UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 25, 2012

 

 

WILLIAM LYON HOMES

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-31625   33-0864902

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

4490 Von Karman Avenue,

Newport Beach, California

  92660
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (949) 833-3600

Not Applicable

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On December 19, 2011, William Lyon Homes (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries filed a petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) to seek approval of the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) of William Lyon Homes (the “Company”) and certain of its subsidiaries.

On February 10, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Plan.

On February 25, 2012, the Company and its subsidiaries consummated the principal transactions contemplated by the Plan, including:

 

   

the issuance of 44,793,255 shares of the Company’s new Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Class A Common Stock”) and $75 million aggregate principal amount of 12% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes due 2017 (“Second Lien Notes”) issued by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, William Lyon Homes, Inc. (“Borrower”) in exchange for the claims held by the holders of the formerly outstanding notes of Borrower;

 

   

the amendment of the Borrower’s loan agreement with ColFin WLH Funding, LLC and certain other lenders which resulted, among other things, in the increase in the principal amount outstanding under the loan agreement, the reduction in the interest rate payable under the loan agreement, and the elimination of any prepayment penalty under the loan agreement;

 

   

the issuance, in exchange for aggregate cash consideration of $25 million, of 31,464,548 shares of the Company’s new Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Class B Common Stock”) and a warrant to purchase 15,737,294 shares of Class B Common Stock; and

 

   

the issuance of 64,831,831 shares of the Company’s new Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Convertible Preferred Stock”), and 12,966,366 shares of the Company’s new Class C Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Class C Common Stock”), in exchange for aggregate cash consideration of $60 million.

Second Lien Notes and Notes Registration Rights Agreement

Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, on February 25, 2012, the Borrower issued $75.0 million principal amount of 12% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes, due February 25, 2017, to the prior holders of its 7 5/8 % Senior Notes due December 15, 2012, its 10  3 / 4 % Senior Notes due April 1, 2013 and its 7  1 / 2 % Senior Notes due February 15, 2014, in exchange for the holders’ claims related to the Borrower’s notes. The Borrower received no net proceeds from this issuance.

Cash interest of 8% on the outstanding principal amount of the Second Lien Notes, or $6 million per year, is due in semi-annual installments in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. The remaining interest of 4% on the outstanding principal amount of the Notes is payable in kind semi-annually in arrears by increasing the principal amount of the Second Lien Notes.


The Second Lien Notes are senior subordinated secured obligations of Borrower and are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated secured basis by the Company, and by all of the Company’s existing and certain of its future restricted subsidiaries. The Second Lien Notes and the guarantees rank senior to all of Borrower’s and the guarantors’ debt that is expressly subordinated to the Second Lien Notes and the guarantees, but are subordinated to all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ indebtedness under the Amended Loan Agreement (described below), and effectively subordinated any future secured indebtedness of Borrower and the guarantors that is secured on a first-lien basis, to the extent of the value of the assets securing that indebtedness.

The Second Lien Notes are redeemable at the option of Borrower at any time, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

Borrower is 100% owned by the Company. Each subsidiary guarantor is 100% owned by Borrower or the Company. All guarantees of the Second Lien Notes are full and unconditional and all guarantees are joint and several. There are no significant restrictions under the Second Lien Notes Indentures on the ability of the Company or any guarantor to obtain funds from subsidiaries by dividend or loan.

The Second Lien Notes Indentures contain covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase stock; (iii) make investments; (iv) sell assets; (v) incur liens; (vi) enter into agreements restricting the ability of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries (other than Borrower) to pay dividends; (vii) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (viii) consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s and Borrower’s assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications as described in the Second Lien Notes Indentures.

On February 25, 2012, pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, the Company entered into the Second Lien Notes Registration Rights Agreement (“Second Lien Notes Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to provide certain registration rights to certain of the parties that received Second Lien Notes pursuant to the Plan. Among other things, the Company will be obligated to file a shelf registration statement covering the resale of the Second Lien Notes held by such parties and will have the ability to suspend the distribution of such securities pursuant to such registration statement in certain circumstances.

The foregoing description of the Second Lien Notes Indenture and the Second Lien Notes Registration Rights Agreement in this Current Report on Form 8-K is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Second Lien Notes Indenture and the Second Lien Notes Registration Rights Agreement, which are attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1 and Exhibit 10.2, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

Class A Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement .

On February 25, 2012, pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, the Company entered into the Class A Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement (“Class A Registration Rights

 

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Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to provide certain registration rights to certain of the parties that received shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Plan. Among other things, the Company will be obligated to file a shelf registration statement covering the resale of the Class A Common Stock held by such parties and will have the ability to suspend the distribution of such securities pursuant to such registration statement in certain circumstances.

The foregoing description of the Class A Registration Rights Agreement in this Current Report on Form 8-K is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Class A Registration Rights Agreement, which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3, and incorporated herein by reference.

Amended Loan Agreement

On February 25, 2012, the Borrower entered into an Amended and Restated Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement (the “Amended Loan Agreement”) with ColFin WLH Funding, LLC, as Administrative Agent (“Admin Agent”), ColFin WLH Funding, LLC, as Initial Lender and Lead Arranger (“ColFin”) and other Lenders who may become assignees of ColFin (collectively, with ColFin, the “Lenders”).

The Amended Loan Agreement amended and restated in its entirety the existing Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement entered into by the Company and ColFin on October 20, 2009 (the “Original Loan Agreement”). The Amended Loan Agreement, which increased the principal amount of the first lien secured loan from $206 Million to $235 Million (the “Loan”), is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Borrower, the Company (excluding stock in the Borrower and certain other assets of the Company) and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Loan is guaranteed by the Company and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company and the Borrower.

The Amended Loan Agreement amended the Original Loan Agreement by, among other items, (a) reducing the interest rate from 14% to 10  1 / 4 %, (b) eliminating the Company’s obligation to pay the Make-Whole Payment and Exit Fee (as such terms are defined in the Original Loan Agreement) that were payable upon any repayment of any portion of the principal amount (whether or not at maturity) under the Original Loan Agreement, (c) extending the maturity date of the Loan from October 20, 2014 to January 31, 2015, (d) eliminating the requirement that the Company is to maintain a Minimum Tangible Net Worth (as defined therein) of at least $75.0 million and (e) amending certain financial covenants and eliminating certain other financial covenants.

The Amended Loan Agreement continues to contain covenants that limit the ability of the Borrower and the Company to, among other items: (i) incur liens; (ii) incur additional indebtedness; (iii) transfer or dispose of assets; (iv) merge, consolidate or alter their line of business; (v) guarantee obligations; (vi) engage in affiliated party transactions; (vii) declare or pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase stock; (viii) make advances, loans or investments; (ix) repay debt (including under the Borrower’s Second Lien Notes) and (x) make investments or expenditures outside of the Company’s primary business.

 

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The Amended Loan Agreement contains customary events of default, including, without limitation, failure to pay amounts due in respect of the Loan or otherwise under the Amended Loan Agreement; failure to comply with certain agreements or covenants contained in the Amended Loan Agreement after the administrative agent’s notice of such non-compliance (or in some cases after a period of 30 days after such notice); acceleration of more than $10.0 million of certain other indebtedness; certain insolvency and bankruptcy event; and the occurrence of certain change of control transactions. All or a portion of the Loan may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined therein) under the Amended Loan Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Amended Loan Agreement in this Current Report on Form 8-K is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amended Loan Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.4 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Class B Common Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement; Convertible Preferred Stock and Class B Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement .

On February 25, 2012, pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, the Company entered into the Class B Common Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Class B Purchase Agreement”) with an entity owned and controlled by General William Lyon and William H. Lyon (the “Class B Purchaser”) pursuant to which the Company issued to the Class B Purchaser, on February 25, 2012, 31,464,548 shares of its Class B Common Stock and a warrant to purchase 15,737,294 shares of Class B Common Stock (“Class B Warrant”), in exchange for aggregate cash consideration of $25 million. The Class B Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and other provisions for investments of this type. The Class B Warrant provides the Class B Purchaser with the right to purchase 15,737,294 shares of Class B Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.07 per share. The expiration date of the Class B Warrant is February 15, 2017. The Class B Warrant contains other customary provisions for a warrant of this type.

In connection with the Class B Purchase Agreement and the Class B Warrant, the Company and the Class B Purchaser entered into a Class B Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 25, 2012 (“Class B Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to provide certain registration rights to the Class B Purchaser with respect to the Class B Common Stock issued to the Class B Purchaser and issuable pursuant to the Class B Warrant, as well as the securities issuable upon conversion of the Class B Common Stock. Among other things, the Company will be obligated to file a shelf registration statement covering the resale of such securities and will have the ability to suspend the distribution of such securities by the Class B Purchaser in certain circumstances.

The foregoing description of the Class B Purchase Agreement, Class B Warrant and the Class B Registration Rights Agreement in this Current Report on Form 8-K is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Class B Purchase Agreement, Class B Warrant and Class B Registration Rights Agreement, which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.5, Exhibit 10.6 and Exhibit 10.7, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Subscription Agreements; Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement .

On February 25, 2012, pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, the Company entered into Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Subscription Agreements (the “Subscription Agreements”) with certain subscribers (the “Subscribers”) pursuant to which the Company issued to the Subscribers, on February 25, 2012, 64,831,831 shares of its Convertible Preferred Stock and 12,966,366 shares of its Class C Common Stock, in exchange for aggregate cash consideration of $60 million. The Subscription Agreements contain customary representations, warranties and other provisions for investments of this type.

In connection with the Subscription Agreements, the Company and the Subscribers entered into a Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 25, 2012 (“Class C Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to provide certain registration rights to the Subscribers with respect to the Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock as well as the securities issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock. Among other things, the Company will be obligated to file a shelf registration statement covering the resale of such securities and will have the ability to suspend the distribution of such securities by the Subscribers in certain circumstances.

The foregoing description of the Subscription Agreements and the Class C Registration Rights Agreement in this Current Report on Form 8-K is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of Subscription Agreement and the Class C Registration Rights Agreement, which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.8 and Exhibit 10.9, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

To the extent applicable, the contents of Item 1.01 above are incorporated into this Item 2.03 by this reference.

Item 2.04. Triggering Events that Accelerate or Increase a Direct Financial Obligation or Obligation under and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement.

To the extent applicable, the contents of Item 1.01 above are incorporated into this Item 2.04 by this reference.

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

To the extent applicable, the contents of Item 1.01 above are incorporated into this Item 3.02 by this reference.

Issuance of Shares of Class A Common Stock .

Pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Plan, on February 25, 2012, the Company issued 44,793,255 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock to the holders of the

 

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Borrower’s formerly outstanding notes. These shares of Class A Common Stock, together with the Second Lien Notes, were issued in satisfaction of the holders’ claims arising out of the Borrower’s formerly outstanding notes. The shares of Class A Common Stock were issued pursuant to the Reorganization Plan in reliance on the provisions of Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Issuance of Shares of Class B Common Stock and Warrants to Purchase Class B Common Stock .

Pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Plan and the Class B Purchase Agreement, on February 25, 2012, the Company issued, in exchange for an aggregate cash purchase price of $25 million, 31,464,548 shares of Class B Common Stock and the Class B Warrant which provides the right to purchase 15,737,294 shares of Class B Common Stock. The Class B Warrant expires on February 25, 2017.

The shares of Class B Common Stock and the Class B Warrant were issued in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (“Securities Act”), and/or Regulation D, as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act, based upon the following: (a) the Class B Purchaser confirmed to the Company that it is an “accredited investor,” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and has such background, education and experience in financial and business matters as to be able to evaluate the merits and risks of an investment in the securities, (b) there was no public offering or general solicitation with respect to the offering of such shares, (c) the owners of the Class B Purchaser had a longstanding relationship with the Company and had access to information requested with respect to the Company, (d) the Class B Purchaser acknowledged that all securities being purchased were being purchased for investment intent and were “restricted securities” for purposes of the Securities Act, and agreed to transfer such securities only in a transaction registered under the Securities Act or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and (e) a legend has been, or will be, placed on the certificates representing each such security stating that it was restricted and could only be transferred if subsequently registered under the Securities Act or transferred in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act.

Pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, each share of the Company’s Class B Common Stock is convertible at the option of the holder into one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock is subject to customary adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and transactions with similar effect.

Upon the transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock to any party other than General William Lyon, William H. Lyon, certain of their relatives, entities controlled by them or trusts for their benefit, those shares of Class B Common Stock will automatically convert into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock. In addition, from and after the Conversion Date (described below), all of the shares of Class B Common Stock will be converted into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock if the holders of a majority of the Class B Common Stock vote in favor of such conversion.

 

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The foregoing description of the terms under which the Company’s Class B Common Stock is convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1, and incorporated herein by reference.

Issuance of Shares of Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock .

Pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Plan and the Subscription Agreements, on February 25, 2012, the Company issued 12,966,366 shares of Class C Common Stock and 64,831,831 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, in exchange for an aggregate cash purchase price of $60 million.

The shares of Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock were issued in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, and/or Regulation D, as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act, based upon the following: (a) each of the persons to whom the shares of Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock were issued (each such person, a “Class C Investor”) confirmed to the Company that it or he is an “accredited investor,” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and has such background, education and experience in financial and business matters as to be able to evaluate the merits and risks of an investment in the securities, (b) there was no public offering or general solicitation with respect to the offering of such shares, (c) each Class C Investor was provided with certain disclosure materials with respect to the Company, (d) each Class C Investor acknowledged that all securities being purchased were being purchased for investment intent and were “restricted securities” for purposes of the Securities Act, and agreed to transfer such securities only in a transaction registered under the Securities Act or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and (e) a legend has been, or will be, placed on the certificates representing each such security stating that it was restricted and could only be transferred if subsequently registered under the Securities Act or transferred in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act.

Upon the occurrence of the Conversion Date (as defined below), all shares of Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock shall be automatically converted into shares of Class A Common Stock at the rate of one share of Class A Common Stock for each share of Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of shares of Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock is subject to customary adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and transactions with similar effect.

Under the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the “Conversion Date” shall be deemed to occur on the earlier of (i) the date on which the majority of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, and the majority of the Company’s Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a separate class, vote in favor of the mandatory conversion of the Class C Common Stock and the Convertible Preferred Stock; (ii) the closing by the Company of a sale of its Class A Common Stock in a firmly underwritten public offering where the gross proceeds to the Corporation are $25 million or more and the gross offering price per share to the public of

 

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Class A Common Stock in such offering (without deducting underwriter commissions and offering expenses) is greater than or equal to $1.00; and (iii) if the Class A Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, then the date on which the thirty day volume weighted average trading price exceeds $1.00 per share and the aggregate dollar trading volume for such 30 day period is greater than or equal to $4 million.

Prior to the Conversion Date, each share of Class C Common Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class A Common Stock, and each share of Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class C Common Stock.

The number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of shares of Class C Common Stock and the number of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class C Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock is subject to customary adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and transactions with similar effect.

The foregoing description of the terms under which the Company’s Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock (or shares of Class C Common Stock) is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

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

(b) Departure of Directors .

On February 25, 2012, in connection with the consummation of the transactions described above, and pursuant to the Plan, Harold H. Greene and Alex Meruelo resigned from the Company’s board of directors. These resignations were not due to any disagreement with the Company.

(d) Election of Directors

On February 25, 2012, pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Plan, the following individuals were appointed to the board of directors of the Company: Matthew R. Niemann, Nathaniel Redleaf and Lynn Carlson Schell. Following these appointments, the Company’s board of directors consists of seven directors.

The Company is not aware of any understandings between the new directors or any other persons pursuant to which such individuals were elected as directors. However, pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 3.1 hereto, certain classes of stockholders have the right to elect certain of the Company’s directors.

 

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(e) New Employment Agreements .

On February 25, 2012, the Borrower and the Company entered into an employment agreement with General William Lyon, which provides that General Lyon will continue to serve as the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Borrower. In addition, on February 25, 2012, the Borrower and the Company entered into an employment agreement with William H. Lyon, which provides that William H. Lyon will continue to serve as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Borrower.

The term of each employment agreement expires on December 31, 2014, subject to earlier termination as provided in the employment agreement. Under the employment agreements, General Lyon and William H. Lyon are entitled to annual salaries of $1 million and $500,000 per year, respectively.

Under the employment agreements, each executive has the right to earn a bonus of up to 50% of salary during the 2012 fiscal year. After 2012, bonuses will be established by the Company’s compensation committee. The payment of a portion of the bonuses will be deferred as provided in the employment agreements.

In the event of the termination of the executive’s employment by the Company without “cause” as defined in the employment agreements or the termination by the executive of his employment for “good reason” as defined in the employment agreements, the executive is entitled to receive (i) a payment equal to the greater of 18 months of salary or the amount of salary otherwise payable for the remainder of the scheduled term of employment; (ii) the amount of bonus that the executive would have earned in the year of termination; and (iii) continued health insurance coverage for a specified period of time following termination.

Under the employment agreements, “good reason” will be deemed to have occurred, among other things, (i) if the Company breaches the employment agreement, (ii) the Company ceases to acquire or develop land or materially changes its business, or invests or engages in new businesses that compete with Lyon Management Group, Inc. and/or Lyon Capital Ventures, LLC, (iii) any relocation of the executive’s or the Company’s principal place of business outside of Orange County, California; or (iv) the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the employment agreement.

In the event of a termination of the executive’s employment due to death or disability, the executive (or his estate) will be entitled to receive (i) a payment equal to the amount of salary otherwise payable for the remainder of the scheduled term of employment; (ii) any deferred and unpaid bonuses; and (iii) continued health insurance coverage for a specified period of time following termination.

The employment agreements include other customary terms and conditions, including confidentiality and non-solicitation covenants.

The foregoing description of the employment agreements for General Lyon and William H. Lyon is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the employment agreements, which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.10 and Exhibit 10.11, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 8.01 Other Events.

On February 27, 2012, the Company issued a press release in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Plan. A copy of this press release press release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “ Act ”). Statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or which include words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “hopes”, and similar expressions constitute forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible future Company actions, which may be provided by management are also forward-looking statements as defined in the Act. Forward-looking statements are based upon expectations and projections about future events and are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties about, among other things, the Company, economic and market factors and the homebuilding industry.

Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the outcome of any court proceedings; the potential adverse impact of the bankruptcy court proceedings on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations; the Company’s ability to successfully implement its core market strategy; worsening in general economic conditions either nationally or in regions in which the Company operates; worsening in the markets for residential housing or further decline in real estate values resulting in further impairment of the company’s real estate assets; volatility in the banking industry and credit markets; terrorism or other hostilities involving the United States; whether an ownership change occurred which could, under certain circumstances, have resulted in the limitation of the Company’s ability to offset prior years’ taxable income with net operating losses; changes in home mortgage interest rates; changes in generally accepted accounting principles or interpretations of those principles; changes in prices of homebuilding materials; labor shortages; adverse weather conditions, the occurrence of events such as landslides, soil subsidence and earthquakes that are uninsurable, not economically insurable or not subject to effective indemnification agreements; changes in governmental laws and regulations; anticipated tax refunds; the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals; and the opening of projects and the availability and cost of land for future growth.

 

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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

 

    3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of William Lyon Homes.
    3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of William Lyon Homes.
    4.1    Indenture, dated as of February 25, 2012, among William Lyon Homes, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S. National Bank National Association, as Note Trustee and Collateral Trustee is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit T3C to the Company’s Form T-3/A (Amendment No. 2), filed on February 22, 2012 (SEC File No. 022-28963-12).
    4.2    Form of 12% Senior Subordinated Secured Note Due 2017.
10.2    Form of Second Lien Notes Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes, Inc. and the Holders (as defined therein).
10.3    Form of Class A Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes and the Holders (as defined therein).
10.4    Amended and Restated Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes, Inc., as Borrower, ColFin WLH Funding, LLC, as Administrative Agent, and ColFin WLH Funding, LLC, as a Lender and Lead Arranger, and the other Lenders party thereto.
10.5    Class B Common Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and between William Lyon Homes and the Purchaser (as defined therein).
10.6    Warrant to Purchase Shares of Class B Common Stock of William Lyon Homes dated February 25, 2012.
10.7    Class B Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes and the Holders (as defined therein).
10.8    Form of William Lyon Homes Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Subscription Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and between William Lyon Homes and the Subscriber (as defined therein).
10.9    Form of Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes and the Holders party thereto.

 

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10.10    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes, William Lyon Homes, Inc. and General William Lyon.
10.11    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes, William Lyon Homes, Inc. and William H. Lyon.
99.1    Press Release dated February 27, 2012, issued by William Lyon Homes.

 

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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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

    WILLIAM LYON HOMES
Dated March 5, 2012      
    By:  

/s/ Matthew R. Zaist

     

Matthew R. Zaist

Executive Vice President

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

  

Description

  3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of William Lyon Homes.
  3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of William Lyon Homes.
  4.1    Indenture, dated as of February 25, 2012, among William Lyon Homes, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S. National Bank National Association, as Note Trustee and Collateral Trustee is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit T3C to the Company’s Form T-3/A (Amendment No. 2), filed on February 22, 2012 (SEC File No. 022-28963-12).
  4.2    Form of 12% Senior Subordinated Secured Note Due 2017.
10.2    Form of Second Lien Notes Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes, Inc. and the Holders (as defined therein).
10.3    Form of Class A Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes and the Holders (as defined therein).
10.4    Amended and Restated Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes, Inc., as Borrower, ColFin WLH Funding, LLC, as Administrative Agent, and ColFin WLH Funding, LLC, as a Lender and Lead Arranger, and the other Lenders party thereto.
10.5    Class B Common Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and between William Lyon Homes and the Purchaser (as defined therein).
10.6    Warrant to Purchase Shares of Class B Common Stock of William Lyon Homes dated February 25, 2012.
10.7    Class B Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes and the Holders (as defined therein).
10.8    Form of William Lyon Homes Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Subscription Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and between William Lyon Homes and the Subscriber (as defined therein).
10.9    Form of Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes and the Holders party thereto.


10.10    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes, William Lyon Homes, Inc. and General William Lyon.
10.11    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, by and among William Lyon Homes, William Lyon Homes, Inc. and William H. Lyon.
99.1    Press Release dated February 27, 2012, issued by William Lyon Homes.

Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

WILLIAM LYON HOMES

William Lyon Homes, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Corporation ”), hereby certifies as follows;

1. The name of the Corporation is William Lyon Homes. The date of the filing of its original certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was July 15, 1999. The name under which the Corporation filed its original certificate of incorporation was Presley Merger Sub, Inc.

2. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“ Certificate ”) amends, and as amended, restates the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as heretofore amended, in their entirety to provide as herein set forth in full.

3. In accordance with the provisions of Sections 242, 245 and 303 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended from time to time (the “ DGCL ”), provision for the making, adoption and filing of this Certificate has been authorized and approved in all respects by, and is contained in, an order entitled “Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order (I) Approving the Debtors’ (A) Disclosure Statement Pursuant to Sections 1125 and 1126(B) of the Bankruptcy Code, (B) Solicitation of Votes and Voting Procedures and (C) Forms of Ballots and (II) Confirming the Debtors’ Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (with technical amendments)” confirming the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al. (the “ Reorganization Plan ”) entered on February 10, 2012 by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware Case No. 11-14019(CSS) (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”).

4. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been duly executed and acknowledged by an officer of the Corporation designated in such order of the Bankruptcy Court in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242, 245 and 303 of the DGCL.

ARTICLE I

The name of this corporation (hereinafter called the “ Corporation ”) is “William Lyon Homes.”

ARTICLE II

The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, County of New Castle. The name of the Corporation’s registered agent at said address is CorpAmerica, Inc.


ARTICLE III

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”).

ARTICLE IV

A. Classes of Stock . The total number of shares of capital stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is Six Hundred and Twenty Million (620,000,000) shares, consisting of:

1. Three Hundred and Forty Million (340,000,000) shares of Class A Common Stock (the “ Class A Common Stock ”);

2. Fifty million (50,000,000) shares of Class B Common Stock (the “ Class B Common Stock ”);

3. One Hundred and Twenty Million (120,000,000) shares of Class C Common Stock (the “ Class C Common Stock ”);

4. Thirty Million (30,000,000) shares of Class D Common Stock (the “ Class D Common Stock ”, and together with the Class A Common Stock, the Class B Common Stock and the Class C Common Stock, the “ Common Stock ”); and

5. Eighty Million (80,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock (the “ Preferred Stock ”), all of which shall be designated as Convertible Preferred Stock (“ Convertible Preferred Stock ”).

The Preferred Stock and the Common Stock shall collectively be referred to as the “ Stock ”).

B. The Preferred Stock shall have a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share and the Common Stock shall have a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share. The holders of the Class A Common Stock are sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “ Class A Common Stockholders ”; the holders of the Class B Common Stock are sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “ Class B Common Stockholders ”; the holders of the Class C Common Stock are sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “ Class C Common Stockholders ”; the holders of the Class D Common Stock are sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “ Class D Common Stockholders ”; the Class A Common Stockholders, the Class B Common Stockholders, the Class C Common Stockholders and the Class D Common Stockholders are sometimes collectively hereinafter referred to as the “ Common Stockholders ”; the holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock are sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “ Convertible Preferred Stockholders ”; and the Common Stockholders and Convertible Preferred Stockholders are sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Stockholders .”

 

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The following is a statement of the designations and the preferences, powers, privileges and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof in respect of each class of Stock of the Corporation:

C. Common Stock . Unless otherwise indicated, references to “Sections” or “Subsections” in this Part C of this Article IV refer to sections and subsections of Part C of this Article IV .

1. General . Except as otherwise required by law or as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Incorporation, each share of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall have identical powers, preferences, qualifications, limitations and other rights. The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of the Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the rights, powers and preferences of the holders of the Preferred Stock.

2. Dividends .

(a) Subject to applicable law, the other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock including the holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock, the holders of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall be entitled to such dividends, if any, as may be declared thereon by the Board of Directors from time to time in its sole discretion out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor.

(b) Except as set forth herein, any dividends declared by the Board of Directors on a share of Common Stock shall be declared in equal amounts with respect to each share of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, provided that in the case of dividends payable in shares of Common Stock of the Corporation, or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, Common Stock of the Corporation, such dividends shall be paid as provided for in Section 2(c) below, and further provided that any dividends payable in respect of each share of Class A Common Stock shall be proportionately increased if a Class A Reverse Stock Split (as defined below) has occurred.

(c) If dividends are declared on the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock that are payable in shares of Common Stock, or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, the dividends payable to the holders of Class A Common Stock shall be paid only in shares of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock), the dividends payable to the holders of Class B Common Stock shall be paid only in shares of Class B Common Stock (or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for Class B Common Stock), the dividends payable to the holders of Class C Common Stock shall be paid only in shares of Class C Common Stock (or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for Class C Common Stock) and the dividends payable to the holders of Class D Common Stock shall be paid only in shares of Class D Common Stock (or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for Class D Common Stock) and such dividends shall be paid in the same number of shares (or fraction thereof) of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, respectively (or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for the same number of shares (or fraction thereof) on a per share basis of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common

 

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Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, respectively). Except for the Class A Reverse Stock Split (as defined below), in no event shall the shares of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock be split, divided, or combined unless the outstanding shares of all the other classes of Common Stock shall be proportionately split, divided or combined.

3. Merger or Consolidation . In the event of any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with or into another entity (whether or not the Corporation is the surviving entity), the Common Stockholders shall be entitled to receive consideration proportionate to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that such holders would hold if all shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock were converted into Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation immediately prior to any such merger or consolidation; provided that, if such consideration shall consist in any part of voting securities (or of options, rights or warrants to purchase, or of securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, voting securities), and the beneficial owners of the Stock immediately prior to such transaction own more than 50% by value of the Stock of the Corporation or other surviving entity following such transaction, then the holders of each class of Common Stock shall receive, on a per share basis, securities with a vote comparable to the voting rights associated with such class of Common Stock hereunder (or options, rights or warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, non-voting securities or securities with a vote comparable to the voting rights associated with such class of Common Stock).

4. Rights Upon Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up . In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after distribution in full of the preferential amounts to be distributed to the holders of shares of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock and subject to the rights of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, the Common Stockholders shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that such holders would hold if all shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock were converted into Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation immediately prior to any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

5. Conversion of Common Stock .

(a) Mandatory Conversion of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock . Upon the occurrence of the Conversion Date (as defined below), (i) each share of Class C Common Stock shall be automatically converted into one share of Class A Common Stock; and (ii) each share of Class D Common Stock shall be automatically converted into one share of Class A Common Stock (in each case, without any further action by such Stockholders and whether or not the certificates representing such shares are surrendered to the Corporation or its transfer agent). The “ Conversion Date ” shall occur upon the earlier of (i) the date on which (A) holders of a majority of the shares of Class A Common Stock then outstanding, voting separately as a class and (B) holders of a majority of the shares of Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding,

 

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voting together as a class (in each case, whether by vote or written consent or agreement of holders) vote in favor of such conversion, and (ii) upon the occurrence of a Public Equity Conversion Event. For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, a “ Public Equity Conversion Event ” shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) the Corporation closes a sale of its Class A Common Stock in a firmly underwritten public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “ Securities Act ”), other than a registration statement on Form S-8 or a Rule 145 transaction promulgated under the Securities Act, where the gross proceeds (prior to underwriter commissions and offering expenses) to the Corporation are not less than Twenty Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) and the offering price per share to the public of Class A Common Stock in such offering (without deducting underwriter commissions and offering expenses) equals or exceeds 130% of the then-prevailing Base Price (as defined below) (a “ Qualified IPO ”) or (ii) if the Class A Common Stock is listed on a National Securities Exchange (as defined below), then the date on which (A) the Thirty Day VWAP (as defined below) of the Class A Common Stock equals or exceeds 130% of the then-prevailing Base Price and (B) the ADTV (as defined below) equals or exceeds Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000). For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, “ Thirty Day VWAP ” means, with respect to the Class A Common Stock, the average of the Daily VWAP of the Class A Common Stock for each day during a thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period ending immediately prior to the date of determination; “ Daily VWAP ” means the volume-weighted average price per share of Class A Common Stock as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on the Bloomberg page for the “<equity> AQR” page corresponding to the “ticker” for such Class A Common Stock (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the primary trading session on such Trading Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one share of such Class A Common Stock on such Trading Day), which “volume weighted average price” shall be determined without regard to after-hours trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session trading hours; “ National Securities Exchange ” shall mean the NASDAQ Global Market, the NASDAQ Global Select Market, The New York Stock Exchange or any of their respective successors; “ Trading Day ” means any day on which (i) there is no Market Disruption Event and (ii) The New York Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed on The New York Stock Exchange, the principal National Securities Exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed and is open for trading or, if the Class A Common Stock is not so listed, admitted for trading or quoted, any Business Day, which Trading Day only includes those days that have a scheduled closing time of 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) or the then standard closing time for regular trading on the relevant exchange or trading system; “ Market Disruption Event ” means the occurrence or existence for more than one half hour period in the aggregate on any scheduled Trading Day for the Class A Common Stock of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the applicable National Securities Exchange or otherwise) in the Class A Common Stock or in any options, contracts or future contracts relating to the Class A Common Stock, and such suspension or limitation occurs or exists at any time before 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such day; “ Base Price ” shall mean, at any time, the Convertible Preferred Conversion Price (as defined below) then in effect with respect to the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock; and “ ADTV ” shall mean, on any date, the product of (x) the average daily share trading volume of the Class A Common

 

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Stock on the National Securities Exchange on which it is listed for each day during a thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period ending immediately prior to the date of determination, multiplied by (y) the Thirty Day VWAP.

(b) Optional Conversion of Class C Common Stock . A holder of Class C Common Stock may at any time, at his option, convert any or all of his shares into Class A Common Stock at the rate of one share of Class A Common Stock for each share of Class C Common Stock so converted.

(c) Optional Conversion of Class B Common Stock . A holder of Class B Common Stock may at any time, at his option, convert any or all of his shares into Class A Common Stock at the rate of one share of Class A Common Stock for each share of Class B Common Stock so converted.

(d) Mandatory Conversion of Class B Common Stock .

(i) On or after the Conversion Date, each share of Class B Common Stock shall be automatically converted into one share of Class A Common Stock if a majority of the shares of Class B Common Stock then outstanding (voting together as a single class) (in each case, whether by vote or written consent or agreement of holders) vote in favor of such conversion. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 5(d)(i) shall not apply prior to the Conversion Date.

(ii) If, at any time (whether before, on or after the Conversion Date), any share of Class B Common Stock shall not be owned, beneficially or of record, by an Eligible Class B Common Stockholder (as defined below), such share of Class B Common Stock shall be automatically converted into one share of Class A Common Stock. The term “ Eligible Class B Common Stockholder ” shall mean: (i) William Lyon and William H. Lyon; (ii) their siblings, spouses and lineal descendants (including by step-, adoptive and similar relationships); (iii) any entities wholly owned by one or more of the foregoing persons; and (iv) any trusts or other estate planning vehicles for the benefit of any of the foregoing.

(e) Mechanics of Conversion .

(i) Upon the occurrence of the Conversion Date, the certificates of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall represent the right to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such Stock. Class C Common Stockholders and Class D Common Stockholders shall surrender the certificates representing such shares at the office of the Corporation or any transfer agent for such Stock. Thereupon, there shall be issued and delivered to such Stockholders promptly at such office and in its name as shown on such surrendered certificate or certificates, a certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which the shares of Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock surrendered were convertible on the Conversion Date. The Corporation shall not be obligated to issue certificates evidencing the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion unless the certificates evidencing such shares of Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock are either delivered to the Corporation or its transfer agent, or the Stockholder notifies the

 

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Corporation or its transfer agent that such certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement satisfactory to the Corporation to indemnify the Corporation from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificates. The provisions of this Section 5(e)(i) shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to a conversion of Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock pursuant to Section 5(c) and to a conversion of Class C Common Stock into Class A Common Stock pursuant to Section 5(b) .

(ii) Before any Class B Common Stockholder or Class C Common Stockholder shall be entitled to convert any shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, respectively, held by such Stockholder into shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to Section 5(c) or Section 5(b) , such Stockholder shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of the Corporation or of any transfer agent for such stock, and shall give written notice to the Corporation at its principal corporate office, of the election to convert the same and shall state therein the name or names in which the certificate or certificates for shares of Class A Common Stock are to be issued. The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, issue and deliver at such office to such Stockholder, or to the nominee or nominees of such Stockholder, a certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which such Stockholder shall be entitled as aforesaid. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock to be converted, respectively, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock as of such date.

(f) Status of Converted Stock . In the event any shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock shall be converted into shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to this Section 5 , the shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock so converted shall be cancelled and shall not be issuable by the Corporation. In addition, following the conversion of all of the outstanding shares of the Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, respectively, into shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to this Section 5 , the Corporation shall no longer issue any further shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, respectively, and shall no longer have any authorized Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable. Upon any such occurrence, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation shall be appropriately amended to effect the corresponding reduction in the Corporation’s authorized capital stock.

(g) Conversion Ratio Adjustments of Common Stock for a Class A Reverse Stock Split . Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 5 , in the event the Corporation shall effect a Class A Reverse Stock Split (as defined below) pursuant to Section 9 hereof, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of one share of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock shall be proportionately decreased to reflect the resulting decrease in the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, effective at the close of business on the date of such Class A Reverse Stock Split.

 

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6. Voting Rights of Stock – General .

(a) Except as otherwise provided below or as required by law, in connection with any meeting of stockholders (or written actions in lieu of meetings), prior to the occurrence of both the Conversion Date and the conversion of all Class B Common Stock: (i) each share of Class A Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall be entitled to one (1) vote per share, except in case of a Class A Reverse Stock Split, in which case the number of votes as to which each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled shall be proportionally increased such that the total number of votes represented by the Class A Common Stock immediately prior to any Class A Reverse Stock Split shall remain unchanged; (ii) each share of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to two (2) votes per share; and (iii) each share of Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the right to one (1) vote for each share of Class C Common Stock into which such share of Convertible Preferred Stock could be converted on the record date fixed for a vote at a stockholders’ meeting or the effective date of a written consent. Except as otherwise provided below or as required by law, in connection with any meeting of stockholders (or written actions in lieu of meetings), following both the Conversion Date and the conversion of all Class B Common Stock, each share of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to one (1) vote per share.

