment

(a) Cash Payment Only. Any amounts payable under the Plan will be made solely in cash and not in the form of any other property or securities, notwithstanding any investment option hereunder.

(b) Payment upon Separation from Service

 

  (i) Participants Who are Not Specified Employees. A Participant who is not a Specified Employee shall be eligible to receive payment of his Account in one lump-sum payment or in installments following his Separation from Service, as specified in his deferral election pursuant to Section A.3. Installments shall be calculated by dividing the Participant’s Account balance as of the end of the month in which his Separation from Service occurs (and as of the date of each subsequent installment payment) by the number of installments remaining to be paid.

 

 

(ii)

Participants Who Are Specified Employees. A Participant who is a Specified Employee shall be eligible to receive payment of his Account in one lump-sum payment on the first day of the seventh (7 th ) month following his Separation from Service or in installments beginning on the first day of the seventh (7 th ) month following his Separation from Service, as specified in his deferral election pursuant to Section A.3. Annual installments shall be calculated by dividing the Participant’s Account balance as of the end of the fifth month following the month in which his Separation from Service occurs (and as of the date of each subsequent installment payment) by the number of installments remaining to be paid. Installments for the first six months shall be accumulated and paid with the installment for the seventh month. Other installments shall be paid in accordance with the Participant’s deferral election.

(c) Specified Time . In accordance with a Committee-approved form that complies with Section 409A, a Participant may elect to receive payment of his Account in a single-sum payment or in substantially equal installments at a specified time that is nondiscretionary and objectively determinable at the time the deferral is elected.

 

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(d) Payment upon Death. If a Participant dies while or before receiving payments of his Account, the Committee shall pay his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries any remaining payments of his Account in one lump-sum payment within ninety (90) days following the Participant’s death; provided that where the ninety- (90-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, neither the estate nor any beneficiary of the Participant shall have a right to designate the taxable year of payment.

The Committee shall provide Participants with the form for designating a beneficiary or beneficiaries. A Participant may change his beneficiary designation at any time (without the prior consent of any prior beneficiary) by executing a revised beneficiary designation form and delivering it to the Committee before his death. If no beneficiary is designated, or if the designated beneficiary predeceases the Participant or cannot be located, any death benefits shall be paid to the Participant’s estate.

(e) Payment upon Change in Control. Notwithstanding any provision of this Schedule A to the contrary, upon a Change in Control, the Committee shall direct that the Accounts of Participants under the Plan shall be paid to Participants within thirty (30) days following the Change in Control; provided that where the thirty- (30-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, the Participant shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment.

(f) Section 409A Violation. If this Schedule A fails to meet the requirements of Section 409A with respect to a Participant, the Committee shall distribute the amount required to be included in such Participant’s gross income as a result of such failure within thirty (30) days of the Committee’s determination of such compliance failure; provided that where the thirty- (30-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, the Participant shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment.

(g) Subsequent Elections. A Participant may, to the extent permitted by the Committee, elect to delay payment or to change the form of payment elected if all the following conditions are met:

 

  (i) Such election will not take effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the election is made; and

 

  (ii) The payment with respect to which such election is made is deferred for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date such payment would otherwise be made; and

 

  (iii) Any election for a “specified time (or pursuant to a fixed schedule)” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(iv) of the Code, may not be made less than twelve (12) months prior to the date of the first scheduled payment.

For purposes of this Section A.6(g), installment payments shall be treated as a single payment.

 

A- 5


(h) No Acceleration. Except as permitted under Section 409A, no acceleration of the time or form of payment of a Participant’s Account shall be permitted.

A.7. Claims Procedures

Generally benefits shall be paid under this Schedule A without the necessity of filing a claim. A Participant, beneficiary, or other person who believes he is entitled to a benefit under Schedule A (hereinafter referred to as the “ Claimant ”) may file a written claim with the Committee. A claim must state with specificity the determination desired by the Claimant.

The Committee shall consider the Claimant’s claim within a reasonable time, but no later than ninety (90) days of receipt of the claim. If the Committee determines that special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, the Committee shall notify the Claimant in writing of the extension before the end of the initial ninety (90)-day period and the written notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Committee expects to make a decision. The extension of time shall not exceed ninety (90) days from the end of the initial ninety (90)-day period.

The Committee shall notify the Claimant (in writing or electronically) that a determination has been made and that the claim is either allowed in full or denied in whole or in part. If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the Committee shall notify (in writing or electronically) such Claimant or an authorized representative of the Claimant, as applicable, of any adverse benefit determination within ninety (90) days of receipt of the claim. Any adverse benefit determination notice shall describe the specific reason or reasons for the denial, refer to the specific Plan provisions on which the determination was based, describe any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect his claim and explain why that material or information is necessary, describe the Plan’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to those procedures, including a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following a denial upon review. If the notification is made electronically, it must comply with applicable Department of Labor Regulations.

Upon receipt of an adverse benefit determination, a Claimant may, within sixty (60) days after receiving notification of that determination, submit a written request asking the Board to review the Claimant’s claim. Each Claimant, when making his request for review of his adverse benefit determination, shall have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records, and any other information relating to the claim for benefits. Each Claimant shall also be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to such Claimant’s claim for benefits. The review shall take into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by the Claimant relating to the claim, regardless of whether the information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. If a Claimant does not submit his request for review in writing within the sixty (60)-day period described above, his claim shall be deemed to have been conclusively determined for all purposes of the Plan and the adverse benefit determination will be deemed to be correct.

If the Claimant submits in writing a request for review of the adverse benefit determination within the sixty (60)-day period described above, the Board (or its designee) shall

 

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notify (in writing or electronically) him of its determination on review within a reasonable period of time but not later than sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of his request for review, unless the Board (or its designee) determines that special circumstances require an extension of time. If the Board (or its designee) determines that an extension of time for processing a Claimant’s request for review is required, the Board (or its designee) shall notify him in writing before the end of the initial sixty (60)-day period and inform him of the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Board (or its designee) expects to render its determination on review. The extension of time will not exceed sixty (60) days from the end of the initial sixty (60)-day period.

If the Board (or its designee) confirms the adverse benefit determination upon review, the notification will describe the specific reason or reasons for the adverse determination, refer to the specific Plan provisions on which the benefit determination is based, include a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the Claimant’s claim and include a statement describing the Claimant’s right to bring an action under ERISA Section 502(a), and any other required information under applicable Department of Labor Regulations. The claims procedure described above shall be administered in a manner not inconsistent with ERISA Section 503 and applicable Department of Labor Regulations.

A Claimant’s compliance with the foregoing claims procedures shall be a mandatory prerequisite to the Claimant’s right to commence any legal action with respect to any claim for benefits under the Plan.

*****

 

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Exhibit 10.4

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

AMENDED AND RESTATED SENIOR MANAGEMENT

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

Approved: November 7, 2002

Revised: July 18, 2007

 

A. PURPOSE :

Cedar Fair, L.P. (the “ Partnership ”) has established this Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ Plan ”) to provide long-term deferred cash and unit awards to certain key executive employees of Cedar Fair Management, Inc. and/or Magnum Management Corporation (both referred to herein as the “ Company ”), which, together with current cash compensation, will be sufficient to achieve market-level total direct compensation as determined by the Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Management, Inc. (the “ Board ”).

 

B. ELIGIBILITY :

This Plan will cover the Chief Executive Officer (“ CEO ”), General Managers and Corporate Vice Presidents who report directly to the CEO as designated by the Board. Participation in the Plan can be adjusted annually.

 

C. AWARDS :

 

  1. The base or target amount of deferred awards will be determined by the Board for each participant no later than March 31 of each year. The target awards will be converted to a base number of phantom Partnership units based on the Partnership’s closing market price on the date the Board determines the target (currently at the March Board meeting).

 

  2. Each year’s actual awards will be computed as of the end of the year as a percentage of the base number of phantom Partnership units for each participant, based on actual results achieved compared to the approved target for that year.

 

  3. For park General Managers, the target will be the same operating profit budget numbers used in the current incentive compensation plan, with a seventy-five percent (75%) weight given to the specific park’s results and twenty-five percent (25%) to consolidated totals for the Partnership.

 

  4. For the CEO and Corporate Vice Presidents, the target will be budgeted “cash available for distributions,” determined by the formula of operating profits (less interest), cash, taxes, and capital expenditures made for the year, but excluding non-cash charges such as unit options and asset retirements.

 

  5. The actual phantom Partnership unit awards will be computed as of the end of the year on the following scale:


      

% of Target

Achieved

  

% of

Award Earned

   
   Less than 80%    None  
   80%    10%  
   85%    25%  
   90%    50%  
   95%    75%  
   100%    90%  
   105%    100%  
   110%    110%  
   Each % over 110%    +2%  

 

 

6.         a.

All actual awards earned in a given year, plus accumulated phantom Partnership distributions on the phantom Partnership units from the date the original target awards were approved until paid, will be payable in cash or Partnership units (or a combination of cash and units), as determined by the Board in two annual installments, each equal to one-half (1/2) of the Partnership units awarded plus the phantom distributions on the phantom Partnership units accumulated to the time of distribution, in the third (3 rd ) and fourth (4 th ) years after the award year. For example, awards with respect to 2007 results would be payable in the first quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2011.

 

  b. Notwithstanding Section 6.a., actual awards for a given year, as well as any unpaid awards from prior years, shall be paid in a lump sum cash payment within ninety (90) days following the earliest of:

 

  (i) a Change in Control if the participant is employed on the effective date of the Change in Control;

 

  (ii) the participant’s death or Disability during employment; or

 

  (iii) the participant’s Retirement; provided that in the event the participant is a “ specified employee ” (as that term is defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the final regulations thereunder (collectively “ Section 409A ”)) at the time of his Retirement, no payment shall be made until the first day that is six (6) months after the date of his Retirement.

When a payment is made under this Section 6.b. and the ninety- (90-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in the subsequent calendar year, neither the participant nor any beneficiary of a participant shall have the right to designate the calendar year of payment.

 

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  c. In the calendar year of a Change in Control, participants will be treated as having earned the percentage of base award that would have been earned if the target achieved were one hundred percent (100%).

 

  7. Termination of employment prior to any payment will result in forfeiture of unpaid amounts, except as provided in Section 6.b.

 

D. DEFINITIONS :

 

  1. Change in Control ” shall mean a change in control of the Partnership as provided under Section 409A, if by analogy to the rules applicable to corporations under Section 409A, the partnership would be considered to have undergone a “change in control event” under Section 409A.

 

  2. Disability ” or “ Disabled ” shall mean:

 

  (i) If the participant is not covered under a disability insurance program of the Company, that the participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or

 

  (ii) If the participant is covered by a disability insurance program of the Company, that the participant is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company.

A participant shall be deemed to be Disabled if such participant is determined to be totally disabled by the United States Social Security Administration or if such participant is determined to be disabled in accordance with a disability insurance program maintained by the Company; provided that the definition of “disability” under such disability insurance program complies with the foregoing requirements.

 

  3. Retirement ” shall mean a participant’s “separation from service” (as that term is defined under Section 409A) on or after his attainment of age sixty-two (62).

 

E. MISCELLANEOUS :

 

  1. No acceleration of the time and form of payments and no substitutions for forfeited awards shall be made except in accordance with Section 409A.

 

  2. Any Plan amendments, including but not limited to those changing the time or form of payments, shall comply with Section 409A.

 

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  3. The Company and/or Partnership or any agent of the Company and/or the Partnership shall report all income required to be reported, and withhold from any payment under this Plan the amount of withholding taxes due, in the opinion of the Company and/or Partnership in respect of such income or payment and shall take any other action as may be necessary, in the opinion of the Company and/or Partnership, to satisfy all obligations for the reporting of such income and payment of such taxes. The Company, the Partnership, the Board, or any delegatee shall not be held liable for any taxes, penalties, interest, or other monetary amounts owed by the participant or other person as a result of the deferral or payment of any amounts under this Plan or as a result of the Company’s administration of amounts subject to the Plan, except as expressly provided herein.

*    *    *

 

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Exhibit 10.5

CEDAR FAIR, L.P. AMENDED AND RESTATED

SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Approved: November, 1992

Amended: October, 1994

Amended and Restated: July 18, 2007

 

I. BACKGROUND

 

  A.1. OVERVIEW .

The stockholders and share equivalent holders (“Officers”) of Cedar Fair Management Company (“ CFMC ”) were employees of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the “Partnership” ) and held the same offices in the Partnership as they did in CFMC. As a result, their base salaries, fringe benefits (including health insurance, provision of automobile as appropriate, etc.), employer contributions to the Partnership’s 401(k) plan and existing profit-sharing plan were all paid by and are responsibilities of the Partnership. CFMC, on the other hand, was responsible for and has full discretion to determine and set bonus and other incentive compensation payable to such Officers out of fee income and distributions receivable from serving as managing general partner of the Partnership. CFMC had an agreement with the Partnership for such payments. For tax and other reasons, all cash dividends, bonuses and current incentive compensation under this Plan were paid on or before the December 31 of the year in which the related services were performed.

Beginning in 1992, the Board of Directors of CFMC approved two new forms of deferred compensation to supplement the cash bonuses paid to Officers of CFMC, using a portion of the CFMC’s earnings as managing general partner of the Partnership. The Partnership agreed to accept responsibility for providing these deferred benefits and was reimbursed by CFMC for the amounts granted each year.

Cedar Fair Management, Inc., an Ohio corporation ( “CFMI” ), is the current general partner of the Partnership, as the successor to CFMC. The term “(i) “ Officers ” hereinafter refers to officers of CFMC and of CFMI, (ii) the term “ Company ” means CFMC or CFMI, and (iii) the term “ Board ” refers to the Board of Directors of CFMC or CFMI, during the relevant times in which CFMC was and CFMI is the general partner of the Partnership.

 

  A.2. AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT .

In order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the final regulations issued thereunder (collectively “Section 409A” ) and to facilitate administration of deferrals thereunder, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Bonus and Incentive Compensation Policy for Officers of Cedar Fair Management Company (“Pre-2005 Plan”) has been bifurcated into pre-2005 and post-2004 plan documents.

The terms of the Pre-2005 Plan as in effect on October 3, 2004, have been frozen and shall not be modified, except as permitted under Section 409A so as to preserve the


grandfathered status of deferrals and related earnings thereunder. Deferrals retained under the Pre-409A Plan are Officer elective deferrals, if any, deferred limited Partnership units, and Company credits for supplemental retirement benefits that were earned and vested as of December 31, 2004, and income attributable to such grandfathered deferrals.

Officer deferrals, if any, deferred limited Partnership units, and Company credits for supplemental retirement benefits that were earned or vested after December 31, 2004, including those for calendar years 2005, 2006, and 2007 although technically made under the Pre-409A Plan, were made and administered in good faith in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Such non-grandfathered deferrals, deferred limited Partnership units, Company credits, and related earnings have been transferred to, and have become part of, accounts under this post-2004 plan document, which has been renamed the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program ( “Plan” ). Officer deferrals, if any; deferred limited Partnership units, and Company credits for supplemental retirement benefits for Plan Year 2008 and later calendar years shall be made under this Plan.

 

  B. FUNDS AVAILABLE .

Funds are available for dividends and Officers’ bonus, incentive, and deferred compensation from the following sources (as defined in the Agreement of Limited Partnership):

 

  1) Management fee of .25% of the Partnership’s net revenues.

 

  2) .5% of cash distributions declared by the Partnership.

 

  3) Incentive fee of 18.18% of excess distributions declared by the Partnership.

For purposes of calculating the funds available each year, the anticipated fourth quarter distribution and any related incentive fees are included even though the distribution may not be formally declared until the end of the quarter.

 

  C. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AVAILABLE .

The total funds available to the Company each year will be allocated in the following manner:

 

  1) Dividends to stockholders of the Company and cash bonuses to Officers will be paid prior to December 31 each year in an aggregate amount not to exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the aggregate base salaries of the stockholders and share equivalent holders of the Company.