(b) Any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise) shall require the vote or consent of (i) 66 2/3% of the Class A Common Stock, voting separately as a class, (ii) the majority of voting power of the Class B Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, except that if all authorized and issued shares of Class B Common Stock are converted pursuant to Section 5 or if no shares of Class B Common Stock are authorized or outstanding, in which case an amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation shall require the vote or consent of 66 2/3% of the voting power of the Class A Common Stock and the Class D Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, and, in either case, (iii) the majority of the Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a separate class; provided that an amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation solely for the purpose of implementing the Class A Reverse Stock Split and reducing the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock in order to effect the Class A Reverse Stock Split pursuant to Section 9 hereof shall require the vote or consent of a majority of voting power of the Class A Common Stock, voting separately as a class, and no other series or class of Stock shall be entitled to vote or consent in connection with such amendment.

(c) The vote or consent of (i) 66 2/3% of the Class A Common Stock, voting separately as a class, (ii) the majority of the voting power of the Class B Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, except if all authorized and issued shares of Class B Common Stock are converted pursuant to Section 5 or if no shares of Class B Common Stock are authorized or outstanding, in which case the vote or consent of 66 2/3% of the voting power of the Class A Common Stock and the Class D Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, and, in either case, (iii) the majority of the Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a separate class, shall be required for any share exchange of all of the outstanding Stock of the Corporation for securities of another entity, or consolidation or merger involving the Corporation, or to which the Corporation is otherwise a party, with or into any other

 

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corporation or other entity or person, the sale or disposition of substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, the conversion of the Corporation into another form or entity or for any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation. For purposes of determining whether a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation has occurred as a result of a sale or disposition of assets involving any direct or indirect subsidiary or subsidiaries, the Corporation shall be treated as if it owned all of the assets of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and as if it had directly disposed of the assets in question.

7. Voting Rights of Stock in Connection with Election of Directors Prior to Conversion Date and Conversion of Class B Common Stock . The provisions of this Section 7 shall apply to any vote, consent or election related to the election, appointment or removal of directors of the Corporation taking place prior to the earlier to occur of (i) the Conversion Date and (ii) the conversion in full of all shares of Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock.

(a) The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall consist of the following seven (7) members: (i) One (1) Class A Director; (ii) Two (2) Class B/D Directors; (iii) Two (2) Class C Directors; (iv) One (1) Class C Independent Director; and (v) One Class A/B/C Independent Director. Such directors shall be elected, appointed and removed as set forth below. The initial Class A Director, Class B/D Directors, Class C Directors, Class C Independent Director and Class A/B/C Independent Director shall be appointed pursuant to the Reorganization Plan.

(b) One of the directors of the Corporation (the “ Class A Director ”) shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of the Class A Common Stock, voting together as a class.

(c) Two (2) of the directors of the Corporation (the “ Class B/D Directors ”) shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of the Class B Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, voting together as a class.

(d) Two (2) of the directors of the Corporation (the “ Class C Directors ”) shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of the Class C Common Stock and the Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a class.

(e) One (1) director of the Corporation shall be designated as the “ Class C Independent Director ”, and must be Independent (as defined below) in order to serve in such capacity. The initial Class C Independent Director shall serve in such capacity until the election of directors at the first annual meeting of Stockholders after the effective date of this Certificate of Incorporation (the “ Effective Date ”, and such meeting, the “ First Annual Meeting ”) (or if earlier, the date of such individual’s resignation or removal for cause). From and after the election of directors at the First Annual Meeting (or if earlier, the date of such individual’s resignation or removal for cause), the Class C Independent Director shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of a majority of the Class C Common Stock and the Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a class. From and after the date of the First Annual Meeting, no

 

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individual may be nominated or appointed as Class C Independent Director, nor may any individual serve as Class C Independent Director, unless such individual is Independent at the time of nomination and appointment and continues to be Independent throughout such individual’s period of service. For these purposes, “ Independent ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10A(m) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (“ Exchange Act ”).

(f) One (1) director of the Corporation shall be designated as the “ Class A/B/C Independent Director ”, and must be Independent (as defined below) in order to serve in such capacity. The initial Class A/B/C Independent Director shall serve in such capacity until the election of directors at the First Annual Meeting (or if earlier, the date of such individual’s resignation or removal for cause). From and after the election of directors at the First Annual Meeting (or if earlier, the date of such individual’s resignation or removal for cause), the Class A/B/C Independent Director shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of (i) 66 2/3% of the Class A Common Stock, voting separately as a class, (ii) the majority of the Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class, and (iii) the majority of the Class C Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a separate class. From and after the date of the First Annual Meeting, no individual may be nominated or appointed as Class A/B/C Independent Director, nor may any individual serve as Class A/B/C Independent Director, unless such individual is Independent at the time of nomination and appointment and continues to be Independent throughout such individual’s period of service.

8. Voting Rights of Common Stock in Connection with Election of Directors Following the Conversion Date or Conversion of all Class B Common Stock .

(a) The provisions of this Section 8(a) shall apply to any vote, consent or election related to the appointment or removal of directors taking place on or following the Conversion Date while any shares of Class B Common Stock remain outstanding:

(i) The Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) members, and such directors shall be elected, appointed and removed as set forth below in this Section 8(a) ;

(ii) three (3) of the directors shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of the Class A Common Stock, voting together as a class;

(iii) two (2) of the directors shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of the Class B Common Stock, voting together as a class;

(iv) one (1) of the directors shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time), by the holders of the Class A Common Stock, voting together as a class; provided , however , that no individual may be nominated or appointed as such director pursuant to this Section 8(a)(iv) , nor may any individual serve as such director, unless such individual is Independent at the time of nomination and appointment and continues to be Independent throughout such individual’s period of service; and

 

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(v) one (1) of the directors shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time), by the holders of (i) the majority of the Class A Common Stock, voting separately as a class, and (ii) the majority of the Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class; provided , however , that no individual may be nominated or appointed as such director pursuant to this Section 8(a)(v) , nor may any individual serve as such director, unless such individual is Independent at the time of nomination and appointment and continues to be Independent throughout such individual’s period of service.

(b) The provisions of this Section 8(b) shall apply to any vote, consent or election related to the appointment or removal of directors taking place on or following the conversion in full of all shares of Class B Common Stock and prior to the Conversion Date:

(i) the number of members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be fixed at seven (7), and such directors shall be elected, appointed and removed as set forth below in this Section 8(b) ;

(ii) three (3) of the directors shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of the Class A Common Stock and the Class D Common Stock, voting together as a separate class;

(iii) two (2) of the directors shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of the Class C Common Stock and the Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a class;

(iv) one (1) of the directors shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time), by the holders of the Class C Common Stock and the Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a class; provided , however , that no individual may be nominated or appointed as such director pursuant to this Section 8(b)(iv) , nor may any individual serve as such director, unless such individual is Independent at the time of nomination and appointment and continues to be Independent throughout such individual’s period of service; and

(v) one (1) of the directors shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time), by the holders of (i) the majority of the Class A Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, and (ii) the majority of the Class C Common Stock and the Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together separately as a class; provided , however , that no individual may be nominated or appointed as such director pursuant to this Section 8(b)(v) , nor may any individual serve as such director, unless such individual is Independent at the time of nomination and appointment and continues to be Independent throughout such individual’s period of service.

(c) The provisions of this Section 8(c) shall apply to any vote, consent or election related to the appointment or removal of directors taking place on or following both the Conversion Date and the conversion in full of all shares of Class B Common Stock:

(i) the number of members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall not be fixed but may be set and adjusted as permitted by the Bylaws of this Corporation and the DGCL; and

 

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(ii) all of the directors shall be elected (and may be removed with or without cause, at any time) by the holders of the Class A Common Stock.

9. Corporation Required to List Class A Common Stock on National Securities Exchange or Complete IPO . On or prior to the Public Equity Deadline (as defined below), the Corporation shall use best efforts to cause the Class A Common Stock to become listed on a National Securities Exchange (if it is not already so listed) (a “ Listing Event ”). On or prior to the Public Equity Deadline, the Corporation shall use best efforts to complete a Qualified IPO; provided, however, the Corporation shall have no such obligation if the conditions set forth in clause (ii) of the definition of Public Equity Conversion Event have been satisfied prior to such Public Equity Deadline. In addition, whether or not required by the Securities Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”), the Corporation shall file with the SEC, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations (including any grace periods or extensions permitted by the SEC): (i) commencing with the quarter ending June 30, 2012, all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Corporation were required to file these Forms, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Corporation’s certified independent accountants; and (ii) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Corporation were required to file these reports. “ Public Equity Deadline ” shall mean, with respect to a Listing Event or Qualified IPO, the third anniversary of the date of first issuance of the Class A Common Stock, provided that any such date may be extended with respect to a Listing Event or Qualified IPO for up to two additional 12-month periods with the consent or approval of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding Class A Common Stock, and no other series or class of Stock shall be entitled to vote or consent to effect such extension. The Corporation’s obligations pursuant to this Section 9 shall be contingent upon the holders of a majority of voting power of the Class A Common Stock then outstanding approving any reverse stock split that may be necessary to effect such Listing Event (a “ Class A Reverse Stock Split ”), which approval shall include an amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation entered into in accordance with the terms hereof to decrease the authorized number of shares of Class A Common Stock in proportion to the reduction of the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock resulting from the Class A Reverse Stock Split. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) a “Class A Reverse Stock Split” shall not involve the reverse split or combination of any other class of Stock of the Corporation, and (ii) if the Corporation conducts a reverse split or combination of all of its classes of Common Stock, such event shall not constitute a Class A Reverse Stock Split.

D. Convertible Preferred Stock . The Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the following rights, preferences, powers, privileges and restrictions, qualifications and limitations. Unless otherwise indicated, references to “Sections” or “Subsections” in this Part D of this Article IV refer to sections and subsections of Part D of this Article IV .

 

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1. Rank . The Convertible Preferred Stock shall, with respect to payment of dividends, redemption payments, rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, or otherwise, rank (i) senior and prior to the Common Stock, and each other class or series of equity securities of the Corporation, whether currently issued or issued in the future, that by its express terms ranks junior to the Convertible Preferred Stock (whether with respect to payment of dividends, redemption payments, rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, or otherwise) (all of such equity securities, including the Common Stock, are collectively referred to herein as the “ Convertible Preferred Stock Junior Securities ”), (ii) on a parity basis with any class or series of equity securities of the Corporation, whether currently issued or issued in the future, that does not by its terms expressly provide that it ranks senior to or junior to the Convertible Preferred Stock (whether with respect to payment of dividends, redemption payments, rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, or otherwise) (all of such equity securities are collectively referred to herein as the “ Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities ”), provided that any such Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities that were not approved by the Convertible Preferred Stockholders in accordance with Section 4(b) hereof shall be deemed to be Convertible Preferred Stock Junior Securities and not Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities, and (iii) junior to each other class or series of equity securities of the Corporation, whether currently issued or issued in the future, that by its express terms ranks senior to the Convertible Preferred Stock (whether with respect to payment of dividends, redemption payments, rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, or otherwise) (all of such equity securities are collectively referred to herein as the “ Convertible Preferred Stock Senior Securities ”), provided that any such Convertible Preferred Stock Senior Securities that were not approved by the Convertible Preferred Stockholders in accordance with Section 4(b) hereof shall be deemed to be Convertible Preferred Stock Junior Securities and not Convertible Preferred Stock Senior Securities. At the date of the initial issuance of the Convertible Preferred Stock (i) no shares of Convertible Preferred Stock Senior Securities are authorized, issued or outstanding, (ii) shares of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be the only Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities authorized, issued or outstanding, and (iii) shares of Common Stock shall be the only Convertible Preferred Stock Junior Securities authorized, issued or outstanding.

2. Dividend Rights .

(a) Preferential Dividends . The holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock (the “ Convertible Preferred Stockholders ”), in preference to the holders of the Common Stock, shall be entitled to receive cumulative dividends at a rate of six percent (6%) per annum consisting of (i) cash dividends at the rate of four percent (4%) of the Base Amount (as defined below) per annum with respect to each share of Convertible Preferred Stock (“ Convertible Preferred Cash Dividends ”), and (ii) accreting dividends accruing at the rate of two percent (2%) of the Base Amount per annum with respect to each share of Convertible Preferred Stock (“ Convertible Preferred Accreting Dividends ”, and together with the Convertible Preferred Cash Dividends, the “ Convertible Preferred Dividends ”). The term “ Base Amount ,” with respect to a share of Convertible Preferred Stock, shall mean the sum of the Convertible Preferred Original Issue Price and the amount of any and all accrued but unpaid Convertible Preferred Dividends on such share. For purposes hereof, the “ Convertible Preferred Original Issue Price ” shall equal $0.771226 per share of Convertible

 

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Preferred Stock. Convertible Preferred Cash Dividends shall be paid quarterly in arrears on each of March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year (each, a “ Dividend Payment Date ”, and each period from and excluding a Dividend Payment Date to and including the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date or other date as of which accrued dividends are to be calculated, a “ Dividend Period ”), starting on June 15, 2012; provided, however , that if any Dividend Payment Date is not a Business Day (as defined below), then the dividend which would otherwise have been payable on such Dividend Payment Date may be paid on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if paid on such Dividend Payment Date. Convertible Preferred Dividends shall be payable in cash (i) only to the extent the Corporation has funds legally available therefor (ii) only to the extent that such payment would not violate any covenants imposed by agreements entered into in good faith governing the indebtedness of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, and (iii) only when, as and if declared by the Corporation’s Board of Directors. Convertible Preferred Dividends on each share of the Convertible Preferred Stock shall be deemed to accrue from the date that each such share was issued. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Convertible Preferred Dividends shall accrue whether or not the Corporation has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends, and whether or not such dividends are declared. The amount of any dividend payable on the Convertible Preferred Stock for any partial Dividend Period shall be prorated and computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Convertible Preferred Dividends actually paid on any Dividend Payment Date will be payable to holders of record as they appear in the stockholder records of the Corporation at the close of business on the date that is fifteen (15) days prior to such Dividend Payment Date (each, a “ Dividend Record Date ”). For the purposes of the terms of Convertible Preferred Stock, the term “ Business Day ” shall mean each day, other than a Saturday or a Sunday, which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

(b) Limitations on Dividends . So long as any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be outstanding, no dividend or any other distribution, whether in cash or property, or shares of Common Stock or Convertible Preferred Stock Junior Securities (each, “ Junior Dividend Securities ”), shall be declared, set aside or paid, nor shall any other distribution be made, directly or indirectly, on or with respect to any Junior Dividend Securities, nor shall any shares of Junior Dividend Securities be purchased, redeemed, or otherwise acquired for value by the Corporation, or any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such Junior Dividend Securities (except for acquisitions of Junior Dividend Securities by the Corporation pursuant to agreements entered into in the ordinary course with employees, officers or directors (in their capacities as such) which permit the Corporation to repurchase such shares upon termination of services to the Corporation) for any period until all accrued and unpaid dividends (as set forth in Section 2(a) above) on the Convertible Preferred Stock shall have been declared, set apart and paid to the Convertible Preferred Stockholders and all other series of Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities then outstanding, if any, for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period in accordance with the terms hereof. When such dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and any Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities, all dividends declared upon shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and any Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends

 

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declared per share of Convertible Preferred Stock and such other series of Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on Convertible Preferred Stock and such other series of Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities (which shall not include any accrual in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities do not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each other.

(c) Additional Dividends in respect of Dividends on Common Stock . In the event that the Corporation declares or pays any dividends upon any Common Stock (whether payable in cash, securities, other property or otherwise), the Corporation shall also declare and pay to the holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock at the same time that it declares and pays such dividends to the holders of such Common Stock the dividends declared and paid with respect to such Common Stock as if all of the outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock had been converted into such Common Stock immediately prior to the record date for such dividend, or if no record date is fixed, the date as of which the record holders of such Common Stock entitled to such dividends are to be determined. For the avoidance of doubt, such dividends (if any) shall be in addition to the Convertible Preferred Dividends.

3. Liquidation Preference .

(a) Liquidation Payment . In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (each, a “ Liquidation Event ”), and prior and in preference to any distribution or payment of any of the assets or surplus funds of the Corporation to the holders of the Common Stock or any other Convertible Preferred Stock Junior Securities by reason of their ownership thereof, the Convertible Preferred Stockholders shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation an amount per share of Convertible Preferred Stock (such amount, the “ Liquidation Payment ”) equal to the greater of (i) all accrued but unpaid Convertible Preferred Dividends per share of Convertible Preferred Stock, plus an amount equal to the Convertible Preferred Original Issue Price per share and (ii) the per share amount of all cash, securities and other property (such securities or other property having a value equal to its fair market value as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors) to be distributed in respect of the Common Stock such holder would have been entitled to receive had it converted such Convertible Preferred Stock immediately prior to the date fixed for such Liquidation Event. If, upon the occurrence of a Liquidation Event, the assets and surplus funds of the Corporation shall be insufficient to make payment in full to all Convertible Preferred Stockholders and holders of Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities, if any, of all Liquidation Payments, then such assets and surplus funds shall be distributed among the Convertible Preferred Stockholders ratably in proportion to the full accrued but unpaid Liquidation Payments to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 3(a) . Prior to the occurrence of a Liquidation Event, the Corporation shall give each holder of record of Convertible Preferred Stock written notice (the “ Liquidation Event Notice ”) not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the stockholders’ meeting called to approve such transaction or event, or fifteen (15) days prior to the closing of such transaction or event, whichever is earlier, and shall also notify such holders in writing of the final approval of such transaction or event. The first of such notices shall describe the material terms and conditions of the impending transaction or event and the provisions of this Section 3(a) . The transaction or event shall not occur sooner than 15 days after the Corporation has given the first notice provided for herein.

 

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(b) Remaining Distribution . After the payment of the full distributions required by Section 3(a) above and any other distribution that may be required with respect to a series of Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities that may from time to time come into existence, the entire remaining assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution, if any, shall be distributed ratably to the holders of the Common Stock and other Convertible Preferred Stock Junior Securities, if any, in accordance with the respective preferences, powers, privileges and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof.

4. Voting Rights .

(a) General . Except as set forth below, the Convertible Preferred Stockholders shall have the voting rights and rights to participate in the election and removal of directors as set forth in Sections 6 , 7 and 8 of Part C of Article IV .

(b) Voting Rights as to Particular Matters . While any shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock are outstanding, in addition to any rights that the holders of Convertible Preferred Stock may have pursuant to the DGCL, the Corporation shall not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock (voting separately as a class), take any action with respect to any of the following matters: (i) authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock Senior Securities or Convertible Preferred Stock Parity Securities, or reclassify any authorized shares of stock of the Corporation into any such shares, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase or otherwise acquire any such shares; (ii) amend, waive, alter or repeal any provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, whether by amendment, merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to adversely affect in any respect the rights, preferences, powers, privileges and restrictions, qualifications and limitations of any outstanding shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock or the Convertible Preferred Stockholders; (iii) authorize or agree to authorize any increase in the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock or issue any additional shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, except in order to effectuate the provisions in respect of Sections 5(c) and ( d ) hereof; or (iv) agree to take any of the foregoing actions.

5. Conversion Rights . The Convertible Preferred Stockholders shall have the following rights with respect to the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock (the “ Conversion Rights ”):

(a) Right to Convert . Subject to and in compliance with the provisions of this Section 5 , each share of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, at any time and from time to time after the date of issuance of such share at the office of the Corporation or any transfer agent for such stock, into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Class C Common Stock as is determined by dividing the Convertible Preferred Original Issue Price by the Convertible Preferred Conversion Price (as defined below) applicable to Class C Common Stock, each

 

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determined as hereinafter provided, in effect on the date the certificate is surrendered for conversion. Before any Convertible Preferred Stockholder shall be entitled to convert any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock held by such Convertible Preferred Stockholder into shares of Class C Common Stock pursuant to this Section 5(a) , such Convertible Preferred Stockholder shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of the Corporation or of any transfer agent for such Stock, and shall give written notice to the Corporation at its principal corporate office of the election to convert the same and shall state therein the name or names in which the certificate or certificates for shares of Class C Common Stock are to be issued and the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock being converted. The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable thereafter (and in any event within five (5) Business Days), (i) issue and deliver at such office to such Convertible Preferred Stockholder, or to the nominee or nominees of such Convertible Preferred Stockholder, a certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Class C Common Stock to which such Convertible Preferred Stockholder shall be entitled as aforesaid and (ii) promptly pay to such Convertible Preferred Stockholder (or nominee or nominees ) (A) any accrued but unpaid Convertible Preferred Dividends on any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock being converted (including, without limitation, all Convertible Preferred Accreting Dividends not previously paid), which amounts shall be paid in cash out of funds legally available therefor if such payment would not violate any covenants imposed by agreements entered into in good faith governing the indebtedness of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, or, to the extent not so permitted or not available, in shares of Class C Common Stock, based on the fair market value of such Common Stock at such time as reasonably determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as of the date of conversion, and (B) in cash, the value of any fractional share of Class C Common Stock otherwise issuable to such Convertible Preferred Stockholder (based on the fair market value of such shares reasonably determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as of the date of conversion). Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to be converted, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class C Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class C Common Stock as of such date.

(b) Automatic Conversion . Upon the occurrence of the Conversion Date, each share of Convertible Preferred Stock shall automatically be converted into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Class A Common Stock as is determined by dividing the Convertible Preferred Original Issue Price by the applicable Convertible Preferred Conversion Price in effect on the Conversion Date (without any further action by such Stockholders and whether or not the certificates representing such shares are surrendered to the Corporation or its transfer agent). In connection with any such conversion, the Corporation shall also pay (A) any accrued but unpaid Convertible Preferred Dividends on any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock being converted (including, without limitation, any Convertible Preferred Accreting Dividends not previously paid), which amounts shall be paid in cash out of funds legally available therefor if such payment would not violate any covenants imposed by agreements entered into in good faith governing the indebtedness of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, or, to the extent not so permitted or so available, in shares of Class A Common Stock, based on the fair market value of such Common Stock at such time as reasonably determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as of the date of conversion, and (B) in cash, the value of any fractional share of

 

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Class A Common Stock otherwise issuable to any such Convertible Preferred Stockholder (based on the fair market value of such shares reasonably determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as of the date of conversion). Upon any such conversion, the certificates of Convertible Preferred Stock shall represent the right to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock and other consideration issuable upon the conversion of such Stock. Convertible Preferred Stockholders shall surrender the certificates representing such shares at the office of the Corporation or any transfer agent for such Stock. Thereupon, there shall be issued and delivered to such Stockholders promptly at such office and in its name as shown on such surrendered certificate or certificates, a certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered were convertible on the date on which such automatic conversion occurred. The Corporation shall not be obligated to issue certificates evidencing the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion unless the certificates evidencing such shares of Convertible Preferred Stock are either delivered to the Corporation or its transfer agent, or the Stockholder notifies the Corporation or its transfer agent that such certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement satisfactory to the Corporation to indemnify the Corporation from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificates.

(c) Conversion Price Adjustments of Convertible Preferred Stock for Certain Splits and Combinations . The initial “Convertible Preferred Conversion Price” applicable to the conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock into Class A Common Stock or Class C Common Stock shall be equal to the Convertible Preferred Original Issue Price. In the event the Corporation shall at any time or from time to time after the Effective Date subdivide or effect a stock split of its Class A Common Stock or Class C Common Stock or make a distribution of Common Stock on any such shares of Common Stock, the Convertible Preferred Conversion Price with respect to a conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock into Class A Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, respectively, in effect immediately prior to such subdivision, stock split or such distribution shall be proportionately decreased and, in case the Corporation shall at any time combine the outstanding shares of, or effect a reverse stock split on its Class A Common Stock, including a Class A Reverse Stock Split, if any, or Class C Common Stock, the Convertible Preferred Conversion Price with respect to a conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock into Class A Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, respectively, in effect immediately prior to such combination or reverse stock split shall be proportionately increased, effective at the close of business on the date of such subdivision, stock split, dividend, combination or reverse stock split, as the case may be.

(d) Adjustment for Merger or Reorganization, Etc . Subject to the provisions of Section 5(c) above, if at any time or from time to time after the Effective Date there shall occur any capital reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, share exchange, restructuring, consolidation, combination or merger involving the Corporation in which the Common Stock (but not the Convertible Preferred Stock) is converted into or exchanged for shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the Corporation or otherwise (other than a transaction covered by Section 5(c) above), provision shall be made so that each Convertible Preferred Stockholder shall thereafter be entitled to receive upon conversion of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock held by such Convertible Preferred Stockholder the kind and number of shares of stock or other securities

 

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or property (including cash or any combination thereof) of the Corporation or otherwise, to which a Common Stockholder holding the number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock held by such Convertible Preferred Stockholder are convertible immediately prior to such reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation or merger would have been entitled upon such event. In the event that the holders of Common Stock have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in the business combination, then the Corporation shall make adequate provision whereby the holders of Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the opportunity to determine the form of consideration into which all of the Convertible Preferred Stock, treated as a single class, shall be convertible from and after the effective date of such business combination. If such opportunity is granted, such determination shall be based on the weighted average of elections made by the holders of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock who participate in such determination, shall be subject to any limitations to which all holders of Common Stock are subject, such as pro rata reductions applicable to any portion of the consideration payable in such business combination, and shall be conducted in such a manner as to be completed by the date which is the earliest of (1) the deadline for elections to be made by holders of Common Stock and (2) two business days prior to the anticipated effective date of the business combination. The Corporation shall provide notice of the determination made by the holders of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock (and the weighted average of elections). If the effective date of a business combination is delayed beyond the initially anticipated effective date, the holders of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be given the opportunity to make subsequent similar determinations in regard to such delayed effective date. Further, the Corporation shall not effect any such consolidation, merger or sale, unless prior to the consummation thereof, the successor entity (if other than the Corporation) resulting from consolidation or merger or the entity purchasing such assets assumes by written instrument, the obligation to deliver to each such holder such shares of stock, securities or assets as, in accordance with the foregoing provisions, such holder may be entitled to acquire. If a conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock is to be made in connection with a transaction contemplated by this Section 5(d) or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such transaction has been consummated. In connection with any tender or exchange offer for shares of Common Stock, holders of Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the right to tender (or submit for exchange) shares of Convertible Preferred Stock in such a manner so as to preserve the status of such shares as Convertible Preferred Stock until immediately prior to such time as shares of Common Stock are to be purchased (or exchanged) pursuant to such offer, at which time that portion of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock so tendered which is convertible into the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased (or exchanged) pursuant to such offer shall be deemed converted into the appropriate number of shares of Common Stock. Any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Convertible Preferred Stock. None of the foregoing provisions shall affect the right of a holder of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to convert such holder’s shares of Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock prior to the effective date of such business combination. In any such case, appropriate adjustment shall be made in the application of the provisions of this Section 5(d) with respect to the rights and interests of the Convertible Preferred Stockholders after such events to the end that the provisions of

 

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this Section 5(d) (including adjustment of the Convertible Preferred Conversion Price then in effect and the number of shares issuable upon conversion of such Convertible Preferred Stock) shall be applicable after that event as nearly reasonably as may be. The Corporation may not become a party to any such transaction unless its terms are consistent with the preceding requirements and such transaction is otherwise effected in accordance with this Certificate.

(e) Certificate of Adjustment . In each case of an adjustment or readjustment of the Convertible Preferred Conversion Price or the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities issuable upon conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock, including as a result of any Class A Reverse Stock Split, the Corporation, at its expense, shall cause the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation to compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and prepare a certificate showing such adjustment or readjustment, and shall mail such certificate, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to each registered Convertible Preferred Stockholder at the holder’s address as shown on the Corporation’s stock transfer books. The certificate shall set forth such adjustment or readjustment, showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, including a statement of (i) the Convertible Preferred Conversion Price at the time in effect for the Convertible Preferred Stock, and (ii) the number of additional shares of Common Stock and the type and amount, if any, of other property which at the time would be received upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock. The Corporation shall not take any action that would require an adjustment to the Convertible Preferred Conversion Price, and no certificate shall reflect any such adjustment, to the extent that the adjustment would reduce the Convertible Preferred Conversion Price below the par value of the Common Stock.

6. Redemption of Convertible Preferred Stock on Maturity Date .

(a) To the extent not previously converted to Common Stock, the Corporation shall redeem all then outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock on the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the date of first issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock (the “ Maturity Date ”) at a price per share payable in cash and equal to the Convertible Preferred Original Issue Price plus accrued and unpaid Convertible Preferred Dividends in respect thereof (the “ Redemption Price ”). No later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the Maturity Date, the Corporation shall deliver a redemption notice to each Convertible Preferred Stockholder including the following information: (A) informing the Convertible Preferred Stockholder of the Maturity Date and that any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock not converted prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the business day immediately preceding the Maturity Date shall be redeemed by the Corporation on the Maturity Date, (B) the Redemption Price payable with respect to each share of Convertible Preferred Stock on the Maturity Date in connection with any such redemption (to the extent the Redemption Price is known or can be calculated, and to the extent not capable of being calculated, the manner in which such price or any component thereof will be determined); (C) that payment of the Redemption Price with respect to any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock will be made on the Maturity Date; (D) the number of shares of Common Stock and the amount of cash, if any, that a Convertible Preferred Stockholder would receive upon conversion of its Convertible Preferred Stock if a Convertible Preferred Stockholder converts its Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock. The Corporation

 

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shall issue a press release for publication on the Dow Jones News Service or Bloomberg Business News (or if either such service is not available, another broadly disseminated news or press release service selected by the Corporation) prior to the opening of business on the first Business Day following the date on which the Corporation provides the redemption notice to Convertible Preferred Stockholders pursuant to this Section.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 6(a) , shares of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be redeemed only to the extent that (i) the Corporation has sufficient funds legally available therefor and (ii) such payment would not violate any covenants imposed by the agreements entered into in good faith governing the indebtedness of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. If the preceding sentence would prohibit the redemption of any portion of the Convertible Preferred Stock on the Maturity Date, the Corporation shall redeem on the Maturity Date only that portion of the Convertible Preferred Stock which it is permitted to redeem, with such amounts allocated pro rata among all holders of Convertible Preferred Stock. In such event, (i) Convertible Preferred Dividends shall continue to accrue from and after the Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2(a) on any unredeemed shares of Convertible and (ii) the Corporation shall redeem any remaining shares of Convertible Preferred Stock as soon as practicable after the Corporation is permitted to do so and shall provide a notice comparable to that described in Section 6(a) in connection with any such later redemption.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, each Convertible Preferred Stockholder shall retain the right to elect to convert any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to be redeemed at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Business Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (or with respect to shares of Convertible Preferred Stock redeemed after the Maturity Date, the Business Day immediately preceding the date of such redemption). Any Convertible Preferred Stock that a Holder elects to convert prior to the Maturity Date (or date of later redemption) shall not be redeemed pursuant to this Section.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, the obligation of the Corporation to redeem all outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock as set forth herein may be waived on behalf of all holders of Convertible Preferred Stock by the affirmative written consent or vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding.

7. Waiver . Any of the rights, powers, preferences and other terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock set forth herein may be waived on behalf of all holders of Convertible Preferred Stock by the affirmative written consent or vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding.

8. Status of Converted Stock . In the event any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be converted pursuant to Section 5 hereof, the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock so converted shall be cancelled and shall not be issuable by the Corporation. In addition, following the conversion of all of the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock or Class C Common Stock pursuant to Section 5 , the Corporation shall no longer issue any further shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and shall no longer have any authorized Convertible Preferred Stock. Upon any such occurrence, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation shall be appropriately amended to effect the corresponding reduction in the Corporation’s authorized capital stock.

 

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9. No Impairment . The Corporation shall not amend the Certificate of Incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms to be observed or performed hereunder by the Corporation, but shall at all times act in good faith in carrying out all such action as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in order to protect the conversion rights of the Convertible Preferred Stockholders against dilution or other impairment.

10. General . All notices or communications in respect of the Convertible Preferred Stock shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered in person or by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or by applicable law or regulation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Convertible Preferred Stock is issued in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company or any similar facility, such notices may be given to the holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock in any manner permitted by such facility.

E. No Pre-emptive Rights . No stockholder of this corporation shall by reason of his holding shares of any class have any pre-emptive or preferential right to purchase or subscribe to any shares of any class of this corporation, now or hereafter to be authorized, or any notes, debentures, bonds, or other securities convertible into or carrying options or warrants to purchase shares of any class, now or hereafter to be authorized whether or not the issuance of any such shares, or such notes, debentures, bonds or other securities, would adversely affect the dividend or voting rights of such stockholder, and, subject to the other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may issue shares of any class of this corporation, or any notes, debentures, bonds, or other securities convertible into or carrying options or warrants to purchase shares of any class, without offering any such shares of any class, either in whole or in part, to the existing stockholders of any class.

F. Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion . The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available, free from preemptive or similar rights, out of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock, and Convertible Preferred Stock (collectively, “ Convertible Stock ”), such number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect a conversion of all outstanding shares of Convertible Stock, and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Convertible Stock, in addition to such other remedies as shall be available to the holders of such Stock as a result of the Corporation’s breach of such obligation, the Corporation shall promptly take such corporate action as may be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or such other securities to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose, including, without limitation, obtaining the requisite stockholder approval of any necessary amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation. All shares of Common Stock which are so issuable shall, when issued, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from all taxes, liens and

 

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charges and not subject to any preemptive or similar rights. The Corporation shall take all such actions as may be necessary to assure that all such shares of Common Stock may be so issued without violation of any applicable law or governmental regulation. The Corporation shall not take any action which would cause the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock to be less than the number of such shares required to be reserved hereunder for issuance upon conversion of the Convertible Stock.

G. Payment of Transfer Taxes . The Corporation shall pay all stock transfer, documentary, and stamp taxes and (which, for the absence of doubt, shall not include any income or other taxes imposed upon the profits realized by the recipient) that may be imposed in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Common Stock or other securities or property upon conversion of shares of Convertible Stock; provided that the Corporation shall not pay any taxes or other governmental charges imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that in which the shares of Common Stock so converted were registered.

H. Closure of Books . The Corporation shall not close its books against the transfer of Convertible Stock or of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of Convertible Stock in any manner which interferes with the timely conversion of Convertible Stock.

I. Replacement Certificates . The Corporation shall replace any mutilated certificate at the holder’s expense upon surrender of that certificate to the Corporation. The Corporation shall replace certificates that become destroyed, stolen or lost at the holder’s expense upon delivery to the Corporation of reasonably satisfactory evidence that the certificate has been destroyed, stolen or lost, together with any indemnity that may reasonably be required by the Corporation.

ARTICLE V

The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by and under the direction of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI

Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of the Corporation shall so provide.

ARTICLE VII

To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of the Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. The liability of a director of the Corporation to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages shall be eliminated to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law in the event it is determined that Delaware law does not apply. The Corporation is authorized to provide by bylaw, agreement or otherwise for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents for breach of duty to the Corporation and its stockholders in excess of the indemnification otherwise permitted by applicable law. Any repeal or modification of this Article VII shall not result in any liability for a director with respect to any action or omission occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

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

ARTICLE IX

In addition to the other powers expressly granted by statute, the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall have the power to adopt, repeal, alter or amend the bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE X

In the event that any provision of Certificate of Incorporation, or the application thereof, becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of this Certificate of Incorporation will continue in full force and effect.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned Corporation has caused this amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be executed by its duly authorized officer this February 23, 2012. The undersigned hereby certifies that the provision for the making of this Certificate is contained in an order entitled “Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order (I) Approving the Debtors’ (A) Disclosure Statement Pursuant to Sections 1125 and 1126(B) of the Bankruptcy Code, (B) Solicitation of Votes and Voting Procedures and (C) Forms of Ballots and (II) Confirming the Debtors’ Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (with technical amendments)” confirming the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al.” entered on February 10, 2012 by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware Case No. 11-14019(CSS).

 

WILLIAM LYON HOMES
By:  

 

  Name: Matthew R. Zaist
  Title: Executive Vice President

 

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Exhibit 3.2

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

WILLIAM LYON HOMES

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I.

  

OFFICES

     1   

Section 1.

  

Registered Office

     1   

Section 2.

  

Other Offices

     1   

ARTICLE II.

  

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

     1   

Section 1.

  

Place of Meetings

     1   

Section 2.

  

Annual Meetings

     1   

Section 3.

  

Special Meetings

     1   

Section 4.

  

Notice of Meetings

     2   

Section 5.

  

Quorum; Adjournment

     2   

Section 6.

  

Proxies and Voting

     2   

Section 7.

  

Stock List

     3   

Section 8.

  

Actions by Stockholders

     3   

ARTICLE III.

  

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     4   

Section 1.

  

Duties and Powers

     4   

Section 2.

  

Number and Term of Office

     4   

Section 3.

  

Vacancies

     4   

Section 4.

  

Meetings

     5   

Section 5.

  

Quorum

     5   

Section 6.

  

Actions of Board Without a Meeting

     5   

Section 7.

  

Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone

     5   

Section 8.

  

Committees

     5   

Section 9.

  

Compensation

     6   

Section 10.

  

Removal

     6   

 

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          Page  

ARTICLE IV.

  

OFFICERS

     6   

Section 1.

  

General

     6   

Section 2.

  

Election; Term of Office

     6   

Section 3.

  

Chairman of the Board

     7   

Section 4.

  

President

     7   

Section 5.

  

Chief Operating Officer; Vice Presidents

     7   

Section 6.

  

Secretary

     7   

Section 7.

  

Assistant Secretaries

     7   

Section 8.

  

Treasurer

     8   

Section 9.

  

Assistant Treasurers

     8   

Section 10.

  

Other Officers

     8   

ARTICLE V.

  

STOCK

     8   

Section 1.

  

Form of Certificates

     8   

Section 2.

  

Signatures

     8   

Section 3.

  

Lost Certificates

     9   

Section 4.

  

Transfers

     9   

Section 5.

  

Record Date

     9   

Section 6.

  

Beneficial Owners

     9   

Section 7.

  

Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation

     9   

ARTICLE VI.

  

NOTICES

     10   

Section 1.

  

Notices to Stockholders.

     10   

Section 2.

  

Waiver of Notice

     10   

ARTICLE VII.

  

GENERAL PROVISIONS

     10   

Section 1.

  

Dividends

     10   

Section 2.

  

Disbursements

     10   

Section 3.

  

Corporation Seal

     10   

 

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          Page  

ARTICLE VIII.

  

DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

     10   

Section 1.

  

Directors’ Liability

     10   

Section 2.

  

Right to Indemnification

     11   

Section 3.

  

Right of Claimant to Bring Suit

     11   

Section 4.

  

Non-Exclusivity of Rights

     12   

Section 5.

  

Insurance and Trust Fund

     12   

Section 6.

  

Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation

     13   

Section 7.

  

Amendment

     13   

ARTICLE IX.

  

AMENDMENTS

     13   

 

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BYLAWS

OF

WILLIAM LYON HOMES

 

 

(hereinafter called the “Corporation”)

ARTICLE I.

OFFICES

Section 1. Registered Office . The registered office of the Corporation shall be in the City of Dover, County of Kent, State of Delaware.

Section 2. Other Offices . The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

ARTICLE II.

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. Place of Meetings . Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

Section 2. Annual Meetings . The Annual Meetings of Stockholders shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which meetings the stockholders shall elect a Board of Directors, and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

Section 3. Special Meetings . Prior to the Conversion Date (as defined in the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation), special meetings of the stockholders may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the President, or by the holders of more than 50% of the shares of any class of the Corporation’s Common Stock or Preferred Stock (excluding the Class D Common Stock). On and after the Conversion Date, special meetings of the stockholders may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President. Upon request in writing to the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice President or the Secretary by any person(s) entitled to call a special meeting of stockholders, the officer forthwith shall cause notice to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote that a meeting will be held at a time requested by the person or persons calling the meeting, not less than thirty-five (35) nor more than sixty (60) days after the receipt of the request. If the notice is not given within twenty (20) days after receipt of the request, the persons entitled to call the meeting may give the notice.

 

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Section 4. Notice of Meetings . Except as otherwise provided herein or as required from time to time by the Delaware General Corporation Law or the Certificate of Incorporation, notice of the place, if any, date, and hour of all stockholder meetings, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date on which the meeting is to be held, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.

Section 5. Quorum; Adjournment . At any meeting of the stockholders, the holders of a majority of all of the shares of the stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, unless or except to the extent that (i) any matter requires the vote of one or more classes of stockholders, voting separately as a class, in which case a quorum shall not be present with respect to such matter unless a majority of the shares of each such class are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) the presence of a larger number may be required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting to another place, if any, date, or time without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented.

When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the place, if any, date, and time of the adjourned meeting and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting, shall be given in conformity herewith. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.

Section 6. Proxies and Voting . At any meeting of the stockholders, every stockholder entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting.

All voting, including on the election of directors but excepting where otherwise provided herein or required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, may be by a voice vote; provided, however, that upon demand therefor by a stockholder entitled to vote or such stockholder’s proxy, a stock vote shall be taken. Every stock vote shall be taken by ballots, each of which shall state the name of the stockholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under the procedure established for the meeting. Every vote taken by ballots shall be counted by an inspector or inspectors appointed by the chairman of the meeting.

 

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All elections shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, and except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, all other matters shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast.

Section 7. Stock List . A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders, arranged in alphabetical order for each class of stock and showing the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in such stockholder’s name, shall be open to the examination of any such stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held.

The stock list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting as provided by law. This list shall presumptively determine the identity of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the number of shares held by each of them.

Section 8. Actions by Stockholders . Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, prior to the Conversion Date, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. From and after the Conversion Date, stockholders shall not be entitled to take actions by written consent, and all actions of stockholders must be taken at a special or annual meeting of stockholders.

A telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission consenting to an action to be taken and transmitted by a stockholder or proxyholder, or by a person or persons authorized to act for a stockholder or proxyholder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for the purposes of this Section 8, provided that any such telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the Corporation can determine (A) that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was transmitted by the stockholder or proxyholder or by a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxyholder and (B) the date on which such stockholder or proxyholder or authorized person or persons transmitted such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission. No consent given by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered until such consent is reproduced in paper form and until such paper form shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery in accordance with the provisions of Section 228(d) of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Any copy, facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing for any and all purposes for which the original writing could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing.

 

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Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.

ARTICLE III.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Duties and Powers . The business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 2. Number and Term of Office . Prior to the later of the Conversion Date and the date on which all of the shares of the Corporation’s Class B Common Stock have been converted into shares of Class A Common Stock of the Corporation (such date the “Specified Date”), the Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) members and shall be elected by the stockholders of record entitled to vote for such directors as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. Directors shall be elected by the holders of record of a plurality of the votes entitled to vote for such directors. Each director so elected shall hold office until the next Annual Meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.

From and after the Specified Date, the Board of Directors shall consist of one (1) or more members. The number of directors shall be fixed and may be changed from time to time by resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors or the stockholders, except as otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation. Except as provided in Section 3 of this Article, directors shall be elected by the holders of record of a plurality of the votes cast at Annual Meetings of Stockholders, and each director so elected shall hold office until the next Annual Meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.

Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. Directors need not be stockholders.

In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and the provisions of this Article III, Section 2, the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation shall control.

Section 3. Vacancies . Prior to the Specified Date, vacancies may be filled by the vote of the stockholders entitled to appoint such directors. From and after the Specified Date, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director or by the stockholders entitled to vote at any Annual or Special Meeting held in accordance with Article II, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next Annual or Special Meeting duly called for that purpose and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal.

 

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Section 4. Meetings . The Board of Directors of the Corporation may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware. The first meeting of each newly elected Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and no notice of such meeting shall be necessary to be given the newly elected directors in order legally to constitute the meeting, provided a quorum shall be present. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a majority of the directors then in office. Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director by whom it is not waived either by mail not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the meeting, by telephone, facsimile, telegram or electronic transmission on twenty-four (24) hours’ notice. Meetings may be held at any time without notice if all the directors are present or if all those not present waive such notice in accordance with Section 2 of Article VI of these Bylaws.

Section 5. Quorum . Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 6. Actions of Board Without a Meeting . Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

Section 7. Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone . Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 8. Committees . The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the directors then in office, designate one (1) or more committees, each committee to consist of one (1) or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of

 

- 5 -


Directors may designate one (1) or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any committee, to the extent allowed by law and provided in the Bylaw or resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.

Section 9. Compensation . Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as director. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

Section 10. Removal . Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed, with or without cause, in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, following the Specified Date, directors may not be removed without cause.

ARTICLE IV.

OFFICERS

Section 1. General . The officers of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall consist of a Chairman of the Board, a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer (or a position with the duties and responsibilities of a Treasurer). The Board of Directors may also appoint a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Operating Officer, one (1) or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries or assistant treasurers, and such other officers as the Board of Directors, in its discretion, shall deem necessary or appropriate from time to time. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws otherwise provide.

Section 2. Election; Term of Office . The Board of Directors at its first meeting held after each Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall elect a Chairman of the Board or a President, or both, a Secretary and a Treasurer (or a position with the duties and responsibilities of a Treasurer), and may also elect at that meeting or any other meeting, such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary or appropriate. Each officer of the Corporation shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors together with the powers and duties customarily

 

- 6 -


exercised by such officer; and each officer of the Corporation shall hold office until such officer’s successor is elected and qualified or until such officer’s earlier resignation or removal. Any officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. The Board of Directors may at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, remove any officer.

Section 3. Chairman of the Board . The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors and shall have such other duties and powers as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 4. President . The President shall have general and active management of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. The President shall have and exercise such further powers and duties as may be specifically delegated to or vested in the President from time to time by these Bylaws or the Board of Directors. If the Board has elected a Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, (1) the Chief Executive Officer shall have all of the powers granted by these Bylaws to the President and (2) the President shall, subject to the powers of supervision and control conferred upon the Chief Executive Officer, have such duties and powers as assigned to him or her by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 5. Chief Operating Officer; Vice Presidents . The Chief Operating Officer and vice presidents (if appointed) shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may from time to time prescribe.

Section 6. Secretary . The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing committees when required. The Secretary may give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

Section 7. Assistant Secretaries . Except as may be otherwise provided in these Bylaws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, or the Secretary, and shall have the authority to perform all functions of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

 

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Section 8. Treasurer . The Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer, shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities, shall keep complete and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements of the Corporation, and shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects of the Corporation in its name and to its credit in such banks and other depositories as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation, taking proper vouchers and receipts for such disbursements, and shall render to the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall, when and if required by the Board of Directors, give and file with the Corporation a bond, in such form and amount and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors, for the faithful performance of his or her duties as Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board of Directors or the President shall from time to time prescribe.

Section 9. Assistant Treasurers . Except as may be otherwise provided in these Bylaws, Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, or the Treasurer, and shall have the authority to perform all functions of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.

Section 10. Other Officers . Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

ARTICLE V.

STOCK

Section 1. Form of Certificates . Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed, in the name of the Corporation (i) by the Chairman of the Board or the President or a Vice President and (ii) by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by such holder in the Corporation.

Section 2. Signatures . Any or all the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

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Section 3. Lost Certificates . The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Section 4. Transfers . Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these Bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing or other duly authorized representative and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be cancelled before a new certificate shall be issued.

Section 5. Record Date . Other than as may be set forth in these Bylaws or in the Certificate of Incorporation, in order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other action. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Section 6. Beneficial Owners . The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.

Section 7. Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation . Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice President or the Secretary and any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

 

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ARTICLE VI.

NOTICES

Section 1. Notices to Stockholders . If mailed, notice to stockholders shall be deemed given when deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders may be given by electronic transmission in the manner provided in Section 232 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Section 2. Waiver of Notice . Whenever any notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such person.

ARTICLE VII.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Dividends . Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting or by any Committee of the Board of Directors having such authority at any meeting thereof, and may be paid in cash, in property, in shares of the capital stock or in any combination thereof. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

Section 2. Disbursements . All notes, checks, drafts and orders for the payment of money issued by the Corporation shall be signed in the name of the Corporation by such officers or such other persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

Section 3. Corporation Seal . The corporate seal, if the Corporation shall have a corporate seal, shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

ARTICLE VIII.

DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Directors’ Liability . A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the

 

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Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended. Any repeal or modification of this provision shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

Section 2. Right to Indemnification . Each person who was or is made a party to or is threatened to be made a party to or is involuntarily involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving (during his or her tenure as director and/or officer) at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether the basis of such Proceeding is an alleged action or inaction in an official capacity as a director or officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director or officer, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law (or other applicable law), as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection with such Proceeding, and such indemnification rights shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. Such director or officer shall have the right to be paid by the Corporation for expenses incurred in defending any such Proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, if the Delaware General Corporation Law (or other applicable law) requires, the payment of such expenses in advance of the final disposition of any such Proceeding shall be made only upon receipt by the Corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay all amounts so advanced if it should be determined ultimately that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or otherwise.

Section 3. Right of Claimant to Bring Suit . If a claim under Section 2 of this Article is not paid in full by the Corporation within ninety (90) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim, together with interest thereon, and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim, including reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection therewith. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the Delaware General Corporation Law (or other applicable law) for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (or of its full Board of Directors, its directors who are not parties to the Proceeding with respect to

 

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which indemnification is claimed, its stockholders, or independent legal counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law (or other applicable law), nor an actual determination by any such person or persons that such claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to such action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

Section 4. Non-Exclusivity of Rights . The rights conferred by this Article shall not be exclusive of any other right which any director, officer, representative, employee or other agent may have or hereafter acquire under the Delaware General Corporation Law or any other statute, or any provision contained in the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or any agreement, or pursuant to a vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Corporation acknowledges that a person may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by other potential or actual indemnitors. The Corporation agrees that (i) it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its indemnification obligations to such person are primary and any indemnification obligation of any other potential or actual indemnitor to advance expenses or to provide indemnification to such person are secondary to any such obligation of the Corporation), (ii) that it shall be liable for and required to advance the full amounts set forth in this Article without regard to any rights a person may have against any other potential or actual indemnitor and (iii) it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases each other potential or actual indemnitor from any and all claims (x) against such indemnitor for contribution, indemnification, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof and (y) that a person must seek advancement or reimbursement, or indemnification, from any other potential or actual indemnitor before the Corporation must perform its obligations hereunder. No advancement or payment by any other indemnitor on behalf of a person with respect to any proceeding for which such person has sought indemnification from the Corporation shall affect any of the foregoing.

Section 5. Insurance and Trust Fund . In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute:

(1) the Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of law; and

(2) the Corporation may create a trust fund, grant a security interest and/or use other means (including, without limitation, letters of credit, surety bonds and/or other similar arrangements), as well as enter into contracts providing indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law and including as part thereof provisions with respect to any or all of the foregoing, to ensure the payment of such amount as may become necessary to effect indemnification as provided therein, or elsewhere.

 

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Section 6. Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation . The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification, including the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition, to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article VIII or otherwise with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation.

Section 7. Amendment . Any repeal or modification of this Article VIII shall not change the rights of an officer or director to indemnification with respect to any action or omission occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

ARTICLE IX.

AMENDMENTS

Except as otherwise specifically stated within an Article to be altered, amended or repealed, these Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of the stockholders. Any amendment of these Bylaws by the stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of each class of voting stock, voting separately as a class, except that (i) the Class B Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall vote together as a separate class on such any such amendment, and (ii) if there are no shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding, the Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall vote together as a separate class on such any such amendment.

 

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The undersigned, constituting the Board of Directors of William Lyon Homes, hereby adopt the foregoing Bylaws as the Bylaws of said corporation.

Dated as of [                 ], 2011.

 

 

 

 

THIS IS TO CERTIFY:

That I am the duly elected, qualified and acting William Lyon Homes and that the foregoing Amended and Restated Bylaws were adopted as the Amended and Restated Bylaws of said corporation as of the     th day of [            ], 2011, by the Board of Directors of said corporation.

Dated as of [                 ], 2011.

 

 

[                    ], Secretary

 

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Exhibit 4.2

This Note is a Global Note within the meaning of the indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of a depository or a nominee of a depository. This Note is not exchangeable for Notes registered in the name of a person other than the depository or its nominee except in the limited circumstances described in the indenture, and no transfer of this Note (other than a transfer of this Note as a whole by the depository to a nominee of the depository or by a nominee of the depository to the depository or another nominee of the depository) may be registered except in the limited circumstances described in the Indenture.

Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of the Depository Trust Company (a New York corporation) (“ DTC ”) to the issuer or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any certificate issued is registered in the name of CEDE & CO. or in such other name as it requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment is made to CEDE & CO. or such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of DTC), any transfer, pledge or other use hereof for value or otherwise by or to any Person is wrongful inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, CEDE & CO., has an interest herein.

This instrument and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby are subject to the terms and conditions of that certain Intercreditor and Subordination Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2012, among (i) COLFIN WLH Funding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as administrative agent, (ii) U.S. Bank National Association, as note trustee and collateral trustee, (iii) the Company (as defined below) and (iv) each of the other obligors party thereto (as amended from time to time, the “ Intercreditor Agreement ”) and each holder of this instrument, by its acceptance hereof, irrevocably agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Note, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.

CUSIP 552075AFO

$75,000,000

WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC.

No. 01

12% SENIOR SUBORDINATED SECURED NOTE DUE 2017

WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC., a California corporation (the “ Company ”), for value received, promises to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns the principal sum of SEVENTY FIVE MILLION ($75,000,000) Dollars on February 25, 2017.

Interest Payment Dates: June 15 and December 15.

Record Dates: June 1 and December 1.

Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officers.

 

WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Dated:

Certificate of Authentication

This is one of the 12% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes due 2017 referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Note Trustee
By:  

 

Dated:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Note (Second Lien)]


[REVERSE OF NOTE]

WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC.

12% SENIOR SUBORDINATED SECURED NOTE DUE 2017

1. Interest . WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC., a California corporation (the “ Company ”), promises to pay, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment, interest on the principal amount set forth on the face hereof at a rate of 12% per annum, consisting of a 4% payment in kind interest component (“ PIK Interest ”) and an 8% cash interest component (“ Cash Interest ”). Interest hereon will accrue from and including the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including February 25, 2012 to but excluding the date on which interest is paid. Interest shall be payable in arrears on each June 15 and December 15, commencing June 15, 2012. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal and on overdue interest (to the full extent permitted by law) at a rate of 14% per annum, consisting of 6% PIK Interest and 8% Cash Interest. Capitalized and certain other terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Indenture dated as of February 25, 2012 (the “ Indenture ”) among the Company, the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Note Trustee and Collateral Trustee.

2. Method of Payment . The Company will pay interest hereon (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on June 1 or December 1 next preceding the interest payment date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders must surrender Notes to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Company will pay principal, Cash Interest, and interest on overdue principal and on overdue interest, in money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. PIK Interest on the Notes will be payable by increasing the principal amount of the outstanding Notes by an amount equal to the amount of PIK Interest for the applicable interest period (rounded to the nearest whole cent) as provided in writing by the Company in an Officers’ Certificate to the Note Trustee. Following an increase in the principal amount of the outstanding Notes as a result of a PIK Interest payment, the Notes will bear interest on such increased principal amount from and after the date of such PIK Interest payment. If a Holder has given wire transfer instructions to the Company at least ten Business days prior to the applicable payment date, the Company will make all payments on the Holder’s Notes in accordance with those instructions. Otherwise, payments on the Notes will be made at the office or agency of the Paying Agent and Registrar unless the Company elects to make interest payments by check mailed to the Holder entitled thereto at the address indicated on the register maintained by the Registrar for the Notes.

3. Paying Agent and Registrar . Initially, U.S. Bank National Association (the “ Note Trustee ”) will act as a Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice. Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

4. Indenture and Security Documents . The Company issued the Notes under the Indenture. This is one of an issue of Notes of the Company issued, or to be issued, under the


Indenture. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb), as amended from time to time. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of them. The Notes are secured on a second (or, after the Priority Lien Obligations Payment Date (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement), first)-priority basis (subject, as to priority, only to Permitted Prior Liens) by the Lien created by the Security Documents and subject to the terms of the Indenture and the Intercreditor Agreement.

5. Optional Redemption . The Company, at its option, may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at 100% of the principal amount outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the Redemption Date. In the event of a redemption of fewer than all of the Notes, the Note Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, while such Notes are listed, or if such Notes are not then listed on a national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or in such other manner as the Note Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate; provided , however, that no Notes of a principal amount of less than $1.00 shall be redeemed in part. The Notes will be redeemable in whole upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice, mailed by first class mail to a Holder’s last address as it shall appear on the register maintained by the Registrar of the Notes. On and after any redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption unless the Company shall fail to redeem any such Note.

6. Notice of Redemption . Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at his registered address. On and after the Redemption Date, unless the Company defaults in making the redemption payment, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

7. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange . The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1.00 and integral multiples of $1.00. A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay to it any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar shall not be required to exchange or register a transfer of any Note for a period of 15 days immediately preceding the mailing of notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed or of any Note selected, called or being called for redemption except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

8. Persons Deemed Owners . The registered Holder of this Note may be treated as the owner of this Note for all purposes.

9. Unclaimed Money . If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Note Trustee will pay the money back to the Company at its written request. After that, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors unless an “abandoned property” law designates another Person.


10. Amendment, Supplement, Waiver, Etc.

(a) Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Company, the Guarantors and the Note Trustee or the Collateral Trustee, as the case may be (if a party thereto) may, without the consent of the Holders of any outstanding Notes, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Security Documents or the Notes for certain specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies, maintaining the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, making any change that does not materially and adversely affect the rights of any Holder and making, completing or confirming any grant of Collateral permitted or required by the Indenture or any of the Security Documents or any release of Collateral that becomes effective as set forth in the Indenture, any of the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement.

(b) Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, other amendments and modifications of the Indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Security Documents or the Notes may be made by the Company, the Guarantors, the Note Trustee and the Collateral Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, subject to certain exceptions requiring the consent of (i) Holders of the particular Notes to be affected or (ii) in the case of amendments, waivers or supplements to the Indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Security Documents or the Notes that release all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens created by the Security Documents, Holders of not less than 66 2/3% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes.

11. Restrictive Covenants . The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional Indebtedness, make payments in respect of, or redeem, their Equity Interests or certain Indebtedness, make certain Investments, create or incur Liens, enter into transactions with Affiliates, enter into agreements restricting the ability of Restricted Subsidiaries to pay dividends and make distributions and on the ability of the Parent and the Company to merge or consolidate with any other Person or transfer all or substantially all of the Parent’s, the Company’s or any Guarantor’s assets. Such limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions. Pursuant to Section 4.04 of the Indenture, the Company must annually report to the Note Trustee on compliance with such limitations.

12. Successor Corporation . When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under the Notes and the Indenture and the transaction complies with the terms of Article Five of the Indenture, the predecessor corporation will, except as provided in Article Five, be released from those obligations.

13. Defaults and Remedies . Events of Default are set forth in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations in the Indenture, if an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(g) or (h) with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Note Trustee, by written notice to the Issuer, or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, by written notice to the Issuer and the Note Trustee, may, declare all principal of and accrued interest on all Notes to be immediately due and payable and such amounts shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified


in Section 6.01(g) or (h) occurs with respect to the Company, the principal amount of and interest on, all Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Note Trustee or any Holder. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Note Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the Indenture or the Notes. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Note Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Note Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing default (except a default in payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes or a default in the observance or performance of any of the obligations of the Company under Article Five of the Indenture) if it determines that withholding notice is in their best interests.

14. Note Trustee Dealings with Company . The Note Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it were not Note Trustee.

15. Discharge . The Company’s obligations pursuant to the Indenture will be discharged, except for obligations pursuant to certain sections thereof, subject to the terms of the Indenture, upon the payment of all the Notes or upon the irrevocable deposit with the Note Trustee of United States dollars or U.S. Government Obligations sufficient to pay when due principal of and interest on the Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be.

16. Guarantees . The Note will be entitled to the benefits of certain Note Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors, the Note Trustee and the Holders.

17. Authentication . This Note shall not be valid until the Note Trustee signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Note.

18. Governing Law . This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, as applied to contracts made and performed within the State of New York. The Note Trustee, the Company, the Guarantors and the Holders agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Indenture or the Notes.

19. Abbreviations . Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TENANT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

20. Conflicts with the Indenture . This Note is subject to all terms and conditions of the Indenture. To the extent that any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern.

21. Intercreditor Agreement . Anything herein or in the Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, so long as the Intercreditor Agreement shall be in effect, the liens and security


interests securing the obligations evidenced by this Note, the exercise of any right or remedy with respect thereto, and certain of the rights of the holder hereof are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Note, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this paragraph are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Priority Lien Collateral Agent and the Priority Lien Lenders on the one hand and the Collateral Trustee and the Holders on the other hand. None of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any other creditor thereof shall have any rights under the Intercreditor Agreement and neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor may rely on the terms of this paragraph or the Intercreditor Agreement.

22. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS INDENTURE OR THE NOTES.

23. The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:

WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC.

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Chief Financial Officer


ASSIGNMENT

I or we assign and transfer this Note to:

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. number)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee)

and irrevocably appoint:

 

 

 

 

Agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The Agent may substitute another to act for him.

Date: Your signature:

 

 

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)
Signature Guarantee:

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“ STAMP ”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

Exhibit 10.2

SECOND LIEN NOTES REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This SECOND LIEN NOTES REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of February 25, 2012, (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into among WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC., a California corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Holders (as defined below). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in Section 1 .

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Initial Holders, having entered into that certain Restructuring Support Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2011, with William Lyon Homes, a Delaware corporation, the Company, and certain of their subsidiaries (the “ Noteholder RSA ”), agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the Noteholder RSA, to support the Company’s reorganization as more precisely described in the Disclosure Statement for the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al. and the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al. (the “ Plan ”), both dated as of November 17, 2011.

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Initial Holders are entitled to receive 12% (8% cash interest) Second Lien Notes due 2017 issued by the Company (as reorganized pursuant to the Plan) (the “ New Second Lien Notes ”). The New Second Lien Notes issued pursuant to the Plan are being issued in reliance on Section 1145 of Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (“ Section 1145 ”) without registration under the Securities Act or any state securities laws.

WHEREAS, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1145, certain resales of the New Second Lien Notes held by the Holders may be required to be registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

WHEREAS, in order to induce the Initial Holders to complete the transactions contemplated by the Plan, on the effective date of the Plan, the Company is entering into this Agreement to grant to the Holders certain rights to cause the Company to register the New Second Lien Notes being issued pursuant to the Plan, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

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

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, and unless the context requires a different meaning, the following terms have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

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Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction.

Automatic Shelf Registration Statement ” means an “automatic shelf registration statement” as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, without regard to whether such right is currently exercisable, is exercisable only after the passage of time or is exercisable only upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The terms “ beneficially owns ” and beneficially owned ” have a corresponding meaning.

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors of the Company (or any duly authorized committee thereof).

Business Day ” means any day (other than a day which is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of New York) on which banks are open for business in the State of New York.

Capital Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock issued by such person, including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such person.

Certificate of Incorporation ” shall mean the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as it may be amended from time to time.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction.

control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means, unless otherwise noted, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Counsel to the Holders ” means, with respect to any Piggyback Takedown or any Holder Underwritten Offering, one (1) counsel selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown or Holder Underwritten Offering.

Delay Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(c).

Disclosure Package ” means the following, collectively, with respect to any offering of Registrable Securities, (i) the preliminary Prospectus, in the form provided to the

 

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Holders for delivery to purchasers of Registrable Securities, (ii) each Free Writing Prospectus, in the form provided to the Holders for delivery to purchasers of Registrable Securities and (iii) all other information, in each case, that is deemed, under Rule 159 promulgated under the Securities Act, to have been conveyed to purchasers of securities at the time of sale of such securities (including, without limitation, a contract of sale).

Electing Holder ” means a Holder of Registrable Securities who has provided the Company with a Notice and Questionnaire.

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

FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Free Writing Prospectus ” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Hedging Counterparty ” means a broker-dealer registered under Section 15(b) of the Exchange Act or an Affiliate thereof.

Hedging Transaction ” means any transaction involving a security linked to the Registrable Securities or any security that would be deemed to be a “derivative security” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(c) promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the Registrable Securities or transaction (even if not a security) which would (were it a security) be considered such a derivative security, or which transfers some or all of the economic risk of ownership of the Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, any forward contract, equity swap, put or call, put or call equivalent position, collar, non-recourse loan, sale of an exchangeable security or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, the following transactions shall be deemed to be Hedging Transactions:

(i) transactions by a Holder in which a Hedging Counterparty engages in short sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus and may use Registrable Securities to close out its short position;

(ii) transactions pursuant to which a Holder engages in a short sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus and delivers Registrable Securities to close out its short position;

(iii) transactions by a Holder in which the Holder delivers, in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act, Registrable Securities to the Hedging Counterparty who will then publicly resell or otherwise transfer such Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act; and

(iv) a loan or pledge of Registrable Securities to a Hedging Counterparty who may then become a selling stockholder and sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities, in each case, in a public transaction pursuant to a Prospectus.

 

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Holder ” (collectively, the “ Holders ”) means each Person identified as a Holder on the signature pages hereto who is the record or beneficial owner of Registrable Securities, together with such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns or an additional purchaser of Registrable Securities, in either case who executes a Joinder to this Agreement in the form of Annex B hereto for so long as it holds any Registrable Securities and each of its successors and assigns and direct and indirect transferees who Beneficially Own Registrable Securities.

Holder Underwritten Offering ” means an underwritten offering takedown to be conducted by one or more Electing Holders in accordance with Section 3(d).

Indemnified Party ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).

Indemnifying Party ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).

Initial Holder ” (collectively, the “ Initial Holders ”) means each Person identified as a Holder on the signature pages hereto on the date of this Agreement, excluding such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns even though such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns may execute a Joinder to this Agreement in the form of Annex B hereto and excluding each of its successors and assigns and direct and indirect transferees who beneficially own Registrable Securities.

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(a).

Notice and Questionnaire ” means a written notice delivered to the Company in the form attached as Annex A hereto.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, firm, incorporated or unincorporated association, or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

Plan ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Piggyback Takedown ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Prospectus ” means the prospectus related to any Registration Statement (whether preliminary or final or any prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, a prospectus or prospectus supplement that discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance on Rule 415, 424, 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act, as amended or supplemented by any amendment or prospectus supplement), including post-effective amendments, and all materials incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Registrable Securities ” means the New Second Lien Notes issued to the Holders pursuant to the Plan. As to any particular Registrable Securities, once issued, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale

 

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of such Registrable Securities shall have been declared effective under the Securities Act by the SEC and such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of pursuant to such effective Registration Statement, (ii) they shall have been distributed pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and are no longer “restricted securities”, (iii) they shall have ceased to be outstanding, or (iv) the entire amount of the Registrable Securities held by any Holder may be sold by such Holder in a single sale without, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company and such Holder, any limitation as to volume or manner of sale requirements pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and the Company removes any restrictive legend borne by the Registrable Securities.

Registration ” means registration under the Securities Act of an offering of Registrable Securities.

Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act that covers resales of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the related Prospectus, all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement. The term “Registration Statement” shall also include any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) to register additional securities in connection with any offering.

Requesting Holders ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

Section 1145 ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

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

Selling Expenses ” means underwriting fees, discounts, selling commissions, underwriter expenses and stock transfer taxes relating to the registration and sale of a Holder’s Registrable Securities and, subject to Section 6, the fees and expenses of Holder’s own counsel.

Shelf Registration ” means a registration of securities pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the SEC in accordance with and pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.

underwriter ” means the underwriter, placement agent or other similar intermediary participating in an underwritten offering.

underwritten offering ” of securities means a public offering of securities registered under the Securities Act in which an underwriter, placement agent or other similar intermediary participates in the distribution of such securities.

 

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2. General; Securities Subject to this Agreement .

(a) Grant of Rights . The Company hereby grants registration rights with respect to the Registrable Securities to the Holders upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Transfer of Registration Rights . Any Registrable Securities that are pledged or made the subject of a Hedging Transaction, which Registrable Securities are not ultimately disposed of by the Holder pursuant to such pledge or Hedging Transaction shall be deemed to remain “Registrable Securities,” notwithstanding the release of such pledge or the completion of such Hedging Transaction.

3. Shelf Registrations

(a) Filings . For so long as there are Registrable Securities outstanding, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that from and after one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of initial issuance of any Registrable Securities the Company shall at all times have and maintain an effective Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration covering the resale of all of the Registrable Securities requested to be included by the Electing Holders, on a delayed or continuous basis (the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”), which Shelf Registration Statement may also provide for the sale by other holders with registration rights granted in connection with the Plan. In furtherance of such obligation, the Company shall use best efforts to file on or prior to one hundred and twenty (120) days after the initial issuance of any Registrable Securities an initial Shelf Registration Statement. The Company shall give written notice of the filing of any Shelf Registration Statement at least fifteen (15) days prior to filing such Shelf Registration Statement to all Holders of Registrable Securities and shall include in such Shelf Registration Statement all Registrable Securities of Electing Holders. The Company shall use best efforts to cause the initial Shelf Registration Statement to become effective on or prior to one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of initial issuance of any Registrable Securities and shall maintain the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the terms hereof.

(b) Additional Electing Holders . From and after the date that the Shelf Registration Statement is initially effective, as promptly as is practicable after receipt of a proper Notice and Questionnaire, and in any event within (x) ten (10) Business Days after the date such Notice and Questionnaire is received by the Company or (y) if a Notice and Questionnaire is so received during a Delay Period, five (5) Business Days after the expiration of such Delay Period, the Company shall take all necessary action to cause the Electing Holder to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus in such a manner as to permit such Holder to deliver such Prospectus in connection with sales of such Registrable Securities to the purchasers thereof in accordance with applicable law, which action may include: (i) if required by applicable law, filing with the SEC a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement; (ii) preparing and, if required by applicable law, filing a supplement or supplements to the related Prospectus or a supplement or amendment to any document incorporated therein by reference; (iii) filing any other required document; or (iv) with respect to a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement that is not automatically effective, causing such post-effective amendment to be declared or to otherwise become

 

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effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is practicable; provided that the Company may delay such filing until the date that is twenty (20) Business Days after any prior such filing, and if such Notice and Questionnaire is delivered during a Delay Period, the Company shall so inform the Holder delivering such Notice and Questionnaire and shall take the actions set forth above upon expiration of the Delay Period in accordance with Section 3(c). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to name any Holder as a selling securityholder in any Shelf Registration Statement or related Prospectus until such Holder has returned a duly completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company.

(c) Delay Periods . Upon written notice to the Holders of Registrable Securities, (x) the Company shall be entitled to suspend, for a period of time, the use of any Registration Statement or Prospectus if the Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation with counsel, that the Registration Statement or any Prospectus may contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements in the Registration Statement or Prospectus not misleading and (y) the Company shall not be required to amend or supplement the Registration Statement, any related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference if the Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation with counsel, that such amendment would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on any proposal or plan of the Company to effect a merger, acquisition, disposition, financing, reorganization, recapitalization or similar transaction, in each case that is material to the Company (in case of each clause (x) and (y), a “ Delay Period ”); provided that (A) the duration of all Delay Periods may not exceed ninety (90) days in the aggregate in any 12-month period and (B) the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to amend the Registration Statement and/or Prospectus to correct such untrue statement or omission as soon as reasonably practicable.

(d) Holder Underwritten Offering .

(i) One or more Electing Holders holding at least 25% of a class of then outstanding Registrable Securities may request that the Company effect an underwritten takedown under the Shelf Registration Statement of Registrable Securities held by such Electing Holder or Electing Holders in an amount equal to at least 25% of such class of then outstanding Registrable Securities (or, if less than such amount, all of their remaining Registrable Securities) (each, a “ Holder Underwritten Offering ”). Within five (5) business days of receipt of such request, the Company shall notify all other Holders of such request and shall (except as provided in clause (iii) below) include in such Holder Underwritten Offering all Registrable Securities requested to be included therein by Holders who respond within five (5) Business Days of the Company’s notification described above (such Holders who are not Electing Holders shall participate in the Holder Underwritten Offering only if they also become Electing Holders).

(ii) For any Holder Underwritten Offering, the managing underwriter or underwriters shall be selected by Electing Holders participating in such offering holding a majority of the Registrable Securities to be disposed of pursuant to such offering and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company.

 

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(iii) If the managing underwriter or underwriters for the Holder Underwritten Offering advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such underwritten offering takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to Electing Holders representing a majority of Registrable Securities included in the Holder Underwritten Offering, the Company shall include in such Holder Underwritten Offering the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities requested to be included by the Electing Holders (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder), (B) second, the securities requested to be included in such Holder Underwritten Offering by holders exercising piggyback registration rights other than pursuant to this Agreement (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder), (C) third, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (D) fourth, other securities requesting to be included in such Holder Underwritten Offering (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder).

(iv) The Company shall not be required to effect a Holder Underwritten Offering: (A) more than once in any twelve (12) month period or (B) if it shall have already made three (3) Holder Underwritten Offerings pursuant to this Agreement.