 

  2)

If the total funds available exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%), but are equal to or less than 200% of the aggregate base salaries of this group, this additional amount will be allocated, in approximately equal portions, to deferred compensation payable to Officers of the Company in the following forms (both as

 

- 2 -


 

hereinafter described, including the time and form of payment as required by Section 409A):

 

  (a) Deferred limited partnership units, and/or

 

  (b) Supplemental retirement benefits.

 

  3) If the total funds available exceed 200% of such aggregate base salaries, this balance will be allocated to Officers of the Company and/or to other employees of the Partnership, or their respective estates, in such manner and amounts as may be recommended by the Compensation Committee, after consultation with the Chief Executive Officer (“ CEO ”), and approved by the Board; provided that, in the case of any bonus, incentive, or benefit payable under this Plan that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A, on or before the December 31 immediately preceding the performance (service) year, the time and form of payment will have been fixed by the Compensation Committee in accordance with Section 409A.

 

  D. DIVIDENDS AND ANNUAL CASH BONUSES .

The declaration of dividends during a calendar year and the award of annual cash bonuses will be based on the success of the Partnership’s operations during the calendar year and on the performance of individual Officers during the same period. The CEO will first determine weighting factors for each Officer, based on his or her position, responsibilities, and other relevant factors, for purposes of making an initial allocation of available funds up to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the aggregate base compensation of the group. The weighting factors will be twenty percent (20%), thirty percent (30%), forty percent (40%), or fifty-five percent (55%) of a participating Officer’s base salary. After using these weighting factors to make an initial allocation, the CEO will recommend to the Compensation Committee any adjustments he deems appropriate based upon individual performance and contributions to the success of the Partnership.

All dividends and cash bonuses under this Section D shall be paid in a single sum by December 31 of the same calendar year that is the performance year ( “Payment Date” ). To be eligible to receive a cash bonus hereunder, an Officer must be employed by the Partnership on the Payment Date. So long as the payments are made by the Payment Date, the Board, at its discretion, may approve the payment of cash bonuses to Officers who die or incur a “Retirement” or “Disability” during the performance year.

For purposes of this Section I.D.:

 

  1) Disability ” or “ Disabled ” shall mean:

(a) If the Officer is not covered under a disability insurance program of the Partnership, that the Officer is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by

 

- 3 -


reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or

(b) If the Officer is covered by a disability insurance program of the Partnership, that the Officer is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Partnership.

For purposes of this Section I.D., an Officer shall be deemed to be Disabled if such Officer is determined to be totally disabled by the United States Social Security Administration or if such Officer is determined to be disabled in accordance with a disability insurance program maintained by the Partnership; provided that the definition of “disability” under such disability insurance program complies with the foregoing requirements.

2) “Retirement” or “Retire” or “Retiring” shall mean a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A on or after the Officer’s attainment of age 62.

 

  E. DEFERRED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNITS

Deferred units represent the right to receive newly issued Partnership units at specified future dates if an Officer is still employed by the Partnership at that time. The dollars allocated to each participant will be based on individual performance, as recommended by the CEO and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board, and will be converted to a number of deferred Partnership units based on the NYSE closing price on the first Monday in December of the year in which the related services are performed (the “Year of Grant ”). Thereafter, the deferred units will accrue additional deferred units on the date of each cash distribution paid by the Partnership, calculated at the NYSE closing price on that date, and will also be adjusted for any unit splits or other similar equity transactions which may occur.

To each participating Officer still employed by the Partnership or its successor on the first Monday in December three (3) years after the Year of Grant of deferred units, the Partnership will issue, on or after such first Monday in December and on or before December 31 of such year, new limited partnership units in the amount of one-third (1/3) of the units accrued from that year’s grant, together with accrued distributions thereon, rounded to the nearest whole unit. One year later, during the same period in December, one-half (1/2) of the remaining deferred units, together with accrued distributions, will be issued to participating Officers, and one more year later (five (5) years from the Year of Grant) the remaining balance, rounded to the nearest whole unit, will be issued to participating Officers who remain in the Partnership’s employ.

Notwithstanding the immediately foregoing paragraph, in the event of a participating Officer’s death or Disability (as defined in Section I.D.) during employment or a “Change in Control” of the Partnership (as defined below) while the Officer is employed, all accrued units of

 

- 4 -


such Officer will become fully vested and will be issued within thirty (30) days of such event; provided that if such 30-day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, the Officer (or his estate) will not have the right to designate the year of payment. Similarly, if a participating Officer Retires (as defined in Section I.D.), all accrued units of such Officer will become fully vested. If the Retiring Officer is not a “Specified Employee” (as defined in Section 409A) at the time of his Retirement, his accrued units will be issued within thirty (30) days of his Retirement; provided that if such thirty- (30-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, the Officer will not have the right to designate the year of payment. If the Retiring Officer is a Specified Employee at the time of his Retirement, his accrued units shall not be issued until the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day after such Officer’s Retirement.

Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, failure of an Officer to remain an employee of the Partnership on any payment date will result in the forfeiture of all unissued deferred units of the Officer.

For purposes of this Section I.E.:

A “ Change in Control ” of the Partnership shall mean a “change in control” of the Partnership within the meaning of Section 409A (applied by analogy as if the Partnership were a corporation).

With respect to persons subject to Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“1934 Act”), deferred unit transactions under this Plan are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the 1934 Act. To the extent any provision of the Plan or action by the Board of Directors fails to so comply, it shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Board.

 

II. SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS .

Supplemental retirement benefits represent the right to receive benefits from the Partnership upon “Retirement,” which for purposes of supplemental retirement benefits and this Section II means a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A at or after age sixty-two (62) with a minimum of twenty (20) years of service to the Partnership, its predecessors, and/or successors.

Each year discretionary supplemental retirement benefit amounts, if any, will be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board and allocated among participating Officers based upon reasonable assumptions. Each participating Officer shall have an account, which shall be credited with any benefit amounts allocated for a calendar year. Interest shall be credited, beginning on December 1 of the year of the first allocation and each year thereafter, at the prime rate as established from time to time by the Partnership’s lead bank.

Prior to 2005, supplemental retirement benefits were based on a target annual retirement benefit (including amounts projected to be available from the Partnership’s profit sharing

 

- 5 -


retirement plan) of fifty-seven and one-half percent (57.5%) of average base salary projected for the three years prior to retirement at age sixty-five (65).

No supplemental retirement benefit amounts, other than interest, have been allocated to accounts since 2004. The Compensation Committee of the Board shall revisit the supplemental retirement benefit formula should any amounts be allocated to participating Officers or other Officers in the future. In particular, the Compensation Committee will consider the impact of Section 409A on any formula and the extent to which any offsets under the Partnership’s profit sharing retirement plan are permissible thereunder.

Participants leaving the employ of the Partnership prior to reaching age 62 or with less than 20 years of service shall forfeit their entire account balance.

Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the event of a participating Officer’s death or Disability (as defined in Section I.D.) during employment, his account, if unvested, will become immediately and fully vested, and his account balance will be paid in a lump sum on the first day of the second month following the month in which occurs such Officer’s death or Disability.

Upon the death or Disability (as defined in Section I.D.) during employment of any Officer whose account was vested on December 31, 2004, his account balance as of December 31, 2004, plus earnings thereon, shall be subject to the payment terms of the Pre-2005 Plan, and his account balance related to supplemental benefit allocations, plus earnings thereon, after 2004 shall be paid in a lump sum on the first day of the second month following the month in which occurs such Officer’s death or Disability.

Upon the Retirement (as defined in this Section II) of a participating Officer whose account was not vested on December 31, 2004, and who is not a Specified Employee (as defined in Section 409A) at the time of his Retirement, his account balance will be paid in a lump sum on the first day of the second month following the month in which occurs such Officer’s Retirement, unless he has made a valid transition election as to the time and form of payment as provided below. If such an Officer is a Specified Employee at the time of his Retirement, his account balance shall be paid in a lump sum on the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day after such Officer’s Retirement.

Upon the Retirement (as defined in this Section II) of a participating Officer whose account was vested on December 31, 2004, and who is not a Specified Employee (as defined in Section 409A) at the time of his Retirement, his account balance as of December 31, 2004, plus earnings thereon, shall be subject to the payment terms of the Pre-2005 Plan, and his account balance related to supplemental benefit allocations, plus earnings thereon, after 2004 shall be paid in a lump sum on the first day of the second month following the month in which occurs such Officer’s Retirement. If such an Officer is a Specified Employee at the time of Retirement, his account balance as of December 31, 2004, plus earnings thereon, shall be subject to the payment terms of the Pre-2005 Plan, and his account balance related to supplemental benefit allocations, plus earnings thereon, after 2004 shall be paid in a lump sum on the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day after such Officer’s Retirement.

 

- 6 -


In the event of a Change in Control of the Partnership (as defined in Section I.E.), the account balances of participating Officers who are employed on the effective date of the Change in Control will become fully vested and will be funded in a “rabbi” trust, within the meaning of Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 92-64, for the benefit of such Officers when they incur Retirement, die, or become Disabled, whichever occurs first. The time and form of payment shall be determined as described above.

If a participating Officer was on December 31, 2004, eligible for Retirement (as defined in this Section II), he may make a request that payment of his account balance as of December 31, 2004, plus earnings thereon, be paid in a specified number of future payments over a period not to exceed ten (10) years from Retirement; provided that such request is irrevocable and made in writing at least twelve (12) months prior to Retirement. The post-2004 benefit of such Officer shall be subject to the same Section 409A election procedures as Officers who were not vested on December 31, 2004, as described immediately below.

Participating Officers whose accounts were not vested on December 31, 2004, and participating Officers whose accounts were vested on December 31, 2004, but who have post-2004 benefit allocations, may:

(i) Make an election during 2007 pursuant to transitional rules under Section 409A, so long as such election does not cause payments to be made or begin in 2007, on a written form approved by the Compensation Committee, to have their account paid upon death, Retirement, or Disability in a lump sum at any time within ten (10) years of each such event or in installments over a specified period, not to exceed ten (10) years from the date of the event (death, Disability, or Retirement), the time and form of payment of which may vary by event, or

(ii) After 2007, elect to delay payment or to change the form of payment to installments over a five- (5-) year period if all the following conditions are met:

(a) Such election will not take effect for twelve (12) months after the date on which the election is made;

(b) The payment is deferred for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date such payment would otherwise be made;

(c) Any election for a “specified time (or pursuant to a fixed schedule)” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(iv) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, may not be made less than twelve (12) months prior to the date of the first scheduled payment; and

(d) Such election shall become irrevocable at the last permissible date for making it, as provided above.

 

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Provided that, in the case of any distribution upon Retirement, if such Officer is a Specified Employee at the time of Retirement, any lump sum and installments, shall not be paid or commence until the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day after the date of his Retirement. Any delayed installments shall be accumulated and paid with the next scheduled installment that is at least six (6) months and one (1) day after the date of his Retirement. (In the case of Specified Employee Officers who were eligible for Retirement on December 31, 2004, this six- (6-) month delay shall only apply to post-2004 allocations, and related earnings thereon.)

 

III. MISCELLANEOUS .

Both deferred Partnership units and supplemental retirement benefits, when awarded, together with all subsequent earnings accrued thereon, will become general unsecured obligations of the Partnership to the Officer, and the Company shall have no further right to receive such amounts from the Partnership.

Each Officer’s rights to receive deferred Partnership units and supplemental retirement benefits is not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by the Officer’s creditors or beneficiaries.

If an Officer dies before receipt of all benefits to which he is entitled under this Plan, distribution of the remaining benefits will be made to such beneficiary as the Officer has designated in writing to the Partnership prior to death or, in the absence of such designation, to the Officer’s estate.

Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a commitment or agreement on the part of any Officer to continue his employment with the Partnership, nor as a commitment on the part of the Partnership to continue the employment or rate of compensation of any Officer for any period.

The Board reserves the right to modify, amend, or terminate this Plan at any time or from time to time; provided that no amendment or termination shall adversely impact the rights of an Officer with respect to amounts previously allocated as provided herein. The Board shall consider the impact of Section 409A on any such modification, amendment, or termination.

The Partnership (and any agent of the Partnership) shall report all income required to be reported, and withhold from any payment under the Plan the amount of withholding taxes due, in the opinion of the Partnership in respect of such income or payment and shall take any other action as may be necessary, in the opinion of the Partnership, to satisfy all obligations for the reporting of such income and payment of such taxes. The Partnership, the Company, the Board, the Compensation Committee, or any delegatee shall not be held liable for any taxes, penalties, interest, or other monetary amounts owed by an Officer or other person as a result of the deferral or payment of any amounts under this Plan or as a result of the Partnership’s or Compensation Committee’s administration of amounts subject to the Plan.

 

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Except as permitted under Section 409A, no acceleration of the time or form of payment of an Officer’s account or benefits under this Plan shall be permitted.

IV. CLAIMS PROCEDURES .

Generally benefits shall be paid under this Plan without the necessity of filing a claim. A Participant, beneficiary, or other person who believes he is entitled to a benefit hereunder (hereinafter referred to as the “Claimant”) may file a written claim with the Compensation Committee. A claim must state with specificity the determination desired by the Claimant.

The Compensation Committee shall consider the Claimant’s claim within a reasonable time, but no later than ninety (90) days of receipt of the claim. If the Compensation Committee determines that special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, the Compensation Committee shall notify the Claimant in writing of the extension before the end of the initial ninety (90)-day period and the written notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Compensation Committee expects to make a decision. The extension of time shall not exceed ninety (90) days from the end of the initial ninety (90)-day period.

The Compensation Committee shall notify the Claimant (in writing or electronically) that a determination has been made and that the claim is either allowed in full or denied in whole or in part. If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the Compensation Committee shall notify (in writing or electronically) such Claimant or an authorized representative of the Claimant, as applicable, of any adverse benefit determination within ninety (90) days of receipt of the claim. Any adverse benefit determination notice shall describe the specific reason or reasons for the denial, refer to the specific Plan provisions on which the determination was based, describe any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect his claim and explain why that material or information is necessary, describe the Plan’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to those procedures, including a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following a denial upon review. If the notification is made electronically, it must comply with applicable Department of Labor Regulations.

Upon receipt of an adverse benefit determination, a Claimant may, within sixty (60) days after receiving notification of that determination, submit a written request asking the Board to review the Claimant’s claim. Each Claimant, when making his request for review of his adverse benefit determination, shall have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records, and any other information relating to the claim for benefits. Each Claimant shall also be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to such Claimant’s claim for benefits. The review shall take into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by the Claimant relating to the claim, regardless of whether the information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. If a Claimant does not submit his request for review in writing within the sixty (60)-day period described above, his claim shall be deemed to have been conclusively determined for all purposes of the Plan and the adverse benefit determination will be deemed to be correct.

 

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If the Claimant submits in writing a request for review of the adverse benefit determination within the sixty (60)-day period described above, the Board (or its designee) shall notify (in writing or electronically) him of its determination on review within a reasonable period of time but not later than sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of his request for review, unless the Board (or its designee) determines that special circumstances require an extension of time. If the Board (or its designee) determines that an extension of time for processing a Claimant’s request for review is required, the Board (or its designee) shall notify him in writing before the end of the initial sixty (60)-day period and inform him of the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Board (or its designee) expects to render its determination on review. The extension of time will not exceed sixty (60) days from the end of the initial sixty (60)-day period.

If the Board (or its designee) confirms the adverse benefit determination upon review, the notification will describe the specific reason or reasons for the adverse determination, refer to the specific Plan provisions on which the benefit determination is based, include a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the Claimant’s claim and include a statement describing the Claimant’s right to bring an action under ERISA Section 502(a), and any other required information under applicable Department of Labor Regulations. The claims procedure described above shall be administered in a manner not inconsistent with ERISA Section 503 and applicable Department of Labor Regulations.

A Claimant’s compliance with the foregoing claims procedures shall be a mandatory prerequisite to the Claimant’s right to commence any legal action with respect to any claim for benefits under the Plan.