4. Piggyback Takedowns .

(a) Right to Piggyback . If the Company proposes to undertake the marketing of a registered underwritten offering of its Capital Stock for its own account (other than a Registration Statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or a Registration Statement connection with a rights offering) or for the account of any other stockholder or stockholders of the Company not party hereto (the “ Requesting Holders ”), the Company shall give prompt written notice of its intention to effect such offering (a “ Piggyback Takedown ”) to all Holders of Registrable Securities. In the case of a Piggyback Takedown that is an offering under a Shelf Registration, such notice shall be given not less than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the expected date of commencement of marketing efforts for such Piggyback Takedown. In the case of a Piggyback Takedown that is an offering under a Registration Statement that is not a Shelf Registration, such notice shall be given not less than thirty (30) Business Days prior to the expected date of filing of such Registration Statement. The Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) below, include in such Piggyback Takedown, as applicable, all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein on or before the date that is three (3) Business Days prior to the expected date of commencement of marketing efforts or the filing of the Registration Statement, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company may determine not to proceed with any Piggyback Takedown upon written notice to the Holders of Registrable Securities requesting to include their Registrable Securities in such Piggyback Takedown.

(b) Priority on Piggyback Takedowns .

(i) If a Piggyback Takedown is an underwritten primary registration on behalf of the Company, and the managing underwriters for a Piggyback Takedown advise the Company

 

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that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to the Company, the Company shall include in such Piggyback Takedown the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (B) second, securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown by Holders exercising piggyback registration rights in accordance with this Agreement (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder), and (C) third, other securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown other than pursuant to this Agreement (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder).

(ii) If a Piggyback Takedown is an underwritten registration on behalf of one or more Requesting Holders, and the managing underwriters for a Piggyback Takedown advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to the Company, the Company shall include in such Piggyback Takedown the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities requested to be included by the Requesting Holders (B) second, securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown by Holders exercising piggyback registration rights in accordance with this Agreement (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder), (C) third, the securities the Company proposes to sell, and (D) fourth, other securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown other than pursuant to this Agreement (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder).

(c) Selection of Underwriters . Except as otherwise provided in any agreement between the Company and Requesting Holders, the Company will have the sole right to select the investment banker(s) and manager(s) for any Piggyback Takedown.

5. Registration Procedures .

(a) Obligations of the Company . Whenever registration of Registrable Securities has been requested pursuant to Section 3 or Section 4 hereof, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration and sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof and the following provisions shall apply in connection therewith:

(i) No Holder shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement as of the time of its initial effectiveness or at any time thereafter, and no Holder shall be entitled to use the Prospectus for resales of Registrable Securities at any time, unless such Holder has become an “Electing Holder” by returning a duly completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company by the deadline for response set forth therein (or the Holder has delivered a Notice and Questionnaire after the deadline for response and the Company has named such Holder as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement) and has provided any other information reasonably requested in writing by the Company.

 

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(ii) Each Electing Holder agrees to notify the Company as promptly as practicable of any inaccuracy or change in information previously furnished by such Electing Holder to the Company or of the occurrence of any event in either case as a result of which any Prospectus relating to such registration contains or would contain an untrue statement of a material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities or omits to state any material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and promptly to furnish to the Company (i) any additional information required to correct and update any previously furnished information or required so that such Prospectus shall not contain, with respect to such Electing Holder or the disposition of such Registrable Securities, an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (ii) any other information regarding such Electing Holder and the distribution of such Registrable Securities as may be required to be disclosed in any Registration Statement under applicable law, pursuant to SEC comments or as the Company may request from time to time in writing.

(b) Additional Obligations of the Company . The Company shall:

(i) before filing a Registration Statement or a Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, at the Company’s expense, furnish to the Electing Holders upon written request from such Electing Holder whose securities are covered by the Registration Statement, copies of all such documents, other than documents that are incorporated by reference and that are publicly available through the SEC’s EDGAR system, proposed to be filed, and provide Counsel to such Holders a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such documents;

(ii) notify each Electing Holder of Registrable Securities whose securities are covered by the Registration Statement of the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement and prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable under the Securities Act for a period ending on the date on which all Registrable Securities have been sold under the Registration Statement applicable to such Shelf Registration or have otherwise ceased to be Registrable Securities and notify each Electing Holder of the filing and effectiveness of such amendments and supplements, and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement;

(iii) furnish to each Electing Holder selling Registrable Securities without charge, such number of copies of the applicable Registration Statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, each Prospectus prepared in connection with such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus, final Prospectus, and any other

 

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Prospectus (including any Prospectus filed under Rule 424, Rule 430A or Rule 430B promulgated under the Securities Act and any “issuer free writing prospectus” as such term is defined under Rule 433 promulgated under the Securities Act)), all exhibits and other documents filed therewith and such other documents as such seller may reasonably request including in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder, and upon request, a copy of any and all transmittal letters or other correspondence to or received from, the SEC or any other governmental authority relating to such offer;

(iv) prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use commercially reasonable efforts to: (A) register or qualify, or obtain exemption from registration or qualification for, such Registrable Securities under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as any seller reasonably requests, (B) keep such registration, qualification or exemption in effect for so long as such Registration Statement remains in effect and (C) do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Electing Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such Electing Holder; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be required to (x) qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subsection, (y) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction);

(v) notify each Electing Holder selling Registrable Securities at any time when a Prospectus relating to the applicable Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act:

(A) as promptly as practicable upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, such Registration Statement, or the Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement, or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus relating thereto not misleading or otherwise requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement, Prospectus, Free Writing Prospectus or document, and, at the request of any such Electing Holder and subject to the Company’s ability to declare Delay Periods pursuant to Section 3(c), the Company shall promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, furnish a reasonable number of copies of such supplement or amendment to each such seller of such Registrable Securities, and file such supplement or amendment with the SEC so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus as so amended or supplemented shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,

(B) as promptly as practicable after the Company becomes aware of any request by the SEC or any Federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or related Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus covering Registrable Securities or for additional information relating thereto,

 

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(C) as promptly as practicable after the Company becomes aware of the issuance or threatened issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending or threatening to suspend the effectiveness of a Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities or

(D) as promptly as practicable after the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any Registrable Security for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose;

(vi) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange or automated interdealer quotation system, if any, on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed or quoted, or, if none, on such securities exchange or automated interdealer quotation system reasonably selected by the Company;

(vii) provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable Securities from and after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement;

(viii) provide Counsel to the Holders a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon any Registration Statement and any Prospectus supplements;

(ix) in the event of the issuance or threatened issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related Prospectus or suspending the qualification of any Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction, use commercially reasonable efforts promptly to (A) prevent the issuance of any such stop order, and in the event of such issuance, to obtain the withdrawal of such order and (B) obtain, at the earliest practicable date, the withdrawal of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus or suspending qualification of any Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction;

(x) if requested by any participating Electing Holder promptly include in a Prospectus supplement or amendment such information as the Holder may reasonably request, including in order to permit the intended method of distribution of such securities, and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or such amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has received such request;

(xi) in the case of certificated Registrable Securities, cooperate with the participating Holders of Registrable Securities and the managing underwriters to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (not bearing any legends) representing Registrable Securities sold pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement;

 

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(xii) cause the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities, as may be reasonably necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company to enable the seller or sellers of Registrable Securities to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(xiii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form and reasonably satisfactory to the Company and perform its obligations thereunder and take such other commercially reasonable actions as are required in order to expedite or facilitate each disposition of Registrable Securities included in such Holder Underwritten Offering (including causing appropriate officers to attend and participate in “road shows” and other informational meetings organize by the underwriters), and causing counsel to the Company to deliver customary legal opinions in connection with any such underwriting agreements;

(xiv) provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities not later than the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement;

(xv) make available at reasonable times for inspection by any seller of Registrable Securities, any managing underwriter participating in any disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, Counsel to the Holders and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the selling Holder or any managing underwriters (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Records ”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ officers, directors and employees, and the independent public accountants of the Company, to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration Statement. Records that the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential and which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors (and the Inspectors shall confirm their agreement in writing in advance to the Company if the Company shall so request) unless (A) the disclosure of such Records is necessary, in the Inspector’s judgment and with the concurrence of counsel to the Company, to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the Registration Statement, (B) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom or (C) the information in such Records was known to the Inspectors on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure by the Company or has been made generally available to the public. Each seller of Registrable Securities agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction or by any other person, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at the Company’s expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential;

(xvi) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a “comfort” letter or letters, dated as of such date or dates as the Counsel to the Holders or the managing underwriters reasonably requests, from the Company’s independent public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “comfort” letters as Counsel to the Holders or any managing underwriter reasonably requests;

 

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(xvii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, furnish, at the request of any managing underwriter for such offering an opinion with respect to legal matters and a negative assurance letter with respect to disclosure matters, dated as of each closing date of such offering of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such registration, addressed to the underwriters, covering such matters with respect to the registration in respect of which such opinion and letter are being delivered as the underwriters, may reasonably request and are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters;

(xviii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter and its counsel (including any “qualified independent underwriter,” if applicable) that is (A) required or requested by FINRA in order to obtain written confirmation from FINRA that FINRA does not object to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements (or any deemed underwriting terms and arrangements) relating to the resale of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, including, without limitation, information provided to FINRA through its COBRADesk system or (B) required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA;

(xix) if requested by the managing underwriters, if any, or by any Holder of Registrable Securities being sold in a Holder Underwritten Offering, promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement such information as the managing underwriters, if any, or such Holders indicate relates to them or that they reasonably request be included therein;

(xx) within the deadlines specified by the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, make all required filings of all Prospectuses and Free Writing Prospectuses with the SEC; and

(xxi) within the deadlines specified by the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, make all required filing fee payments in respect of any Registration Statement or Prospectus used under this Agreement (and any offering covered thereby).

(c) Seller Requirements . In connection with any offering under any Registration Statement under this Agreement, each Electing Holder (i) shall promptly furnish to the Company in writing such information with respect to such Holder and the intended method of disposition of its Registrable Securities as the Company may reasonably request or as may be required by law or regulations for use in connection with any related Registration Statement or Prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto) and all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder not contain a material misstatement of fact or necessary to cause such Registration Statement or Prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto) not to omit a material fact with respect to such Holder necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) shall comply with the

 

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Securities Act and the Exchange Act and all applicable state securities laws and comply with all applicable regulations in connection with the registration and the disposition of the Registrable Securities; and (iii) shall not use any Free Writing Prospectus without the prior written consent of the Company. If any Electing Holder of Registrable Securities fails to provide such information required to be included in such Registration Statement by applicable securities laws or otherwise necessary or desirable in connection with the disposition of such Registrable Securities in a timely manner after written request therefor, the Company may exclude such Electing Holder’s Registrable Securities from a registration under Sections 3 or 4 hereof.

6. Registration Expenses . (a) Whether or not any Registration Statement is filed or becomes effective, the Company shall pay all costs, fees and expenses arising from or incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including the sale of the Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, (i) SEC, stock exchanges, FINRA (including, without limitation, fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection with FINRA registration), and other registration and filing fees (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with complying with any securities or “Blue Sky” laws, including, without limitation, fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection therewith, (iii) printing expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Securities and of printing prospectuses if the printing of prospectuses is requested by the Holders), (iv) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (v) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and any other legal fees, charges or expenses (vi) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public accountants of the Company and any other accounting fees, charges or expenses (including expenses of any “cold comfort” letters required in connection with this Agreement or as an incident to registration) and all other persons retained by the Company in connection with such Registration Statement, (vii) reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Counsel to the Holders in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement called for by Section 3(a) and in connection with any Piggyback Takedown or any Holder Underwritten Offering, (viii) with respect to Registrable Securities that are listed on a national securities exchange, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of such Registrable Securities, and (ix) all other costs, fees and expenses incident to the Company’s performance or compliance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fees and expenses of any persons retained by any Holder, other than one counsel for all such Holders, will be payable by such Holder and the Company will have no obligation to pay any such amounts. The Holders shall be responsible for any commissions and transfer taxes relating to the sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement.

7. Indemnification; Contribution .

(a) Indemnification by the Company . The Company shall, without limitation as to time, indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Holder, the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each of them, each Person who controls each such Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each such controlling person, to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgment, costs and expenses, or any action or proceeding in respect thereof (including any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action,

 

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whether or not the indemnified party is a party to any proceeding) (collectively, “ Losses ”), as incurred, arising out of or based upon (w) any untrue, or allegedly untrue, statement of a material fact contained in any Disclosure Package, any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or (x) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading under the circumstances in which they were made, except insofar as the same are based upon and consistent with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use in such Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto. The Company shall also provide customary indemnities to any underwriters of, or other broker-dealers participating in the distribution of, the Registrable Securities, their officers, directors and employees and each Person who controls such underwriters or other broker-dealers (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders of Registrable Securities.

(b) Indemnification by Holders . In connection with any offering in which a Holder is participating, such Holder agrees to indemnify, severally and not jointly with the other Holders and to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the Holders, (i) the Company, its partners, directors, officers, agents, trustees and employees, (ii) each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, directors, officers, agents, trustees or employees of such controlling Persons, (iii) any other Holder, the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each of them, (iv) each Person who controls any such other Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each such controlling Person, from and against all Losses arising out of or based upon (x) any untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact contained in the any Disclosure Package, any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (y) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading under the circumstances in which they were made, to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue or allegedly untrue statement or omission or alleged omission is based upon and is consistent with information relating to such Holder so furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder to the Company expressly for use in such Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or amendment or supplement thereto. No Holder shall be held liable for any damages in excess of the total amount of proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder (net of all underwriters’ discounts and commissions) under the Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto as to which such offering relates.

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . If any Person shall be entitled to indemnity or contribution hereunder (an “ Indemnified Party ”), such Indemnified Party shall give prompt notice to the party from which such indemnity is sought (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) after the receipt by the Indemnified Party of any written notice of any claim or commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing with respect to which such Indemnified Party seeks indemnification or contribution pursuant hereto; provided, however, that the delay or failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party shall not

 

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relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligation or liability except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party has been materially prejudiced by such delay or failure. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right, exercisable by giving written notice to an Indemnified Party promptly after the receipt of notice from such Indemnified Party of such claim or proceeding, to assume, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, the defense of any such claim or proceeding, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; provided, however, that (i) an Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such claim or proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless: (1) the Indemnifying Party agrees to pay such fees and expenses; (2) the Indemnifying Party fails promptly to assume the defense of such claim or proceeding or fails to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; or (3) the named parties to any proceeding (including impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it that are in addition to or are inconsistent with those available to the Indemnifying Party or that a conflict of interest is likely to exist among such Indemnified Party and any other indemnified parties (in which case the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Party); and (ii) subject to clause (3) above, the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one such claim or proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related claims or proceedings in the same jurisdiction, arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one firm of attorneys (together with appropriate local counsel) at any time for all of the indemnified parties. No Indemnifying Party shall be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the consent of such Indemnified Party, effect entry of any judgment or into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party of a release, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation for which such Indemnified Party would be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(d) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is applicable in accordance with its terms but is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnified Party in respect of any Losses, then each applicable Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Losses, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and such Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and Indemnified Party, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been taken by, or relates to information supplied by, such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent any such action, statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of any Losses shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees, charges or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this

 

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Section 7(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 7(d). Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7(d), an Indemnifying Party that is a Holder shall not be required to contribute any amount which is in excess of the amount by which the total proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder (net of all underwriters’ discounts and commissions) exceeds the amount of any damages that such Indemnifying Party has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7(d) was determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

8. Rule 144 Information . With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC which may at any time permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, after such time as a registration statement relating to the Registrable Securities has been declared effective under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, the Company covenants and agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to:

a. Make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times after the earlier of (i) such time as a registration statement relating to the Class A Shares, has been declared effective under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or (ii) the date that the Company becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, for so long as the Company remains subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, all to the extent required from time to time to enable a Holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemption provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. If at any time the Company is not subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, it will make available other information as required by, and so long as necessary to permit sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to, Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

b. Use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder (at any time it is subject to such reporting requirements).

c. Furnish to any Holder forthwith upon request a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the first registration statement filed by the Company for an offering of its securities to the general public), and of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act), a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such other reports and documents of the Company and other information as such Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing such Holder to sell any such securities without registration.

 

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9. Participation in Underwritten Offering/Sale of Registrable Securities . No Person may participate in any underwritten offering hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements in customary form entered into pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements; provided, that the Holders included in any underwritten registration shall make only those representations and warranties to the Company or the underwriters as are customary for similar transactions and such other representations and warranties that the underwriters may reasonably request that are agreed by any such Holder.

10. Subsequent Registration Rights . From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Holders beneficially owning not less than a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would allow such holder or prospective holder to include such securities in the Shelf Registration Statement unless, under the terms of such agreement, such holder or prospective holder may include such securities in any such Shelf Registration Statement only to the extent that the inclusion of its securities will not reduce the amount of Registrable Securities of the Holders that are included on such Shelf Registration Statement.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Termination . This Agreement and the obligations of the Company and the Holders hereunder (other than with respect to Section 7) shall terminate on the first date on which no Registrable Securities remain outstanding, or when Registrable Securities otherwise cease to be Registrable Securities.

(b) Notices . All notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been effectively given (i) when personally delivered to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent by confirmed facsimile to the party to be notified at the number set forth below; (iii) when sent by email to the party to be notified at the email address set forth below; (iv) three (3) Business Days after deposit in the United States mail postage prepaid by certified or registered mail return receipt requested and addressed to the party to be notified as set forth below; or (v) one (1) Business Day after deposit with a national overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be notified as set forth below with next-business-day delivery guaranteed, in each case as follows:

In the case of the Company, to:

William Lyon Homes, Inc.

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Matthew R. Zaist

Facsimile: (949) 252-2527

e-mail: matt.zaist@lyonhomes.com

 

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

Irell & Manella LLP

840 Newport Center Drive, Suite 400

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Richard Sherman

Telephone: (949) 760-0991

Facsimile: (949) 760-5200

e-mail: rsherman@irell.com

In the case of the Holders:

If to any Holder, at its address as it appears in the Notice and Questionnaire of such Holder delivered to the Company or, prior to the delivery of a Notice and Questionnaire, at the Holder’s address as it appears in the records of the Company.

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

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP

601 South Figueroa Street, 30th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Attention: Neil J Wertlieb

Telephone: (213) 892-4410

Facsimile: (213) 892-4710

e-mail: nwertlieb@milbank.com

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

200 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10166-0193

Attention: Matthew K. Kelsey

Telephone: (212) 351-2615

Facsimile: (212) 351-6351

e-mail: mkelsey@gibsondunn.com

Any party may by notice given in accordance with this Section 12(b) designate another address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

(c) Separability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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(d) Successors and Assigns: Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement shall inure, as hereinafter provided, to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of each of the parties, including each Holder of any Registrable Securities, who executes a Joinder in the form attached as Annex B hereto, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, applicable law and any applicable agreement. If any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Registrable Securities, in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to and benefit from all of the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities, such person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof.

(e) Specific Performance . The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) irreparable damages would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached and (b) remedies at law would not be adequate to compensate the non-breaching party. Accordingly, the Company agrees that each Holder of Registrable Securities shall have the right to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce its rights hereunder, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing in its favor including any other remedy to which they are entitled, at law or in equity, including without limitation money damages. The right to equitable relief, including an injunction or specific performance, shall not be limited by any other provision of this Agreement. In any action or proceeding against it seeking an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the Company hereby (i) waives and agrees not to assert any defense that an adequate remedy exists at law or that a Holder of Registrable Securities would not be irreparably harmed and (ii) waives and agrees not to seek any requirement for the posting of any bond or other security in connection with any such action or proceeding.

(f) Entire Agreement . This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties and shall supersede any and all previous contracts, arrangements or understandings between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(g) Amendments and Waivers . This Agreement may be amended with the consent of the Company and the Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained a written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act of the Holders of at least a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, provided however, that any modification, alteration, waiver or change that has a disproportionate and adverse effect on any right of any Holder under this Agreement shall not be effective against such Holder without the prior written consent of such Holder, provided further, that any modification, alteration, waiver or change that has a material adverse effect on any right of any Initial Holder under this Agreement shall not be effective against such Initial Holder without the prior written consent of such Initial Holder.

No waiver of any terms or conditions of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other breach of such terms and conditions or any other term or condition, nor shall any failure to enforce any provision hereof operate as a waiver of such provision or of any other

 

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provision hereof. No written waiver hereunder, unless it by its own terms explicitly provides to the contrary, shall be construed to effect a continuing waiver of the provisions being waived and no such waiver in any instance shall constitute a waiver in any other instance or for any other purpose or impair the right of the party against whom such waiver is claimed in all other instances or for all other purposes to require full compliance with such provision. The failure of any party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

(h) Publicity . No public release or announcement concerning the transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued by any party without the prior consent of the Company and any other party mentioned in such release or announcement, except to the extent that such issuing party is advised by counsel that such release or announcement is necessary or advisable under applicable law or the rules or regulations of any securities exchange, in which case the party required to make the release or announcement shall to the extent practicable provide the Company and any such other party with an opportunity to review and comment on such release or announcement in advance of its issuance.

(i) Expenses . Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, except as otherwise provided herein, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the execution of this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs or expenses, except as otherwise set forth herein.

(j) Interpretation .

(i) The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(ii) The meaning assigned to each term defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and the plural forms of such term and vice versa, and words denoting either gender shall include both genders as the context requires. Where a word or phrase is defined herein, each of its other grammatical forms shall have a corresponding meaning.

(iii) The terms “hereof’, “herein” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

(iv) When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference is to a Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

(v) The word “include”, “includes”, and “including” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the words “without limitation”, unless otherwise specified.

 

22


(vi) A reference to any party to this Agreement or any other agreement or document shall include such party’s predecessors, successors and permitted assigns.

(k) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to each other party.

(l) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

(m) Calculation of Time Periods . Except as otherwise indicated, all periods of time referred to herein shall include all Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; provided, however, that if the date to perform the act or give any notice with respect to this Agreement shall fall on a day other than a Business Day, such act or notice may be timely performed or given if performed or given on the next succeeding Business Day.

(n) Stock Splits, etc . The provisions of this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividends, splits, reverse splits, combinations recapitalizations and the like occurring after the date hereof.

(o) No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company shall not enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement and shall take all commercially reasonable efforts to amend any agreements existing as of the date hereof so that such agreements shall not be inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

(p) Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

(q) Jurisdiction . Any action or proceeding against any party hereto relating in any way to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought and enforced in any United States federal court or New York State Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, and each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to such person or entity at the address for such person or entity set forth in Section 11(b) hereof of this Agreement or such other address such person or entity shall notify the other in writing. The foregoing shall not limit the right of any person or entity to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any action or proceeding, or to obtain execution of any judgment, in any other jurisdiction.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated

 

23


hereby in any court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any claim that a court located in the State of New York is not a convenient forum for any such action or proceeding.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable United States federal and state law, all immunity from jurisdiction, service of process, attachment (both before and after judgment) and execution to which he might otherwise be entitled in any action or proceeding relating in any way to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the courts of the State of New York, of the United States or of any other country or jurisdiction, and hereby waives any right he might otherwise have to raise or claim or cause to be pleaded any such immunity at or in respect of any such action or proceeding.

(r) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY, ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND ITS RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BY CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, OR ARISING OUT OF, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

(s) Further Assurances . Each of the parties shall execute such documents and perform such further acts as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out or to perform the provisions of this Agreement.

(t) Other Agreements . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of, or release from, any obligations any party hereto may have under, or any restrictions on the transfer of Registrable Securities or other securities of the Company imposed by, any other agreement.

[ Remainder of page intentionally left blank ]

 

24


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.

 

  WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC.
  By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

[Company Signature Page to Second Lien Notes Registration Rights Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.

 

[                                                                                  ]
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

[Holder Signature Page to Second Lien Notes Registration Rights Agreement]


Annex A

Notice and Questionnaire

The undersigned beneficial holder of 12% (8% cash interest) Second Lien Notes due 2017 (the “New Second Lien Notes”) of William Lyon Homes, Inc. (the “Company”) which are Registrable Securities understands that the Company intends to file or has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Registrable Securities, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), among the Company and the Holders named therein. A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Each beneficial holder of Registrable Securities (each a “beneficial owner”) is entitled to the benefits of the Registration Rights Agreement. In order to sell, or otherwise dispose of, any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, a beneficial owner of Registrable Securities generally will be required to be named as a selling securityholder in the related prospectus, deliver a prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities and be bound by those provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement applicable to such beneficial owner (including certain indemnification provisions as described below). Beneficial owners that do not complete this Notice and Questionnaire and deliver it to the Company as provided below will not be named as selling securityholders in the prospectus and, therefore, will not be permitted to sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities legal counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

NOTICE

The undersigned beneficial owner (the “Selling Securityholder”) of Registrable Securities hereby gives notice to the Company of its intention to sell or otherwise dispose of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item 3 (unless otherwise specified under such Item 3) pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement. The undersigned, by signing and returning this Notice and Questionnaire, understands that it will be bound by the terms and conditions of this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the undersigned has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Company’s directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), from and against certain losses arising in connection with statements concerning the undersigned that are made in the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus in reliance upon the information provided in this Notice and Questionnaire.

 

A-1


If the Selling Securityholder transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Securities listed in Item 3 below after the date on which such information is provided to the Company, the Selling Securityholder agrees to notify the transferee(s), assuming such transferee(s) are not unknown to the Selling Securityholder as a result of having acquired Registrable Securities pursuant to a sale after Registration of such Registrable Securities, at the time of the transfer of its rights and obligations under this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Please respond to every item, even if your response is “none.” If you need more space for any response, please attach additional sheets of paper. Please be sure to indicate your name and the number of the item being responded to on each such additional sheet of paper, and to sign each such additional sheet of paper before attaching it to this Questionnaire. Please note that you may be asked to answer additional questions depending on your responses to the following questions.

If you have any questions about the contents of this Questionnaire or as to who should complete this Questionnaire, please contact the Chief Financial Officer of the Company at telephone number: [ ].

The undersigned hereby provides the following information to the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate and complete:

 

1. Your Identity and Background as the Beneficial Owner of the Registrable Securities.

 

  (a) Your full legal name:

 

  (b) Your business address (including street address) (or residence if no business address), telephone number and facsimile number:

Address:

Telephone No.:

Fax No.:

 

  (c) Are you a broker-dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act?

Yes.

No.

 

A-2


  (d) If your response to Item 1(c) above is no, are you an “affiliate” of a broker-dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act?

Yes.

No.

For the purposes of this Item 1(d), an “affiliate” of a registered broker-dealer includes any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such broker-dealer, and does not include any individuals employed by such broker-dealer or its affiliates.

 

  (e) Full legal name of the person, if any, through which you hold the Registrable Securities (i.e., name of your broker or the DTC participant, if applicable, through which your Registrable Securities are held):

Name of Broker:

DTC No.:

Contact person:

Telephone No.:

 

2. Your Relationship with the Company.

 

  (a) Have you or any of your affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (owners of 5% or more of the equity securities of the undersigned) held any position or office or have you had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) within the past three years?

Yes.

No.

 

  (b) If your response to Item 2(a) above is yes, please state the nature and duration of your relationship with the Company:

 

3. Your Interest in the Registrable Securities.

 

  (a) State the type and amount of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by you:

 

  (b) Other than as set forth in your response to Item 3(a) above, do you beneficially own any other securities of the Company?

Yes.

No.

 

A-3


  (c) If your answer to Item 3(b) above is yes, state the type and the aggregate amount of such other securities of the Company beneficially owned by you:

Type:

Aggregate amount:

 

  (d) Did you acquire the securities listed in Item 3(a) above in the ordinary course of business?

Yes.

No.

 

  (e) At the time of your purchase of the securities listed in Item 3(a) above, did you have any agreements or understandings, direct or indirect, with any person to distribute the securities?

Yes.

No.

 

  (f) If your response to Item 3(e) above is yes, please describe such agreements or understandings:

 

4. Nature of your Beneficial Ownership.

 

  (a) Check if the beneficial owner set forth in your response to Item 1(a) is any of the below:

 

  (i) A reporting company under the Exchange Act.

 

  (ii) A majority-owned subsidiary of a reporting company under the Exchange Act.

 

  (iii) A registered investment fund under the 1940 Act.

 

  (b) If the beneficial owner of the Registrable Securities set forth in your response to Item 1 (a) above is a limited partnership, state the names of the general partner(s) of such limited partnership.

 

  (c) Name your controlling shareholder(s) (the “Controlling Entity”).

 

  (i) (A) Full legal name of Controlling Entity(ies) who has/have sole or shared voting or dispositive power over the Registrable Securities:

(B) Business address (including street address) (or residence if no business address), telephone number and facsimile number of such person(s):

Address:

Telephone No.:

Fax No.:

 

A-4


5. Plan of Distribution.

Except as set forth below, the undersigned Selling Securityholder intends to distribute the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3) only as follows (if at all): All or any portion of such Registrable Securities may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned Selling Securityholder or, alternatively, through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. Such Registrable Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registrable Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, (ii) in the over-the-counter market, (iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, (iv) through the writing of options, whether such options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise, (v) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers, (vi) block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction, (vii) purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account, (viii) an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange, (ix) privately negotiated transactions, (x) short sales, (xi) sales pursuant to Rule 144, (xii) with broker-dealers who may agree with the selling securityholder to sell a specified number of shares at a stipulated price per share, (xiii) in an underwritten offering, (xiv) a combination of any such methods of sale and (xv) any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. In connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, the Selling Securityholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Registrable Securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling Securityholder may also sell Registrable Securities short and deliver Registrable Securities to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Registrable Securities.

State any exceptions here:

Note: In no event will such method(s) of distribution take the form of an underwritten offering of the Registrable Securities except in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

The undersigned acknowledges its obligation to comply with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation M thereunder (or any successor rules or regulations), in connection with any offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The undersigned agrees that neither it nor any person acting on its behalf will engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions.

 

A-5


The undersigned beneficial owner and selling securityholder hereby acknowledges its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless certain persons as set forth therein. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed under certain circumstances to indemnify the undersigned beneficial owner and selling securityholder against certain liabilities.

In accordance with the undersigned’s obligation under the Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law for inclusion in the Shelf Registration Statement, the undersigned agrees to promptly notify the Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Shelf Registration Statement remains effective.

All notices to the beneficial owner hereunder and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing to the undersigned at the address set forth in Item 1(b) of this Notice and Questionnaire.

By signing below, the undersigned acknowledges that it is the beneficial owner of the Registrable Securities set forth herein, represents that the information provided herein is accurate, consents to the disclosure of the information contained in this Notice and Questionnaire and the inclusion of such information in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

Once this Notice and Questionnaire is executed by the undersigned beneficial owner and received by the Company, the terms of this Notice and Questionnaire, and the representations and warranties contained herein, shall be binding on, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns of the Company and the undersigned beneficial owner. This Notice and Questionnaire shall be governed, adjudicated and enforced in accordance with terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

A-6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.

 

NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER:

 

(Please Print)
Signature:  

 

Date:  

 

PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED NOTICE AND

QUESTIONNAIRE TO WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC. AS FOLLOWS:

William Lyon Homes, Inc.

[ Insert contact information ]

This Notice and Questionnaire must be returned in the manner and within the time period set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement in order to include Registrable Securities in such Shelf Registration Statement.

 

A-7


Annex B

FORM OF JOINDER

THIS JOINDER is made on the                      day of             

BETWEEN

(1) [    ], a [    ] (the “New Party”);

AND

(2) WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC. (the “Company”); AND

(3) THOSE OTHER PERSONS WHO ARE PARTIES TO THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (as defined below).

WHEREAS a Second Lien Notes Registration Rights Agreement was entered into on [    ], 2012 by and among, inter alia, certain of Holders of Company securities (the “Other Holders”) and the Company (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), a copy of which the New Party hereby confirms that it has been supplied with and acknowledges the terms therein.

NOW IT IS AGREED as follows:

1. In this Joinder, unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions respectively defined or construed in the Registration Rights Agreement shall have the same meanings when used or referred to herein.

2. The New Party hereby accedes to and ratifies the Registration Rights Agreement and covenants and agrees with the Company and the Other Holders to be bound by the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement as a “Holder” and to duly and punctually perform and discharge all liabilities and obligations whatsoever from time to time to be performed or discharged by it under or by virtue of the Registration Rights Agreement in all respects as if named as a party therein.

3. The Company covenants and agrees that the New Party shall be entitled to all the benefits of the terms and conditions of the Registration Rights Agreement to the intent and effect that the New Party shall be deemed, with effect from the date on which the New Party executes this Joinder, to be a party to the Registration Rights Agreement as a “Holder.”

4. This Joinder shall hereafter be read and construed in conjunction and as one document with the Registration Rights Agreement and references in the Registration Rights Agreement to “the Agreement” or “this Agreement,” and references in all other instruments and documents executed thereunder or pursuant thereto to the Registration Rights Agreement, shall for all purposes refer to the Registration Rights Agreement incorporating and as supplemented by this Joinder.

 

B-1


5. THIS JOINDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THEREOF.

6. Any action or proceeding against any party hereto relating in any way to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought and enforced in any United States federal court or New York State Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, and each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to such person or entity at the address for such person or entity set forth in Section 11(b) of the Registration Rights Agreement or such other address such person or entity shall notify the other in writing. The foregoing shall not limit the right of any person or entity to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any action or proceeding, or to obtain execution of any judgment, in any other jurisdiction.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any claim that a court located in the State of New York is not a convenient forum for any such action or proceeding.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable United States federal and state law, all immunity from jurisdiction, service of process, attachment (both before and after judgment) and execution to which he might otherwise be entitled in any action or proceeding relating in any way to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby in the courts of the State of New York, of the United States or of any other country or jurisdiction, and hereby waives any right he might otherwise have to raise or claim or cause to be pleaded any such immunity at or in respect of any such action or proceeding.

7. Section 11(v) of the Registration Rights Agreement shall apply to this Joinder and shall be incorporated herein by reference.

8. The address of the undersigned for purposes of all notices under the Registration Rights Agreement is: [    ].

 

B-2


 

[NEW PARTY]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Exhibit 10.3

CLASS A COMMON STOCK

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This CLASS A COMMON STOCK REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of February 25, 2012 (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into among WILLIAM LYON HOMES, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Holders (as defined below). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in Section 1 .

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Initial Holders, having entered into that certain Restructuring Support Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2011, with the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (the “ Noteholder RSA ”), agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the Noteholder RSA, to support the Company’s reorganization as more precisely described in the Disclosure Statement for the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al. and the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al. (the “ Plan ”), both dated as of November 17, 2011.

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Initial Holders are entitled to receive shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company (as reorganized pursuant to the Plan), par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class A Shares ”). The Class A Shares issued pursuant to the Plan are being issued in reliance on Section 1145 of Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (“ Section 1145 ”) without registration under the Securities Act or any state securities laws.

WHEREAS, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1145, certain resales of the Class A Shares held by the Holders may be required to be registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

WHEREAS, in order to induce the Initial Holders to complete the transactions contemplated by the Plan, on the effective date of the Plan, the Company is entering into this Agreement to grant to the Holders certain rights to cause the Company to register the Class A Shares being issued pursuant to the Plan, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

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

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, and unless the context requires a different meaning, the following terms have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

1


Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction.

Automatic Shelf Registration Statement ” means an “automatic shelf registration statement” as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, without regard to whether such right is currently exercisable, is exercisable only after the passage of time or is exercisable only upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The terms “ beneficially owns ” and beneficially owned ” have a corresponding meaning.

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors of the Company (or any duly authorized committee thereof).

Business Day ” means any day (other than a day which is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of New York) on which banks are open for business in the State of New York.

Capital Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock issued by such person, including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such person.

Certificate of Incorporation ” shall mean the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as it may be amended from time to time.

Class A Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Class B Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain registration rights agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the holders identified therein with respect to registration rights of certain holders of Class B Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share, as set forth therein, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction.

control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means, unless otherwise noted, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Convertible Preferred Shares ” means the Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share.

 

2


Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain registration rights agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the holders identified therein with respect to registration rights of certain holders of Convertible Preferred Shares and Class C Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, as set forth therein, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Counsel to the Holders ” means, with respect to any Piggyback Takedown or any Holder Underwritten Offering, one (1) counsel selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown or Holder Underwritten Offering.

Delay Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(c).

Disclosure Package ” means the following, collectively, with respect to any offering of Registrable Securities, (i) the preliminary Prospectus, in the form provided to the Holders for delivery to purchasers of Registrable Securities, (ii) each Free Writing Prospectus, in the form provided to the Holders for delivery to purchasers of Registrable Securities and (iii) all other information, in each case, that is deemed, under Rule 159 promulgated under the Securities Act, to have been conveyed to purchasers of securities at the time of sale of such securities (including, without limitation, a contract of sale).