*****

 

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Exhibit 10.6

2007 Amended and Restated

Employment Agreement

This 2007 AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 20, 2007, to be effective as of July 18, 2007 (the “Effective Date”), by and among CEDAR FAIR, L.P ., a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, CEDAR FAIR MANAGEMENT, INC. , an Ohio Corporation (“Cedar Fair Management”), MAGNUM MANAGEMENT CORPORATION , an Ohio corporation (“Magnum”), and RICHARD L. KINZEL , an individual (“Executive”).

 

1. Recitals .

(a) Cedar Fair, L.P. is affiliated with several corporations and partnerships including, without limitation, Cedar Fair Management and Magnum (collectively “Cedar Fair” or the “Company”).

(b) Cedar Fair Management manages the day-to-day activities of, and establishes the long-term objectives for, Cedar Fair. The Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Management (the “Board”) caused Cedar Fair to enter into an employment agreement with Executive, dated December 1, 2006 (“2006 Agreement”), which superseded and replaced a June 1, 2003, employment agreement between Executive and Cedar Fair.

(c) The 2006 Agreement is required to be amended and restated for compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the April 10, 2007, final regulations thereunder (collectively “Section 409A”). This Agreement, which amends, restates, and supersedes the 2006 Agreement, is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

(d) Executive has held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair since 1986.

(e) The Board desires to retain the employment of Executive in his present capacity and to assure Cedar Fair of his continued services in such capacity. The Board also desires Executive to remain active with Cedar Fair after the completion of Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair.

(f) Executive desires to remain in the employment of Cedar Fair in his present capacity, and he is committed to serve and assist Cedar Fair on the terms provided in this Agreement.

(g) In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Executive and Cedar Fair have entered into this Agreement.


2. Term of Employment .

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Cedar Fair and Executive agree that Executive will continue to perform substantial employee services to Cedar Fair until January 2, 2012; provided, however, that the Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s services as an employee at any time, subject to the Company’s obligations as provided herein. The “Term of Employment” shall refer to the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on January 2, 2012, or such earlier date of Executive’s termination of employment. Upon Executive’s termination of employment, Executive will resign all officer positions with the Company and all affiliates of the Company.

 

3. Nature of Duties .

(a) Executive agrees to devote his services full time to the business and affairs of Cedar Fair so as to achieve the goals and objectives set by the Board, and to use his best efforts to promote the interests of Cedar Fair and to perform faithfully and efficiently the responsibilities assigned to him in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Executive further understands that he is governed by a duty of loyalty and fidelity to Cedar Fair by virtue of his position.

(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, Cedar Fair agrees that it will not, without Executive’s express written consent, (i) assign to Executive duties inconsistent with his current position, duties, responsibilities, and status with Cedar Fair or (ii) change his titles or offices as currently in effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, as part of a succession planning program at Cedar Fair, effective January 1, 2010, Executive shall relinquish his title of President, if requested to do so by the Board.

 

4. Board Membership .

Executive is currently Chairman of the Board. Executive shall continue to serve as Chairman of the Board until December 30, 2011, provided he is elected a member of the Board. Thereafter, Executive will serve as member of the Board for a period of at least three more years, provided he is elected to the Board. Executive shall have the exclusive use of an appropriate office located at Cedar Fair’s headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, and be provided with a secretary for so long as he serves as a member of the Board.

 

5. Compensation .

(a) Base Salary . As compensation for Executive’s full-time services, Cedar Fair shall pay to Executive during the Term of Employment an annual salary in accordance with Cedar Fair’s normal payroll practices (but no less frequently than monthly) (“Base Salary”). Executive’s Base Salary shall be no less than One Million Two Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US $1,200,000.00) per year and may be adjusted upwards each year in an amount determined by the Board.

(b) Incentive Compensation . During the Term of Employment, Cedar Fair agrees that Executive will be eligible to participate in the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program (formerly named the Bonus and Incentive Compensation Policy for Officers of Cedar Fair Management Company), the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and

 

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Restated 2000 Senior Executive Management Incentive Plan, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, and any amendments thereto, and any new incentive plan for Cedar Fair executives established after the Effective Date (collectively referred to as the “Incentive Plans”). Cedar Fair agrees that during the Term of Employment, Executive shall participate in the various Incentive Plans on terms no less favorable than provided other senior managers and/or officers of Cedar Fair.

 

6. Benefits .

(a) Certain Cedar Fair fringe benefit plans and programs in which Executive currently is eligible to participate as of the Effective Date are listed in Schedule A hereto (“Schedule A Benefits”). Cedar Fair agrees that Executive shall be eligible to participate in Schedule A Benefits and any other Cedar Fair employee benefit plans and programs during the Term of Employment on the same terms as other senior managers and/or officers of Cedar Fair.

(b) In compliance with Section 409A, notwithstanding any other provision of the plans and programs constituting the Schedule A Benefits:

(i) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement and the provision of in-kind benefits during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or the provision of in-kind benefits in any other calendar year;

(ii) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(iii) The right to reimbursement or right to in-kind benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(c) Cedar Fair, at its expense, shall, in addition to any other life insurance currently provided to Executive, purchase a Two Million United States Dollars (US $2,000,000.00) term life insurance policy on the life of Executive and permit him to designate the beneficiary (the “Term-Life Policy”). The Term-Life Policy shall remain in effect (or be renewed) until July 23, 2018, regardless of whether Executive is actively employed by Cedar Fair. The conditions applicable to in-kind benefits under Section 6(b) hereof shall apply to the Term-Life Policy.

 

7. Business Travel and Entertainment Expenses .

(a) During the Term of Employment, reasonable travel, entertainment, and other business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder shall be reimbursed by Cedar Fair in accordance with Cedar Fair’s policies as in effect from time to time.

(b) In compliance with Section 409A, notwithstanding the terms of any such Cedar Fair policy to the contrary:

 

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(i) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year;

(ii) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(iii) The right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

8. Termination by Cedar Fair Other Than for Cause .

(a) If Cedar Fair shall terminate Executive’s employment as an employee prior to January 2, 2012, other than pursuant to Section 11 (Termination for Cause) or Section 13 (Change in Control) hereof, then, subject to Sections 8(b), 8(c), and 8(d) :

(i) Cedar Fair shall pay to Executive in a lump sum on the twentieth (20 th ) business day following the date specified in Cedar Fair’s notice of termination as the last day of Executive’s employment (“Date of Termination”), the following amounts:

(A) Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination;

(B) In lieu of any further Base Salary payments for periods after the Date of Termination, an amount equal to the present value (determined using a reasonable interest rate) of Base Salary that Executive would have received had he remained employed with Cedar Fair through January 2, 2012 (determined using the Base Salary in effect upon Executive’s Date of Termination); and

(C) In lieu of any incentive compensation award that Executive would have been granted under any Incentive Plan had he remained employed for periods after the Date of Termination, but was not granted solely because the service period had not yet begun, an amount equal to the present value (determined using a reasonable interest rate) of the average incentive compensation under such Incentive Plans received by Executive over the three (3) years preceding the Date of Termination multiplied by the number of years (or prorations thereof) remaining from the Date of Termination through January 2, 2012.

(ii) Subject to the limitations provided in this Section 8(a)(ii), Executive shall become immediately vested in any award, option, unit appreciation right, restricted unit award, performance unit, distribution equivalent, other unit award, or any other right, interest, or option relating to units or other securities of Cedar Fair awarded to Executive pursuant to the Incentive Plans. In compliance with Section 409A, Executive shall be entitled to exercise any exercisable option or unit appreciation right at any time on or before the earlier of the expiration of the

 

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option or unit appreciation right or March 1, 2012. Any other type of award under an Incentive Plan (the service period of which had begun as of the Date of Termination), to the extent it constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, although vested, shall be paid only in accordance with Section 409A and the terms of the Incentive Plan.

(iii) Executive shall be provided with life insurance under the Term-Life Policy as specified in Section 6(c) hereof, and Executive and his spouse shall be provided with lifetime health care coverage as specified in Section 12(a) hereof; and

(iv) Executive shall receive, until January 2, 2012, fringe benefits equivalent or similar to the Schedule A Benefits on terms no less favorable than provided to other senior managers and officers of Cedar Fair. In compliance with Section 409A, to the extent that such benefits involve reimbursements or in-kind benefits:

(A) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement and the provision of in-kind benefits during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or the provision of in-kind benefits in any other calendar year;

(B) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(C) The right to reimbursement or right to in-kind benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8(a), no payment or benefit shall be paid or provided unless and until Executive has incurred a “separation from service” (as that term is defined under Section 409A) at the time his employment is terminated.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8(a), in the event Executive is a “specified employee” (as that term is defined under Section 409A) at the time his employment is terminated, no payments hereunder shall be made, or benefits conferred, prior to the first day that is six (6) months after the date of his “separation from service” (as defined in Section 8(b)); provided that this Section 8(c) shall be effective only to the extent that such payment or provision of benefits would constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A. Any lump-sum payments that are subject to the “specified employee” six- (6-) month delay under Section 409A shall be paid, any installment payments for the first six (6) months shall be accumulated and paid, and any delayed provision of benefits or reimbursements shall commence (with retroactive effect), within the first five (5) business days after the expiration of such six- (6-) month delay; provided, however, that any payments under Section 8(a)(ii) will be further delayed if so required by the terms of the applicable plan; and provided further, that if the five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment. All other payments and benefits shall be made or provided as they would have been under the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(d) The payment of any amounts or provision of any benefits under this Section 8 are conditioned upon the execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement and release in a form mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company.

 

9. Death .

In the event of Executive’s death during the Term of Employment, this Agreement shall terminate and Cedar Fair shall pay to Executive’s estate any Base Salary, incentive compensation under the Incentive Plans, expense reimbursements under Section 7, and benefits earned but not yet paid as of the date of Executive’s death. Such payment and provision of earned benefits shall be made within ninety (90) days following Executive’s death; provided that where the ninety- (90-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, neither the estate nor any beneficiary of Executive shall have a right to designate the taxable year of payment. In addition, Executive’s beneficiary(ies) and/or his estate shall be entitled to any exercise rights and/or compensation provided under Section 8(a)(ii), and his spouse shall be entitled to continuation of lifetime (i) health coverage benefits, (ii) a supplement to Medicare, and (iii) reimbursement of any expense for Medicare coverage as provided under Section 12(a). All other benefits and compensation under this Agreement shall cease upon Executive’s death.

 

10. Termination for Disability .

(a) Cedar Fair may terminate Executive’s employment for “Disability” if Executive is “Disabled.” For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered Disabled only if, as a result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness, he shall have been absent from his duties with Cedar Fair on a full-time basis for a period of six (6) consecutive months and a physician selected by Cedar Fair with the consent of Executive is of the opinion that Executive is suffering from a “Disability,” which shall mean a total disability as defined in any disability plan maintained by Cedar Fair.

(b) Any termination of employment pursuant to this Section 10 shall be deemed a termination by Cedar Fair other than for Cause, and Executive shall be entitled to compensation and benefits in the same amounts and subject to the same terms and conditions as provided in Section 8 hereof. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, monetary payments actually received by Executive from any bona fide short-term or long-term disability plan maintained by Cedar Fair shall be used to reduce any Base Salary or incentive compensation payments made, or required to be made, by Cedar Fair pursuant to this Section 10; provided that, in compliance with Section 409A:

(i) The disability plan payments qualify as “disability pay” under Treasury Regulation Section 31.3121(v)(2)-1(b)(4)(iv)(C);

(ii) Such reduction does not otherwise affect the time of payment of such Base Salary or incentive compensation payments;

(iii) The disability plan covers a substantial number of employees and was in effect before Executive became Disabled; and

 

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(iv) Any subsequent amendment of such disability plan or any change in the benefits payable under such plan results from actions taken by an independent third party or, if taken by Cedar Fair, actions that are generally applicable to a substantial number of other employees.

 

11. Termination for Cause .

(a) Cedar Fair may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:

(i) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or a crime of moral turpitude;

(ii) The willful and continued failure by Executive to substantially perform his duties with Cedar Fair, which failure results in material injury or damage, including damage to the reputation of Cedar Fair;

(iii) The failure of Executive to comply with the provisions of Section 15 (Disclosure of Information) and 16 (Noncompetition) hereof;

(iv) Intentional theft or embezzlement by Executive from Cedar Fair;

(v) The commission of a fraudulent act or practice by Executive affecting Cedar Fair;

(vi) An act of gross negligence or gross misconduct by Executive that relates to the affairs of Cedar Fair; or

(vii) A violation by Executive of the Company’s policies or procedures relating to discrimination or harassment in the workplace.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause if the termination took place as a result of (A) any act or omission Executive reasonably and in good faith believed to have been in, or not opposed to, the best interests of Cedar Fair; or (B) any act or omission in respect of which a determination is made that Executive met the applicable standard of conduct prescribed for indemnification or reimbursement or payment of expenses under the regulations and rules set by Cedar Fair or the laws of the State of Ohio, in each case as in effect at the time of such act or omission.

Further, Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to him a written notice (“Cause Notice”), approved by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters (3/4) of the entire membership of the Board (after reasonable notice to Executive and the opportunity for him, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, Executive was guilty of conduct set forth in this Section 11, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

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(b) If Executive’s employment shall be terminated for Cause, Cedar Fair shall pay Executive, in a lump sum on the twentieth (20 th ) business day following the date of termination for Cause, his Base Salary through the date of termination.

(c) Cedar Fair shall pay all incentive compensation earned but not paid as of the date of termination for Cause in accordance with the terms of any Incentive Plan, as amended to comply with Section 409A or otherwise amended; provided that, if such payment would constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, then in compliance with Section 409A:

(i) Executive must have incurred a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 8(b) hereof); and

(ii) In the event Executive is a “specified employee” (as that term is defined under Section 409A at the time his employment is terminated), any payment that is “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A shall not be made prior to the first day that is six (6) months after the date of his separation from service; and

(iii) Any lump-sum payment and any installment payments for the first six (6) months which are subject to the “specified employee” six- (6-) month delay under Section 409A shall be paid within the first five (5) business days after the expiration of such six- (6-) month delay; provided that if the five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment. All other payments shall be made as they would have been under the Incentive Plan provisions; and

(iv) No payment shall be accelerated except in accordance with the Incentive Plan provisions.

(d) Cedar Fair shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement.

 

12. Retirement .

(a) In addition to any other benefits provided to a retired Cedar Fair employee upon “Retirement” (as defined below), including but not limited to severance, if any, and his normal and supplemental retirement benefits, Executive and his spouse shall receive, at Cedar Fair’s expense, lifetime (i) health coverage benefits, (ii) a supplement to Medicare, and (iii) reimbursement for any expense for Medicare coverage; provided that, in compliance with Section 409A:

(i) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year;

(ii) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

 

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(iii) The right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

The combined Medicare and Cedar Fair health benefits and supplemental coverage shall be substantially similar to coverage provided to active employees of Cedar Fair.

(b) Subject to the limitations provided in this Section 12, Executive shall become immediately vested in any award, option, unit appreciation right, restricted unit award, performance unit, distribution equivalent, other unit award, or any other right, interest, or option relating to units or other securities of Cedar Fair awarded to Executive pursuant to the Incentive Plans. In compliance with Section 409A, Executive shall be entitled to exercise any exercisable option or unit appreciation right at any time on or before the earlier of the expiration of the option or unit appreciation right or ten (10) years from Retirement. Any other type of award under an Incentive Plan, to the extent it constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, although vested, shall be paid only in accordance with Section 409A and the terms of the Incentive Plan, with no payment acceleration except in accordance with the Incentive Plan provisions.

(c) For purposes of this Section 12, “Retirement” shall mean Executive’s “separation from service” (as that term is defined under Section 409A) on or after attainment of age sixty-two (62).