Electing Holder ” means a Holder of Registrable Securities who has provided the Company with a Notice and Questionnaire.

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

FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Free Writing Prospectus ” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Hedging Counterparty ” means a broker-dealer registered under Section 15(b) of the Exchange Act or an Affiliate thereof.

Hedging Transaction ” means any transaction involving a security linked to the Registrable Securities or any security that would be deemed to be a “derivative security” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(c) promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the Registrable Securities or transaction (even if not a security) which would (were it a security) be considered such a derivative security, or which transfers some or all of the economic risk of ownership of the Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, any forward contract, equity swap, put or call, put or call equivalent position, collar, non-recourse loan, sale of an exchangeable security or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, the following transactions shall be deemed to be Hedging Transactions:

(i) transactions by a Holder in which a Hedging Counterparty engages in short sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus and may use Registrable Securities to close out its short position;

 

3


(ii) transactions pursuant to which a Holder engages in a short sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus and delivers Registrable Securities to close out its short position;

(iii) transactions by a Holder in which the Holder delivers, in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act, Registrable Securities to the Hedging Counterparty who will then publicly resell or otherwise transfer such Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act; and

(iv) a loan or pledge of Registrable Securities to a Hedging Counterparty who may then become a selling stockholder and sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities, in each case, in a public transaction pursuant to a Prospectus.

Holder ” (collectively, the “ Holders ”) means each Person identified as a Holder on the signature pages hereto who is the record or beneficial owner of Registrable Securities, together with such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns or an additional purchaser of Registrable Securities, in either case who executes a Joinder to this Agreement in the form of Annex B hereto for so long as it holds any Registrable Securities and each of its successors and assigns and direct and indirect transferees who beneficially own Registrable Securities.

Holder Underwritten Offering ” means an underwritten offering takedown to be conducted by one or more Electing Holders in accordance with Section 3(d).

Indemnified Party ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).

Indemnifying Party ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).

Initial Holder ” (collectively, the “ Initial Holders ”) means each Person identified as a Holder on the signature pages hereto on the date of this Agreement, excluding such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns even though such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns may execute a Joinder to this Agreement in the form of Annex B hereto and excluding each of its successors and assigns and direct and indirect transferees who Beneficially Own Registrable Securities.

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(a).

Notice and Questionnaire ” means a written notice delivered to the Company in the form attached as Annex A hereto.

Other Registrable Securities ” means, collectively, the Registrable Securities, as such term is defined in the Other Registration Agreements, and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any Registrable Securities as defined herein.

Other Registrable Securityholders ” means Persons party to the Other Registration Agreements, which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any Holders hereunder.

 

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Other Registration Agreements ” means, collectively, the Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement and the Class B Registration Rights Agreement.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, firm, incorporated or unincorporated association, or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

Plan ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Piggyback Takedown ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Prospectus ” means the prospectus related to any Registration Statement (whether preliminary or final or any prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, a prospectus or prospectus supplement that discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance on Rule 415, 424, 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act, as amended or supplemented by any amendment or prospectus supplement), including post-effective amendments, and all materials incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Registrable Securities ” means (i) the Class A Shares issued to the Holders pursuant to the Plan, and (ii) any additional Class A Shares issued or distributed by way of a dividend, stock split or other distribution in respect of such Class A Shares. As to any particular Registrable Securities, once issued, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Securities shall have been declared effective under the Securities Act by the SEC and such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of pursuant to such effective Registration Statement, (ii) they shall have been distributed pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and are no longer “restricted securities”, (iii) they shall have ceased to be outstanding, or (iv) the entire amount of the Registrable Securities held by any Holder may be sold by such Holder in a single sale without, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company and such Holder, any limitation as to volume or manner of sale requirements pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and the Company removes any restrictive legend borne by the Registrable Securities.

Registration ” means registration under the Securities Act of an offering of Registrable Securities.

Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act that covers resales of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the related Prospectus, all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement. The term “Registration Statement” shall also include any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) to register additional securities in connection with any offering.

 

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Requesting Holders ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

Section 1145 ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

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

Selling Expenses ” means underwriting fees, discounts, selling commissions, underwriter expenses and stock transfer taxes relating to the registration and sale of a Holder’s Registrable Securities and, subject to Section 6, the fees and expenses of Holder’s own counsel.

Shelf Registration ” means a registration of securities pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the SEC in accordance with and pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.

underwriter ” means the underwriter, placement agent or other similar intermediary participating in an underwritten offering.

underwritten offering ” of securities means a public offering of securities registered under the Securities Act in which an underwriter, placement agent or other similar intermediary participates in the distribution of such securities.

2. General; Securities Subject to this Agreement .

(a) Grant of Rights . The Company hereby grants registration rights with respect to the Registrable Securities to the Holders upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Transfer of Registration Rights . Any Registrable Securities that are pledged or made the subject of a Hedging Transaction, which Registrable Securities are not ultimately disposed of by the Holder pursuant to such pledge or Hedging Transaction shall be deemed to remain “Registrable Securities,” notwithstanding the release of such pledge or the completion of such Hedging Transaction.

3. Shelf Registrations

(a) Filings . For so long as there are Registrable Securities outstanding, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that from and after one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of initial issuance of any Registrable Securities the Company shall at all times have and maintain an effective Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration covering the resale of all of the Registrable Securities requested to be included by the Electing Holders, on a delayed or continuous basis (the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”), which Shelf Registration Statement may also provide for the sale by other holders with

 

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registration rights granted in connection with the Plan. In furtherance of such obligation, the Company shall use best efforts to file on or prior to one hundred and twenty (120) days after the initial issuance of any Registrable Securities an initial Shelf Registration Statement. The Company shall give written notice of the filing of any Shelf Registration Statement at least fifteen (15) days prior to filing such Shelf Registration Statement to all Holders of Registrable Securities and shall include in such Shelf Registration Statement all Registrable Securities of Electing Holders. The Company shall use best efforts to cause the initial Shelf Registration Statement to become effective on or prior to one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of initial issuance of any Registrable Securities and shall maintain the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the terms hereof.

(b) Additional Electing Holders . From and after the date that the Shelf Registration Statement is initially effective, as promptly as is practicable after receipt of a proper Notice and Questionnaire, and in any event within (x) ten (10) Business Days after the date such Notice and Questionnaire is received by the Company or (y) if a Notice and Questionnaire is so received during a Delay Period, five (5) Business Days after the expiration of such Delay Period, the Company shall take all necessary action to cause the Electing Holder to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus in such a manner as to permit such Holder to deliver such Prospectus in connection with sales of such Registrable Securities to the purchasers thereof in accordance with applicable law, which action may include: (i) if required by applicable law, filing with the SEC a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement; (ii) preparing and, if required by applicable law, filing a supplement or supplements to the related Prospectus or a supplement or amendment to any document incorporated therein by reference; (iii) filing any other required document; or (iv) with respect to a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement that is not automatically effective, causing such post-effective amendment to be declared or to otherwise become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is practicable; provided that the Company may delay such filing until the date that is twenty (20) Business Days after any prior such filing, and if such Notice and Questionnaire is delivered during a Delay Period, the Company shall so inform the Holder delivering such Notice and Questionnaire and shall take the actions set forth above upon expiration of the Delay Period in accordance with Section 3(c). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to name any Holder as a selling securityholder in any Shelf Registration Statement or related Prospectus until such Holder has returned a duly completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company.

(c) Delay Periods . Upon written notice to the Holders of Registrable Securities, (x) the Company shall be entitled to suspend, for a period of time, the use of any Registration Statement or Prospectus if the Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation with counsel, that the Registration Statement or any Prospectus may contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements in the Registration Statement or Prospectus not misleading and (y) the Company shall not be required to amend or supplement the Registration Statement, any related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference if the Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation with counsel, that such amendment would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on any proposal or plan of the Company to effect a merger, acquisition, disposition, financing, reorganization, recapitalization or similar transaction, in each

 

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case that is material to the Company (in case of each clause (x) and (y), a “ Delay Period ”); provided that (A) the duration of all Delay Periods may not exceed ninety (90) days in the aggregate in any 12-month period and (B) the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to amend the Registration Statement and/or Prospectus to correct such untrue statement or omission as soon as reasonably practicable.

(d) Holder Underwritten Offering .

(i) One or more Electing Holders holding at least 25% of a class of then outstanding Registrable Securities may request that the Company effect an underwritten takedown under the Shelf Registration Statement of Registrable Securities held by such Electing Holder or Electing Holders in an amount equal to at least 25% of such class of then outstanding Registrable Securities (or, if less than such amount, all of their remaining Registrable Securities) (each, a “ Holder Underwritten Offering ”). Within five (5) business days of receipt of such request, the Company shall notify all other Holders and Other Registrable Securityholders of such request and shall (except as provided in clause (iii) below) include in such Holder Underwritten Offering all Registrable Securities and Other Registrable Securities requested to be included therein by Holders or Other Registrable Securityholders who respond within five (5) Business Days of the Company’s notification described above (such Holders who are not Electing Holders shall participate in the Holder Underwritten Offering only if they also become Electing Holders, and such Other Registrable Securityholders shall participate in the Holder Underwritten Offering only if they also become “Electing Holders” as such term is defined in the registration rights agreement with the Company in respect the Other Registrable Securities).

(ii) For any Holder Underwritten Offering, the managing underwriter or underwriters shall be selected by Electing Holders participating in such offering holding a majority of the Registrable Securities to be disposed of pursuant to such offering and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company.

(iii) If the managing underwriter or underwriters for the Holder Underwritten Offering advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such underwritten offering takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to Electing Holders representing a majority of Registrable Securities included in the Holder Underwritten Offering, the Company shall include in such Holder Underwritten Offering the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities requested to be included by the Electing Holders and the Other Registrable Securityholders, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation), (B) second, the securities requested to be included in such Holder Underwritten Offering by holders exercising piggyback registration rights other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Other Registration Agreements (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation), (C) third, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (D) fourth, other securities requesting to be included in such Holder

 

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Underwritten Offering (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation).

(iv) The Company shall not be required to effect a Holder Underwritten Offering: (A) more than once in any twelve (12) month period or (B) if it shall have already made three (3) Holder Underwritten Offerings pursuant to this Agreement.

4. Piggyback Takedowns .

(a) Right to Piggyback . If the Company proposes to undertake the marketing of a registered underwritten offering of its Capital Stock for its own account (other than a Registration Statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or a Registration Statement connection with a rights offering) or for the account of any other stockholder or stockholders of the Company not party hereto (the “ Requesting Holders ”), the Company shall give prompt written notice of its intention to effect such offering (a “ Piggyback Takedown ”) to all Holders of Registrable Securities and Other Registrable Securityholders. In the case of a Piggyback Takedown that is an offering under a Shelf Registration, such notice shall be given not less than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the expected date of commencement of marketing efforts for such Piggyback Takedown. In the case of a Piggyback Takedown that is an offering under a Registration Statement that is not a Shelf Registration, such notice shall be given not less than thirty (30) Business Days prior to the expected date of filing of such Registration Statement. The Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) below, include in such Piggyback Takedown, as applicable, all Registrable Securities and all Other Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein on or before the date that is three (3) Business Days prior to the expected date of commencement of marketing efforts or the filing of the Registration Statement, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company may determine not to proceed with any Piggyback Takedown upon written notice to the Holders of Registrable Securities requesting to include their Registrable Securities or Other Registrable Securityholders requesting to include their Other Registrable Securities in such Piggyback Takedown.

(b) Priority on Piggyback Takedowns .

(i) If a Piggyback Takedown is an underwritten primary registration on behalf of the Company, and the managing underwriters for a Piggyback Takedown advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to the Company, the Company shall include in such Piggyback Takedown the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (B) second, securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown by Holders exercising piggyback registration rights in accordance with this Agreement or by Other Registrable Securityholders in accordance with the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation), and (C) third, other securities

 

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requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation).

(ii) If a Piggyback Takedown is an underwritten registration on behalf of one or more Requesting Holders, and the managing underwriters for a Piggyback Takedown advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to the Company, the Company shall include in such Piggyback Takedown the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities requested to be included by the Requesting Holders and Other Registrable Securityholders who are Requesting Holders (as such term is defined in the Other Registration Agreements) in accordance with the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (B) second, securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown by Holders exercising piggyback registration rights in accordance with this Agreement or by Other Registrable Securityholders in accordance with Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation), (C) third, the securities the Company proposes to sell, and (D) fourth, other securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation).

(c) Selection of Underwriters . Except as otherwise provided in any agreement between the Company and Requesting Holders, the Company will have the sole right to select the investment banker(s) and manager(s) for any Piggyback Takedown.

5. Registration Procedures .

(a) Obligations of the Company . Whenever registration of Registrable Securities has been requested pursuant to Section 3 or Section 4 hereof, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration and sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof and the following provisions shall apply in connection therewith:

(i) No Holder shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement as of the time of its initial effectiveness or at any time thereafter, and no Holder shall be entitled to use the Prospectus for resales of Registrable Securities at any time, unless such Holder has become an “Electing Holder” by returning a duly completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company by the deadline for response set forth therein (or the Holder has delivered a Notice and Questionnaire after the deadline for response and the Company has named such Holder as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement) and has provided any other information reasonably requested in writing by the Company.

 

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(ii) Each Electing Holder agrees to notify the Company as promptly as practicable of any inaccuracy or change in information previously furnished by such Electing Holder to the Company or of the occurrence of any event in either case as a result of which any Prospectus relating to such registration contains or would contain an untrue statement of a material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities or omits to state any material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and promptly to furnish to the Company (i) any additional information required to correct and update any previously furnished information or required so that such Prospectus shall not contain, with respect to such Electing Holder or the disposition of such Registrable Securities, an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (ii) any other information regarding such Electing Holder and the distribution of such Registrable Securities as may be required to be disclosed in any Registration Statement under applicable law, pursuant to SEC comments or as the Company may request from time to time in writing.

(b) Additional Obligations of the Company . The Company shall:

(i) before filing a Registration Statement or a Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, at the Company’s expense, furnish to the Electing Holders upon written request from such Electing Holder whose securities are covered by the Registration Statement, copies of all such documents, other than documents that are incorporated by reference and that are publicly available through the SEC’s EDGAR system, proposed to be filed, and provide Counsel to such Holders a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such documents;

(ii) notify each Electing Holder of Registrable Securities whose securities are covered by the Registration Statement of the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement and prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable under the Securities Act for a period ending on the date on which all Registrable Securities have been sold under the Registration Statement applicable to such Shelf Registration or have otherwise ceased to be Registrable Securities and notify each Electing Holder of the filing and effectiveness of such amendments and supplements, and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement;

(iii) furnish to each Electing Holder selling Registrable Securities without charge, such number of copies of the applicable Registration Statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, each Prospectus prepared in connection with such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus, final Prospectus, and any other

 

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Prospectus (including any Prospectus filed under Rule 424, Rule 430A or Rule 430B promulgated under the Securities Act and any “issuer free writing prospectus” as such term is defined under Rule 433 promulgated under the Securities Act)), all exhibits and other documents filed therewith and such other documents as such seller may reasonably request including in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder, and upon request, a copy of any and all transmittal letters or other correspondence to or received from, the SEC or any other governmental authority relating to such offer;

(iv) prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use commercially reasonable efforts to: (A) register or qualify, or obtain exemption from registration or qualification for, such Registrable Securities under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as any seller reasonably requests, (B) keep such registration, qualification or exemption in effect for so long as such Registration Statement remains in effect and (C) do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Electing Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such Electing Holder; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be required to (x) qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subsection, (y) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction);

(v) notify each Electing Holder selling Registrable Securities at any time when a Prospectus relating to the applicable Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act:

(A) as promptly as practicable upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, such Registration Statement, or the Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement, or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus relating thereto not misleading or otherwise requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement, Prospectus, Free Writing Prospectus or document, and, at the request of any such Electing Holder and subject to the Company’s ability to declare Delay Periods pursuant to Section 3(c), the Company shall promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, furnish a reasonable number of copies of such supplement or amendment to each such seller of such Registrable Securities, and file such supplement or amendment with the SEC so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus as so amended or supplemented shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,

(B) as promptly as practicable after the Company becomes aware of any request by the SEC or any Federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or related Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus covering Registrable Securities or for additional information relating thereto,

 

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(C) as promptly as practicable after the Company becomes aware of the issuance or threatened issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending or threatening to suspend the effectiveness of a Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities or

(D) as promptly as practicable after the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any Registrable Security for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose;

(vi) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange or automated interdealer quotation system, if any, on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed or quoted, or, if none, on such securities exchange or automated interdealer quotation system reasonably selected by the Company;

(vii) provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable Securities from and after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement;

(viii) provide Counsel to the Holders a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon any Registration Statement and any Prospectus supplements;

(ix) in the event of the issuance or threatened issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related Prospectus or suspending the qualification of any Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction, use commercially reasonable efforts promptly to (A) prevent the issuance of any such stop order, and in the event of such issuance, to obtain the withdrawal of such order and (B) obtain, at the earliest practicable date, the withdrawal of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus or suspending qualification of any Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction;

(x) if requested by any participating Electing Holder promptly include in a Prospectus supplement or amendment such information as the Holder may reasonably request, including in order to permit the intended method of distribution of such securities, and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or such amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has received such request;

(xi) in the case of certificated Registrable Securities, cooperate with the participating Holders of Registrable Securities and the managing underwriters to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (not bearing any legends) representing Registrable Securities sold pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement;

 

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(xii) cause the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities, as may be reasonably necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company to enable the seller or sellers of Registrable Securities to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(xiii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form and reasonably satisfactory to the Company and perform its obligations thereunder and take such other commercially reasonable actions as are required in order to expedite or facilitate each disposition of Registrable Securities included in such Holder Underwritten Offering (including causing appropriate officers to attend and participate in “road shows” and other informational meetings organize by the underwriters), and causing counsel to the Company to deliver customary legal opinions in connection with any such underwriting agreements;

(xiv) provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities not later than the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement;

(xv) make available at reasonable times for inspection by any seller of Registrable Securities, any managing underwriter participating in any disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, Counsel to the Holders and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the selling Holder or any managing underwriters (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Records ”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ officers, directors and employees, and the independent public accountants of the Company, to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration Statement. Records that the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential and which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors (and the Inspectors shall confirm their agreement in writing in advance to the Company if the Company shall so request) unless (A) the disclosure of such Records is necessary, in the Inspector’s judgment and with the concurrence of counsel to the Company, to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the Registration Statement, (B) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom or (C) the information in such Records was known to the Inspectors on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure by the Company or has been made generally available to the public. Each seller of Registrable Securities agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction or by any other person, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at the Company’s expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential;

(xvi) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a “comfort” letter or letters, dated as of such date or dates as the Counsel to the Holders or the managing underwriters reasonably requests, from the Company’s independent public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “comfort” letters as Counsel to the Holders or any managing underwriter reasonably requests;

 

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(xvii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, furnish, at the request of any managing underwriter for such offering an opinion with respect to legal matters and a negative assurance letter with respect to disclosure matters, dated as of each closing date of such offering of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such registration, addressed to the underwriters, covering such matters with respect to the registration in respect of which such opinion and letter are being delivered as the underwriters, may reasonably request and are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters;

(xviii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter and its counsel (including any “qualified independent underwriter,” if applicable) that is (A) required or requested by FINRA in order to obtain written confirmation from FINRA that FINRA does not object to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements (or any deemed underwriting terms and arrangements) relating to the resale of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, including, without limitation, information provided to FINRA through its COBRADesk system or (B) required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA;

(xix) if requested by the managing underwriters, if any, or by any Holder of Registrable Securities being sold in a Holder Underwritten Offering, promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement such information as the managing underwriters, if any, or such Holders indicate relates to them or that they reasonably request be included therein;

(xx) within the deadlines specified by the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, make all required filings of all Prospectuses and Free Writing Prospectuses with the SEC; and

(xxi) within the deadlines specified by the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, make all required filing fee payments in respect of any Registration Statement or Prospectus used under this Agreement (and any offering covered thereby).

(c) Seller Requirements . In connection with any offering under any Registration Statement under this Agreement, each Electing Holder (i) shall promptly furnish to the Company in writing such information with respect to such Holder and the intended method of disposition of its Registrable Securities as the Company may reasonably request or as may be required by law or regulations for use in connection with any related Registration Statement or Prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto) and all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder not contain a material misstatement of fact or necessary to cause such Registration Statement or Prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto) not to omit a material fact with respect to such Holder necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) shall comply with the

 

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Securities Act and the Exchange Act and all applicable state securities laws and comply with all applicable regulations in connection with the registration and the disposition of the Registrable Securities; and (iii) shall not use any Free Writing Prospectus without the prior written consent of the Company. If any Electing Holder of Registrable Securities fails to provide such information required to be included in such Registration Statement by applicable securities laws or otherwise necessary or desirable in connection with the disposition of such Registrable Securities in a timely manner after written request therefor, the Company may exclude such Electing Holder’s Registrable Securities from a registration under Sections 3 or 4 hereof.

6. Registration Expenses . (a) Whether or not any Registration Statement is filed or becomes effective, the Company shall pay all costs, fees and expenses arising from or incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including the sale of the Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, (i) SEC, stock exchanges, FINRA (including, without limitation, fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection with FINRA registration), and other registration and filing fees (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with complying with any securities or “Blue Sky” laws, including, without limitation, fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection therewith, (iii) printing expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Securities and of printing prospectuses if the printing of prospectuses is requested by the Holders), (iv) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (v) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and any other legal fees, charges or expenses (vi) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public accountants of the Company and any other accounting fees, charges or expenses (including expenses of any “cold comfort” letters required in connection with this Agreement or as an incident to registration) and all other persons retained by the Company in connection with such Registration Statement, (vii) reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Counsel to the Holders in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement called for by Section 3(a) and in connection with any Piggyback Takedown or any Holder Underwritten Offering, (viii) with respect to Registrable Securities that are listed on a national securities exchange, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of such Registrable Securities, and (ix) all other costs, fees and expenses incident to the Company’s performance or compliance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fees and expenses of any persons retained by any Holder, other than one counsel for all such Holders, will be payable by such Holder and the Company will have no obligation to pay any such amounts. The Holders shall be responsible for any commissions and transfer taxes relating to the sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement.

7. Indemnification; Contribution .

(a) Indemnification by the Company . The Company shall, without limitation as to time, indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Holder, the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each of them, each Person who controls each such Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each such controlling person, to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgment, costs and expenses, or any action or proceeding in respect thereof (including any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action,

 

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whether or not the indemnified party is a party to any proceeding) (collectively, “ Losses ”), as incurred, arising out of or based upon (w) any untrue, or allegedly untrue, statement of a material fact contained in any Disclosure Package, any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or (x) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading under the circumstances in which they were made, except insofar as the same are based upon and consistent with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use in such Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto. The Company shall also provide customary indemnities to any underwriters of, or other broker-dealers participating in the distribution of, the Registrable Securities, their officers, directors and employees and each Person who controls such underwriters or other broker-dealers (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders of Registrable Securities.

(b) Indemnification by Holders . In connection with any offering in which a Holder is participating, such Holder agrees to indemnify, severally and not jointly with the other Holders and to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the Holders, (i) the Company, its partners, directors, officers, agents, trustees and employees, (ii) each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, directors, officers, agents, trustees or employees of such controlling Persons, (iii) any other Holder, the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each of them, (iv) each Person who controls any such other Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each such controlling Person, from and against all Losses arising out of or based upon (x) any untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact contained in the any Disclosure Package, any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (y) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading under the circumstances in which they were made, to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue or allegedly untrue statement or omission or alleged omission is based upon and is consistent with information relating to such Holder so furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder to the Company expressly for use in such Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or amendment or supplement thereto. No Holder shall be held liable for any damages in excess of the total amount of proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder (net of all underwriters’ discounts and commissions) under the Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto as to which such offering relates.

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . If any Person shall be entitled to indemnity or contribution hereunder (an “ Indemnified Party ”), such Indemnified Party shall give prompt notice to the party from which such indemnity is sought (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) after the receipt by the Indemnified Party of any written notice of any claim or commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing with respect to which such Indemnified Party seeks indemnification or contribution pursuant hereto; provided, however, that the delay or failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party shall not

 

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relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligation or liability except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party has been materially prejudiced by such delay or failure. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right, exercisable by giving written notice to an Indemnified Party promptly after the receipt of notice from such Indemnified Party of such claim or proceeding, to assume, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, the defense of any such claim or proceeding, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; provided, however, that (i) an Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such claim or proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless: (1) the Indemnifying Party agrees to pay such fees and expenses; (2) the Indemnifying Party fails promptly to assume the defense of such claim or proceeding or fails to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; or (3) the named parties to any proceeding (including impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it that are in addition to or are inconsistent with those available to the Indemnifying Party or that a conflict of interest is likely to exist among such Indemnified Party and any other indemnified parties (in which case the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Party); and (ii) subject to clause (3) above, the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one such claim or proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related claims or proceedings in the same jurisdiction, arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one firm of attorneys (together with appropriate local counsel) at any time for all of the indemnified parties. No Indemnifying Party shall be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the consent of such Indemnified Party, effect entry of any judgment or into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party of a release, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation for which such Indemnified Party would be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(d) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is applicable in accordance with its terms but is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnified Party in respect of any Losses, then each applicable Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Losses, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and such Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and Indemnified Party, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been taken by, or relates to information supplied by, such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent any such action, statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of any Losses shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees, charges or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this

 

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Section 7(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 7(d). Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7(d), an Indemnifying Party that is a Holder shall not be required to contribute any amount which is in excess of the amount by which the total proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder (net of all underwriters’ discounts and commissions) exceeds the amount of any damages that such Indemnifying Party has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7(d) was determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

8. Rule 144 Information . With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC which may at any time permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, after such time as a registration statement relating to the Registrable Securities has been declared effective under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, the Company covenants and agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to:

a. Make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times after the earlier of (i) such time as a registration statement relating to the Class A Shares, has been declared effective under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or (ii) the date that the Company becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, for so long as the Company remains subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, all to the extent required from time to time to enable a Holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemption provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. If at any time the Company is not subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, it will make available other information as required by, and so long as necessary to permit sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to, Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

b. Use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder (at any time it is subject to such reporting requirements).

c. Furnish to any Holder forthwith upon request a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the first registration statement filed by the Company for an offering of its securities to the general public), and of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act), a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such other reports and documents of the Company and other information as such Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing such Holder to sell any such securities without registration.

 

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9. Participation in Underwritten Offering/Sale of Registrable Securities . No Person may participate in any underwritten offering hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements in customary form entered into pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements; provided, that the Holders included in any underwritten registration shall make only those representations and warranties to the Company or the underwriters as are customary for similar transactions and such other representations and warranties that the underwriters may reasonably request that are agreed by any such Holder.

10. Subsequent Registration Rights . From and after the date of this Agreement, and except with respect to the Other Registration Agreements, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Holders beneficially owning not less than a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would allow such holder or prospective holder to include such securities in the Shelf Registration Statement unless, under the terms of such agreement, such holder or prospective holder may include such securities in any such Shelf Registration Statement only to the extent that the inclusion of its securities will not reduce the amount of Registrable Securities of the Holders that are included on such Shelf Registration Statement.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Termination . This Agreement and the obligations of the Company and the Holders hereunder (other than with respect to Section 7) shall terminate on the first date on which no Registrable Securities remain outstanding, or when Registrable Securities otherwise cease to be Registrable Securities.

(b) Notices . All notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been effectively given (i) when personally delivered to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent by confirmed facsimile to the party to be notified at the number set forth below; (iii) when sent by email to the party to be notified at the email address set forth below; (iv) three (3) Business Days after deposit in the United States mail postage prepaid by certified or registered mail return receipt requested and addressed to the party to be notified as set forth below; or (v) one (1) Business Day after deposit with a national overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be notified as set forth below with next-business-day delivery guaranteed, in each case as follows:

In the case of the Company, to:

William Lyon Homes

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Matthew R. Zaist

Facsimile: (949) 252-2527

e-mail: matt.zaist@lyonhomes.com

 

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

Irell & Manella LLP

840 Newport Center Drive, Suite 400

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Richard Sherman

Telephone: (949) 760-0991

Facsimile: (949) 760-5200

e-mail: rsherman@irell.com

In the case of the Holders:

If to any Holder, at its address as it appears in the Notice and Questionnaire of such Holder delivered to the Company or, prior to the delivery of a Notice and Questionnaire, at the Holder’s address as it appears in the records of the Company.

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

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP

601 South Figueroa Street, 30th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Attention: Neil J Wertlieb

Telephone: (213) 892-4410

Facsimile: (213) 892-4710

e-mail: nwertlieb@milbank.com

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

200 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10166-0193

Attention: Matthew K. Kelsey

Telephone: (212) 351-2615

Facsimile: (212) 351-6351

e-mail: mkelsey@gibsondunn.com

Any party may by notice given in accordance with this Section 12(b) designate another address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

(c) Separability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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(d) Successors and Assigns: Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement shall inure, as hereinafter provided, to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of each of the parties, including each Holder of any Registrable Securities, who executes a Joinder in the form attached as Annex B hereto, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, applicable law and any applicable agreement. If any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Registrable Securities, in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to and benefit from all of the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities, such person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof.

(e) Specific Performance . The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) irreparable damages would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached and (b) remedies at law would not be adequate to compensate the non-breaching party. Accordingly, the Company agrees that each Holder of Registrable Securities shall have the right to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce its rights hereunder, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing in its favor including any other remedy to which they are entitled, at law or in equity, including without limitation money damages. The right to equitable relief, including an injunction or specific performance, shall not be limited by any other provision of this Agreement. In any action or proceeding against it seeking an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the Company hereby (i) waives and agrees not to assert any defense that an adequate remedy exists at law or that a Holder of Registrable Securities would not be irreparably harmed and (ii) waives and agrees not to seek any requirement for the posting of any bond or other security in connection with any such action or proceeding.

(f) Entire Agreement . This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties and shall supersede any and all previous contracts, arrangements or understandings between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(g) Amendments and Waivers . This Agreement may be amended with the consent of the Company and the Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained a written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act of the Holders of at least a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, provided however, that any modification, alteration, waiver or change that has a disproportionate and adverse effect on any right of any Holder under this Agreement shall not be effective against such Holder without the prior written consent of such Holder, provided further, that any modification, alteration, waiver or change that has a material adverse effect on any right of any Initial Holder under this Agreement shall not be effective against such Initial Holder without the prior written consent of such Initial Holder.

No waiver of any terms or conditions of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other breach of such terms and conditions or any other term or condition, nor shall any failure to enforce any provision hereof operate as a waiver of such provision or of any other

 

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provision hereof. No written waiver hereunder, unless it by its own terms explicitly provides to the contrary, shall be construed to effect a continuing waiver of the provisions being waived and no such waiver in any instance shall constitute a waiver in any other instance or for any other purpose or impair the right of the party against whom such waiver is claimed in all other instances or for all other purposes to require full compliance with such provision. The failure of any party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

(h) Publicity . No public release or announcement concerning the transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued by any party without the prior consent of the Company and any other party mentioned in such release or announcement, except to the extent that such issuing party is advised by counsel that such release or announcement is necessary or advisable under applicable law or the rules or regulations of any securities exchange, in which case the party required to make the release or announcement shall to the extent practicable provide the Company and any such other party with an opportunity to review and comment on such release or announcement in advance of its issuance.

(i) Expenses . Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, except as otherwise provided herein, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the execution of this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs or expenses, except as otherwise set forth herein.

(j) Interpretation .

(i) The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(ii) The meaning assigned to each term defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and the plural forms of such term and vice versa, and words denoting either gender shall include both genders as the context requires. Where a word or phrase is defined herein, each of its other grammatical forms shall have a corresponding meaning.

(iii) The terms “hereof’, “herein” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

(iv) When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference is to a Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

(v) The word “include”, “includes”, and “including” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the words “without limitation”, unless otherwise specified.

 

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(vi) A reference to any party to this Agreement or any other agreement or document shall include such party’s predecessors, successors and permitted assigns.

(k) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to each other party.

(l) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

(m) Calculation of Time Periods . Except as otherwise indicated, all periods of time referred to herein shall include all Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; provided, however, that if the date to perform the act or give any notice with respect to this Agreement shall fall on a day other than a Business Day, such act or notice may be timely performed or given if performed or given on the next succeeding Business Day.

(n) Stock Splits, etc . The provisions of this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividends, splits, reverse splits, combinations recapitalizations and the like occurring after the date hereof.

(o) No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company shall not enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement and shall take all commercially reasonable efforts to amend any agreements existing as of the date hereof so that such agreements shall not be inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

(p) Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

(q) Jurisdiction . Any action or proceeding against any party hereto relating in any way to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought and enforced in any United States federal court or New York State Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, and each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to such person or entity at the address for such person or entity set forth in Section 11(b) hereof of this Agreement or such other address such person or entity shall notify the other in writing. The foregoing shall not limit the right of any person or entity to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any action or proceeding, or to obtain execution of any judgment, in any other jurisdiction.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated

 

24


hereby in any court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any claim that a court located in the State of New York is not a convenient forum for any such action or proceeding.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable United States federal and state law, all immunity from jurisdiction, service of process, attachment (both before and after judgment) and execution to which he might otherwise be entitled in any action or proceeding relating in any way to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the courts of the State of New York, of the United States or of any other country or jurisdiction, and hereby waives any right he might otherwise have to raise or claim or cause to be pleaded any such immunity at or in respect of any such action or proceeding.

(r) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY, ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND ITS RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BY CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, OR ARISING OUT OF, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

(s) Further Assurances . Each of the parties shall execute such documents and perform such further acts as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out or to perform the provisions of this Agreement.

(t) Other Agreements . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of, or release from, any obligations any party hereto may have under, or any restrictions on the transfer of Registrable Securities or other securities of the Company imposed by, any other agreement.

[ Remainder of page intentionally left blank ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.

 

  WILLIAM LYON HOMES
  By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

[Company Signature Page to Class A Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.

 

[                                                                                  ]

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

[Holder Signature Page to Class A Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement]


Annex A

Notice and Questionnaire

The undersigned beneficial holder of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class A Shares”) of William Lyon Homes (the “Company”) which are Registrable Securities understands that the Company intends to file or has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC “) a registration statement (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Registrable Securities, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), among the Company and the Holders named therein. A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Each beneficial holder of Registrable Securities (each a “beneficial owner”) is entitled to the benefits of the Registration Rights Agreement. In order to sell, or otherwise dispose of, any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, a beneficial owner of Registrable Securities generally will be required to be named as a selling securityholder in the related prospectus, deliver a prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities and be bound by those provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement applicable to such beneficial owner (including certain indemnification provisions as described below). Beneficial owners that do not complete this Notice and Questionnaire and deliver it to the Company as provided below will not be named as selling securityholders in the prospectus and, therefore, will not be permitted to sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities legal counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

NOTICE

The undersigned beneficial owner (the “Selling Securityholder”) of Registrable Securities hereby gives notice to the Company of its intention to sell or otherwise dispose of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item 3 (unless otherwise specified under such Item 3) pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement. The undersigned, by signing and returning this Notice and Questionnaire, understands that it will be bound by the terms and conditions of this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the undersigned has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Company’s directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), from and against certain losses arising in connection with statements concerning the undersigned that are made in the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus in reliance upon the information provided in this Notice and Questionnaire.

 

A-1


If the Selling Securityholder transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Securities listed in Item 3 below after the date on which such information is provided to the Company, the Selling Securityholder agrees to notify the transferee(s), assuming such transferee(s) are not unknown to the Selling Securityholder as a result of having acquired Registrable Securities pursuant to a sale after Registration of such Registrable Securities, at the time of the transfer of its rights and obligations under this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Please respond to every item, even if your response is “none.” If you need more space for any response, please attach additional sheets of paper. Please be sure to indicate your name and the number of the item being responded to on each such additional sheet of paper, and to sign each such additional sheet of paper before attaching it to this Questionnaire. Please note that you may be asked to answer additional questions depending on your responses to the following questions.

If you have any questions about the contents of this Questionnaire or as to who should complete this Questionnaire, please contact the Chief Financial Officer of the Company at telephone number: [ ].

The undersigned hereby provides the following information to the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate and complete:

 

1. Your Identity and Background as the Beneficial Owner of the Registrable Securities.

 

  (a) Your full legal name:

 

  (b) Your business address (including street address) (or residence if no business address), telephone number and facsimile number:

Address:

Telephone No.:

Fax No.:

 

  (c) Are you a broker-dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act?