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12, in the event Executive is a “specified employee” (as that term is defined under Section 409A) at the time of his Retirement, no payments hereunder shall be made, or benefits conferred, under Section 12 prior to the first day that is six (6) months after the date of his “separation from service” to the extent that such payment or provision of benefits would constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A. Any lump-sum payments that are subject to the “specified employee” six- (6-) month delay under Section 409A shall be paid, any installment payments for the first six (6) months shall be accumulated and paid, and any delayed provision of benefits or reimbursements shall commence (with retroactive effect), within the first five (5) business days after the expiration of such six- (6-) month delay; provided, however, that any payments under Section 12(b) will be further delayed if so required by the terms of the applicable plan; and provided further, that if the five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment. All other payments and benefits shall be made or provided as they would have been under the terms of this Agreement.

 

13. Change in Control .

(a) If, at any time upon or within twenty-four (24) months after a Change in Control occurs, Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair is involuntarily terminated (other than for Cause) or Executive incurs a “Deemed Termination,” then subject to the same terms and conditions as provided in Sections 8(a)(iv)(A) through (C), 8(b), 8(c), and 8(d) hereof , Cedar Fair shall pay and/or provide to Executive the following:

(i) The greater of (A) or (B), as follows:

 

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(A) Three (3) times average annual “Cash Compensation” for the previous three (3) years (or for the period of Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair if less than three (3) years) preceding the calendar year in which the Change in Control of Cedar Fair occurred, less one United States dollar (US $1.00). (“Cash Compensation” is defined, with respect to any calendar year, as (i) the total salary payable in such calendar year without regard to pre-tax contributions to Cedar Fair benefit plans, (ii) the annual cash bonuses earned by the Executive during the calendar year and accrued by Cedar Fair with respect to such calendar year, notwithstanding the fact that a portion of such bonuses may be paid to the Executive on or before March 15 of the following calendar year, and (iii) with respect to multi-year cash bonuses, the amount actually paid in such calendar year. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Cash Compensation does not include payments or benefits to the Executive under any employee benefit or fringe benefit plan, program, or arrangement or awards or payments under the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan or the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program, as such plans, programs, or arrangements existed, currently exist, or are hereafter amended.) or

(B) The sum of (1) through (4):

(1) Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination; and

(2) An amount equal to the present value (determined using a reasonable interest rate) of Base Salary that Executive would have received had he remained employed with Cedar Fair from the Date of Termination through January 2, 2012 (determined using the Base Salary in effect upon Executive’s Date of Termination); and

(3) In lieu of any incentive compensation award that Executive would have been granted under any Incentive Plan had he remained employed for periods after the Date of Termination, but was not granted solely because the service period had not yet begun, an amount equal to the present value (determined using a reasonable interest rate) of the average incentive compensation under such Incentive Plans received by Executive over the three (3) years preceding the Date of Termination multiplied by the number of years (or prorations thereof) remaining from the Date of Termination through January 2, 2012; and

(4) Subject to the limitations provided in this Section 13 (including this subsection), Executive shall become immediately vested in any award, option, unit appreciation right, restricted unit award, performance unit, distribution equivalent, other unit award,

 

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or any other right, interest, or option relating to units or other securities of Cedar Fair awarded to Executive pursuant to the Incentive Plans. In compliance with Section 409A, Executive shall be entitled to exercise any exercisable option or unit appreciation right at any time on or before the earlier of the expiration of the option or unit appreciation right or March 1, 2012. Any other type of award under an Incentive Plan (the service period of which had begun as of the Date of Termination), to the extent it constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, although vested, shall be paid only in accordance with Section 409A and the terms of the Incentive Plans, with no acceleration except in accordance with the Incentive Plan provisions.

(ii) Life insurance under the Term-Life Policy and lifetime health care coverage, a supplement to Medicare, and reimbursement of any expense for Medicare coverage as specified in Sections 6(c) and 12(a) hereof;

(iii) Life, disability, and accident benefits on terms no less favorable than provided to other senior managers and officers of Cedar Fair for the longer of:

(A) January 2, 2012; or

(B) Three (3) years or, if shorter, until Executive is reemployed;

(iv) Until January 2, 2012, fringe benefits (but with no duplication of life, disability, and accident benefits already provided under Section 13(a)(iii) above) equivalent or similar to the Schedule A Benefits on terms no less favorable than provided to other senior managers and officers of Cedar Fair; and

(v) Gross-up payments equal to all federal taxes imposed on Executive, if any, under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, on the payments and benefits provided under this Section 13(a) and the federal, state, and local taxes imposed upon Executive as a result of Cedar Fair’s payment of the such taxes; provided that such gross-up payments shall be made by the end of Executive’s taxable year next following his taxable year in which he remits such taxes under Sections 280G and 4999.

Cedar Fair shall make cash payments and begin to provide benefits under this Section 13(a) to Executive not later than sixty (60) days following the date of such involuntary termination (other than for Cause) or Deemed Termination; provided that the terms and conditions of Sections 8(a) (iv)(A) through (C), 8(b), 8(c), and 8(d) are satisfied ; and provided further, that if the sixty- (60-) day period is applicable (because the six- (6-) month delay of Section 8(c) is not applicable), Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment if such sixty- (60-) day period spans two calendar years. Except as provided in this Section 13, Cedar Fair shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement upon a termination of employment upon or within twenty-four (24) months after a Change in Control.

 

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(b) For purposes of this Section 13, a “Change in Control” shall mean a change in control of Cedar Fair, L.P., if, by analogy to the rules applicable to corporations under Section 409A, Cedar Fair, L.P. would be considered to have undergone a “change in control event” under Section 409A.

(c) For purposes of this Section 13, a “Deemed Termination” shall mean:

(i) Forced relocation of Executive’s place of employment by the greater of thirty-five (35) miles or the distance constituting a “material change in the geographic location” of Executive’s place of employment within the meaning of Section 409A;

(ii) Reduction of Executive’s Base Salary;

(iii) Significant reduction of Executive’s responsibility; or

(iv) Job elimination.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not have incurred a Deemed Termination unless:

(A) Executive incurs a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 8(b)) within the twenty-four (24) month period following the effective date of the Change in Control; and

(B) Executive provides notice to Cedar Fair within ninety (90) days of the event that constitutes the Deemed Termination; and

(C) Cedar Fair has at least thirty (30) days in which to remedy its action.

 

14. Termination by Executive .

Except for Sections 12, 15, and 16 (which Sections shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment and the termination of this Agreement), in the event Executive voluntary resigns his employment prior to the end of the Term of Employment, this Agreement shall, upon such voluntary termination, become null and void.

 

15. Disclosure of Information .

(a) Executive acknowledges that it is the policy of the Company to maintain as secret and confidential all “Confidential Information” (as defined herein). The parties hereto recognize that the services to be performed by Executive pursuant to this Agreement are special and unique, and that by reason of his employment by the Company after the Effective Date, Executive will acquire, or may have acquired, Confidential Information. Executive recognizes that all such Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole property of the Company, free of any rights of Executive, and acknowledges that the Company has a vested interest in assuring that all such Confidential Information remains secret and confidential. Therefore, in consideration of Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Agreement,

 

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Executive agrees that at all times from after the Effective Date, he will not, directly or indirectly, disclose to any person, firm, company or other entity (other than the Company) any Confidential Information, except as specifically required in the performance of his duties hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Company, except to the extent that (i) any such Confidential Information becomes generally available to the public, other than as a result of a breach by Executive of this Section 15 or by any other executive officer of the Company subject to confidentiality obligations, or (ii) any such Confidential Information becomes available to Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company, or its executive officers or advisors; provided, that such source is not known by Executive to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or other obligation of secrecy to, the Company or another party. In addition, it shall not be a breach of the confidentiality obligations hereof if Executive is required by law to disclose any Confidential Information; provided, that in such case, Executive shall (x) give the Company the earliest notice possible that such disclosure is or may be required and (y) cooperate with the Company, at the Company’s expense, in protecting to the maximum extent legally permitted, the confidential or proprietary nature of the Confidential Information which must be so disclosed. The obligations of Executive under this Section 15 shall survive any termination of this Agreement. During the Term of Employment Executive shall exercise all due and diligent precautions to protect the integrity of the business plans, customer lists, statistical data and compilation, agreements, contracts, manuals or other documents of the Company which embody the Confidential Information, and upon the expiration or the termination of the Term of Employment, Executive agrees that all Confidential Information in his possession, directly or indirectly, that is in writing or other tangible form (together with all duplicates thereof) will forthwith be returned to the Company and will not be retained by Executive or furnished to any person, either by sample, facsimile film, audio or video cassette, electronic data, verbal communication or any other means of communication. Executive agrees that the provisions of this Section 15 are reasonably necessary to protect the proprietary rights of the Company in the Confidential Information and its trade secrets, goodwill and reputation.

(b) For purposes hereof, the term “ Confidential Information ” means all information developed or used by the Company relating to the “Business” (as herein defined), operations, employees, customers, suppliers and distributors of the Company, including, but not limited to, customer lists, purchase orders, financial data, pricing information and price lists, business plans and market strategies and arrangements and any strategic plan, all books, records, manuals, advertising materials, catalogues, correspondence, mailing lists, production data, sales materials and records, purchasing materials and records, personnel records, quality control records and procedures included in or relating to the Business or any of the assets of the Company and all trademarks, copyrights and patents, and applications therefore, all trade secrets, inventions, processes, procedures, research records, market surveys and marketing know-how and other technical papers. The term “ Confidential Information” also includes any other information heretofore or hereafter acquired by the Company and deemed by it to be confidential. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Business” shall mean:

(i) The business of amusement and water parks;

(ii) Leisure theme parks;

 

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(iii) Any other business engaged in or being developed (including production of materials used in the Company’s businesses) by the Company, or being considered by the Company, at the time of Executive’s termination; and

(iv) Any joint venture, partnership or agency arrangements relating to the businesses described in (b)(i) through (iii) above.

(c) Return of Company Property . Executive agrees that following the termination of his employment for any reason, he shall return all property of the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates and any divisions thereof he may have managed which is then in or thereafter comes into his possession, including, but not limited to, documents, contracts, agreements, plans, photographs, books, notes, electronically stored data and all copies of the foregoing as well as any automobile or other materials or equipment supplied by the Company to Executive.

(d) Inventions. Any and all inventions made, developed or created by Executive (whether at the request or suggestion of the Company or otherwise, whether alone or in conjunction with others, and whether during regular working hours or otherwise) during the period of his employment with the Company, which may be directly or indirectly useful in, or relate to, the Business of the Company, shall be promptly and fully disclosed by Executive to the Board and shall be the Company’s exclusive property as opposed to Executive’s. Executive shall promptly deliver to the Board all papers, drawings, models, data and other material relating to any invention made, developed or created by him as aforesaid. Executive hereby assigns any and all such inventions to the Company and hereby agrees to execute and deliver such agreements, certificates, assignments or other documents as may be necessary to effect the assignment to the Company of any and all such inventions as contemplated by this Section 15. Executive shall, upon the Company’s request and without any payment therefore, execute any documents necessary or advisable in the opinion of the Company’s counsel to direct issuance of patents or copyrights of the Company with respect to such inventions as are to be in the Company’s exclusive property as against Executive under this Section 15 or to vest in the Company title to such inventions as against Executive, the expense of securing any such patent or copyright, to be borne by the Company.

 

16. Noncompetition .

(a) Executive agrees that, during the Term of Employment and during any period in which Executive is receiving benefits from Cedar Fair or, if longer, for a period of twenty-four (24) months following his termination of employment with the Company for any reason, regardless of whether such termination is initiated by the Executive or the Company (collectively the “Noncompetition Period”), Executive will not:

(i) Directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control or participate in the ownership, management or control of, or be connected as an officer, employee, partner, director, or otherwise with, or have any financial interest in, or aid, consult, advise, or assist anyone else in the conduct of, any entity or business:

(A) In which ten percent (10%) or more of whose annual revenues are derived from a Business as defined above; and

 

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(B) Which conducts business in any locality or region of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, or Asia (whether or not such competing entity or business is physically located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, or Asia), where Business is being conducted by the Company on the date Executive’s employment is terminated hereunder and in each and every area where the Company intends to conduct such Business as it expresses such intent in the written strategic plan developed by the Company as of the date Executive’s employment is terminated hereunder; and

(ii) Either personally or by his agent or by letters, circulars or advertisements, and whether for himself or on behalf of any other person, company, firm or other entity, except in his capacity as an executive of the Company, canvass or solicit, or enter into or effect (or cause or authorize to be solicited, entered into, or effected), directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of himself or any other person, any business relating to the services of the type provided by, or orders for business or services similar to those provided by, the Company from any person, company, firm, or other entity who is, or has at any time within two (2) years prior to the date of such action been, a customer or supplier of the Company; provided, that the restrictions of Section 16(a)(i)(B) above shall also apply to any person, company, firm, or other entity with whom the Company is specifically seeking to develop a relationship as a customer or supplier of the Company at the date of such action.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, Executive’s ownership of securities of a public company engaged in competition with the Company not in excess of five percent (5%) of any class of such securities shall not be considered a breach of the covenants set forth in this Section 16(a).

(b) Executive agrees that, at all times from after the Effective Date, Executive will not, either personally or by his agent or by letters, circulars or advertisements, and whether for himself or on behalf of any other person, company, firm, or other entity, except in his capacity as an executive of the Company:

(i) Seek to persuade any employee of the Company to discontinue his or her status or employment therewith or to become employed in a business or activities likely to be competitive with the Business; or

(ii) Solicit or employ any such person at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of cessation of employment of such person with the Company, in any locality or region of the United States, Canada, or Mexico and in each and every other area where the Company conducts its Business.

(c) Executive expressly agrees and understands that the remedy at law for any breach by him of Sections 15 and 16 will be inadequate and that the damages flowing from such breach are not readily susceptible to being measured in monetary terms. Accordingly, it is acknowledged that upon adequate proof of a violation by Executive of any provision of Sections 15 and 16, the Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief and may obtain a

 

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temporary order restraining any threatened or further breach. Nothing in these Sections 15 and 16 shall be deemed to limit the Company’s remedies at law or in equity for any breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 15 and 16 which may be pursued or availed of by the Company.

(d) Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon the Company under Sections 15 and 16, and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are intended to eliminate competition which otherwise would be unfair to the Company, do not stifle the inherent skill and experience of Executive, would not operate as a bar to Executive’s sole means of support, are fully required to protect the business interests of the Company, and do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment to Executive.

 

17. Successors, Binding Agreement .

(a) Cedar Fair will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of Cedar Fair, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Executive, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that Cedar Fair would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

(b) Failure of Cedar Fair to obtain an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement; and Executive shall be entitled to compensation and benefits from Cedar Fair in the same amounts and on the same terms and conditions as would apply under Section 8 as if Executive was terminated other than for Cause; provided that:

(i) Executive incurs a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 8(b) hereof) within the twenty-four (24) month period following the effective date of the succession; and

(ii) Executive provides notice within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the succession to the successor to Cedar Fair that it is a breach of this Agreement not to assume and agree to perform the Agreement; and

(iii) The successor has at least thirty (30) days in which to remedy its inaction.

 

18. Amendment or Modification; Conflicts .

(a) This Agreement shall supersede and replace the 2006 Agreement. This Agreement shall, for so long as the provisions of Section 13 hereof and this Agreement remain in effect, also supersede and replace Executive’s participation and rights to participate in and receive benefits under the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Executive Change in Control Plan, as amended from time to time. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived, or discharged unless such amendment, modification, waiver, or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by Executive and such officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.

 

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(b) In the event there is any conflict or ambiguity between any term or condition set forth in this Agreement and any term or condition set forth in any plan, incentive compensation plan or program, equity incentive plan or award, retirement plan, supplemental retirement plan, severance plan, award agreement, fringe benefit plan, or any other written document, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall supersede and control, except to the extent that any other plan or program provides Executive with additional or enhanced benefits or compensation; provided that:

(i) This provision shall not be construed to permit the change, amendment, or interpretation of any plan or program described herein, if such change, amendment, or interpretation would precipitate taxation of Executive under Section 409A, unless it complies with Section 409A, including the rules regarding subsequent deferrals and acceleration of payments under Section 409A; and

(ii) This provision shall not be construed to permit the change, amendment, or interpretation of any plan or program described herein, to the extent such change, amendment, or interpretation would create or cause a violation of any federal or state law or regulation, including but not limited to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended; or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

19. Right to Amend or Terminate Plans or Programs .

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or otherwise inhibit the right of the Company to alter, amend, discontinue, or terminate any plan, program, fringe benefit, or perquisite hereunder; provided that any such action is of general application to all similarly situated executives and is not specific to Executive.

 

20. Arbitration

(a) Executive and Cedar Fair agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including but not limited to claims of employment discrimination and/or claims over whether Executive’s employment was terminated for “Cause,” except as set forth in Section 20(f) below, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration, and judgment upon the award of the arbitration panel may be entered and enforced in any federal or state court having jurisdiction over the parties. Executive expressly acknowledges that this agreement to arbitrate applies without limitation to any claims of unlawful discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, constructive discharge, claims related to the payment of wages or benefits, contract claims, and tort claims under federal, state, or local law. By agreeing to submit any and all claims (except as set forth in Section 20(f) below) to arbitration, Executive and Cedar Fair expressly waive any right that they may have to resolve such claims through any other means, including a jury trial or court trial.

(b) Arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three (3) arbitrators in accordance with the arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). Within twenty (20) days after notice from one party to the other of the notifying party’s election to arbitrate, each

 

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party shall select one (1) arbitrator. Within twenty (20) days after the selection of the two (2) arbitrators by the parties, said arbitrators shall in turn select a third arbitrator. If the two (2) arbitrators cannot agree upon the selection of a third arbitrator, the parties agree that the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA.

(c) Both parties shall be entitled to representation by individuals of their choice and to written information directly relevant to the arbitration of their claims. Each party will be entitled to take three depositions, not including any depositions necessary to perpetuate the testimony of unavailable witnesses. The arbitration panel shall have authority to award any remedy or relief that an Ohio or federal court in Ohio could grant in conformity with applicable law on the basis of the claims actually made in the arbitration. The arbitration panel shall not have the authority either to abridge or change substantive rights available under existing law. Should Executive prevail in arbitration, Cedar Fair shall reimburse Executive for reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees incurred by Executive. The arbitration panel shall issue a written award listing the issues submitted by the parties, together with a succinct explanation of the manner in which the panel resolved or decided the issues. The costs of the arbitration panel shall be paid by Cedar Fair.

(d) All arbitration proceedings, including the arbitration panel’s decision and award, shall be confidential. Neither party shall disclose any information or evidence adduced by the other in the arbitration proceedings, or the panel’s award except (i) to the extent that the parties agree otherwise in writing; (ii) as may be appropriate in any subsequent proceedings between the parties such as to enforce the arbitration award; or (iii) as may otherwise be compelled by law.

(e) The terms of this arbitration procedure are severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions herein shall not affect the application of any other provisions. Where possible, consistent with the procedure, any otherwise invalid provision of the procedure will be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act as will any actions to compel, enforce, vacate, or confirm proceedings, awards, orders of the arbitration panel, or settlements under the procedure.

(f) The parties agree and acknowledge that the promises and agreements set forth in Sections 15 (Disclosure of Information) and 16 (Noncompetition) of this Agreement shall not be subject to the arbitration provisions set forth herein in Section 20, but rather such claims may be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction. Any claims made by Executive for workers’ compensation (except retaliation claims) or unemployment benefits are also excepted from the arbitration provisions set forth herein in Section 20.

 

21. Survival of Certain Provisions .

The provisions of Sections 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

22. Tax Reporting and Withholding .

The Company (and any agent of the Company) shall report all income required to be reported, and withhold from any payment under the Agreement the amount of withholding taxes due, in the opinion of the Company in respect of such income or payment and shall take any other action as may be necessary, in the opinion of the Company, to satisfy all obligations for the reporting of such income and payment of such taxes. The Company, the Board, or any delegatee

 

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shall not be held liable for any taxes, penalties, interest, or other monetary amounts owed by Executive or other person as a result of the deferral or payment of any amounts under this Agreement or as a result of the Company’s administration of amounts subject to the Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.

 

23. Section 409A

To the extent applicable, Cedar Fair and Executive intend that this Agreement comply with Section 409A. Cedar Fair and Executive hereby agree that this Agreement shall be construed in a manner to comply with Section 409A and that should any provision be found not in compliance with Section 409A, the parties are hereby contractually obligated to execute any and all amendments to this Agreement deemed necessary and required by legal counsel for Cedar Fair to achieve compliance with Section 409A. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, Executive irrevocably waives any objections he may have to the amendments required by Section 409A. Cedar Fair and Executive also agree that in no event shall any payment, benefit, or reimbursement required to be made pursuant to this Agreement that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A be accelerated in violation of Section 409A or be made to Executive unless he has incurred a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A). In the event Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined in Section 409A) so that payments, benefits, and/or reimbursements that are nonqualified deferred compensation cannot commence until the lapse of six (6) months after a separation from service, then any such payments, benefits, or reimbursements that are required to be paid or provided in a single lump sum may not be made or provided until the date which is six (6) months after Executive’s separation from service; specifically such lump sum payments shall be paid within the first five (5) business days of the seventh (7 th ) month following Executive’s separation from service. Furthermore, the first six (6) months of any such payments, benefits, or reimbursements of nonqualified deferred compensation that are required to be paid or provided in installments shall be accumulated and paid or provided (with retroactive effect) within the first five (5) business days of the seventh (7 th ) month following Executive’s separation from service. In all cases, if the five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment. All remaining installment payments or periodic benefits shall be made or provided as they would ordinarily have been under the provisions of this Agreement. If, notwithstanding actions taken in compliance with this Section 23, Executive incurs taxes under Section 409A, Cedar Fair shall, subject to the same terms and conditions of Sections 8(b), 8(c), and 8(d), make gross-up payments to Executive equal to all federal taxes and interest imposed on Executive, if any, under Section 409A on the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement and the federal, state, and local taxes imposed upon Executive as a result of Cedar Fair’s payment of such taxes; provided that such taxes do not result from Executive’s choice to retain the right to payments and/or benefits that were available to Executive prior to the amendment and restatement of this Agreement for Section 409A; and provided further that such gross-up payments shall be made by the end of Executive’s taxable year next following his taxable year in which he remits such taxes under Section 409A.

 

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24. Assignment and Alienation Prohibited .

Neither Executive, his surviving spouse, nor other beneficiaries shall have the power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecate, mortgage, commute, modify, or otherwise encumber, in advance, any of the amounts payable hereunder, nor shall any of such payments be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance owed by Executive or his beneficiary, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or otherwise.

 

25. Captions .

Captions are not controlling for interpretation of this Agreement.

 

26. Waiver .

The waiver of the enforcement of any provision by a party hereto shall not be construed as the waiver of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

27. Validity .

The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio without giving effect to its conflict of laws provisions.

 

28. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[The Remainder of This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.]

 

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
By:  

 

Printed Name   

 

Title  

 

Date:  

 

 

CEDAR FAIR MANAGEMENT, INC.
By:  

 

Printed Name   

 

Title  

 

Date:  

 

 

MAGNUM MANAGEMENT CORP.
By:  

 

Printed Name   

 

Title  

 

Date:  

 

 

 

RICHARD L. KINZEL
Date:  

 

 

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Exhibit 10.7

2007 Amended and Restated

Employment Agreement

This 2007 AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 20, 2007, to be effective as of July 18, 2007 (the “Effective Date”), by and among CEDAR FAIR, L.P., a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, CEDAR FAIR MANAGEMENT, INC. , an Ohio corporation (“Cedar Fair Management”), MAGNUM MANAGEMENT CORPORATION , an Ohio corporation (“Magnum”), and JACOB T. FALFAS , an individual (“Executive”).

 

1. Recitals .

(a) Cedar Fair, L.P. is affiliated with several corporations and partnerships including, without limitation, Cedar Fair Management and Magnum (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Cedar Fair” or the “Company”).

(b) The Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Management (the “Board”) and its Chief Executive Officer have caused Cedar Fair to enter into an employment agreement with Executive, dated December 1, 2006 (“2006 Agreement”).

(c) The 2006 Agreement is required to be amended and restated for compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the April 10, 2007, final regulations thereunder (collectively “Section 409A”). This Agreement, which amends, restates, and supersedes the 2006 Agreement, is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

(d) In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Executive and Cedar Fair have entered into this Agreement.

 

2. Term of Employment .

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the term of this Agreement shall be for a period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on November 30, 2009. This Agreement shall renew automatically for a period of three (3) years commencing December 1, 2009, and on every three- (3-) year anniversary of December 1, 2009, thereafter unless one of the parties provides written notice of intent to terminate not less than sixty (60) days prior to December 1, 2009 or any such three- (3-) year anniversary thereafter; provided, however, that Cedar Fair shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time, subject to the obligations to provide the benefits and make the payments provided herein. The term of Executive’s employment, as it may be extended pursuant to this Section 2, is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Term.” Upon Executive’s termination of employment, Executive will resign all officer positions with Cedar Fair and all affiliates of Cedar Fair.


3. Nature of Duties .

Executive agrees to devote his entire business time to the affairs of Cedar Fair so as to achieve the goals and objectives set by the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Board, and to use his best efforts to promote the interests of Cedar Fair. Executive further agrees to perform faithfully and efficiently the responsibilities that may be assigned to him from time to time. Executive further understands that he is governed by a duty of loyalty and fidelity to Cedar Fair by virtue of his position.

 

4. Compensation .

(a) Base Salary . As compensation for Executive’s services, Cedar Fair shall pay to Executive during the Employment Term an annual salary in accordance with Cedar Fair’s normal payroll practices (but no less frequently than monthly) (“Base Salary”). Executive’s Base Salary shall be no less than Six Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US $600,000) per year and may be adjusted each year in an amount determined by the Board.

(b) Incentive Compensation . During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to participate in one or more of Cedar Fair’s incentive compensation plans and equity incentive plans at a level appropriate to Executive’s position, as solely determined by the Board.

 

5. Benefits .

(a) Cedar Fair agrees that Executive shall be eligible to participate in such vacation, medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and other benefit plans and programs that Cedar Fair may have or establish from time to time and in which he would be entitled to participate pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan.

(b) In compliance with Section 409A, notwithstanding any other provision of such plans and programs:

(i) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement and the provision of in-kind benefits during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or the provision of in-kind benefits in any other calendar year;

(ii) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(iii) The right to reimbursement or right to in-kind benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

6. Business Expenses and Perquisites .

(a) During the Employment Term, reasonable travel, entertainment, and other business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder shall be reimbursed by Cedar Fair in accordance with Cedar Fair’s policies as in effect from time to time.

 

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(b) In compliance with Section 409A, notwithstanding the terms of any policy to the contrary:

(i) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year;

(ii) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(iii) The right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

7. Termination by Cedar Fair Other Than for Cause .

(a) If, other than pursuant to Section 10 or Section 12 hereof, Cedar Fair shall terminate Executive’s employment (including by written notice of intent, pursuant to Section 2 hereof, not to renew this Agreement), then, subject to Sections 7(b), 7(c), and 7(d):

(i) Executive’s Base Salary shall be continued for either one (1) year or the remaining Employment Term, whichever period of time is longer, payable in accordance with Cedar Fair’s then effective payroll practices; and

(ii) Executive shall continue to receive medical and dental insurance coverage during such Base Salary continuation period; provided that in compliance with Section 409A:

(A) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement and the provision of in-kind benefits during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or the provision of in-kind benefits in any other calendar year;

(B) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(C) The right to reimbursement or right to in-kind benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

All other benefits provided by Cedar Fair shall end as of the last day of Executive’s active employment.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7(a), no payment or benefit shall be paid or provided unless and until Executive has incurred a “separation from service” (as that term is defined under Section 409A) at the time his employment is terminated.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7(a), in the event Executive is a “specified employee” (as that term is defined under Section 409A) at the time his employment is terminated, no payments hereunder shall be made, or benefits conferred, prior to the first day that is six (6) months after the date of his “separation from service” (as defined in Section 7(b)); provided that this Section 7(c) shall be effective only to the extent that such payment or provision of benefits would constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A. Any payments that are subject to the “specified employee” six- (6-) month delay under Section 409A shall be accumulated and paid, and any delayed provision of benefits and reimbursements shall commence (with retroactive effect), within the first five (5) business days after the expiration of such six- (6-) month delay; provided that if the five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment.

(d) The payment of any amounts or provision of any benefits under this Section 7 are conditioned upon the execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement and release in a form mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company.

 

8. Termination Upon Executive’s Death .

In the event of Executive’s death, this Agreement shall terminate and Cedar Fair shall pay to Executive’s estate any compensation and benefits earned but not yet paid as of the date of Executive’s death. Such payment shall be made within ninety (90) days following Executive’s death; provided that where the ninety- (90-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another year, neither the estate nor Executive’s beneficiary(ies) shall have the right to designate the taxable year of payment. Upon Executive’s death, during the remainder of the Employment Term (not in excess of twenty-four (24) months following Executive’s death), Cedar Fair, at its expense, shall continue the health care coverage for Executive’s spouse and eligible dependents, subject to the terms and conditions of Section 5(b) hereof.

 

9. Termination for Disability .

(a) Cedar Fair may terminate Executive’s employment for “Disability” if Executive is “Disabled.” For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered Disabled only if, as a result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness, he shall have been absent from his duties with Cedar Fair on a full-time basis for a period of six (6) consecutive months.

(b) Any termination of employment pursuant to this Section 9 shall be deemed a termination by Cedar Fair other than for Cause, and Executive shall be entitled to compensation and benefits in the same amounts and subject to the same terms and conditions as provided in Section 7. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, monetary payments actually received by Executive from any bona fide short-term or long-term disability plan maintained by Cedar Fair shall be used to reduce any Base Salary or incentive compensation payments made by Cedar Fair pursuant to this Section 9; provided that:

(i) The disability plan payments qualify as “disability pay” under Treasury Regulation Section 31.3121(v)(2)-1(b)(4)(iv)(C);

(ii) Such reduction does not otherwise affect the time of payment of such Base Salary or the provision of benefits;

 

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(iii) The disability plan covers a substantial number of employees and, was in effect before Executive became Disabled; and

(iv) Any subsequent amendment of such plan or any change in the benefits payable under such plan results from actions taken by an independent third party or, if taken by Cedar Fair, that they are generally applicable to a substantial number of other employees.

 

10. Termination for Cause .

(a) Cedar Fair may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (i) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony; (ii) upon continued failure by Executive to substantially perform his duties with Cedar Fair which failure results in significant injury or damage, including damage to the reputation of Cedar Fair; (iii) the failure of Executive to comply with the provisions of Sections 13 and 14 hereof; (iv) violation of Cedar Fair’s policies or procedures relating to discrimination and/or harassment in the workplace; (v) the commission of a fraudulent act or practice by Executive affecting Cedar Fair; (vi) an act of gross negligence or gross misconduct that relates to the affairs of Cedar Fair; or (vii) an act or acts of dishonesty or significant impropriety by Executive resulting or intended to result directly or indirectly in gain or personal enrichment (monetary or otherwise) to Executive at the expense of or detriment to Cedar Fair.

(b) If Executive’s employment shall be terminated for Cause, Cedar Fair shall pay Executive, in a lump sum, on the twentieth (20th) business day following the date of termination for Cause, his Base Salary through the date of his termination.

(c) Cedar Fair shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement.

 

11. Termination By Resignation .

In the event Executive resigns his employment, all benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day of Executive’s active employment with Cedar Fair.