Yes.

No.

 

A-2


  (d) If your response to Item 1(c) above is no, are you an “affiliate” of a broker-dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act?

Yes.

No.

For the purposes of this Item 1(d), an “affiliate” of a registered broker-dealer includes any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such broker-dealer, and does not include any individuals employed by such broker-dealer or its affiliates.

 

  (e) Full legal name of the person, if any, through which you hold the Registrable Securities (i.e., name of your broker or the DTC participant, if applicable, through which your Registrable Securities are held):

Name of Broker:

DTC No.:

Contact person:

Telephone No.:

 

2. Your Relationship with the Company.

 

  (a) Have you or any of your affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (owners of 5% or more of the equity securities of the undersigned) held any position or office or have you had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) within the past three years?

Yes.

No.

 

  (b) If your response to Item 2(a) above is yes, please state the nature and duration of your relationship with the Company:

 

3. Your Interest in the Registrable Securities.

 

  (a) State the type and amount of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by you:

 

  (b) Other than as set forth in your response to Item 3(a) above, do you beneficially own any other securities of the Company?

Yes.

No.

 

A-3


  (c) If your answer to Item 3(b) above is yes, state the type and the aggregate amount of such other securities of the Company beneficially owned by you:

Type:

Aggregate amount:

 

  (d) Did you acquire the securities listed in Item 3(a) above in the ordinary course of business?

Yes.

No.

 

  (e) At the time of your purchase of the securities listed in Item 3(a) above, did you have any agreements or understandings, direct or indirect, with any person to distribute the securities?

Yes.

No.

 

  (f) If your response to Item 3(e) above is yes, please describe such agreements or understandings:

 

4. Nature of your Beneficial Ownership.

 

  (a) Check if the beneficial owner set forth in your response to Item 1(a) is any of the below:

 

  (i) A reporting company under the Exchange Act.

 

  (ii) A majority-owned subsidiary of a reporting company under the Exchange Act.

 

  (iii) A registered investment fund under the 1940 Act.

 

  (b) If the beneficial owner of the Registrable Securities set forth in your response to Item 1 (a) above is a limited partnership, state the names of the general partner(s) of such limited partnership.

 

A-4


  (c) Name your controlling shareholder(s) (the “Controlling Entity”).

 

  (i) (A) Full legal name of Controlling Entity(ies) who has/have sole or shared voting or dispositive power over the Registrable Securities:

(B) Business address (including street address) (or residence if no business address), telephone number and facsimile number of such person(s):

Address:

Telephone No.:

Fax No.:

 

5. Plan of Distribution.

Except as set forth below, the undersigned Selling Securityholder intends to distribute the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3) only as follows (if at all): All or any portion of such Registrable Securities may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned Selling Securityholder or, alternatively, through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. Such Registrable Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registrable Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, (ii) in the over-the-counter market, (iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, (iv) through the writing of options, whether such options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise, (v) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers, (vi) block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction, (vii) purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account, (viii) an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange, (ix) privately negotiated transactions, (x) short sales, (xi) sales pursuant to Rule 144, (xii) with broker-dealers who may agree with the selling securityholder to sell a specified number of shares at a stipulated price per share, (xiii) in an underwritten offering, (xiv) a combination of any such methods of sale and (xv) any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. In connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, the Selling Securityholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Registrable Securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling Securityholder may also sell Registrable Securities short and deliver Registrable Securities to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Registrable Securities.

State any exceptions here:

Note: In no event will such method(s) of distribution take the form of an underwritten offering of the Registrable Securities except in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

A-5


The undersigned acknowledges its obligation to comply with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation M thereunder (or any successor rules or regulations), in connection with any offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The undersigned agrees that neither it nor any person acting on its behalf will engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions.

The undersigned beneficial owner and selling securityholder hereby acknowledges its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless certain persons as set forth therein. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed under certain circumstances to indemnify the undersigned beneficial owner and selling securityholder against certain liabilities.

In accordance with the undersigned’s obligation under the Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law for inclusion in the Shelf Registration Statement, the undersigned agrees to promptly notify the Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Shelf Registration Statement remains effective.

All notices to the beneficial owner hereunder and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing to the undersigned at the address set forth in Item 1(b) of this Notice and Questionnaire.

By signing below, the undersigned acknowledges that it is the beneficial owner of the Registrable Securities set forth herein, represents that the information provided herein is accurate, consents to the disclosure of the information contained in this Notice and Questionnaire and the inclusion of such information in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

Once this Notice and Questionnaire is executed by the undersigned beneficial owner and received by the Company, the terms of this Notice and Questionnaire, and the representations and warranties contained herein, shall be binding on, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns of the Company and the undersigned beneficial owner. This Notice and Questionnaire shall be governed, adjudicated and enforced in accordance with terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

A-6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.

 

NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER:

 

(Please Print)
Signature:  

 

Date:  

 

PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED NOTICE AND

QUESTIONNAIRE TO WILLIAM LYON HOMES AS FOLLOWS:

William Lyon Homes

[ Insert contact information ]

This Notice and Questionnaire must be returned in the manner and within the time period set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement in order to include Registrable Securities in such Shelf Registration Statement.

 

A-7


Annex B

FORM OF JOINDER

THIS JOINDER is made on the                     day of                    

BETWEEN

 

(1) [    ], a [    ] (the “New Party”);

AND

(2) WILLIAM LYON HOMES, (the “Company”); AND

(3) THOSE OTHER PERSONS WHO ARE PARTIES TO THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (as defined below).

WHEREAS a Class A Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement was entered into on [ ], 2012 by and among, inter alia, certain of Holders of Company securities (the “Other Holders”) and the Company (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), a copy of which the New Party hereby confirms that it has been supplied with and acknowledges the terms therein.

NOW IT IS AGREED as follows:

1. In this Joinder, unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions respectively defined or construed in the Registration Rights Agreement shall have the same meanings when used or referred to herein.

2. The New Party hereby accedes to and ratifies the Registration Rights Agreement and covenants and agrees with the Company and the Other Holders to be bound by the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement as a “Holder” and to duly and punctually perform and discharge all liabilities and obligations whatsoever from time to time to be performed or discharged by it under or by virtue of the Registration Rights Agreement in all respects as if named as a party therein.

3. The Company covenants and agrees that the New Party shall be entitled to all the benefits of the terms and conditions of the Registration Rights Agreement to the intent and effect that the New Party shall be deemed, with effect from the date on which the New Party executes this Joinder, to be a party to the Registration Rights Agreement as a “Holder.”

4. This Joinder shall hereafter be read and construed in conjunction and as one document with the Registration Rights Agreement and references in the Registration Rights Agreement to “the Agreement” or “this Agreement,” and references in all other instruments and documents executed thereunder or pursuant thereto to the Registration Rights Agreement, shall for all purposes refer to the Registration Rights Agreement incorporating and as supplemented by this Joinder.

 

B-1


5. THIS JOINDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THEREOF.

6. Any action or proceeding against any party hereto relating in any way to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought and enforced in any United States federal court or New York State Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, and each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to such person or entity at the address for such person or entity set forth in Section 11(b) of the Registration Rights Agreement or such other address such person or entity shall notify the other in writing. The foregoing shall not limit the right of any person or entity to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any action or proceeding, or to obtain execution of any judgment, in any other jurisdiction.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any claim that a court located in the State of New York is not a convenient forum for any such action or proceeding.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable United States federal and state law, all immunity from jurisdiction, service of process, attachment (both before and after judgment) and execution to which he might otherwise be entitled in any action or proceeding relating in any way to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby in the courts of the State of New York, of the United States or of any other country or jurisdiction, and hereby waives any right he might otherwise have to raise or claim or cause to be pleaded any such immunity at or in respect of any such action or proceeding.

7. Section 11(v) of the Registration Rights Agreement shall apply to this Joinder and shall be incorporated herein by reference.

8. The address of the undersigned for purposes of all notices under the Registration Rights Agreement is: [            ].

 

B-2


 

[NEW PARTY]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Exhibit 10.4

EXECUTION COPY

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED SENIOR SECURED TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

Dated as of February 25, 2012

among

WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC., as Borrower,

and

COLFIN WLH FUNDING, LLC, as Administrative Agent,

and

COLFIN WLH FUNDING, LLC, as a Lender and Lead Arranger,

and

The Lenders Party Hereto

 

 

 

1


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
   

(To Be Updated)

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     2   

1.01

 

DEFINED TERMS

     2   

1.02

 

OTHER INTERPRETIVE PROVISIONS

     33   

1.03

 

ACCOUNTING TERMS

     34   

1.04

 

ROUNDING

     34   

1.05

 

TIMES OF DAY

     34   

ARTICLE II CREDIT EXTENSION

     35   

2.01

 

LOANS

     35   

2.02

  PREPAYMENTS      35   

2.03

  REPAYMENT OF LOANS      36   

2.04

  INTEREST      36   

2.05

  FEES      37   

2.06

  COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES      37   

2.07

  EVIDENCE OF DEBT      37   

2.08

  PAYMENTS GENERALLY; ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S CLAWBACK      37   

2.09

  SHARING OF PAYMENTS BY LENDERS      38   

2.10

  SECURITY      39   

ARTICLE III TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

     39   

3.01

  TAXES      39   

3.02

  COMPENSATION FOR LOSSES      41   

3.03

  MITIGATION OBLIGATIONS; REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS      41   

3.04

  SURVIVAL      42   

ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVENESS

     42   

4.01

  CONDITIONS TO CLOSING DATE      42   

4.02

  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE BORROWING BASE AS UNIMPROVED LAND      47   

4.03

  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE BORROWING BASE AS LAND UNDER DEVELOPMENT      47   

4.04

  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY AS FINISHED LOTS TO THE BORROWING BASE      48   

4.05

  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE BORROWING BASE AS HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION      49   

4.06

  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE BORROWING BASE AS MODEL HOMES      50   

4.07

  GENERAL CONDITIONS TO REAL PROPERTY ELIGIBLE COLLATERAL BEING INCLUDED IN THE BORROWING BASE      51   

 

i


ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     53   

5.01

  EXISTENCE, QUALIFICATION AND POWER; COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS      53   

5.02

  AUTHORIZATION; NO CONTRAVENTION      53   

5.03

  GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION; OTHER CONSENTS      54   

5.04

  BINDING EFFECT      54   

5.05

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; NO MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT      54   

5.06

  LITIGATION      54   

5.07

  NO DEFAULT      54   

5.08

  OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY; LIENS      55   

5.09

  SECURED INDEBTEDNESS      56   

5.10

  INSURANCE      56   

5.11

  TAXES      56   

5.12

  ERISA COMPLIANCE      56   

5.13

  SUBSIDIARIES; JOINT VENTURES      57   

5.14

  MARGIN REGULATIONS; INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT; PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT      57   

5.15

  DISCLOSURE      58   

5.16

  COMPLIANCE      58   

5.17

  COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS      58   

5.18

  LOANS AS SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS      59   

5.19

  LAWS PERTAINING TO LAND SALES      59   

5.20

  FISCAL YEAR      60   

5.21

  COMMON ENTERPRISE AND CONSIDERATION      60   

5.22

  SUBSIDIARIES OWNING REAL PROPERTY      60   

5.23

  GUARANTORS OF THE INDENTURE      60   

5.24

  ENTITLEMENTS      60   

5.25

  MATERIAL AGREEMENTS; NO MATERIAL DEFAULTS      60   

5.26

  NO CONDEMNATION      61   

5.27

  CFD AND SUBDIVISION BOND      61   

5.28

  UTILITIES      61   

5.29

  LOT AND UNIT SALES      61   

5.30

  GOLF COURSES      61   

5.31

  MORATORIUMS      62   

5.32

  CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS; WARRANTIES      62   

5.33

  AMENITIES      62   

5.34

  ORAL AGREEMENTS; MATTERS NOT OF RECORD      62   

5.35

  BORROWING BASE      62   

5.36

  LEASED REAL PROPERTY      62   

5.37

  CREATION, PERFECTION AND PRIORITY OF LIENS      62   

5.38

  EQUITY SECURITIES      63   

5.39

  NO AGREEMENTS TO MERGE      63   

5.40

  LABOR MATTERS      63   

5.41

  BURDENSOME CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS ETC.      63   

5.42

  BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS      63   

5.43

  AGREEMENTS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS      63   

 

ii


5.44

  FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, ETC.      63   

5.45

  INTERNAL CONTROLS      64   

5.46

  INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLES      64   

5.47

  EFFECTIVE DATE; MATERIALITY THRESHOLD OF CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES      64   

5.48

  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES UPON DELIVERY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, DOCUMENTS, AND OTHER INFORMATION      65   

ARTICLE VI AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     65   

6.01

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER REPORTS      65   

6.02

  CERTIFICATES; OTHER INFORMATION      66   

6.03

  NOTICES      69   

6.04

  PAYMENT OF OBLIGATIONS      69   

6.05

  PRESERVATION OF EXISTENCE, ETC.      69   

6.06

  MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES      70   

6.07

  MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE      70   

6.08

  COMPLIANCE      71   

6.09

  BOOKS AND RECORDS      71   

6.10

  INSPECTION RIGHTS      71   

6.11

  NEW SUBSIDIARIES      71   

6.12

  INTANGIBLE, RECORDING AND STAMP TAX      72   

6.13

  FURTHER ASSURANCES      72   

6.14

  SPECIAL COVENANTS RELATING TO COLLATERAL      72   

6.15

  PAPA OBLIGATIONS      79   

6.16

  TRANSFER OF CF PROPERTY AND MF PROPERTY TO BORROWER      80   

6.17

  PROPERTY TRANSFERS      80   

6.18

  RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL      80   

6.19

  CERTAIN REAL ESTATE COVENANTS      80   

ARTICLE VII NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     81   

7.01

  PERMITTED INDEBTEDNESS      81   

7.02

  PERMITTED LIENS      83   

7.03

  INVESTMENTS      84   

7.04

  FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES      85   

7.05

  ACQUISITIONS      86   

7.06

  TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES      86   

7.07

  SECOND LIEN NOTES      87   

7.08

  PERMITTED DISTRIBUTIONS      87   

7.09

  CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS      88   

7.10

  USE OF PROCEEDS      88   

7.11

  NO OTHER NEGATIVE PLEDGE      88   

7.12

  INVESTMENTS IN MF OWNER AND CF OWNER      88   

7.13

  INTENTIONALLY OMITTED      88   

7.14

  BORROWING BASE      88   

7.15

  EXPENDITURES OUTSIDE OF CORE BUSINESSES      88   

 

iii


7.16

  INTENTIONALLY OMITTED      89   

7.17

  CHANGES IN KEY MANAGEMENT      89   

7.18

  EXCLUDED ASSETS      89   

7.19

  IMPROVEMENTS      89   

7.20

  PAPA OBLIGATION      90   

7.21

  NEGATIVE PLEDGE      90   

7.22

  CF PROPERTY AND MF PROPERTY AND MAYFIELD PROPERTY      90   

7.23

  AMENDMENT TO DOCUMENTS      90   

ARTICLE VIII RELEASES

     90   

8.01

  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RELEASES      90   

8.02

  STANDARD RELEASES      92   

8.03

  DEDICATIONS      93   

8.04

  PERMITTED CONSTRUCTION INDEBTEDNESS      93   

8.05

  PERMITTED PLEDGE OF JOINT VENTURE EQUITY INTEREST      94   

ARTICLE IX EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

     94   

9.01

  DEFAULT      94   

9.02

  REMEDIES UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT      97   

9.03

  APPLICATION OF FUNDS      98   

9.04

  PROTECTIVE ADVANCES/CURE RIGHTS      98   

ARTICLE X ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     99   

10.01

  APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY      99   

10.02

  RIGHTS AS A LENDER      99   

10.03

  EXCULPATORY PROVISIONS      99   

10.04

  RELIANCE BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT      100   

10.05

  DELEGATION OF DUTIES      100   

10.06

  RESIGNATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT      101   

10.07

  NON-RELIANCE ON ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND OTHER LENDERS      101   

10.08

  NO OTHER DUTIES ETC.. ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, THE INITIAL LENDER AND LEAD ARRANGER LISTED ON THE COVER PAGE HEREOF SHALL NOT HAVE ANY POWERS, DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, EXCEPT IN THEIR CAPACITY, AS APPLICABLE, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR A LENDER      101   

10.09

  ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM      101   

10.10

  COLLATERAL AND GUARANTY MATTERS      102   

ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS

     102   

11.01

  AMENDMENTS, ETC.      102   

11.02

  NOTICES; EFFECTIVENESS; ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION      104   

11.03

  NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES      105   

11.04

  EXPENSES; INDEMNITY; DAMAGE WAIVER      105   

11.05

  PAYMENTS SET ASIDE      107   

 

iv


11.06

  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS      107   

11.07

  TREATMENT OF CERTAIN INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY      110   

11.08

  RIGHT OF SETOFF      111   

11.09

  INTEREST RATE LIMITATION      111   

11.10

  COUNTERPARTS; INTEGRATION; EFFECTIVENESS      111   

11.11

  SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES      112   

11.12

  SEVERABILITY      112   

11.13

  REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS      112   

11.14

  GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; ETC.      113   

11.15

  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      113   

11.16

  ARBITRATION      114   

11.17

  RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES      115   

11.18

  USA PATRIOT ACT NOTICE      116   

11.19

  DISCRETION STANDARD      116   

11.20

  TIME OF THE ESSENCE      116   

 

v


AMENDED AND RESTATED SENIOR SECURED TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED SENIOR SECURED TERM LOAN AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is entered into as of February 25, 2012 among WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC., a California corporation (“ Borrower ”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “ Lender ”), COLFIN WLH FUNDING, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as a Lender, and COLFIN WLH FUNDING, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as Administrative Agent.

On December 19, 2011 (the “ Petition Date ”), the Borrower and the Guarantors (as defined below) commenced their respective bankruptcy cases (each, a “ Chapter 11 Case ” and, collectively, the “ Chapter 11 Cases ”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code by filing separate voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. 101 et seq. (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”), with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”);

On the Petition Date, the Borrower filed with the Bankruptcy Court that certain Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization of William Lyon Homes, et al., dated November 17, 2011 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “ Plan of Reorganization ”);

Prior to the Petition Date, the Lenders provided financing to the Borrower pursuant to that certain Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2009, by and among Borrower, ColFin WLH Funding, LLC, as Initial Lender and Lead Arranger, the Lenders (as defined below) party thereto from time to time, and ColFin WLH Funding, LLC, as administrative agent for the Lenders, as amended by that certain First Amendment To Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 18, 2011, and as further amended by that certain Second Amendment and Waiver No. 3 to Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2011 (as so amended and as may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Pre-Petition Loan Agreement ”);

The commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases constituted an immediate Event of Default under and as defined in the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement and resulted in the acceleration of the Obligations under and as defined therein (the “ Bankruptcy Acceleration ”);

The Pre-Petition Lenders assert that they are entitled under the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement, among other things, to the payment of a Make Whole Amount and Exit Fee (each as defined in the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement) in an aggregate amount in excess of $70.0 million (collectively, the “ Pre-Petition Claims ”);

Pursuant to that certain Restructuring Support Agreement dated as of November 4, 2011 by and among (a) Parent (as defined below) and Borrower, on behalf of themselves and their respective Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 1 thereto and their respective successors, (b) the Administrative Agent and (c) the Lenders, the Lenders agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to (1) support, and vote in favor of, the Plan of Reorganization, and (2) upon the confirmation of the Plan of Reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court amend and restate the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement to (I) finally settle the Pre-Petition Claim for the amount of $29 million by increasing the aggregate principal amount of the Loans (as defined below) outstanding

 

1


hereunder from $206 million to $235 million, (II) reduce the contract rate of interest on the Obligations (as defined below), (III) increase the advance rate under the Borrowing Base (as defined below), (IV) extend the Maturity Date (as defined blow) and (V) make certain other changes to the covenants and other terms of the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement, all as more fully provided for herein;

On February 10, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order, among other things, confirming the Plan of Reorganization under section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code;

On February 25, 2012, the Effective Date (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) occurred; and

Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, the Lenders, COLFIN WLH FUNDING, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as a Lender, and COLFIN WLH FUNDING, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as Administrative Agent desire to amend and restate the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement in its entirety as set forth herein.

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree that the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety, as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

1.01 DEFINED TERMS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

7.01(f) Appraisal ” means appraisals of the 7.01(f) Property which shall meet the requirements of Section 6.14(j) and take into account the reductive effect of any CFD Obligations, PAPA Obligations and the reasonable and customary anticipated costs of sale related to the 7.01(f) Property, and any impairment of such 7.01(f) Property; and (ii) PAPA Obligations are covered by a subordination agreement in favor of the 7.01(f) Property lender reasonably acceptable to Majority Lenders. (For avoidance of doubt, the relevant appraisals shall be (and under appraisal procedures) in form and substance satisfactory to the Majority Lenders), and the classifications of Borrower Real Property and methods of valuation in Section 6.14(j) shall be used without regard to the fact that the 7.01(f) Property does not constitute Eligible Real Property Collateral.

7.01(f) Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness obtained by Borrower or a Joint Venture under Section 7.01(f).

7.01(f) Property ” means Real Property (other than PCI Released Property) owned by Borrower or a Joint Venture that is collateral for any 7.01(f) Indebtedness.

AAA ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.16(b).

Acquisition Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness of (i) the Borrower or (ii) a Joint Venture, and Guaranteed by a member of the Consolidated Group, if, in each case, the proceeds of such Indebtedness are used solely for Land Acquisition Costs; provided that (x) such Indebtedness shall

 

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be solely secured by a first priority Lien on, and not exceed 50% of the lesser of the Appraised Value on the date such Indebtedness is incurred or Land Acquisition Cost of, the Real Property collateral securing such Acquisition Indebtedness (which, in any event, shall solely be the Real Property acquired with such Indebtedness and not Borrower Real Property and (y) comply with the applicable provisions of Section 7.01(f) and 7.02(i); provided, however, that (i) Acquisition Indebtedness that is Non-Recourse Debt need not comply with the provisions of clause (x) in the immediately preceding sentence and (ii) the Mayfield Loan shall not constitute “Acquisition Indebtedness”.

Administrative Agent ” means ColFin WLH Funding, LLC in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent, trustee or other representative thereunder.

Administrative Agency Fee ” shall have the meaning given to the term “Agency Fee” in the Administrative Agent Fee Letter.

Administrative Agent Fee Letter ” means the amended and restated letter agreement dated as of the date hereof, between Borrower, Parent and Administrative Agent.

Administrative Agent’s Office ” means Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 11.02 , or such other address or account as Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to Borrower and the Lenders.

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

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

Aggregate Loans ” means the Loans of all the Lenders.

Aggregate Real Property ” means any and all of the Borrower Real Property, the CF Property, the MF Property, the Mayfield Property.

Agreement ” means this Amended and Restated Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement.

Amenities ” means, collectively, the gatehouses, maintenance sheds, golf courses, marinas, clubhouses, and swimming, tennis and other recreational facilities or types of amenities, and Improvements ancillary thereto, located at or used in connection with any Project or Asset by owners of Units or Lots.

Annual Budget ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(d).

Annual Period ” means any twelve consecutive calendar months.

Anti-Terrorism Law ” shall mean each of: (a) the Executive Order, (b) the Patriot Act, (c) the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986, 18 U.S.C. Sect. 1956, and (d) any other Law now or hereafter enacted to monitor, deter or otherwise prevent terrorism or the funding or support of terrorism.

 

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Apartment ” means a residential apartment building consisting of single family residential units for rent.

Applicable Discount Rate ” means with respect to the Eligible Real Property Collateral, a discount rate determined by reference to the Real Property Classification of the Borrower Real Property included therein, as follows:

 

Real Property Classification:

   Applicable Discount
Rate:
 

Unimproved Land

     25

Land Under Development

     20

Finished Lots

     15

Homes Under Construction

     12

Model Homes

     10

In addition, with respect to any Real Property acquired after October 20, 2009 that is subject to any PAPA Obligations, and with respect to which the Borrower has not obtained and delivered a duly executed, acknowledged, and recorded subordination of the PAPA Obligations in a form substantially in accordance with the respective forms which were agreed to between Borrower and Administrative Agent on or prior to October 20, 2009, the Applicable Discount Rate set forth in the chart above which is applicable to such Real Property shall be the percentage value reflected in the chart above for the applicable Real Property Classification plus 200 basis points (e.g., in such a case, the Applicable Discount Rate for Model Homes would be increased from 10% to 12%, and so on).

Applicable Percentage ” means with respect to any Lender as of any date, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Loans owed such Lender at such time. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

Applicable Rate ” means ten and  1 / 4 percent (10.25%) per annum.

Appraisal ” means, with respect to (a) Eligible Real Property Collateral, each appraisal that meets the following requirements: (i) such appraisal is prepared by an appraiser selected by Majority Lenders; (ii) such appraisal satisfies all applicable requirements set forth in Section 6.14(j); (iii) the values set forth in such appraisal have been reviewed and are satisfactory to Majority Lenders; and (iv) such appraisal is otherwise in form and content satisfactory to Majority Lenders, (b) any 7.01(f) Property, each 7.01(f) Appraisal, (c) any PCI Released Property securing

 

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Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness, each Eligible Construction Lender Appraisal and (d) with respect to the CF Property, the Mayfield Property and the MF Property, each appraisal that meets the following requirements: (i) such appraisal is prepared by an appraiser selected by Majority Lenders; (ii) such appraisal satisfies all applicable requirements set forth in Section 6.14(j), (except that for purposes of this clause (d) only, any references in Section 6.14(j) with respect to any Borrower Real Property shall be deemed to be to the CF Property, the Mayfield Property and the MF Property); (iii) the values set forth in such appraisal have been reviewed and are satisfactory to Majority Lenders.

Appraised Value ” means, with respect to Eligible Real Property Collateral, PCI Released Property and 7.01(f) Property, the appraised value of such Real Property set forth in the most recent Appraisal received by Majority Lenders in accordance with the Loan Documents, less, to the extent not taken into account in the Appraisal, the reductive effect of any CFD Obligations, PAPA Obligations and the reasonable and customary anticipated costs of sale related to such Real Property.

Asset ” means Borrower Real Property (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) constituting a full separate product line of Units (consistent with each of the separate product lines on Schedule CDRP which in the aggregate make up the Closing Date Real Property, including adequate access, ingress and egress and with access to and rights to any common areas and Amenities related to the applicable Project), but not just a Phase or portion of such a product line. (References to “asset” (using lower case “a”) are not to be confused with this definition of “Asset”.)

Asset Sale ” means any sale, sale-leaseback, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition by any member of the Consolidated Group of assets (including the Equity Securities of any Subsidiary or any Joint Venture) not in the ordinary course of such member of the Consolidated Group’s Core Businesses.

Assignment and Assumption ” means an assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 11.06(b)), and accepted by Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit “C” attached hereto and made a part hereof or any other form approved by Administrative Agent.

Audited Financial Statements ” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of Parent and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Consolidated Group, including the notes thereto.

Bankruptcy Acceleration ” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Bankruptcy Code ” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Bankruptcy Court ” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Borrower ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

 

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Borrower Real Property ” means any interest in Real Property owned or acquired by Borrower from time to time.

Borrower’s Knowledge ” means the best knowledge of Borrower after diligent investigation and inquiry, including inquiry of a member of the Consolidated Group and as it relates to any Real Property, the project managers for such Real Property.

Borrowing Base ” means, on the date of determination the percentage set forth below as the advance ratio, for the applicable period, of the sum of (a) Unrestricted Cash, (b) Escrow Receivables and (c) Eligible Real Property Collateral Valuation:

 

Period

   Advance Ratio  

From the Closing Date through but excluding the 1 st anniversary of the Closing Date

     67.5

From the 1 st anniversary of the Closing Date through but excluding the 2 nd anniversary of the Closing Date

     65

From the 2 nd anniversary of the Closing Date and thereafter

     60

, in each case subject to the following:

In determining the Borrowing Base: (1) no asset shall be counted more than once in the calculation of the Borrowing Base; (2) no asset or component shall be included in the Borrowing Base unless on the relevant date of determination (x) Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders holds an enforceable first priority perfected Lien subject, with respect to Borrower Real Property only, to Permitted Exceptions, (y) except as set forth in the preceding clause (x), there are no Liens encumbering such asset and (z) other than the assets described in clause (a) above, such asset constitutes Real Property and is qualified as Eligible Real Property Collateral under the terms of this Agreement; (3) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (including in Article IV), no Borrower Real Property or other asset that is subject to any lien in favor of the lenders of any Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness shall be included in the computation of Borrowing Base; (4) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (including in Article IV), neither Unentitled Land nor any Real Property other than Borrower Real Property shall be included in the computation of Borrowing Base.

Borrowing Base Report ” means a report with respect to the Borrowing Base in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “E” , which form may be changed by Majority Lenders from time to time, and which shall include a certificate from a Responsible Officer of Borrower setting forth a detailed calculation of the Borrowing Base, broken down by Project, Asset or Phase and by Real Property Classification within such Project, Asset or Phase, and attaching all documentation used in calculating the Borrowing Base. The computation of the components of the Borrowing Base

 

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included in such report shall include the Certified Net Cash Flow Report and a computation of the Net Present Value of Projected Net Revenues and the Net Present Value of Projected Total Project Costs in such detail as is from time to time requested by the Administrative Agent.

Broker’s Commission ” means any and all brokerage commissions, finder’s fees or similar fees or payments owed in connection with the extensions of credit contemplated by this Agreement as a result of any agreement (express or implied, written or oral) entered into by Borrower or any member of the Consolidated Group.

Building Permit ” means all Entitlements (including the building permit) required under applicable Law necessary to commence Vertical Construction of the contemplated type and number of single- or multi- family “for sale” residential Units and related Amenities on the applicable Borrower Real Property.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the States of California or New York.

Cash Equivalents ” shall mean:

(a) Direct obligations of, or obligations the principal and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America or obligations of any agency of the United States of America to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(b) Certificates of deposit maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by a commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof or that is a Lender, provided that (i) such deposits are denominated in Dollars, (ii) such bank or trust company has capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $100,000,000 and (iii) such bank or trust company has certificates of deposit or other debt obligations rated at least A-1 (or its equivalent) by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services or P-1 (or its equivalent) by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.;

(c) Open market commercial paper (other than commercial paper of Borrower or any other member of the Consolidated Group) maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued by a corporation organized under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof, provided such commercial paper is rated at least A-1 (or its equivalent) by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services or P-1 (or its equivalent) by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.;

(d) Any repurchase agreement entered into with a commercial bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof, provided that (i) such bank or trust company has capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $100,000,000, (ii) such bank or trust company has certificates of deposit or other debt obligations rated at least A-1 (or its equivalent) by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services or P-1 (or its equivalent) by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., (iii) the repurchase obligations of such bank or trust company under such repurchase agreement are fully secured by a perfected security interest

 

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in a security or instrument of the type described in clause (a), (b) or (c) above and (iv) such security or instrument so securing the repurchase obligations has a fair market value at the time such repurchase agreement is entered into of not less than 100% of such repurchase obligations; and

(e) Shares of money market mutual or similar funds which invest exclusively in assets satisfying the requirements of clauses (a) through (d) of this definition.

Certified Net Cash Flow Report ” means a combined schedule setting forth as of the date of determination the projected amounts and timing of Projected Net Revenues and Projected Total Project Costs for the Eligible Real Property Collateral from the date of determination through the date the last parcel of Unimproved Land (to the extent that it is not a Lot or Unit), Lot or Unit included in Eligible Real Property Collateral is projected to be sold, which report shall be prepared by the Borrower and certified by a Responsible Officer that such report has been prepared in good faith based on assumptions that such Responsible Officer believed as of the date of such report to be reasonable and to Borrower’s Knowledge no information has come to the attention of Borrower from the date of such report to the date of delivery to the Administrative Agent which would render such report to be untrue or misleading.

CFD ” means any improvement district, “Mello-Roos” district, school mitigation plan or district, community facilities district, special assessment district or similar district or any other municipal utility, levee, water improvement or similar district with respect to any Real Property.

CFD Obligations ” means the obligations, with respect to any CFD, binding upon either the Real Property subject to the CFD or the owner of the Real Property subject to the CFD.

CF/MF Appraised Value ” means, with respect to the CF Property and the MF Property, the appraised value set forth in the most recent Appraisal received by Majority Lenders in accordance with the Loan Documents, less, to the extent not taken into account in the Appraisal, the reductive effect of any CFD Obligations, PAPA Obligations and the reasonable and customary anticipated costs of sale related to such CF Property and MF Property.

CF Property ” means the Real Property located in Queen Creek, Arizona, commonly known as the Church Farms property, as more specifically described on Schedule CF .

CF Owner ” means Circle G at the Church Farm North Joint Venture, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company.

Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority.

Change of Control ” means an event or series of events by which:

(a) Parent shall cease to be the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire (such

 

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right, an “option right”), whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) (“ Beneficial Owner ”) of one hundred percent (100.0%) of the Equity Securities of Borrower and the Guarantors entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of Borrower and the Guarantors; or

(b) Eligible Holders shall cease to be the record and Beneficial Owners of at least that number of shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent that would entitle them (either individually or in the aggregate) to elect two Directors, and exercise approval rights with respect to one of the independent Directors, of the Board of Directors of the Parent, as provided for in the Certificate of Incorporation of Parent, as it exists on the date hereof;

(c) (i) The Luxor Parties shall fail to collectively maintain record and Beneficial Ownership of twenty five percent (25%) or more of the shares of the Class A Common Stock of Parent outstanding as of the Closing Date and (ii) the Luxor Parties shall fail to collectively maintain record and Beneficial Ownership of a majority of the shares of the Class C Common Stock of Parent outstanding as of the Closing Date; provided, however that for purposes of clauses (i) and (ii), ownership of record shall include ownership where title is held on behalf of the Luxor Parties by a custodian where the Luxor Parties retain all rights to such shares other than record title; or

(d) during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of any Loan Party cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body (excluding, in the case of both clause (ii) and clause (iii), any individual whose initial nomination for, or assumption of office as, a member of that board or equivalent governing body occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents for the election or removal of one or more directors by any person or group other than a solicitation for the election of one or more directors by or on behalf of the board of directors); or

(e) for any reason a “change in control” or similar event shall occur as provided in any Indenture or Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness;

provided, however, that the acquisition by or on behalf of an employee benefit plan or employee stock purchase plan of the Parent or Borrower shall not be included in determining whether a Change of Control shall have occurred.

Chapter 11 Case ” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Claims ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.04(b).

Closing Date ” means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 11.01.

 

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Closing Date Real Property ” shall mean the Borrower Real Property existing on the Closing Date, listed on Schedule CDRP and over which Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, has a valid, enforceable and perfected first priority Lien.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Collateral ” means all now owned or hereafter acquired or created Property of the Loan Parties in which Administrative Agent or any Lender has a Lien to secure the Obligations or the Unconditional Guaranty.

Collateral Certificate ” shall mean a Collateral Certificate in form and substance satisfactory to Majority Lenders.

Consolidated Group ” means, collectively, Parent, Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries.

Construction Agreements ” means construction agreements and agreements with architects, engineers, contractors or subcontractors.

Contractual Obligation ” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

Control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

Control Agreement ” shall mean a control agreement among the Borrower or any Guarantor, a depository bank or securities intermediary, as the case may be, and Administrative Agent, in form and substance acceptable to Administrative Agent.

Core Businesses ” means (a) the business of developing “for sale” residential Aggregate Real Property into Lots and Units, and constructing “for sale” residential Units, and selling Lots and Units; (b) business directly related thereto as undertaken on the Closing Date; and (c) other lines of business directly related to homebuilding that are approved by the Majority Lenders. Core Businesses expressly excludes the ownership of Aggregate Real Property for investment, including ownership of rental Real Property, except for Aggregate Real Property, if any, used by any member of the Consolidated Group as their business offices.

Credit Advance ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.12(a).

Credit Extension ” means a borrowing.

Customer Deposit Liabilities ” means collectively, Escrow Receivables, and down payments or earnest money deposited by purchasers pursuant to Purchase Contracts.

 

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Debtor Relief Laws ” means the Bankruptcy Code, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

Dedication ” means a customary transfer by Borrower, or the granting of easements, rights of way, and licenses by Borrower, to municipalities, utility providers, municipal districts, and property owners’ associations (of a type, value and nature, and in form and content, as is customary under the circumstances) in connection with the development of a Project, which shall be subject to the reasonable approval of Majority Lenders, and shall only be for the purpose of providing streets, common areas, parks, water, waste water and sewage treatment facilities, hillside and other areas, and similar land and improvements.