 

12. Change in Control .

(a) If, at any time upon or within twenty-four (24) months after a Change in Control occurs, Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair is involuntarily terminated, other than for Cause, or Executive incurs a “Deemed Termination” hereunder, Cedar Fair shall pay/provide to Executive the following cash payment, benefits, and tax gross-up payments:

(i) Two and one-half (2-1/2) times average annual “Cash Compensation” for the previous three (3) years (or for the period of such Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair if less than three (3) years) preceding the calendar year in which the Change in Control of Cedar Fair occurred, less one United States dollar (US $1.00). “Cash Compensation” is defined, with respect to any calendar year, as (i) the total salary payable in such calendar year, (ii) the annual cash bonuses earned by the Executive during such calendar year, and accrued by the Company and/or the Partnership with respect to such calendar year, notwithstanding the fact

 

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that a portion of such bonuses may be paid to the Executive by March 15 of the following calendar year in compliance with the short-term deferral rule under Section 409A, and (iii) respect to any multi-year cash bonuses, the amount actually paid in such calendar year. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Cash Compensation does not include payments or benefits to the Executive under any employee benefit or fringe benefit plan, program, or arrangement or awards or payments under the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program, as such plans, programs, or arrangements currently exist or are hereafter amended.

(ii) For a thirty- (30-) month period after the date of such involuntary termination (other than for Cause) or Deemed Termination, the Company shall provide life, disability, accident, and health insurance benefits substantially similar to those that were received or entitled to be received by Executive immediately before such termination; provided that, in compliance with Section 409A:

(A) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year;

(B) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(C) The right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not provide such insurance benefits upon the reemployment of Executive.

(iii) Gross-up payments equal to all federal taxes imposed on Executive, if any, under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, on the payments and benefits provided under this Section 12(a) and the federal, state, and local taxes imposed upon Executive as a result of Cedar Fair’s payment of the such taxes; provided that such gross-up payments shall be made by the end of Executive’s taxable year next following his taxable year in which he remits such taxes under Sections 280G and 4999.

Cedar Fair shall make cash payments and begin to provide benefits under this Section 12(a) to Executive not later than sixty (60) days following the date of such involuntary termination (other than for Cause) or Deemed Termination; provided that the terms and conditions of Sections 7(b), 7(c), and 7(d) are satisfied; and provided further, if the sixty- (60-) day period is applicable (because the six- (6-) month delay of Section 7(c) is not applicable), Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment if such sixty- (60-) day period spans two calendar years. Except as provided in this Section 12, Cedar Fair shall have no further

 

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obligations to Executive under this Agreement upon a termination of employment upon or within twenty-four (24) months after a Change in Control.

(b) For purposes of this Section 12, a “Change in Control” shall mean a change in control of Cedar Fair, L.P., if, by analogy to the rules applicable to corporations under Section 409A, Cedar Fair, L.P., would be considered to have undergone a “change in control event” under Section 409A.

(c) For purposes of this Section 12, a “Deemed Termination” shall mean:

(i) Forced relocation of Executive’s place of employment by the greater of thirty-five (35) miles or the distance constituting a “material change in the geographic location” of Executive’s place of employment within the meaning of Section 409A;

(ii) Reduction of Executive’s Base Salary;

(iii) Significant reduction of Executive’s responsibility; or

(iv) Job elimination.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not have incurred a Deemed Termination unless:

(A) Executive incurs a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 7(b)) within the twenty-four (24) month period following the effective date of the Change in Control; and

(B) Executive provides notice to Cedar Fair (or its successor) within ninety (90) days of the event that constitutes the Deemed Termination; and

(C) Cedar Fair (or its successor) has at least thirty (30) days in which to remedy its action.

 

13. Disclosure of Information .

(a) Executive acknowledges that it is the policy of Cedar Fair to maintain as secret and confidential all “Confidential Information” (as defined herein). The parties hereto recognize that the services to be performed by Executive pursuant to this Agreement are special and unique, and that by reason of his employment by Cedar Fair after the Effective Date, Executive will acquire, or may have acquired, Confidential Information. Executive recognizes that all such Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole property of Cedar Fair, free of any rights of Executive, and acknowledges that Cedar Fair has a vested interest in assuring that all such Confidential Information remains secret and confidential. Therefore, in consideration of Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair pursuant to this Agreement, Executive agrees that at all times from after the Effective Date, he will not, directly or indirectly, disclose to any person, firm, company or other entity (other than Cedar Fair) any Confidential Information, except as specifically required in the performance of his duties hereunder, without the prior written consent of Cedar

 

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Fair, except to the extent that (i) any such Confidential Information becomes generally available to the public, other than as a result of a breach by Executive of this Section 13 or by any other executive officer of Cedar Fair subject to confidentiality obligations, or (ii) any such Confidential Information becomes available to Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source other than Cedar Fair, or its executive officers or advisors; provided, that such source is not known by Executive to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or other obligation of secrecy to, Cedar Fair or another party. In addition, it shall not be a breach of the confidentiality obligations hereof if Executive is required by law to disclose any Confidential Information; provided, that in such case, Executive shall (a) give Cedar Fair the earliest notice possible that such disclosure is or may be required and (b) cooperate with Cedar Fair, at Cedar Fair’s expense, in protecting to the maximum extent legally permitted, the confidential or proprietary nature of the Confidential Information which must be so disclosed. The obligations of Executive under this Section 13 shall survive any termination of this Agreement. During the Employment Term, Executive shall exercise all due and diligent precautions to protect the integrity of the business plans, customer lists, statistical data, financial data and compilation, agreements, contracts, manuals or other documents of Cedar Fair which embody the Confidential Information, and upon the expiration or the termination of the Employment Term, Executive agrees that all Confidential Information in his possession, directly or indirectly, that is in writing or other tangible form (together with all duplicates thereof) will forthwith be returned to Cedar Fair and will not be retained by Executive or furnished to any person, either by sample, facsimile film, audio or video cassette, electronic data, verbal communication or any other means of communication. Executive agrees that the provisions of this Section 13 are reasonably necessary to protect the proprietary rights of Cedar Fair in the Confidential Information and its trade secrets, goodwill and reputation.

(b) For purposes hereof, the term “ Confidential Information ” means all information developed or used by Cedar Fair relating to the “Business” (as herein defined), operations, employees, customers, suppliers and distributors of Cedar Fair, including, but not limited to, customer lists, purchase orders, financial data, pricing information and price lists, business plans and market strategies and arrangements and any strategic plan, all books, records, manuals, advertising materials, catalogues, correspondence, mailing lists, production data, sales materials and records, purchasing materials and records, personnel records, quality control records and procedures included in or relating to the Business or any of the assets of Cedar Fair and all trademarks, copyrights and patents, and applications therefore, all trade secrets, inventions, processes, procedures, research records, market surveys and marketing know-how and other technical papers. The term “ Confidential Information” also includes any other information heretofore or hereafter acquired by Cedar Fair and deemed by it to be confidential. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Business” shall mean (i) the business of leisure/theme parks, amusement and/or water parks, (ii) leisure theme parks, (iii) any other business engaged in or being developed (including production of materials used in Cedar Fair’s businesses) by Cedar Fair, or being considered by Cedar Fair, at the time of Executive’s termination, and (iv) any joint venture, partnership or agency arrangements relating to the businesses described in (b)(i) through (iii) above.

(c) Return of Company Property . Executive agrees that following the termination of his employment for any reason, he shall return all property of the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates and any divisions thereof he may have managed which is then in or thereafter comes into his possession, including, but not limited to, documents, contracts, agreements, plans,

 

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photographs, books, notes, electronically stored data and all copies of the foregoing as well as any automobile or other materials or equipment supplied by the Company to Executive.

(d) Inventions . Any and all inventions made, developed or created by Executive (whether at the request or suggestion of Cedar Fair or otherwise, whether alone or in conjunction with others, and whether during regular working hours or otherwise) during the period of his employment with Cedar Fair, which may be directly or indirectly useful in, or relate to, the Business of Cedar Fair, shall be promptly and fully disclosed by Executive to the Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair, and shall be Cedar Fair’s exclusive property as opposed to Executive’s. Executive shall promptly deliver to the Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair all papers, drawings, models, data and other material relating to any invention made, developed or created by him as aforesaid. Executive hereby assigns any and all such inventions to Cedar Fair and hereby agrees to execute and deliver such agreements, certificates, assignments or other documents as may be necessary to effect the assignment to Cedar Fair of any and all such inventions as contemplated by this Section 13. Executive shall, upon Cedar Fair’s request and without any payment therefor, execute any documents necessary or advisable in the opinion of Cedar Fair’s counsel to direct issuance of patents or copyrights of Cedar Fair with respect to such inventions as are to be in Cedar Fair’s exclusive property as against Executive under this Section 13 or to vest in Cedar Fair title to such inventions as against Executive, the expense of securing any such patent or copyright, to be borne by Cedar Fair.

 

14. Noncompetition .

(a) Executive agrees that, during the Employment Term and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination date of his employment with Cedar Fair for any reason (the “Noncompetition Period” ), Executive will not directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control or participate in the ownership, management or control of, or be connected as an officer, employee, partner, director, or otherwise with, or have any financial interest in, or aid, consult, advise or assist anyone else in the conduct of, any entity or business (i) in which 10% or more of whose annual revenues are derived from a Business as defined above and (ii) which conducts business in any locality or region of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe or Asia (whether or not such competing entity or business is physically located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe or Asia), where Business is being conducted by Cedar Fair on the date Executive’s employment is terminated hereunder. Notwithstanding the forgoing, Executive’s ownership of securities of a public company engaged in competition with Cedar Fair not in excess of 5% of any class of such securities shall not be considered a breach of the covenants set forth in this Section 14(a).

(b) Executive agrees that, at all times from after the Effective Date, Executive will not, either personally or by his agent or by letters, circulars or advertisements, and whether for himself or on behalf of any other person, company, firm or other entity, (i) seek to persuade any employee of Cedar Fair to discontinue his or her status or employment therewith or to become employed in a business or activities likely to be competitive with the Business; or (ii) solicit or employ any such person at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of cessation of employment of such person with Cedar Fair, in any locality or region of the United States or Canada and in each and every other area where Cedar Fair conducts its Business.

 

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(c) Executive expressly agrees and understands that the remedy at law for any breach by him of Sections 13 and 14 will be inadequate and that the damages flowing from such breach are not readily susceptible to being measured in monetary terms. Accordingly, it is acknowledged that upon adequate proof of a violation by Executive of any provision of Sections 13 and 14, Cedar Fair shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief and may obtain a temporary order restraining any threatened or further breach. Nothing in Sections 13 and 14 shall be deemed to limit Cedar Fair’s remedies at law or in equity for any breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 13 and 14 which may be pursued or availed of by Cedar Fair. In addition, Executive’s violation either of Sections 13 or 14 shall result in Executive’s forfeiture and repayment of any monetary payments and/or benefits provided to Executive subsequent to the cessation of his employment.

(d) Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Cedar Fair under Sections 13 and 14, and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are intended to eliminate competition which otherwise would be unfair to Cedar Fair, do not stifle the inherent skill and experience of Executive, would not operate as a bar to Executive’s sole means of support, are fully required to protect the business interests of Cedar Fair and do not confer a benefit upon Cedar Fair disproportionate to the detriment to Executive.

 

15. Assignment .

This Agreement may not be assigned by Executive or Cedar Fair except that Cedar Fair may assign this Agreement to any affiliate of Cedar Fair or any successor in interest to Cedar Fair.

 

16. Successors, Binding Agreement .

(a) Cedar Fair will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of Cedar Fair to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that Cedar Fair would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

(b) Failure of Cedar Fair to obtain an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement; and Executive shall be entitled to compensation and benefits from Cedar Fair in the same amounts and on the same terms and conditions as would apply under Section 7 as if Executive was terminated other than for Cause; provided that:

(i) Executive incurs a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 7(b) hereof) within the twenty-four (24-) month period following the effective date of the succession; and

(ii) Executive provides notice within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the succession to the successor to Cedar Fair that it is a breach of this Agreement not to assume and agree to perform the Agreement; and

(iii) The successor has at least thirty (30) days in which to remedy its inaction.

 

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17. Amendment or Modification .

This Agreement shall supersede and replace the 2006 Agreement. This Agreement shall, for so long as the provisions of Section 12 hereof and this Agreement remain in effect, also supersede and replace Executive’s participation in, and rights to participate in and receive benefits under, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Executive Change in Control Plan, as amended from time to time. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended modified, waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by Executive and such officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.

 

18. Right to Amend or Terminate Plans or Programs .

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or otherwise inhibit the right of the Company to alter, amend, discontinue, or terminate any plan, program, fringe benefit, or perquisite hereunder; provided that any such action is of general application to all similarly situated executives and is not specific to Executive.

 

19. Arbitration .

(a) Executive and Cedar Fair agree that any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including but not limited to claims of employment discrimination and/or claims over whether Executive’s employment was terminated for “Cause,” except as set forth in Section 19(f) below, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration, and judgment upon the award of the arbitration panel may be entered and enforced in any federal or state court having jurisdiction over the parties. Executive expressly acknowledges that this agreement to arbitrate applies without limitation to any claims of unlawful discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, constructive discharge, claims related to the payment of wages or benefits, contract claims and tort claims under federal, state or local law. By agreeing to submit any and all claims (except as set forth in Section 19(f) below) to arbitration, Executive and Cedar Fair expressly waive any right that they may have to resolve such claims through any other means, including a jury trial or court trial.

(b) Arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three (3) arbitrators in accordance with the arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). Within twenty (20) days after notice from one party to the other of the notifying party’s election to arbitrate, each party shall select one (1) arbitrator. Within twenty (20) days after the selection of the two (2) arbitrators by the parties, said arbitrators shall in turn select a third arbitrator. If the two arbitrators cannot agree upon the selection of a third arbitrator, the parties agree that the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA.

(c) Both parties shall be entitled to representation by individuals of their choice and to written information directly relevant to the arbitration of their claims. Each party will be entitled to take three depositions, not including any depositions necessary to perpetuate the testimony of unavailable witnesses. The arbitration panel shall have authority to award any remedy or relief that an Ohio or federal court in Ohio could grant in conformity with applicable law on the basis of the claims actually made in the arbitration. The arbitration panel shall not have the authority either to abridge or change substantive rights available under existing law. Should Executive

 

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prevail in arbitration, Cedar Fair shall reimburse Executive for reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees incurred by Executive. The arbitration panel shall issue a written award listing the issues submitted by the parties, together with a succinct explanation of the manner in which the panel resolved or decided the issues. The costs of the arbitration panel shall be paid by Cedar Fair.

(d) All arbitration proceedings, including the arbitration panel’s decision and award, shall be confidential. Neither party shall disclose any information or evidence adduced by the other in the arbitration proceedings, or the panel’s award except (i) to the extent that the parties agree otherwise in writing; (ii) as may be appropriate in any subsequent proceedings between the parties such as to enforce the arbitration award; or (iii) as may otherwise be compelled by law.

(e) The terms of this arbitration procedure are severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions herein shall not affect the application of any other provisions. Where possible, consistent with the procedure, any otherwise invalid provision of the procedure will be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act as will any actions to compel, enforce, vacate or confirm proceedings, awards, orders of the arbitration panel, or settlements under the procedure.

(f) The parties agree and acknowledge that the promises and agreements set forth in Sections 13 (Disclosure of Information) and 14 (Noncompetition) of this Agreement shall not be subject to the arbitration provisions set forth herein in Section 19, but rather such claims may be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction. Any claims made by Executive, for workers’ compensation (except retaliation claims), or unemployment benefits are also excepted from the arbitration provisions set forth herein in Section 19.

 

20. Survival of Certain Provisions .

The provisions of Sections 13 and 14 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

21. Tax Reporting and Withholding .

The Company (and any agent of the Company) shall report all income required to be reported, and withhold from any payment under the Agreement the amount of withholding taxes due, in the opinion of the Company in respect of such income or payment and shall take any other action as may be necessary, in the opinion of the Company, to satisfy all obligations for the reporting of such income and payment of such taxes. The Company, the Board, or any delegatee shall not be held liable for any taxes, penalties, interest, or other monetary amounts owed by Executive or other person as a result of the deferral or payment of any amounts under this Agreement or as a result of the Company’s administration of amounts subject to the Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.