Deed of Trust ” shall mean a Deed of Trust (or Mortgage), Security Agreement and Fixture Filing (With Assignment of Rents and Leases) (as amended) in form approved by Majority Lenders from time to time with respect to each applicable jurisdiction executed by Borrower, as trustor, to Title Company, as trustee, and naming Administrative Agent as beneficiary for the benefit of itself and the Lenders, creating a first priority Lien on the Borrower Real Property and the Collateral situated thereon, and all rights and easements appurtenant thereto. Each Deed of Trust shall secure Indebtedness equal to the Obligations. For purposes of this Agreement, all such Deeds of Trust securing the Loan shall be referred to individually and collectively in the singular as the “Deed of Trust.”

Default ” means any event or condition that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

Default Rate ” means an interest rate equal to (i) the Applicable Rate plus (ii) five percent (5.0%) per annum.

Defaulting Lender ” means any Lender that (a) has failed to pay over to Administrative Agent or any other Lender any amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one (1) Business Day of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute, or (b) has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.

Designated Person ” shall mean any Person who (a) is named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals or Blocked Persons maintained by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and/or any other similar lists maintained by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control pursuant to authorizing statute, executive order or regulation, (b) (i) is a Person whose property or interest in property is blocked or subject to blocking pursuant to Section 1 of the Executive Order or any related legislation or any other similar executive order(s) or (ii) engages in any dealings or transactions prohibited by Section 2 of the Executive Order or is otherwise associated with any such Person in any manner violative of Section 2 of the Executive Order or (c) (i) is an agency of the government of a country, (ii) an organization controlled by a country, or (iii) a Person resident in a country that is subject to a sanctions program identified on the list maintained by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or as otherwise published from time to time, as such program may be applicable to such agency, organization or Person.

 

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Disposition ” or “ Dispose ” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith, and including any condemnation of any property of such Person.

Distribution ” means any of the following: (a) the payment by any Person of any distributions or other payments to its shareholders, partners, Affiliates, members or other equity interest holders; (b) the declaration or payment of any dividend on or in respect of shares of any class of capital stock of, or partnership, membership or other equity interest in, any Person; (c) the purchase or other retirement of any shares of any class of capital stock of, or partnership, membership or equity interest in, any Person, directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary or otherwise; (d) the return of capital by any Person to its shareholders, partners, Affiliates, members or other equity interest holders; and (e) any other payment on or in respect of any shares of any class of capital stock of, or partnership, membership or other equity interest in, any Person, including payments to members or partners of Joint Ventures.

Dollar ” and “ $ ” mean lawful money of the United States.

Eligible Assignee ” means (a) a Lender; (b) a Related Fund; (c) an Affiliate of a Lender or a Related Fund; (d) any other Person other than as otherwise agreed in a writing executed by the Majority Lenders and the Borrower dated the date hereof; and (e) any other Person (other than a natural person) approved by (i) Majority Lenders, and (ii) unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower (which approval of Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, “Eligible Assignee” shall not include Borrower or any of Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries. If any such approval from Borrower is not withheld in writing with a statement of the reasons therefor delivered to Administrative Agent within ten (10) days after notice is given to Borrower of the intended assignment, such approval shall be deemed given.

Eligible Construction Lender ” means, with respect to the lender of any Permitted Construction Indebtedness, an institutional lender regularly engaged in the ongoing business of making construction loans of the type made to the Borrower or Joint Venture, as the case may be, if such is made pursuant to loan documents that contain arm’s-length customary market terms substantially similar to other loans of such type, at an interest rate, fees and charges not be in excess of those customarily charged for such loans and on other terms customary for lenders in the market providing such loans, and without contingent or participating interest, equity kickers, options, warrants, or other hybrid or equity or non-straight debt features.

Eligible Construction Lender Appraisal ” means an appraisal of Real Property pursuant to any Permitted Construction Indebtedness as described in the definition of “Appraisal”.

Eligible Holder ” means (i) William Lyon and William H. Lyon; (ii) their siblings, spouses and lineal descendants (including by step-, adoptive and similar relationships); (iii) any entities wholly owned by one or more of the foregoing persons; and (iv) any trusts or other estate planning vehicles for the benefit of any of the foregoing.

 

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Eligible Participant ” means any other Person (other than a natural person); provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, “Eligible Participant” shall not include Parent, Borrower or any of their respective Affiliates or Subsidiaries.

Eligible Project ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.07.

Eligible Real Property Collateral ” means Borrower Real Property that meets all of the conditions of Section 4.07 and all of the conditions in at least one of Sections 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05 or 4.06 of this Agreement for inclusion in the Borrowing Base as Eligible Real Property Collateral. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement: (i) neither the CF Property, nor the MF Property, nor the Mayfield Property nor the 7.01(f) Property, nor the PCI Released Property may be Eligible Real Property Collateral unless, with respect to the CF Property or the MF Property or the Mayfield Property or the 7.01(f) Property or the PCI Released Property, the fee interest has been conveyed to Borrower free of the Lien of any Existing Secured Indebtedness and free of all other Liens except Permitted Exceptions, and all of the conditions in this Agreement for inclusion of Borrower Real Property as Eligible Real Property Collateral have been met with respect to the Real Property constituting the CF Property or the MF Property or the Mayfield Property or the 7.01(f) Property or the PCI Released Property, as applicable; and (ii) at Majority Lender’s discretion, Borrower Real Property that meets all of the conditions to be Eligible Real Property Collateral, other than the condition requiring Borrower Real Property to be (or to be intended to be) developed into single- or multi- family “for sale” residential uses, that is intended to be used for commercial purposes, and that is part of, adjacent to, ancillary to, or used in connection with, single- or multi- family “for sale” residential Eligible Real Property Collateral, may be Eligible Real Property Collateral, provided that such Borrower Real Property shall in no event account for more than five percent (5%) of the Eligible Real Property Collateral Valuation at any time, and the value of such Real Property Collateral shall be determined by Majority Lenders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (including in Article IV), neither Unentitled Land nor any Real Property other than Borrower Real Property shall be Eligible Real Property Collateral.

Eligible Real Property Collateral Valuation ” means the amount derived as follows, without duplication, for any Unimproved Land (to the extent that it is not a Lot or Unit), and each Lot or Unit included in the Eligible Real Property Collateral: (i) the Net Present Value of the Projected Net Revenues of such Unimproved Land (to the extent that it is not a Lot or Unit), Lot or Unit minus (ii) the Net Present Value of Total Project Costs of such Unimproved Land (to the extent that it is not a Lot or Unit), Lot or Unit included in Eligible Real Property Collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the Eligible Real Property Collateral Valuation for any Unimproved Land (to the extent that it is not a Lot or Unit), Lot or Unit included in Eligible Real Property Collateral exceed the most recent Appraised Value, if any, received by the Majority Lenders with respect to such Unimproved Land (to the extent that it is not a Lot or Unit), Lot or Unit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (including in Article IV), neither Unentitled Land nor any Real Property other than Borrower Real Property shall be included in the computation of Eligible Real Property Collateral Valuation.

Entitlements ” means, for each Project or Asset, as the case may be, each and all approvals, authorizations, consents, certificates, entitlements, franchises, licenses, permits, registrations, qualifications, zoning classifications, variances and other actions and rights granted by or

 

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applications or filings with any Persons necessary or appropriate for the improvement and development of the Aggregate Real Property for single- or multi- family “for sale” residences or for the conduct of the Core Businesses.

Environmental Indemnity ” means that certain Environmental Indemnity (as amended) executed by Borrower, which indemnity shall be in form and content acceptable to Majority Lenders.

Environmental Laws ” means any and all applicable Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the generation, handling, use, transport, storage, disposal or release of any materials which may adversely affect the environment or public health, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems.

Environmental Liability ” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the presence, generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Environmental Matters ” means claims, liabilities, investigations, litigation, administrative proceedings, whether pending or, to Borrower’s Knowledge threatened in writing, or judgments or orders relating to any Hazardous Materials asserted or threatened in writing against any member of the Consolidated Group or any past or present tenant, operator or owner of all or any part of the Real Property owned, leased or used by any member of the Consolidated Group.

Equity Securities ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) all common stock, preferred stock, participations, shares, partnership interests, limited liability company interests or other equity interests in and of such Person (regardless of how designated and whether or not voting or non-voting) and (b) all warrants, options and other rights to acquire any of the foregoing.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

ERISA Affiliate ” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

ERISA Event ” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e)

 

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of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (f) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

Escrow Receivables ” means, as of any date of determination, the amounts due to Borrower and held at an escrow or title company following the sale and conveyance of title of a Lot or Unit to a buyer to the extent that such amounts are free and clear of all Liens, rights and claims of third parties and are not subject to any restriction pursuant to any Contractual Obligations.

Event of Default ” has the meaning given such term in Section 9.01.

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

Excluded Assets ” means, (a) all Excluded Property (as defined in the Security Agreement) and (b) from time to time, those assets specifically set forth on the report delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.02(b)(v) (or, provided no Event of Default or Default has occurred and is continuing, at any other time a detailed report conforming to the report required by Section 6.02(b)(v) is delivered by Borrower to the Administrative Agent), which assets either (x) consist of cash, Cash Equivalents or deposit accounts (I) specially and exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the benefit of any Loan Party’s salaried employees in an amount not to exceed that amount payable on or prior to the next regularly scheduled payroll date for such Loan Party’s salaried employees or (II) specially and exclusively used by a Loan Party to collateralize obligations of a Loan Party as account debtor under any letter of credit application or under any reimbursement arrangement with respect to a performance bond, guaranty or suretyship bond; provided that the aggregate value of any cash, Cash Equivalent or deposit accounts in respect of this clause (II) shall not exceed an amount equal to the sum of (A) the amount of deposits required by Fidelity National Title Insurance Company in connection with providing title insurance as contemplated by this Agreement and the Second Lien Notes not to exceed $5 million in the aggregate at any time, plus (B) cash collateral for performance bonds as necessary to support and complete projects not to exceed $12.5 million in the aggregate at any time, (y) consist of Investments in any Joint Venture, up to a maximum aggregate principal amount at any time of $45 million less prior Investments in Joint Ventures constituting Excluded Assets (as defined in the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement) existing on the Closing Date, but after giving effect to the return of capital on any prior Investment (but not giving any credit for profit or return on such prior Investment) (such aggregate amount to be referred to herein as the “ JV Excluded Amount ”) or (z) consist of Real Property securing Acquisition Indebtedness or Permitted Construction Indebtedness; provided, however, that the JV Excluded Amount may be increased at any time after the second anniversary of the Closing Date by up to a maximum additional $20 million in Investments in Joint Ventures, in the aggregate (after giving effect to return of capital on any prior Investment, but not giving any credit for profit

 

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or return on such prior Investment), so long as the Borrowing Base ratio calculated for the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the proposed date of such Investment is less than 60% and will remain less than 60% on a pro-forma basis after giving effect to (and deducting for) such Investment.

Excluded Subsidiaries ” means any Subsidiary designated as such from time to time by Borrower and (except in the case of Subsidiaries that are Joint Ventures formed as Excluded Assets with notice to Administrative Agent) consented to by Majority Lenders. As of the Closing Date there are no Excluded Subsidiaries.

Excluded Taxes ” means, with respect to Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which Borrower is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by Borrower under Section 11.13), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new Lending Office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with Section 3.01(e), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a).

Executive Order ” shall mean Executive Order No. 13224 on Terrorist Financings: - Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or Support Terrorism issued on 23rd September, 2001, as amended by Order No. 132684, as so amended.

Existing Environmental Matters ” means those Environmental Matters affecting portions of the Aggregate Real Property identified on Schedule 5.17(a) .

Existing Secured Indebtedness ” means the outstanding Indebtedness on the date of this Agreement secured by the existing first priority deeds of trust on the CF Property, the San Carlos Property and the MF Property, as such Indebtedness may be extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced; provided that (i) the principal amount of any such refinancing does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness being refinanced (other than the interest rate and fees under such refinanced Indebtedness which may be at a rate consistent with the rates and fees then prevailing in the market for similar Indebtedness for borrowers engaged in the Core Businesses and with similar credit risks as Borrower) and (ii) the material terms and provisions of any such refinancing (including redemption, prepayment, security, default and subordination provisions) are no less favorable to CF Owner or the MF Owner, as applicable, any guarantors of such Indebtedness, and the Lenders than the Indebtedness being refinanced (other than the interest rate and fees under such refinanced Indebtedness which may be at a rate consistent with the rates and fees then prevailing in the market for similar Indebtedness for borrowers engaged in the Core Businesses and with similar credit risks as Borrower).

 

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Existing Secured Indebtedness Collateral Value ” means the sum, without duplication, for the CF Property, the San Carlos Property and the MF Property, of the following amounts: (i) the Net Present Value of the Projected Net Revenues of the CF Property, the San Carlos Property and MF Property (as applicable) minus (ii) the Net Present Value of Total Project Costs of such CF Property, San Carlos Property and MF Property (as applicable). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will (i) the Existing Secured Indebtedness Collateral Value for the CF Property, the San Carlos Property or the MF Property exceed the most recent CF/MF Appraised Value, if any, received by the Majority Lenders with respect to the CF Property, the San Carlos Property or the MF Property, as applicable, and (ii) the Existing Secured Indebtedness Collateral Value of either the CF Property, the San Carlos Property or the MF Property exceed the outstanding principal balance of the Existing Secured Indebtedness which is secured by such CF Property, San Carlos Property or MF Property, as applicable. For purposes of this definition of Existing Secured Indebtedness Collateral Value only, in the definitions of “Projected Net Revenues” and “Total Project Costs”, the term “Eligible Real Property Collateral” shall be deemed replaced with “the CF Property, the San Carlos Property and the MF Property”.

Existing Term Loans ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(a).

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published an such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of  1 / 100 of 1.0%) charged to Bank of America, N.A. on such day on such transactions as determined by Administrative Agent.

Fee Letter ” means the amended and restated letter agreement dated as of the date hereof, between Borrower, Parent and the Lenders.

Final Map ” means the final tract or plat map for each Project, Asset or Phase, as the case may be, which map shall be in form and content acceptable to Majority Lenders.

Finished Lots ” means those portions of the Borrower Real Property for which Borrower has satisfied the conditions set forth in Section 4.04 and with respect to which Borrower has not yet satisfied all of the conditions set forth in Section 4.05.

Foreign Lender ” means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which Borrower is resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

 

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GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied or, if the financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 are prepared in accordance with IFRS, IFRS.

Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Guarantee ” means, as to any Person, any (a) obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

Guarantors ” means, on the Closing Date, Parent and each Subsidiary of the Parent on the Closing Date (other than the Borrower, Circle G at the Church Farm North Joint Venture, LLC, Mountain Falls Golf Course, LLC and Lyon Mayfield, LLC, Mountain Falls, LLC, Lyon Mayfield, Inc., Nobar Water Company and Silver Creek Preserve) and each other Person that is required to become a Guarantor by the terms of this Agreement after the Closing Date, in each case, until such Person is released from its Unconditional Guaranty. On the Closing Date, the Guarantors will be the Parent, California Equity Funding, Inc., a California corporation, PH-LP Ventures, a California corporation, Duxford Financial, Inc., a California corporation, Sycamore CC, Inc., a California corporation, Presley CMR, Inc., a California corporation, William Lyon Southwest, Inc., an Arizona corporation, PH-Rielly Ventures, a California corporation, HSP, Inc., a California corporation, PH Ventures-San Jose, a California corporation, WLH Enterprises, a California

 

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General Partnership – (formerly The Ranch Golf Club Co., formerly Carmel Mountain Ranch), Lyon Waterfront, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Whitney Ranch Village 5, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Cerro Plata Associates, LLC., a Delaware limited liability company, Laguna Big Horn, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Duxford Insurance Services, LLC, a California limited liability company, Presley Homes, a California corporation and Lyon East Garrison Company I, LLC, a California limited liability company.

Hazardous Materials ” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

Homes Under Construction ” means Units for which Borrower has satisfied all of the requirements and conditions set forth in Section 4.05, but less than all of the conditions and requirements set forth in Section 4.06.

Horizontal Improvements ” means (i) those certain improvements on the Borrower Real Property (or beyond the boundaries thereof to the extent required by the Entitlements) for the development of the Borrower Real Property as Units or Amenities (including curbs, grading, storm and sanitary sewers, paving, sidewalks, landscaping, hardscaping, sprinklers, electric lines, gas lines, telephone lines, cable television lines, fiber optic lines, pipelines and other utilities) necessary to make the Borrower Real Property suitable for Vertical Construction of Units or Amenities, and (ii) any common area improvements to be constructed on the Borrower Real Property (or beyond the boundaries thereof to the extent required by the Entitlements) or to obtain the Entitlements for the development of the Borrower Real Property as Units or Amenities, all built by the Borrower in compliance with and permitted under all applicable Laws and Entitlements.

IFRS ” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as in effect on the date hereof and from time to time hereafter, consistently applied.

Improvements ” means the improvements made or to be made on any Real Property from time to time, which shall include all construction and development of the Horizontal Improvements, Vertical Construction, Amenities, homes, and all other infrastructure or housing improvements and related amenities made in preparation for the development, marketing and sale of Real Property.

Indebtedness ” means, without duplication, with respect to any Person (a) indebtedness or liability for borrowed money, including subordinated indebtedness; (b) obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments; (c) obligations for the deferred purchase price of property or services, provided, however, that Indebtedness shall not include obligations with respect to options to purchase Real Property that have not been exercised; (d) obligations as lessee under capital leases to the extent that the same would, in accordance with GAAP, appear as liabilities in such Person’s consolidated balance sheet; (e) current liabilities in respect of unfunded vested benefits under any Pension Plans and incurred withdrawal liability under any Pension Plan; (f) reimbursement obligations under letters of credit (including contingent obligations with respect

 

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to letters of credit not yet drawn upon); (g) obligations under acceptance facilities; (h) all guaranties, endorsements (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business), and other contingent obligations to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to invest in any other Person, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss; (i) obligations secured by any Liens on any property of such Person, whether or not the obligations have been assumed; (j) net liabilities under interest rate swap, exchange or cap agreements (valued as the termination value thereof, computed in accordance with a method approved by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association and agreed to by such Person in the applicable agreement); and (k) all Guarantees of such Person with respect to the foregoing. Indebtedness shall not include (i) trade accounts payable and accruals incurred in the ordinary course of the Core Businesses so long as such trade accounts payable or accruals are not outstanding for more than ninety (90) days from receipt of an invoice (unless such trade accounts payable or accruals (A) are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or (B) are for retentions consistent with industry practice and such Person’s past practices, in which case such ninety day limit shall not apply) are on terms and conditions reasonable and customary in the industry and are not owed to an Affiliate of such Person and (ii) payment and performance and surety bonds, completion guarantees, and other performance obligations and guaranties with respect thereto incurred in the ordinary course of the Core Businesses so long as such payment and performance and surety bonds, completion guarantees and other performance obligations and guaranties are on terms and conditions reasonable and customary in the industry.

Indemnified Taxes ” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

Indemnitee ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.04(b).

Indenture ” means that certain Indenture, dated as of February 25, 2012 among Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto, and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Note Trustee and Collateral Trustee.

Intercompany Subordination Agreement ” means that certain subordination agreement among Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, and each member of the Consolidated Group, pursuant to which, each member of the Consolidated Group agrees to subordinate any claims it may have against another member of the Consolidated Group to the Obligations of the Borrower hereunder.

Interest Payment Date ” means the first Business Day of each calendar month during the term of this Agreement, commencing on March 1, 2012 and the Maturity Date.

Investment ” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance (other than advances with respect to accounts receivable made in the ordinary course of business on customary credit terms) or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of debt of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person (including capital contributions to any Joint Ventures) and any arrangement pursuant to which the investor Guarantees Indebtedness of such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute a business unit.

 

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IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Joint Venture ” means any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which Parent, Borrower or any other member of the Consolidated Group holds any Equity Securities (other than Equity Securities issued by a public company and purchased on a recognized stock exchange).

Key Management ” means (i) William Lyon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Parent, and William H. Lyon, President and Chief Operating Officer of Parent and (ii) Matthew R. Zaist, Executive Vice President of Parent.

Land Acquisition Costs ” means with respect to any land acquisition transaction the gross purchase price and customary closing costs paid by Borrower or a Joint Venture for the Real Property acquired thereby.

Land Under Development ” means those portions of the Borrower Real Property on which Units will be developed for which Borrower has satisfied the conditions set forth in Section 4.03 and with respect to which Borrower has not yet satisfied all of the conditions set forth in Section 4.04.

Laws ” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directives, decrees, policies, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code interpretation, judgment, decree, directive, guideline, policy or similar form of decision of any Governmental Authority.

Lead Arranger ” means ColFin WLH Funding, LLC.

Lender ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Lending Office ” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify Borrower and Administrative Agent.

Lien ” means any recorded or unrecorded, express or implied, written or oral mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, Preemptive Purchase or Lease Right, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any covenant, condition, restriction, lease, easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to Real Property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

 

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Loan ” means an extension of credit by a Lender to Borrower under Article II or Section 9.04.

Loan Documents ” means this Agreement, each Note, the Fee Letter, the Administrative Agent Fee Letter, the Unconditional Guaranty, Environmental Indemnity, the Security Documents, the Pledge Agreement, the Collateral Certificate, the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any PCI Intercreditor Agreement, the Intercompany Subordination Agreement and all other documents, instruments, letters and agreements delivered to Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to Article IV and all other documents, instruments, letters and agreements delivered by any Loan Party to Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document on or after the date of this Agreement, including any amendments, consents or waivers, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time .

Loan Parties ” means, collectively, Borrower and each Guarantor.

Lots ” means lots zoned for single- or multi- family residences for sale into which the subject Borrower Real Property is to be or has been subdivided in compliance with all Laws, as set forth on a Final Map recorded in the Official Records.

Luxor Parties ” means Luxor Capital Partners, LP or certain funds and accounts managed by Luxor Capital Partners, LP.

Lyon Mayfield ” means Lyon Mayfield, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Majority Lenders ” means Lenders whose Total Outstandings exceed fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the aggregate Total Outstandings; provided that the portion of the Total Outstandings held, or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Majority Lenders.

Material Adverse Effect ” means (i) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of (a) Parent, (b) Borrower or (c) the Consolidated Group taken as a whole; (ii) a material impairment of the ability of any Loan Party to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (iii) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party, in each case, since the Petition Date. For the avoidance of doubt, it being understood and agreed that the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, and all matters disclosed therein, shall not constitute a Material Adverse Effect.

Material Agreements ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.25(a).

Maturity Date ” means January 31, 2015.

Maximum Rate ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.09.

Mayfield Lender ” means Qina, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

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Mayfield Loan ” means a loan of up to $60,000,000 in principal amount as contemplated by the Mayfield Loan Agreement.

Mayfield Loan Agreement ” means that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2011, between Lyon Mayfield, as borrower, and Mayfield Lender, as lender, as modified by that certain Modification Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2011, by and among Lyon Mayfield, Mayfield Lender, and the Mayfield Loan guarantors party thereto and as such agreement may be further amended, modified, restated, refinanced or otherwise supplemented.

Mayfield Property ” means the Real Property located in the cities of Mountain View and Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California, commonly known as the Mayfield or former Hewlett-Packard property, as more specifically described in Schedule MP.

Mechanics’ Liens ” means Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics and materialmen and other like Liens, except to that (i) such Liens arise in the ordinary course of business, (ii) such Liens are being contested in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings, with all potential liabilities either (a) bonded in a manner satisfactory to Majority Lenders or (b) not in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate for Borrower at any time, (iii) Borrower has demonstrated to Majority Lenders’ satisfaction that the proceedings will conclusively operate to prevent the sale of any part of the Collateral, and (iv) Borrower takes all other actions as required by Majority Lenders, to prevent the sale of any Collateral to satisfy any such Lien and to prevent impairment of the Collateral.

MF Property ” means the Real Property located in Pahrump, Nevada, commonly known as the Mountain Falls property, as more specifically described on Schedule MF .

MF Loan ” means the Existing Secured Indebtedness encumbering the MF Property.

MF Owner ” means Mountain Falls, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company and Mountain Falls Golf Course, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company.

Model Home ” means a Unit that meets all of the conditions in Section 4.06.

Multiemployer Plan ” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.

Net Income ” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or consolidated net loss) of Parent, Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries), determined in accordance with GAAP.

Net Present Value ” means, with respect to any amount, the net present value as of the date of determination of such amount using a discount rate equal to the Applicable Discount Rate.

 

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Net Proceeds” shall mean:

(a) With respect to any sale of Property by any Person, the aggregate gross consideration received in any form by such Person from such sale less the sum of (i) the actual amount of the customary and reasonable fees and commissions directly related to such sale that are paid by the seller to Persons other than the seller or any Affiliate or Related Parties of the seller, the reasonable legal expenses and other costs and expenses directly related to such sale that are paid by the seller and (ii) the amount of any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) which is secured by such Property and is required to be repaid or prepaid by the Seller as a result of such sale;

(b) With respect to any issuance or incurrence of any Indebtedness by any Person, the aggregate loan proceeds and other consideration received by such Person from such issuance or incurrence less the sum of the actual amount of the reasonable fees and commissions payable to Persons other than such Person or any Affiliate of such Person, the reasonable legal expenses and the other customary and reasonable costs and expenses directly related to such issuance or incurrence that are to be paid by such Person; and

(c) With respect to any issuance of Equity Securities by any Person, the aggregate capital contribution and other consideration received by such Person from such issuance less the sum of the actual amount of the reasonable fees and commissions payable to Persons other than such Person or any Affiliate of such Person, the reasonable legal expenses and the other customary and reasonable costs and expenses directly related to such issuance that are to be paid by such Person.

New Preferred Shares ” means the shares of convertible preferred stock issued by Parent on the Closing Date convertible into shares of Class C Common Stock of Parent.

Non-Recourse Debt ” means Indebtedness:

(i) as to which neither the Company, any other member of the Consolidated Group (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness), (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, or (c) is the lender;

(ii) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders of the Indebtedness may have to take enforcement action against a Joint Venture) would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Indebtedness (other than the Loans and the Second Lien Notes) of the Borrower or any other member of the Consolidated Group or any Joint Venture to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity; and

(iii) the explicit terms of which provide there is no recourse against any of the Equity Securities or assets of the Borrower, any other member of the Consolidated Group or any Joint Venture except as permitted by clause (i) of the definition of “Permitted Liens.”

In the event that any Non-Recourse Debt ceases to be Non-Recourse Debt for any reason, such event will be deemed to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness by the Borrower.

 

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Note ” means a promissory note made by Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit “A” attached hereto and made a part hereof.

Obligations ” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.

Official Records ” means the official real estate records of the county in which any Real Property is located.

Organization Documents ” means: (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

Other Permitted Indebtedness ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.01(f).

Other Taxes ” means all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

PAPA Obligations ” means any obligations affecting Real Property under any recorded or unrecorded payment, participation, development and/or performance agreements, buyback rights, bulk sale restriction agreements, repurchase options, rights of first refusal, deeds of trust securing any of the same, and /or other similar agreements, obligations or encumbrances.

Parent ” means William Lyon Homes, a Delaware corporation.

Participant ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(d).

Patriot Act ” shall mean the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56 (commonly known as the USA Patriot Act).

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

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PCI Intercreditor Agreement ” shall mean an intercreditor agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent by and between an Eligible Construction Lender and Administrative Agent.

PCI Release ” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01(b).

PCI Released Property ” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01(b).

Pension Plan ” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five plan years.

Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness incurred by Borrower from an Eligible Construction Lender in accordance with Section 8.04 and provided that such Indebtedness (i) shall be on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Majority Lenders, (ii) shall be secured solely by the applicable PCI Released Property which constitutes Real Property ready for immediate commencement or continuance of Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction (with ownership of the PCI Released Property required to be retained by Borrower throughout construction and marketing and until ultimate sale), (iii) is not for any Land Acquisition Costs of any Real Property, including the PCI Released Property or other land that would become part of the Phase, Asset or Project that includes the PCI Released Property (except that reasonable land draws are permitted for use in Vertical Construction of the PCI Released Property, subject to the limitations and requirements of Section 7.01(f)), (iv) complies with the limitations in the definition of Permitted Construction Indebtedness and (v) does not (a) contain provisions (including financial covenants, coverage ratios and restrictions on debt, transfers and encumbrances which are not complied with as a result of the existence of (or Borrower’s compliance with) any Loan or Loan Document or (b) prohibit any Net Proceeds of such Indebtedness (and the Net Proceeds of any sales of the PCI Released Property after any required payments on such Indebtedness) from being held in an account which is pledged to Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, and is subject to a Control Agreement.

Permitted Construction Indebtedness ” means (i) Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness and (ii) Indebtedness incurred by a Joint Venture established for the purpose of developing a single Project from an Eligible Construction Lender, which Indebtedness is Guaranteed by a member of the Consolidated Group, if the proceeds of such Indebtedness are used solely for Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction; provided, in each case, (w) the Borrower or Joint Venture, as the case may be, commences physical construction of all or a material portion of such Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction within 12 months of the date of the release of the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article VIII hereof on, or the date of acquisition of, the Real Property subject to such improvements, as applicable, and thereafter is diligently pursuing the completion of all such Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction; (x) the principal amount of such Indebtedness is secured by a first priority lien on, and shall not in the aggregate exceed, 60% (including any Lien securing Acquisition Indebtedness) of the lesser of the Appraised Value on the date such Indebtedness is

 

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incurred or Land Acquisition Costs of, the Real Property collateral securing such Indebtedness (which, in the case of Vertical Construction, may be the Appraised Value of the Real Property collateral as developed with the proceeds of such Indebtedness), (y) shall be secured solely by the Real Property on which the Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction are to be made and not by Borrower Real Property and (z) shall be permitted by the terms of Section 7.01(f)(ii) hereof. For purposes of this definition, commencement of construction shall mean the commencement of the actual physical construction of the Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction, as the case may be, and shall not be deemed to have been satisfied by the commencement of preparatory activities such as planning, surveying, entering architects, construction or other contracts or other preparatory activities or the incurrence of soft costs. For purposes of Section 7.01 and 7.02 hereof, if the Borrower or a Joint Venture incurs a single loan from the same lender providing for the acquisition and development of a single Project, such Indebtedness shall not constitute Acquisition Indebtedness but will constitute Permitted Construction Indebtedness if it meets all of the requirements set forth in this definition during the entire time that such Indebtedness is outstanding; provided, however , if Borrower or the Joint Venture, as the case may be, fails to commence physical construction of the Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction within the 12-month period provided for above, or if such Indebtedness ceases to be Permitted Construction Indebtedness hereunder for any other reason, such event will be deemed to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness, and if such Indebtedness meets the definition of Acquisition Indebtedness, the incurrence of Acquisition Indebtedness, by the Borrower or the Joint Venture as the case may be.

Permitted Exceptions ” means (i) all items shown in Schedule B Part 1 of any Title Policy delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent under and pursuant to the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement (or so shown in such Schedule B Part 1 issued with any date-down endorsement to such a previously-delivered Title Policy issued pursuant to this Agreement or so shown in such a Schedule B Part 1 of any later-issued Title Policies delivered pursuant to this Agreement) and which items were consented to by the Administrative Agent; (ii) Liens granted to Administrative Agent to secure the Obligations; and (iii) all other exceptions approved in writing by Majority Lenders.

Permitted Indebtedness ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.01.

Permitted Liens ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.02.

Permitted Reinvestments ” means the purchase of assets (other than securities, unless such securities represent Equity Securities in an entity engaged solely in a Core Business, such entity becomes a Loan Party and Parent or Borrower acquires Control of such entity) to be used by the Loan Parties in the Core Businesses.

Person ” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Personal Property ” means any personal property or asset, whether tangible or intangible.

Petition Date ” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement

 

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Phase ” means the Aggregate Real Property consisting of portions of Assets that consist of a group of Lots or Units commonly marketed with a marketing scheme, or portions of Assets including more than one such group.

Plan ” means any Pension Plan, any “employee pension plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) that is subject to Section 412 of the Code (other than a Multiemployer Plan) and that is established by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, or any “employee welfare plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) established by Borrower that provides for post-employment health benefits other than as required by Sections 601 et seq. of ERISA (commonly known as COBRA) or as required by any similar Laws.

Plan of Reorganization ” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Plans, Drawings and Specifications ” means the plans, drawings and specifications for the construction of the Horizontal Improvements, Vertical Construction and/or Units, as applicable, that have been approved by Majority Lenders pursuant to this Agreement.

Pledge Agreement ” means that certain Pledge Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2009, as amended and restated as of the date hereof, among Parent, Borrower and Administrative Agent.

Preemptive Purchase or Lease Right ” means any option, put, right of first or last refusal, right of first or last offer, right of first or last negotiation, or any other preemptive rights to purchase, sell or lease any Real Property.

Pre-Petition Claims ” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Pre-Petition Loan Agreement ” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Agreement.

Pre-Petition Term Loans ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.

Project ” means (a) an Asset which is not part of a group in clause “(b)” of this sentence or (b) a group of two (2) or more Assets in the same geographic area (which in the case of either (a) or (b) share(s) common areas and Amenities).

Project Eligibility Request ” means each and every request by Borrower for the Borrower Real Property in a Project to be Eligible Real Property Collateral for inclusion in the Borrowing Base, which request shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “F” .

Projected Net Revenues ” means, with respect to any Eligible Real Property Collateral, the Net Proceeds estimated by the Borrower in good faith to be received by the Borrower after the date of determination from the sale of the Eligible Real Property Collateral or interests therein. In determining Projected Net Revenues, (i) Net Proceeds from the sale of Eligible Real Property Collateral subject to a Purchase Contract shall not exceed the contracted sales price (net of customary costs and expenses), (ii) Net Proceeds from the sale of Eligible Real Property Collateral that are being offered for sale by the Borrower shall not exceed the current offer price (net of customary costs and expenses), (iii) Net Proceeds shall be adjusted to take into account as a deduction from estimated Net Proceeds any projected CFD Obligations, PAPA Obligations, and reasonable and customary anticipated costs of sale related to sales of any Real Property, (iv) Model

 

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Homes included as part of the Eligible Real Property shall be assumed to be held until substantially all other Units of the same type as the Model Home in the Asset are projected to be sold, (v) the amount and timing of receipt of Projected Net Revenues shall be prepared by Borrower in good faith based on assumptions that it believes to be reasonable on the date of determination, and (vi) the amount and timing of receipt of Projected Net Revenues shall be consistent with the most recent Certified Net Cash Flow Report delivered by Borrower to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents with such adjustments necessary to reflect subsequent changes in actual sales prices and absorption rates achieved at the various Assets with Eligible Real Property Collateral. Projected Net Revenues as of the date of any Borrowing Base Report shall be reflected on the Certified Net Cash Flow Report for the Eligible Real Property Collateral.

Projected Total Project Cost ” means, with respect to any Eligible Real Property Collateral, the Total Project Cost estimated by the Borrower in good faith to be paid after the date of determination with respect to the Eligible Real Property Collateral. In determining Projected Total Project Costs, (i) the amount and timing of the payment of Total Project Costs shall be prepared by Borrower in good faith based on assumptions that it believes to be reasonable at the date of determination, (ii) the amount and timing of the payment of Total Project Costs shall be consistent with the most recent Certified Net Cash Flow Report delivered by Borrower to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents with such adjustments necessary to reflect changes in the actual cost of materials and workmanship and absorption rates achieved at the various Projects or Assets as the case may be with Eligible Real Property Collateral. Projected Total Project Costs as of the date of any Borrowing Base Report shall be reflected on the Certified Net Cash Flow Report for the Eligible Real Property Collateral.

Property ” means Real Property and Personal Property.

Property Entity ” means CF Owner, MF Owner and Lyon Mayfield.

Purchase Contract ” means any purchase and sale agreement or other agreement entered into by Borrower, as seller, and a purchaser for the purchase and sale of any Borrower Real Property.

Real Property ” means any interest in land including any Improvements situated thereon.

Real Property Classifications ” means Unentitled Land, Unimproved Land, Land Under Development, Finished Lots, Homes Under Construction, and Model Homes.

Refinanced CBT, CNB and JPM Revolving Credit Agreements ” means the revolving credit agreements of Borrower with each of California Bank & Trust, California National Bank and JPMorgan Chase that were refinanced by Borrower on or about October 20, 2009.