 

22. Section 409(A) .

To the extent applicable, Cedar Fair and Executive intend that this Agreement comply with Section 409A. Cedar Fair and Executive hereby agree that this Agreement shall be construed in a manner to comply with Section 409A and that should any provision be found not in compliance with Section 409A, the parties are hereby contractually obligated to execute any and all amendments to this Agreement deemed necessary and required by legal counsel for Cedar Fair to

 

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achieve compliance with Section 409A. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, Executive irrevocably waives any objections he may have to the amendments required by Section 409A. Cedar Fair and Executive also agree that in no event shall any payment, benefit, or reimbursement required to be made pursuant to this Agreement that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A be accelerated in violation of Section 409A or be made to Executive unless he has incurred a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A). In the event Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined in Section 409A) so that payments, benefits, and/or reimbursements that are nonqualified deferred compensation cannot commence until the lapse of six (6) months after a separation from service, then any such payments, benefits, or reimbursements that are required to be paid or provided in a single lump sum may not be made or provided until the date which is six (6) months after Executive’s separation from service; specifically such lump sum payments shall be paid within the first five (5) business days of the seventh (7th) month following Executive’s separation from service. Furthermore, the first six (6) months of any such payments, benefits, or reimbursements of nonqualified deferred compensation that are required to be paid or provided in installments shall be accumulated and paid or provided (with retroactive effect) within the first five (5) business days of the seventh (7th) month following Executive’s separation from service. In all cases, if the five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment. All remaining installment payments or periodic benefits shall be made or provided as they would ordinarily have been under the provisions of this Agreement. If, notwithstanding actions taken in compliance with this Section 22, Executive incurs taxes under Section 409A, Cedar Fair shall, subject to the same terms and conditions of Sections 7(b), 7(c), and 7(d), make gross-up payments to Executive equal to all federal taxes and interest imposed on Executive, if any, under Section 409A on the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement and the federal, state, and local taxes imposed upon Executive as a result of Cedar Fair’s payment of such taxes; provided that such taxes do not result from Executive’s choice to retain the right to payments and/or benefits that were available to Executive prior to the amendment and restatement of this Agreement for Section 409A; and provided further that such gross-up payments shall be made by the end of Executive’s taxable year next following his taxable year in which he remits such taxes under Section 409A.

 

23. Assignment and Alienation Prohibited .

Neither Executive, his surviving spouse, nor other beneficiaries shall have the power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecate, mortgage, commute, modify, or otherwise encumber, in advance, any of the amounts payable hereunder, nor shall any of such payments be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance owed by Executive or his beneficiary, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or otherwise.

 

24. Captions .

Captions are not controlling for interpretation of this Agreement.

 

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25. Waiver .

The waiver of the enforcement of any provision by a party hereto shall not be construed as the waiver of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

26. Validity .

The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to its conflicts of laws provisions.

 

27. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[The Remainder Of This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.]

 

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
By:  

 

Printed Name   

 

Title:  

 

Date:  

 

 

CEDAR FAIR MANAGEMENT, INC.
By:  

 

Printed Name   

 

Title:  

 

Date:  

 

 

MAGNUM MANAGEMENT CORP.
By:  

 

Printed Name   

 

Title:  

 

Date:  

 

 

 

JACOB T. FALFAS
Date:  

 

 

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Exhibit 10.8

2007 Amended and Restated

Employment Agreement

This 2007 AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 20, 2007, to be effective as of July 18, 2007 (the “Effective Date”), by and among CEDAR FAIR, L.P., a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, CEDAR FAIR MANAGEMENT, INC. , an Ohio corporation (“Cedar Fair Management”), MAGNUM MANAGEMENT CORPORATION , an Ohio corporation (“Magnum”), and PETER J. CRAGE , an individual (“Executive”).

 

1. Recitals .

(a) Cedar Fair, L.P. is affiliated with several corporations and partnerships including, without limitation, Cedar Fair Management and Magnum (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Cedar Fair” or the “Company”).

(b) The Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Management (the “Board”) and its Chief Executive Officer have caused Cedar Fair to enter into an employment agreement with Executive, dated December 1, 2006 (“2006 Agreement”).

(c) The 2006 Agreement is required to be amended and restated for compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the April 10, 2007, final regulations thereunder (collectively “Section 409A”). This Agreement, which amends, restates, and supersedes the 2006 Agreement, is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

(d) In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Executive and Cedar Fair have entered into this Agreement.

 

2. Term of Employment .

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the term of this Agreement shall be for a period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on November 30, 2008. This Agreement shall renew automatically for a period of two (2) years commencing December 1, 2008, and on every two- (2-) year anniversary of December 1, 2008, thereafter unless one of the parties provides written notice of intent to terminate not less than sixty (60) days prior to December 1, 2008 or any such two- (2-) year anniversary thereafter; provided, however, that Cedar Fair shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time, subject to the obligations to provide the benefits and make the payments provided herein. The term of Executive’s employment, as it may be extended pursuant to this Section 2, is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Term.” Upon Executive’s termination of employment, Executive will resign all officer positions with Cedar Fair and all affiliates of Cedar Fair.


3. Nature of Duties .

Executive agrees to devote his entire business time to the affairs of Cedar Fair so as to achieve the goals and objectives set by the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Board, and to use his best efforts to promote the interests of Cedar Fair. Executive further agrees to perform faithfully and efficiently the responsibilities that may be assigned to him from time to time. Executive further understands that he is governed by a duty of loyalty and fidelity to Cedar Fair by virtue of his position.

 

4. Compensation .

(a) Base Salary . As compensation for Executive’s services, Cedar Fair shall pay to Executive during the Employment Term an annual salary in accordance with Cedar Fair’s normal payroll practices (but no less frequently than monthly) (“Base Salary”). Executive’s Base Salary shall be no less than Four Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US $400,000) per year and may be adjusted each year in an amount determined by the Board.

(b) Incentive Compensation . During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to participate in one or more of Cedar Fair’s incentive compensation plans and equity incentive plans at a level appropriate to Executive’s position, as solely determined by the Board.

 

5. Benefits .

(a) Cedar Fair agrees that Executive shall be eligible to participate in such vacation, medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and other benefit plans and programs that Cedar Fair may have or establish from time to time and in which he would be entitled to participate pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan.

(b) In compliance with Section 409A, notwithstanding any other provision of such plans and programs:

(i) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement and the provision of in-kind benefits during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or the provision of in-kind benefits in any other calendar year;

(ii) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(iii) The right to reimbursement or right to in-kind benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

6. Business Expenses and Perquisites .

(a) During the Employment Term, reasonable travel, entertainment, and other business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder shall be reimbursed by Cedar Fair in accordance with Cedar Fair’s policies as in effect from time to time.

 

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(b) In compliance with Section 409A, notwithstanding the terms of any policy to the contrary:

(i) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year;

(ii) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(iii) The right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

7. Termination by Cedar Fair Other Than for Cause .

(a) If, other than pursuant to Section 10 or Section 12 hereof, Cedar Fair shall terminate Executive’s employment (including by written notice of intent, pursuant to Section 2 hereof, not to renew this Agreement), then, subject to Sections 7(b), 7(c), and 7(d):

(i) Executive’s Base Salary shall be continued for either one (1) year or the remaining Employment Term, whichever period of time is longer, payable in accordance with Cedar Fair’s then effective payroll practices; and

(ii) Executive shall continue to receive medical and dental insurance coverage during such Base Salary continuation period; provided that in compliance with Section 409A:

(A) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement and the provision of in-kind benefits during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or the provision of in-kind benefits in any other calendar year;

(B) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(C) The right to reimbursement or right to in-kind benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

All other benefits provided by Cedar Fair shall end as of the last day of Executive’s active employment.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7(a), no payment or benefit shall be paid or provided unless and until Executive has incurred a “separation from service” (as that term is defined under Section 409A) at the time his employment is terminated.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7(a), in the event Executive is a “specified employee” (as that term is defined under Section 409A) at the time his employment is terminated, no payments hereunder shall be made, or benefits conferred, prior to the first day that is six (6) months after the date of his “separation from service” (as defined in Section 7(b)); provided that this Section 7(c) shall be effective only to the extent that such payment or provision of benefits would constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A. Any payments that are subject to the “specified employee” six- (6-) month delay under Section 409A shall be accumulated and paid, and any delayed provision of benefits and reimbursements shall commence (with retroactive effect), within the first five (5) business days after the expiration of such six- (6-) month delay; provided that if the five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment.

(d) The payment of any amounts or provision of any benefits under this Section 7 are conditioned upon the execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement and release in a form mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company.

 

8. Termination Upon Executive’s Death .

In the event of Executive’s death, this Agreement shall terminate and Cedar Fair shall pay to Executive’s estate any compensation and benefits earned but not yet paid as of the date of Executive’s death. Such payment shall be made within ninety (90) days following Executive’s death; provided that where the ninety- (90-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another year, neither the estate nor Executive’s beneficiary(ies) shall have the right to designate the taxable year of payment. Upon Executive’s death, during the remainder of the Employment Term (not in excess of twenty-four (24) months following Executive’s death), Cedar Fair, at its expense, shall continue the health care coverage for Executive’s spouse and eligible dependents, subject to the terms and conditions of Section 5(b) hereof.

 

9. Termination for Disability .

(a) Cedar Fair may terminate Executive’s employment for “Disability” if Executive is “Disabled.” For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered Disabled only if, as a result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness, he shall have been absent from his duties with Cedar Fair on a full-time basis for a period of six (6) consecutive months.

(b) Any termination of employment pursuant to this Section 9 shall be deemed a termination by Cedar Fair other than for Cause, and Executive shall be entitled to compensation and benefits in the same amounts and subject to the same terms and conditions as provided in Section 7. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, monetary payments actually received by Executive from any bona fide short-term or long-term disability plan maintained by Cedar Fair shall be used to reduce any Base Salary or incentive compensation payments made by Cedar Fair pursuant to this Section 9; provided that:

(i) The disability plan payments qualify as “disability pay” under Treasury Regulation Section 31.3121(v)(2)-1(b)(4)(iv)(C);

 

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(ii) Such reduction does not otherwise affect the time of payment of such Base Salary or the provision of benefits;

(iii) The disability plan covers a substantial number of employees and, was in effect before Executive became Disabled; and

(iv) Any subsequent amendment of such plan or any change in the benefits payable under such plan results from actions taken by an independent third party or, if taken by Cedar Fair, that they are generally applicable to a substantial number of other employees.

 

10. Termination for Cause .

(a) Cedar Fair may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (i) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony; (ii) upon continued failure by Executive to substantially perform his duties with Cedar Fair which failure results in significant injury or damage, including damage to the reputation of Cedar Fair; (iii) the failure of Executive to comply with the provisions of Sections 13 and 14 hereof; (iv) violation of Cedar Fair’s policies or procedures relating to discrimination and/or harassment in the workplace; (v) the commission of a fraudulent act or practice by Executive affecting Cedar Fair; (vi) an act of gross negligence or gross misconduct that relates to the affairs of Cedar Fair; or (vii) an act or acts of dishonesty or significant impropriety by Executive resulting or intended to result directly or indirectly in gain or personal enrichment (monetary or otherwise) to Executive at the expense of or detriment to Cedar Fair.

(b) If Executive’s employment shall be terminated for Cause, Cedar Fair shall pay Executive, in a lump sum, on the twentieth (20 th ) business day following the date of termination for Cause, his Base Salary through the date of his termination.

(c) Cedar Fair shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement.

 

11. Termination By Resignation .

In the event Executive resigns his employment, all benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day of Executive’s active employment with Cedar Fair.

 

12. Change in Control .

(a) If, at any time upon or within twenty-four (24) months after a Change in Control occurs, Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair is involuntarily terminated, other than for Cause, or Executive incurs a “Deemed Termination” hereunder, Cedar Fair shall pay/provide to Executive the following cash payment, benefits, and tax gross-up payments:

(i) Two and one-half (2-1/2) times average annual “Cash Compensation” for the previous three (3) years (or for the period of such Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair if less than three (3) years) preceding the calendar year in which the Change in Control of Cedar Fair occurred, less one United States dollar (US $1.00). “Cash Compensation” is defined, with respect to any calendar year,

 

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as (i) the total salary payable in such calendar year, (ii) the annual cash bonuses earned by the Executive during such calendar year, and accrued by the Company and/or the Partnership with respect to such calendar year, notwithstanding the fact that a portion of such bonuses may be paid to the Executive by March 15 of the following calendar year in compliance with the short-term deferral rule under Section 409A, and (iii) respect to any multi-year cash bonuses, the amount actually paid in such calendar year. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Cash Compensation does not include payments or benefits to the Executive under any employee benefit or fringe benefit plan, program, or arrangement or awards or payments under the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program, as such plans, programs, or arrangements currently exist or are hereafter amended.

(ii) For a thirty- (30-) month period after the date of such involuntary termination (other than for Cause) or Deemed Termination, the Company shall provide life, disability, accident, and health insurance benefits substantially similar to those that were received or entitled to be received by Executive immediately before such termination; provided that, in compliance with Section 409A:

(A) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year;

(B) The reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(C) The right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not provide such insurance benefits upon the reemployment of Executive.

(iii) Gross-up payments equal to all federal taxes imposed on Executive, if any, under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, on the payments and benefits provided under this Section 12(a) and the federal, state, and local taxes imposed upon Executive as a result of Cedar Fair’s payment of the such taxes; provided that such gross-up payments shall be made by the end of Executive’s taxable year next following his taxable year in which he remits such taxes under Sections 280G and 4999.

Cedar Fair shall make cash payments and begin to provide benefits under this Section 12(a) to Executive not later than sixty (60) days following the date of such involuntary termination (other than for Cause) or Deemed Termination; provided that the terms and

 

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conditions of Sections 7(b), 7(c), and 7(d) are satisfied; and provided further, if the sixty- (60-) day period is applicable (because the six- (6-) month delay of Section 7(c) is not applicable), Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment if such sixty- (60-) day period spans two calendar years. Except as provided in this Section 12, Cedar Fair shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement upon a termination of employment upon or within twenty-four (24) months after a Change in Control.

(b) For purposes of this Section 12, a “Change in Control” shall mean a change in control of Cedar Fair, L.P., if, by analogy to the rules applicable to corporations under Section 409A, Cedar Fair, L.P., would be considered to have undergone a “change in control event” under Section 409A.

(c) For purposes of this Section 12, a “Deemed Termination” shall mean:

(i) Forced relocation of Executive’s place of employment by the greater of thirty-five (35) miles or the distance constituting a “material change in the geographic location” of Executive’s place of employment within the meaning of Section 409A;

(ii) Reduction of Executive’s Base Salary;

(iii) Significant reduction of Executive’s responsibility; or

(iv) Job elimination.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not have incurred a Deemed Termination unless:

(A) Executive incurs a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 7(b)) within the twenty-four (24) month period following the effective date of the Change in Control; and

(B) Executive provides notice to Cedar Fair (or its successor) within ninety (90) days of the event that constitutes the Deemed Termination; and

(C) Cedar Fair (or its successor) has at least thirty (30) days in which to remedy its action.

 

13. Disclosure of Information .

(a) Executive acknowledges that it is the policy of Cedar Fair to maintain as secret and confidential all “Confidential Information” (as defined herein). The parties hereto recognize that the services to be performed by Executive pursuant to this Agreement are special and unique, and that by reason of his employment by Cedar Fair after the Effective Date, Executive will acquire, or may have acquired, Confidential Information. Executive recognizes that all such Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole property of Cedar Fair, free of any rights of Executive, and acknowledges that Cedar Fair has a vested interest in assuring that all such Confidential Information remains secret and confidential. Therefore, in consideration of

 

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Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair pursuant to this Agreement, Executive agrees that at all times from after the Effective Date, he will not, directly or indirectly, disclose to any person, firm, company or other entity (other than Cedar Fair) any Confidential Information, except as specifically required in the performance of his duties hereunder, without the prior written consent of Cedar Fair, except to the extent that (i) any such Confidential Information becomes generally available to the public, other than as a result of a breach by Executive of this Section 13 or by any other executive officer of Cedar Fair subject to confidentiality obligations, or (ii) any such Confidential Information becomes available to Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source other than Cedar Fair, or its executive officers or advisors; provided, that such source is not known by Executive to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or other obligation of secrecy to, Cedar Fair or another party. In addition, it shall not be a breach of the confidentiality obligations hereof if Executive is required by law to disclose any Confidential Information; provided, that in such case, Executive shall (a) give Cedar Fair the earliest notice possible that such disclosure is or may be required and (b) cooperate with Cedar Fair, at Cedar Fair’s expense, in protecting to the maximum extent legally permitted, the confidential or proprietary nature of the Confidential Information which must be so disclosed. The obligations of Executive under this Section 13 shall survive any termination of this Agreement. During the Employment Term, Executive shall exercise all due and diligent precautions to protect the integrity of the business plans, customer lists, statistical data, financial data and compilation, agreements, contracts, manuals or other documents of Cedar Fair which embody the Confidential Information, and upon the expiration or the termination of the Employment Term, Executive agrees that all Confidential Information in his possession, directly or indirectly, that is in writing or other tangible form (together with all duplicates thereof) will forthwith be returned to Cedar Fair and will not be retained by Executive or furnished to any person, either by sample, facsimile film, audio or video cassette, electronic data, verbal communication or any other means of communication. Executive agrees that the provisions of this Section 13 are reasonably necessary to protect the proprietary rights of Cedar Fair in the Confidential Information and its trade secrets, goodwill and reputation.

(b) For purposes hereof, the term “ Confidential Information ” means all information developed or used by Cedar Fair relating to the “Business” (as herein defined), operations, employees, customers, suppliers and distributors of Cedar Fair, including, but not limited to, customer lists, purchase orders, financial data, pricing information and price lists, business plans and market strategies and arrangements and any strategic plan, all books, records, manuals, advertising materials, catalogues, correspondence, mailing lists, production data, sales materials and records, purchasing materials and records, personnel records, quality control records and procedures included in or relating to the Business or any of the assets of Cedar Fair and all trademarks, copyrights and patents, and applications therefore, all trade secrets, inventions, processes, procedures, research records, market surveys and marketing know-how and other technical papers. The term “ Confidential Information” also includes any other information heretofore or hereafter acquired by Cedar Fair and deemed by it to be confidential. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Business” shall mean (i) the business of leisure/theme parks, amusement and/or water parks, (ii) leisure theme parks, (iii) any other business engaged in or being developed (including production of materials used in Cedar Fair’s businesses) by Cedar Fair, or being considered by Cedar Fair, at the time of Executive’s termination, and (iv) any joint venture, partnership or agency arrangements relating to the businesses described in (b)(i) through (iii) above.

 

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(c) Return of Company Property . Executive agrees that following the termination of his employment for any reason, he shall return all property of the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates and any divisions thereof he may have managed which is then in or thereafter comes into his possession, including, but not limited to, documents, contracts, agreements, plans, photographs, books, notes, electronically stored data and all copies of the foregoing as well as any automobile or other materials or equipment supplied by the Company to Executive.

(d) Inventions . Any and all inventions made, developed or created by Executive (whether at the request or suggestion of Cedar Fair or otherwise, whether alone or in conjunction with others, and whether during regular working hours or otherwise) during the period of his employment with Cedar Fair, which may be directly or indirectly useful in, or relate to, the Business of Cedar Fair, shall be promptly and fully disclosed by Executive to the Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair, and shall be Cedar Fair’s exclusive property as opposed to Executive’s. Executive shall promptly deliver to the Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair all papers, drawings, models, data and other material relating to any invention made, developed or created by him as aforesaid. Executive hereby assigns any and all such inventions to Cedar Fair and hereby agrees to execute and deliver such agreements, certificates, assignments or other documents as may be necessary to effect the assignment to Cedar Fair of any and all such inventions as contemplated by this Section 13. Executive shall, upon Cedar Fair’s request and without any payment therefor, execute any documents necessary or advisable in the opinion of Cedar Fair’s counsel to direct issuance of patents or copyrights of Cedar Fair with respect to such inventions as are to be in Cedar Fair’s exclusive property as against Executive under this Section 13 or to vest in Cedar Fair title to such inventions as against Executive, the expense of securing any such patent or copyright, to be borne by Cedar Fair.

 

14. Noncompetition .

(a) Executive agrees that, during the Employment Term and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination date of his employment with Cedar Fair for any reason (the “Noncompetition Period” ), Executive will not directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control or participate in the ownership, management or control of, or be connected as an officer, employee, partner, director, or otherwise with, or have any financial interest in, or aid, consult, advise or assist anyone else in the conduct of, any entity or business (i) in which 10% or more of whose annual revenues are derived from a Business as defined above and (ii) which conducts business in any locality or region of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe or Asia (whether or not such competing entity or business is physically located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe or Asia), where Business is being conducted by Cedar Fair on the date Executive’s employment is terminated hereunder. Notwithstanding the forgoing, Executive’s ownership of securities of a public company engaged in competition with Cedar Fair not in excess of 5% of any class of such securities shall not be considered a breach of the covenants set forth in this Section 14(a).

(b) Executive agrees that, at all times from after the Effective Date, Executive will not, either personally or by his agent or by letters, circulars or advertisements, and whether for himself or on behalf of any other person, company, firm or other entity, (i) seek to persuade any employee of Cedar Fair to discontinue his or her status or employment therewith or to become employed in a business or activities likely to be competitive with the Business; or (ii) solicit or

 

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employ any such person at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of cessation of employment of such person with Cedar Fair, in any locality or region of the United States or Canada and in each and every other area where Cedar Fair conducts its Business.

(c) Executive expressly agrees and understands that the remedy at law for any breach by him of Sections 13 and 14 will be inadequate and that the damages flowing from such breach are not readily susceptible to being measured in monetary terms. Accordingly, it is acknowledged that upon adequate proof of a violation by Executive of any provision of Sections 13 and 14, Cedar Fair shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief and may obtain a temporary order restraining any threatened or further breach. Nothing in Sections 13 and 14 shall be deemed to limit Cedar Fair’s remedies at law or in equity for any breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 13 and 14 which may be pursued or availed of by Cedar Fair. In addition, Executive’s violation either of Sections 13 or 14 shall result in Executive’s forfeiture and repayment of any monetary payments and/or benefits provided to Executive subsequent to the cessation of his employment.

(d) Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Cedar Fair under Sections 13 and 14, and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are intended to eliminate competition which otherwise would be unfair to Cedar Fair, do not stifle the inherent skill and experience of Executive, would not operate as a bar to Executive’s sole means of support, are fully required to protect the business interests of Cedar Fair and do not confer a benefit upon Cedar Fair disproportionate to the detriment to Executive.

 

15. Assignment .

This Agreement may not be assigned by Executive or Cedar Fair except that Cedar Fair may assign this Agreement to any affiliate of Cedar Fair or any successor in interest to Cedar Fair.

 

16. Successors, Binding Agreement .

(a) Cedar Fair will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of Cedar Fair to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that Cedar Fair would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

(b) Failure of Cedar Fair to obtain an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement; and Executive shall be entitled to compensation and benefits from Cedar Fair in the same amounts and on the same terms and conditions as would apply under Section 7 as if Executive was terminated other than for Cause; provided that:

(i) Executive incurs a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 7(b) hereof) within the twenty-four (24-) month period following the effective date of the succession; and

 

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(ii) Executive provides notice within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the succession to the successor to Cedar Fair that it is a breach of this Agreement not to assume and agree to perform the Agreement; and

(iii) The successor has at least thirty (30) days in which to remedy its inaction.

 

17. Amendment or Modification .

This Agreement shall supersede and replace the 2006 Agreement. This Agreement shall, for so long as the provisions of Section 12 hereof and this Agreement remain in effect, also supersede and replace Executive’s participation in, and rights to participate in and receive benefits under, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Executive Change in Control Plan, as amended from time to time. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended modified, waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by Executive and such officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.

 

18. Right to Amend or Terminate Plans or Programs .

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or otherwise inhibit the right of the Company to alter, amend, discontinue, or terminate any plan, program, fringe benefit, or perquisite hereunder; provided that any such action is of general application to all similarly situated executives and is not specific to Executive.

 

19. Arbitration .

(a) Executive and Cedar Fair agree that any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including but not limited to claims of employment discrimination and/or claims over whether Executive’s employment was terminated for “Cause,” except as set forth in Section 19(f) below, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration, and judgment upon the award of the arbitration panel may be entered and enforced in any federal or state court having jurisdiction over the parties. Executive expressly acknowledges that this agreement to arbitrate applies without limitation to any claims of unlawful discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, constructive discharge, claims related to the payment of wages or benefits, contract claims and tort claims under federal, state or local law. By agreeing to submit any and all claims (except as set forth in Section 19(f) below) to arbitration, Executive and Cedar Fair expressly waive any right that they may have to resolve such claims through any other means, including a jury trial or court trial.

(b) Arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three (3) arbitrators in accordance with the arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). Within twenty (20) days after notice from one party to the other of the notifying party’s election to arbitrate, each party shall select one (1) arbitrator. Within twenty (20) days after the selection of the two (2) arbitrators by the parties, said arbitrators shall in turn select a third arbitrator. If the two arbitrators cannot agree upon the selection of a third arbitrator, the parties agree that the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA.

(c) Both parties shall be entitled to representation by individuals of their choice and to written information directly relevant to the arbitration of their claims. Each party will be

 

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entitled to take three depositions, not including any depositions necessary to perpetuate the testimony of unavailable witnesses. The arbitration panel shall have authority to award any remedy or relief that an Ohio or federal court in Ohio could grant in conformity with applicable law on the basis of the claims actually made in the arbitration. The arbitration panel shall not have the authority either to abridge or change substantive rights available under existing law. Should Executive prevail in arbitration, Cedar Fair shall reimburse Executive for reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees incurred by Executive. The arbitration panel shall issue a written award listing the issues submitted by the parties, together with a succinct explanation of the manner in which the panel resolved or decided the issues. The costs of the arbitration panel shall be paid by Cedar Fair.

(d) All arbitration proceedings, including the arbitration panel’s decision and award, shall be confidential. Neither party shall disclose any information or evidence adduced by the other in the arbitration proceedings, or the panel’s award except (i) to the extent that the parties agree otherwise in writing; (ii) as may be appropriate in any subsequent proceedings between the parties such as to enforce the arbitration award; or (iii) as may otherwise be compelled by law.

(e) The terms of this arbitration procedure are severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions herein shall not affect the application of any other provisions. Where possible, consistent with the procedure, any otherwise invalid provision of the procedure will be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act as will any actions to compel, enforce, vacate or confirm proceedings, awards, orders of the arbitration panel, or settlements under the procedure.

(f) The parties agree and acknowledge that the promises and agreements set forth in Sections 13 (Disclosure of Information) and 14 (Noncompetition) of this Agreement shall not be subject to the arbitration provisions set forth herein in Section 19, but rather such claims may be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction. Any claims made by Executive, for workers’ compensation (except retaliation claims), or unemployment benefits are also excepted from the arbitration provisions set forth herein in Section 19.

 

20. Survival of Certain Provisions .

The provisions of Sections 13 and 14 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

21. Tax Reporting and Withholding .

The Company (and any agent of the Company) shall report all income required to be reported, and withhold from any payment under the Agreement the amount of withholding taxes due, in the opinion of the Company in respect of such income or payment and shall take any other action as may be necessary, in the opinion of the Company, to satisfy all obligations for the reporting of such income and payment of such taxes. The Company, the Board, or any delegatee shall not be held liable for any taxes, penalties, interest, or other monetary amounts owed by Executive or other person as a result of the deferral or payment of any amounts under this Agreement or as a result of the Company’s administration of amounts subject to the Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.

 

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22. Section 409(A) .

To the extent applicable, Cedar Fair and Executive intend that this Agreement comply with Section 409A. Cedar Fair and Executive hereby agree that this Agreement shall be construed in a manner to comply with Section 409A and that should any provision be found not in compliance with Section 409A, the parties are hereby contractually obligated to execute any and all amendments to this Agreement deemed necessary and required by legal counsel for Cedar Fair to achieve compliance with Section 409A. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, Executive irrevocably waives any objections he may have to the amendments required by Section 409A. Cedar Fair and Executive also agree that in no event shall any payment, benefit, or reimbursement required to be made pursuant to this Agreement that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A be accelerated in violation of Section 409A or be made to Executive unless he has incurred a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A). In the event Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined in Section 409A) so that payments, benefits, and/or reimbursements that are nonqualified deferred compensation cannot commence until the lapse of six (6) months after a separation from service, then any such payments, benefits, or reimbursements that are required to be paid or provided in a single lump sum may not be made or provided until the date which is six (6) months after Executive’s separation from service; specifically such lump sum payments shall be paid within the first five (5) business days of the seventh (7th) month following Executive’s separation from service. Furthermore, the first six (6) months of any such payments, benefits, or reimbursements of nonqualified deferred compensation that are required to be paid or provided in installments shall be accumulated and paid or provided (with retroactive effect) within the first five (5) business days of the seventh (7th) month following Executive’s separation from service. In all cases, if the five- (5-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another, Executive shall not have the right to designate the taxable year of payment. All remaining installment payments or periodic benefits shall be made or provided as they would ordinarily have been under the provisions of this Agreement. If, notwithstanding actions taken in compliance with this Section 22, Executive incurs taxes under Section 409A, Cedar Fair shall, subject to the same terms and conditions of Sections 7(b), 7(c), and 7(d), make gross-up payments to Executive equal to all federal taxes and interest imposed on Executive, if any, under Section 409A on the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement and the federal, state, and local taxes imposed upon Executive as a result of Cedar Fair’s payment of such taxes; provided that such taxes do not result from Executive’s choice to retain the right to payments and/or benefits that were available to Executive prior to the amendment and restatement of this Agreement for Section 409A; and provided further that such gross-up payments shall be made by the end of Executive’s taxable year next following his taxable year in which he remits such taxes under Section 409A.

 

23. Assignment and Alienation Prohibited .

Neither Executive, his surviving spouse, nor other beneficiaries shall have the power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecate, mortgage, commute, modify, or otherwise encumber, in advance, any of the amounts payable hereunder, nor shall any of such payments be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance owed by Executive or his beneficiary, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or otherwise.

 

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24. Captions .

Captions are not controlling for interpretation of this Agreement.

 

25. Waiver .

The waiver of the enforcement of any provision by a party hereto shall not be construed as the waiver of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

26. Validity .

The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to its conflicts of laws provisions.

 

27. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[The Remainder Of This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.]

 

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
By:  

 

Printed Name   

 

Title  

 

Date:  

 

 

CEDAR FAIR MANAGEMENT, INC.
By:  

 

Printed Name   

 

Title  

 

Date:  

 

 

MAGNUM MANAGEMENT CORP.
By:  

 

Printed Name   

 

Title  

 

Date:  

 

 

 

PETER J. CRAGE
Date:  

 

 

- 15 -

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Richard L. Kinzel, certify that:

 

1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cedar Fair, L.P.;

 

2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4) The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5) The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 2, 2007

 

/s/ Richard L. Kinzel

  Richard L. Kinzel
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Peter J. Crage, certify that:

 

1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cedar Fair, L.P.;

 

2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4) The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5) The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 2, 2007     

/s/ Peter J. Crage

     Peter J. Crage
    

Corporate Vice President – Finance

(Chief Financial Officer)

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the “Partnership”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 24, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Partnership certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to our knowledge:

 

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

August 2, 2007

 

/s/ Richard L. Kinzel

 
Richard L. Kinzel  
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
 

/s/ Peter J. Crage

 
Peter J. Crage  

Corporate Vice President – Finance

(Chief Financial Officer)

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.