Related Fund ” means with respect to any Lender which is a fund (or in which a fund has a beneficial ownership interest of at least twenty percent (20%)) that is allowed or permitted under its Organizational Documents to make or invest in loans, any other fund that is allowed or permitted by its Organizational Documents to make or invest in loans and that is managed by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate of such Lender or such investment advisor.

 

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Related Parties ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Reportable Event ” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the thirty (30) day notice period has been waived.

Responsible Officer ” means the chief executive officer, president, executive vice president, senior vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer, the general counsel or any vice president of a Loan Party or any Person designated by a Responsible Officer to act on behalf of a Responsible Officer; provided that such designated Person may not designate any other Person to be a Responsible officer. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

Restricted Cash ” means all cash and Cash Equivalents of the Loan Parties allocated for expenditure or Distribution held as reserves for the Permitted Indebtedness described in Section 7.01(b) or the Permitted Liens described in Sections 7.02(a), (b) and (c), held as reserves against any other claim, judgment and good faith contests or held as Customer Deposit Liabilities or otherwise characterized as a deposit.

Restructuring Fee ” shall have the meaning given such term in the Fee Letter.

Rights of First Refusals ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.18.

RMV Entities ” means collectively Lyon Rancho, LLC, and Lyon Mission, LLC, each Delaware limited liability companies.

RMV Monetary Obligation Cap ” has the meaning specified in Section 3(a) of the RMV Purchase Agreement.

RMV Property ” means the Option Property as such term is defined in the recitals to the RMV Purchase Agreement.

RMV Purchase Agreement ” means that certain Purchase and Sale, and Security Agreement, dated November 15, 2011, by and between Borrower, as purchaser, and Lyon Rancho, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as seller.

Rules ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.16(b).

San Carlos Property ” means the Real Property located in Irvine, California commonly known as the San Carlos Court at Portola Springs project, as more specifically described on Schedule SC .

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

 

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Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement ” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement between Administrative Agent and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Note Trustee and Collateral Trustee under the Indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, as amended, restated, modified or supplemented, from time to time.

Second Lien Notes ” means those certain notes issued by the Borrower on the Closing Date under the Indenture that, except as permitted by the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (i) have a maturity date later than the one-year anniversary of the Maturity Date and shall not provide for any principal amortization during the period that any Loan is outstanding and (ii) provide for cash interest of no greater than 8.0% per annum and payment in-kind interest of no greater than 4.0% per annum during the period that any Loan is outstanding (with a default rate no greater than 2% in excess thereof payable in-kind) (for the avoidance of doubt, any cash interest that may not be paid pursuant to the terms of the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement may continue to accrue).

Secured Intercompany Loan ” means a Credit Advance made by Borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 7.12.

Security Agreement ” means that certain Security Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2009, and amended and restated as of the date hereof, among Borrower, Parent, the other Guarantors party thereto, if any, and Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, together with any documents, supplements or agreements contemplated thereby, and any amendment or supplement thereto.

Security Documents ” shall mean and include the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, each Deed of Trust, each Control Agreement and all other instruments, agreements, certificates, opinions and documents (including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, fixture filings and landlord waivers) delivered to Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with any Collateral or to secure the Obligations or the obligations of the Guarantors under the Loan Documents.

Standard Release ” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01(b).

Standard Retail Sale ” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01(b).

Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of Borrower.

Taxes ” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

 

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Tentative Map ” means the tentative tract map for each Project, Asset or Phase, as the case may be.

Title Company ” means Fidelity National Title Insurance Company or Chicago Title Insurance Company.

Title Policy ” means Extended Coverage American Land Title Association loan policies of title insurance (2006 form with the creditors rights exception deleted (for such loan policies which were previously issued pursuant to the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement, and for such later-issued loan policies pursuant to this Agreement if such a deletion is available) and with the arbitration provisions deleted and with the endorsements listed on Schedule TP and such other endorsements as may be reasonably required by Majority Lenders) for each Deed of Trust, and which shall provide coverage (including mechanics’ lien coverage) satisfactory to Majority Lenders and insure the Deed of Trust as a first Lien on the Project, subject only to Permitted Exceptions.

Total Outstandings ” means, as of any date, the aggregate outstanding amount of all Loans, including accrued but unpaid interest and fees, under the Loan Documents.

Total Project Costs ” with respect to each parcel of Unimproved Land (to the extent that it is not a Lot or Unit), Lot or Unit included as part of Eligible Real Property Collateral as of any date means the sum of the following costs and expenses to be paid following the date of determination: (x) all acquisition and other land costs incurred to acquire or upgrade the land constituting part of such parcel of Unimproved Land (to the extent that it is not a Lot or Unit), Lot or Unit and (y) all costs to be incurred for the construction, marketing and sale of any Improvements on such parcel of Unimproved Land (to the extent that it is not a Lot or Unit), Lot or Unit, including those costs and expenses incurred for direct construction, house fees, landscape, consultants, indirect construction, warranty costs, property taxes, miscellaneous financing costs, common area costs, model upgrades, miscellaneous capitalized costs, model operations and advertising, direct selling expense, general and administrative expenses, design center income and other, but excluding interest expense. Total Project Costs shall be estimated and categorized in a manner consistent with the Asset cash flow schedules provided to the Majority Lenders in connection with the negotiation and execution of the Loan Documentation.

Unconditional Guaranty ” means the Unconditional Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of Administrative Agent and the Lenders, substantially in the form of Exhibit “D” attached hereto and made a part hereof.

Unentitled Land ” means Real Property (i) with respect to which all conditions set forth in Section 4.02 for inclusion in the Borrowing Base have not been satisfied, (ii) which are not designated for development into residences for sale to the public but are reserved as open space or as streets and common areas to be dedicated to homeowners’ associations and other Governmental Authorities, or (iii) that are Amenities (including golf courses).

Unfunded Pension Liability ” means the excess of a Pension Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plan’s assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code for the applicable plan year.

 

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Uniform Commercial Code ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may, from time to time, be in effect in the State of California; provided, however, in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of applicable Law, any or all of the attachment, perfection or priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of California, the term “Uniform Commercial Code” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such attachment, perfection or priority and for purposes of definitions related to such provisions.

Unimproved Land ” means those portions of the Borrower Real Property on which Units will be developed for which Borrower has satisfied the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and with respect to which Borrower has not yet satisfied all of the conditions set forth in Section 4.03.

United States ” and “ U.S. ” mean the United States of America.

Units ” means single- or multi- family “for sale” residences whether Vertical Construction thereof has commenced or been completed, wholly owned held by Borrower for sale in the ordinary course of business, and in which the rights of ownership and occupancy are to be sold by Borrower other than on a time-sharing or periodic basis, and each Unit shall include the Lot that the Unit has been or will be built upon.

Unrestricted Cash ” means all cash and Cash Equivalents of the Loan Parties which is not Restricted Cash.

Vertical Construction ” means the vertical construction, after all Entitlements for such construction including the Building Permit has been obtained, of Units or Amenities on the Borrower Real Property by Borrower in compliance with and permitted under all applicable Laws and Entitlements.

WL Southwest ” means William Lyon Southwest, Inc., an Arizona corporation.

1.02 OTHER INTERPRETIVE PROVISIONS. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:

(a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any organization document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “herein,” “hereof and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall

 

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be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

(b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

(c) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

1.03 ACCOUNTING TERMS.

(a) Generally . All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.

(b) Changes in GAAP . If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either Borrower or Majority Lenders shall so request, Administrative Agent, the Lenders and Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of Majority Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) Borrower shall provide to Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.

1.04 ROUNDING. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).

1.05 TIMES OF DAY. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Pacific time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

 

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ARTICLE II

CREDIT EXTENSION

2.01 LOANS. On the Closing Date, each Lender holding one or more Loans (as defined in the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement and referred to herein as the “ Pre-Petition Term Loans ) shall be deemed to be a Lender holding Pre-Petition Term Loans hereunder, each in the same principal amount as such Pre-Petition Term Loans increased by such Lender’s pro rata share of the increase in the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Pre-Petition Term Loans in the amount of $29.0 million, representing a compromise and final settlement of the Make Whole Amount and Exit Fee (as such terms are defined in the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement) (such Loans, as increased, the “ Existing Term Loans ”). The Borrower hereby agrees and confirms that, as of the Closing Date, the outstanding principal balance of the Existing Term Loans is Two Hundred Thirty Five Million Dollars ($235,000,000). The Lenders shall have no further commitment to lend any additional amounts hereunder, with the conversion of the Pre-Petition Term Loans into the Existing Term Loans hereunder being the Lenders only obligation hereunder as to such Pre-Petition Term Loans. Existing Term Loans repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed.

2.02 PREPAYMENTS.

(a) Prepayments Generally. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, express or implied, in this Agreement or otherwise, (i) upon the prepayment of any Loan (whether such prepayment is an optional prepayment or a mandatory prepayment, including a prepayment upon acceleration), the Borrower shall pay to Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lender that made such Loan all accrued but unpaid interest and fees to the date of such prepayment on the amount prepaid and any and all other amounts which may be payable hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (ii) prepayments under this Section 2.02 shall be made without premium or penalty.

(b) Voluntary Prepayments. The Borrower may, upon notice to Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Loans in whole or in part; provided that (i) such notice must be received by Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon three (3) days prior to any date of prepayment; and (ii) any prepayment of Loans shall be in a whole multiple of $5,000,000 or, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment. Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by Borrower, Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Each such prepayment shall be applied to the Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.

(c) Mandatory Prepayments. Borrower shall prepay the Loans as follows:

(i) if any member of the Consolidated Group engages in an Asset Sale, Borrower and/or Parent shall, or shall cause such member of the Consolidated Group to, no later than three hundred thirty (330) days following the consummation thereof, and so long as (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) Borrower demonstrates, to the Administrative Agent’s reasonable satisfaction, compliance with the Borrowing Base test measured both before and after (on a pro forma basis) giving effect to such Asset Sale, reinvest the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale in Permitted Reinvestments; provided that

 

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during such three hundred thirty (330) day period, Borrower deposits such Net Proceeds into a deposit account that is subject to a first in Lien favor of Administrative Agent and which is the subject of a Control Agreement. Immediately upon any reinvestment of Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale in a Permitted Reinvestment, Borrower shall deliver proof, reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, acting at the direction of Majority Lenders, that such Net Proceeds have been so reinvested. If at any time after the Closing Date, the Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that have not been reinvested in a Permitted Reinvestment within three hundred thirty (330) days from the relevant Asset Sale exceeds $10,000,000, such excess shall be paid over to Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders as a mandatory prepayment of the Loans in accordance with this Section 2.02(c) immediately upon such Net Proceeds exceeding $10,000,000.

(ii) If on any date the Total Outstandings exceed the Borrowing Base, Borrower shall make a mandatory prepayment on the Loans in the amount of such excess within five (5) Business Days.

2.03 REPAYMENT OF LOANS. Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of Loans outstanding on such date, together with all accrued and unpaid interest and all other amounts due and payable hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.

2.04 INTEREST.

(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, each Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Rate.

(b) (i) If any amount of principal or interest of any Loan is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate and Borrower shall pay a late fee equal to five percent (5.0%) of such late payment of principal or interest, in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

(i) If any amount (other than principal or interest of any Loan) payable by Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, then such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate and, if requested by Majority Lenders, Borrower shall pay a late fee equal to five percent (5.0%) of such late payment, in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

(ii) While any Event of Default exists, Borrower shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

 

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(iii) If an Event of Default exists, interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) and late fees, if any, shall be due and payable upon demand.

(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

2.05 FEES.

(a) Borrower shall pay (i) to Lenders the fees in the amount and at the times designated in the Fee Letter, including the Restructuring Fee, and (ii) to Administrative Agent the fees in the amount and at the times designated in the Administrative Agent Fee Letter, including the Administrative Agency Fee. Once paid, such fees shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.

(b) Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Once paid, such fees shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.

2.06 COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES. For all Loans, all computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 365-day year, or a 366-day year (as applicable), and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid. Each determination by Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

2.07 EVIDENCE OF DEBT. The Credit Extension made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through Administrative Agent, Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

2.08 PAYMENTS GENERALLY; ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S CLAWBACK.

(a) General. All payments to be made by Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by Borrower hereunder shall be made to Administrative

 

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Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by Administrative Agent after 1:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.

(b) Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice from Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders that Borrower will not make such payment, Administrative Agent may assume that Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to Administrative Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

A notice of Administrative Agent to any Lender or Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

2.09 SHARING OF PAYMENTS BY LENDERS. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Loans made by it, resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:

(i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and

(ii) the provisions of this Section 2.09 shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

 

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Each Loan Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Loan Party in the amount of such participation.

2.10 SECURITY.

(a) Security Documents. The Loans, together with all other Obligations, shall be secured by the Liens granted by the Borrower and the Guarantors under the Security Documents. All obligations of a Guarantor under the Loan Documents shall be secured by the Liens granted by such Guarantor under the Security Documents.

(b) Further Assurances. The Borrower shall deliver, and shall cause each Guarantor to deliver, to Administrative Agent such additional Deeds of Trust (together with a Title Policy for any such Deed of Trust), security agreements, lessor consents and estoppels (containing appropriate mortgagee and lender protection language) and other instruments, agreements, certificates, opinions and documents (including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, fixture filings and landlord waivers) as Administrative Agent or Majority Lenders may reasonably request to:

(i) grant, perfect, maintain, protect and evidence security interests in favor of Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in any or all present and future Real Property and Personal Property of the Borrower and the Guarantors (other than Excluded Assets) prior to the Liens or other interests of any Person, except for Permitted Liens; and

(ii) Otherwise establish, maintain, protect and evidence the rights provided to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Administrative Agent and the Lenders, pursuant to the Security Documents.

The Borrower shall fully cooperate with the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and perform all additional acts reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to effect the purposes of this Section 2.10.

ARTICLE III

TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

3.01 TAXES.

(a) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, provided that if Borrower shall be required by applicable law to deduct any Indemnified Taxes (including any Other Taxes) from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01(a)) Administrative Agent or Lender, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) Borrower shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

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(b) Payment of Other Taxes by Borrower. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, Borrower shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(c) Indemnification by Borrower. Borrower shall indemnify Administrative Agent and each Lender, within five (5) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) paid by Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to Borrower or by a Lender (with a copy to Administrative Agent), or by Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by Borrower to a Governmental Authority, Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

(e) Status of Lenders. Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which Borrower is resident for tax purposes, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to Borrower (with a copy to Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent as will enable Borrower or Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States, any Foreign Lender shall deliver to Borrower and Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of Borrower or Administrative Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled to do so), whichever of the following is applicable:

(i) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,

 

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(ii) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI,

(iii) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of Borrower within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881 (c) (3)(C) of the Code and (y) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or

(iv) any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States Federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

(f) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If Administrative Agent, or any Lender determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by Borrower or with respect to which Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of Administrative Agent, and such Lender, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that Borrower, upon the request of Administrative Agent, or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to Borrower or any other Person.

3.02 COMPENSATION FOR LOSSES. Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to Administrative Agent) from time to time, Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of any failure by Borrower (other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to borrow on the date or in the amount notified by Borrower, including any loss of anticipated profits and any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan. Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing.

3.03 MITIGATION OBLIGATIONS; REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS.

(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. If Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, then such Lender (x) shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations

 

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hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01, as the case may be, in the future, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender, and (y) shall deliver to Administrative Agent and Borrower a calculation of any such compensation or additional amount, in reasonable detail. Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

(b) Replacement of Lenders. If Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 11.13.

3.04 SURVIVAL. All of Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of this Agreement and repayment of all Obligations hereunder.

ARTICLE IV

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVENESS

4.01 CONDITIONS TO CLOSING DATE. The Administrative Agent’s and Lenders’ obligation to enter into this Agreement, and the effectiveness thereof, is subject to satisfaction (or waiver in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent) of the following conditions precedent:

(a) Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or facsimiles (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party each dated the date hereof or the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to each of the Lenders:

(i) executed counterparts of this Agreement, the Fee Letter, the Administrative Agent Fee Letter, the Unconditional Guaranty, the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, Control Agreements in respect of each of the deposit accounts and securities accounts pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement, any amendments thereto, as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, and each other Loan Document, in each case sufficient in number for distribution to Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Loan Parties thereto;

(ii) for each Project, fee title shall be vested in Borrower, and Borrower shall have provided to Administrative Agent (i) the Deed of Trust as a first priority Lien, subject only to Permitted Exceptions, duly executed by Borrower, acknowledged, delivered and recorded in the Official Records; (ii) (A) the Title Policy modification endorsements requested by Administrative Agent, together with a 107.2 endorsement, 116.3 endorsement (if applicable) and any such other Title Policy endorsements requested by Administrative Agent in Administrative Agent’s sole and reasonable discretion or (B) a new Title Policy if none was previously issued for such Project, and (iii) in the case of (i) and (ii) any amendments and endorsements thereto as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion;

 

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(iii) a Note executed by Borrower in favor of each Lender;

(iv) the Administrative Agent’s receipt of a fully executed copy of the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders;

(v) a Borrowing Base Report demonstrating compliance with the Borrowing Base test measured both before and after (on a pro forma basis) giving effect to the Credit Extension being made on such date;

(vi) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party;

(vii) such documents and certifications as Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business require such qualification, except to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(viii) a favorable opinion of Borrower’s counsel, addressed to Administrative Agent and each Lender, as to such matters concerning the Loan Parties and the Loan Documents as the Lenders may reasonably request;

(ix) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party either (A) attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by such Loan Party and the validity against such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required;

(x) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party certifying (A) that there has been no event or circumstance since December 19, 2011 that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; (B) the representations and warranties set forth in Article V and in the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (except for such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such specified date); and (C) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of such date or would occur after giving effect to the amendment and restatement of this Agreement on such date;

 

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(xi) evidence that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents has been obtained and is in effect and that Administrative Agent has been named loss payee, or Administrative Agent and the Lenders have been named as additional insureds, as applicable, thereunder and Administrative Agent may direct the insurers to cause all payments of insurance proceeds to be payable to it from and after the date of a Default without further consent of Borrower or any Loan Party;

(xii) such other assurances, certificates, documents, instruments, agreements, consents or opinions as Administrative Agent reasonably may require, including such other documents, instruments and evidence to establish and perfect the Liens granted to Administrative Agent or any Lender under the Loan Documents; and

(xiii) the Rights of First Refusal executed by the applicable party in favor of Lender.

(b) Bankruptcy matters:

(i) Administrative Agent shall have received, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent and Lenders, (A) the Plan of Reorganization and related disclosure statement (as amended) and (B) all orders of the Bankruptcy Court implementing or affecting the Plan of Reorganization and the Loan Documents, or affecting the rights, remedies and obligations of Administrative Agent and Lenders hereunder or thereunder;

(ii) Administrative Agent shall have received evidence that (A) the Plan of Reorganization has been confirmed by a Final Order (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization) entered by the Bankruptcy Court, and such confirmation order is in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent and Lenders, and has not been stayed by the Bankruptcy Court or any other court having jurisdiction to issue any stay, and (B) the confirmation order has been entered upon proper notice to all parties to be bound by the Plan of Reorganization, all as may be required by the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules and any applicable local bankruptcy law;

(iii) Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate from the Borrower that (A) all conditions to the effectiveness of the Plan of Reorganization have been satisfied or waived in a manner reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent, (B) the Plan of Reorganization shall have been consummated or shall be consummated contemporaneously with the closing of this Agreement and (C) all allowed administrative expenses of Borrower (excluding remaining fees and expenses of Borrower’s bankruptcy estates’ retained professionals and the ordinary course obligations of Borrower) incurred under the Chapter 11 Cases that are then due and payable pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, have been satisfied;

 

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(iv) [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]; and

(v) Lenders’ counsel and other professionals retained by or on behalf of such counsel shall have received payment from Borrower of all outstanding and accrued unpaid fees and expenses of such counsel and professionals, whether incurred prior to or following the Petition Date and for which invoices have been submitted.

(c) Administrative Agent shall have received Uniform Commercial Code Lien searches and other evidence satisfactory to Lenders that the only Liens on the Collateral are Permitted Liens.

(d) Administrative Agent and each Lender shall have received a three (3) year business plan and budget (commencing on January 1, 2012), with a narrative executive summary (“ Annual Budget ”) for the Consolidated Group, which Annual Budget shall include annual base compensation for senior management of the Consolidated Group.

(e) The Majority Lenders shall be satisfied, as of the Closing Date, based upon financial models developed by the Lenders and Borrower, that no default or event of default under the Indenture has occurred or would occur upon giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents.

(f) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document or which are contained in any document furnished in connection herewith shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such specified date).

(g) Intentionally Omitted.

(h) Intentionally Omitted.

(i) Intentionally Omitted.

(j) Intentionally Omitted.

(k) Intentionally Omitted.

(l) Borrower shall have delivered to Administrative Agent, the Environmental Indemnity, fully completed and duly executed by Borrower.

(m) Intentionally Omitted.

(n) Borrower shall have provided to Administrative Agent evidence satisfactory to Majority Lenders as to whether (a) each Project, or any portion thereof, is located in

 

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an area designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development as having special flood or mudslide hazards, and (b) the community in which such Project is located is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

(o) Intentionally Omitted.

(p) Any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid in full by Borrower.

(q) Unless waived by Administrative Agent, Borrower shall have paid all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to Administrative Agent and each Lender and all out of pocket due diligence costs of Initial Lender, in each case to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing and post closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between Borrower, the Lenders and Administrative Agent). Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 10.04, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

(r) Each of the Projects shall be listed on Schedule 4.01(s) , which Schedule shall include the Real Property Classifications for the Borrower Real Property included in each Project pursuant to the conditions set forth in Sections 4.02 through 4.06, inclusive.

(s) All of the conditions to inclusion to of Real Property as Eligible Real Property Collateral in Section 4.07(b) shall have been met with respect to all of the Borrower Real Property, except for the San Carlos Property.

(t) Each of Borrower (after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby and the Plan of Reorganization), and the Consolidated Group on a consolidated basis, is solvent, has assets having a fair value in excess of the amount required to pay its probable liabilities on its existing debts as they become absolute and matured, and has access to adequate funds for the conduct of its business and the ability to pay its debts from time to time incurred in connection therewith as such debts mature.

(u) The Borrower shall have delivered to Administrative Agent a copies of duly executed and acknowledged employment agreements with General William Lyon and William H. Lyon containing such terms and conditions, including base salary, bonus compensation and non-compete, satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its sole and absolute discretion.

(v) The Existing Secured Indebtedness (other than the MF Loan) shall have been restructured on terms and conditions set forth in the Plan of Reorganization.

 

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4.02 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE BORROWING BASE AS UNIMPROVED LAND. Borrower may, from time to time, request Administrative Agent to include a portion of the Borrower Real Property as Unimproved Land for purposes of the Borrowing Base. In connection with each such request, and as a condition to any Borrower Real Property qualifying as Unimproved Land at any time, including on the Closing Date or the date of any determination of the Borrowing Base, the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied or waived by Administrative Agent at the sole cost and expense of Borrower. Upon the satisfaction of such conditions precedent, as determined by Majority Lenders, such portions of the Borrower Real Property shall be included in the Borrowing Base as Unimproved Land:

(a) REQUEST. Borrower shall have submitted to Administrative Agent a request in the form of Exhibit “G” to include in the Borrowing Base as Unimproved Land portions of the Borrower Real Property as set forth in such request. Such request and all other documents and instruments described in this Section 4.02 shall be submitted with the Borrowing Base Report in which Borrower intends to include such portion of the Borrower Real Property in the Borrowing Base as Unimproved Land. Each such request shall be deemed a renewal of all representations and warranties of Borrower set forth in the Loan Documents.

(b) DEFAULTS. No Default shall have occurred and be continuing on and as of the date that each portion of the Borrower Real Property is included as Unimproved Land.

(c) ZONING APPROVALS. To the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, Borrower shall have provided to Administrative Agent and Majority Lenders shall have approved evidence of appropriate vested zoning for the anticipated development of the Unimproved Land “for sale” single- or “for sale” multi- family residential property, which zoning shall be consistent with (i) the anticipated use of such Unimproved Land and (ii) the Core Businesses.

(d) ELIGIBLE REAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL. All Unimproved Land shall have met all of the requirements in this Agreement to be Eligible Real Property Collateral.

(e) OTHER. Borrower shall have provided such other documents and information reasonably requested by Administrative Agent.

4.03 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE BORROWING BASE AS LAND UNDER DEVELOPMENT. Borrower may, from time to time, request Administrative Agent to include a portion of the Borrower Real Property as Land Under Development for purposes of the Borrowing Base. In connection with each such request, and as a condition to any Borrower Real Property qualifying as Land Under Development at any time including on the Closing Date or the date of any determination of the Borrowing Base, the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied or waived by the Administrative Agent at the sole cost and expense of Borrower. Upon the satisfaction of such conditions precedent, as determined by Majority Lenders, such portions of the Borrower Real Property shall be classified as Land Under Development:

(a) REQUEST. Borrower shall have submitted to Administrative Agent a request in the form of Exhibit “H” to classify as Land Under Development portions of the Borrower Real Property as set forth in such request. Such request and all other documents and instruments described in Sections 4.02 and 4.03 shall be submitted with the Borrowing Base Report in which Borrower intends to include such portion of the Borrower Real Property in the Borrowing Base as Land Under Development. Each such request shall be deemed a renewal of all representations and warranties of Borrower set forth in the Loan Documents.

 

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(b) DEFAULTS. No Default shall have occurred and be continuing on and as of the date that each portion of the Borrower Real Property is included as Land Under Development.

(c) HORIZONTAL IMPROVEMENTS. To the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, Borrower shall have provided to Administrative Agent and Majority Lenders shall have approved evidence of Horizontal Improvements are ongoing on the applicable Borrower Real Property.

(d) ELIGIBLE REAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL. All Land Under Development meets all of the requirements in this Agreement to be Eligible Real Property Collateral.

(e) OTHER. Borrower shall have provided such other documents and information reasonably requested by Administrative Agent.

4.04 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY AS FINISHED LOTS TO THE BORROWING BASE. Borrower may, from time to time, request Administrative Agent to include a portion of the Borrower Real Property as Finished Lots for purposes of the Borrowing Base. In connection with each such request, and as a condition to any Borrower Real Property qualifying as Finished Lots at any time, including on the Closing Date or the date of any determination of the Borrowing Base, the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied or waived by the Administrative Agent at the sole cost and expense of Borrower. Upon the satisfaction of such conditions precedent, as determined by Majority Lenders, such portions of the Borrower Real Property shall be included in the Borrowing Base as Finished Lots:

(a) REQUEST. Borrower shall have submitted to Administrative Agent a request in the form of Exhibit “I” to classify as Finished Lots portions of the Borrower Real Property as set forth in such request. Such request and all other documents and instruments described in Sections 4.02, 4.03 and 4.04 shall be submitted when Borrower intends to classify such portion of the Borrower Real Property as Finished Lots. Each such request shall be deemed a renewal of all representations and warranties of Borrower set forth in the Loan Documents.

(b) DEFAULTS. No Default shall have occurred and be continuing on and as of the date that each portion of the Borrower Real Property is classified as Finished Lots.

(c) FINAL MAP. To the extent requested by Administrative Agent, Borrower shall have delivered to Administrative Agent and Majority Lenders shall have approved a Final Map (a Tentative Map is not sufficient for inclusion of Borrower Real Property as Finished Lots)

 

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of the Finished Lots pursuant to the applicable subdivision map requirements, which Final Map shall have been recorded in the Official Records. Each Final Map must contain a legal description of the Finished Lots, must describe and show all boundaries of and lot lines within such Finished Lots and all streets and other dedications, and must contain such other information and certifications as Administrative Agent may request.

(d) SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION OF HORIZONTAL IMPROVEMENTS. To the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, Borrower shall have delivered to Administrative Agent and Majority Lenders shall have approved evidence that all Horizontal Improvements on the Borrower Real Property to be classified as Finished Lots are substantially compete.

(e) PERMIT READY; UTILITIES. To the extent requested by Administrative Agent, Borrower shall have provided to Administrative Agent and Majority Lenders shall have approved evidence that all fees due to any Governmental Authority have been paid (including all fees up and to the point of pulling the final building permit necessary to commence Vertical Construction), and all conditions and requirements necessary to be met have been met unconditionally, for issuance of all Building Permits for the Finished Lots;, and no conditions will exist to affect Borrower’s right to connect into and have adequate use of such utilities except for the payment of a normal connection charges or tap charges and except for the payment of subsequent charges for such services to the utility supplier.

(f) ELIGIBLE REAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL. All Finished Lots meet all of the requirements in this Agreement to be Eligible Real Property Collateral.

(g) OTHER. Borrower shall have provided such other documents and information reasonably requested by Administrative Agent.

4.05 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE BORROWING BASE AS HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Borrower may, from time to time, request Administrative Agent to include a portion of the Borrower Real Property as Homes Under Construction, as applicable, for purposes of the Borrowing Base. In connection with each such request, and as a condition to any Borrower Real Property qualifying as Homes Under Construction at any time, including on the Closing Date or the date of any determination of the Borrowing Base, the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied or waived by the Administrative Agent at the sole cost and expense of Borrower. Upon the satisfaction of such conditions precedent, as determined by Majority Lenders, such portion of the Borrower Real Property shall be included in the Borrowing Base as Homes Under Construction, as applicable:

(a) REQUEST. Borrower shall have submitted to Administrative Agent a request in the form of Exhibit “J” to include in the Borrowing Base as Homes Under Construction portions of the Borrower Real Property as set forth in such request. Such request and all other documents and instruments described in Sections 4.02, 4.03, 4.04 and 4.05 shall be submitted with the Borrowing Base Report in which Borrower intends to include such portion of the Borrower Real Property in the Borrowing Base as Homes Under Construction. Each such request shall be deemed a renewal of all representations and warranties of Borrower set forth in the Loan Documents.

 

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(b) DEFAULTS. No Default shall have occurred and be continuing on and as of the date that each portion of the Borrower Real Property is included as Homes Under Construction for purposes of the Borrowing Base.

(c) DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION. Borrower shall have provided to Administrative Agent, and Majority Lenders shall have approved, all documents and information required pursuant to Sections 4.02, 4.03 and 4.04, with respect to the applicable portion of the Borrower Real Property is included as Homes Under Construction for purposes of the Borrowing Base.

(d) VERTICAL CONSTRUCTION. To the extent requested by Administrative Agent, Borrower shall have provided to Administrative Agent, and Majority Lenders shall have approved, evidence that the Building Permit has been issued and that Vertical Construction has commenced on the Finished Lots. Homes Under Construction will include Units that meet all of the requirements and conditions to be Homes Under Construction and will continue to include any such Units up until and including the point that such Units have become finished Units (i.e., through Vertical Construction, regardless of what stage of Vertical Construction is ongoing, and including upon completion of Vertical Construction) and (other than with respect to Units that meet all of the conditions and requirements under Section 4.06 below to become Model Homes) escrow has closed on the sales of such Units in accordance with Section 8.02.

(e) ELIGIBLE REAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL. All Homes Under Construction meet all of the requirements in this Agreement to be Eligible Real Property Collateral.

(f) OTHER. Borrower shall have provided such other documents and information reasonably requested by Administrative Agent.

4.06 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADMISSION OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE BORROWING BASE AS MODEL HOMES. Borrower may, from time to time, request Administrative Agent to include a portion of the Borrower Real Property as Model Homes for purposes of the Borrowing Base. In connection with each such request, and as a condition to any Borrower Real Property qualifying as Model Homes at any time, including on the Closing Date or the date of any determination of the Borrowing Base, the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied or waived by the Administrative Agent at the sole cost and expense of Borrower. Upon the satisfaction of such conditions precedent, as determined by Majority Lenders, such portions of the Borrower Real Property shall be included in the Borrowing Base as Model Homes:

(a) REQUEST. Borrower shall have submitted to Administrative Agent a request in the form of Exhibit “K” to include in the Borrowing Base as Model Homes portions that a portion of the Borrower Real Property as set forth in such request. Such request and all other documents and instruments described in this Sections 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05 and 4.06 shall be submitted with the Borrowing Base Report in which Borrower intends to include such portion of the Borrower Real Property in the Borrowing Base as Model Homes. Each such request shall be deemed a renewal of all representations and warranties of Borrower set forth in the Loan Documents.

 

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(b) DEFAULTS. No Default shall have occurred and be continuing on and as of the date that each portion of the Borrower Real Property is included as Model Homes for purposes of the Borrowing Base.

(c) DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION. Borrower shall have provided to Administrative Agent, and Majority Lenders shall have approved, all documents and information required pursuant to Sections 4.02, 4.03, 4.04 and 4.05, with respect to the applicable portion of the Borrower Real Property as Model Homes for purposes of the Borrowing Base.

(d) UNIT CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION. Borrower shall not be entitled to include any portion of the Borrower Real Property as Model Homes for purposes of the Borrowing Base unless and until Vertical Construction has been completed to the satisfaction of Majority Lenders and the Model Homes have been completed with such fit and finish and furnishing as Borrower reasonably believes is necessary in connection with marketing and sales of Units of the type of the Model Home in the Project in which the Model Home is located. Units that are unsold shall not be deemed to be Model Homes (but rather a Home Under Construction) unless such Unit is furnished or merchandized and used as part of marketing and sales of Units of the type of the Model Home, and located in a Model Unit complex (provided that Model Unit complexes shall not include more Units than is industry standard and is consistent with Borrower’s past practice in designating Model Homes).

(e) ELIGIBLE REAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL. All Model Homes meet all of the requirements in this Agreement to be Eligible Real Property Collateral.

(f) OTHER. Borrower shall have provided such other documents and information reasonably requested by Administrative Agent.

4.07 GENERAL CONDITIONS TO REAL PROPERTY ELIGIBLE COLLATERAL BEING INCLUDED IN THE BORROWING BASE. In addition to any other conditions to any Borrower Real Property being included in the Borrowing Base from time to time, the Borrower Real Property must be Eligible Real Property Collateral, and in order to be Eligible Real Property Collateral, Real Property must be included in a Project that shall have met the following conditions precedent as determined by Majority Lenders (an “ Eligible Project ”):

(a) PROJECT DELIVERABLES. Administrative Agent has received and approved:

(i) A fully completed Project Eligibility Request, executed by Borrower, with all attachments and enclosures;

(ii) A fully executed and acknowledged Deed of Trust for the Real Property included in the Project, which Deed of Trust shall be recorded in the Official Records, and upon recordation of the Deed of Trust, Administrative Agent shall have received a Title Policy issued by the Title Company, and except for the Permitted Exceptions, there are no Liens encumbering such Real Property;

 

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(iii) Fully executed collateral assignments of any material Construction Agreements for the Project; and

(iv) For informational purposes and with no right of Lender to approve, to the extent such information is available for the Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction to be constructed as part of the Project as of the date entry of the Project’s Borrower Real Property into the Borrowing Base, if requested by Administrative Agent or any Majority Lender: (1) copies of the Plans, Drawings and Specifications, architects and engineers agreements, construction contracts, and all other agreements, and Entitlements concerning the Project being submitted for approval; (2) all cost breakdowns for the Improvements to be constructed as part of the Project; and (3) Project sources and uses of funds, Project economics and feasibility, market data and other similar information concerning the Project as reasonably requested by Administrative Agent.

(b) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. Without limitation of any other conditions to any Borrower Real Property being Eligible Real Property Collateral, the following are conditions to any Borrower Real Property being Eligible Real Property Collateral:

(i) The Borrower Real Property is not zoned or being developed for commercial use or any other use that is inconsistent with the single- or multi- family “for sale” use intended in connection with the Core Businesses (e.g., land zoned for hotel or golf course uses);

(ii) The Real Property (other than Amenities which may have been transferred to the Project’s homeowners’ association) shall be Borrower Real Property owned in fee, subject only to the Permitted Exceptions;

(iii) Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to approve a Project as an Eligible Project if there is a Default;

(iv) The Borrower Real Property is not (or the holder of Indebtedness does not have the right to cause such Borrower Real Property to become) collateral for any Permitted Construction Indebtedness, Acquisition Indebtedness, or Existing Secured Indebtedness;

(v) The Borrower Real Property is not Unentitled Land;

(vi) The Borrower Real Property is not zoned for, and will not be developed as, Apartments, except that the Asset identified on Schedule APT (and no other Aggregate Real Property) is zoned for Apartments and may be Eligible Real Property Collateral that is Unimproved Land, Land Under Development or Finished Lots on the Closing Date, if such Asset meets all of the conditions to be Eligible Real Property Collateral other than those conditions requiring that the Unimproved Land, Land Under Development or Finished Lots as the case may be for single- or multi- family “for sale” residential use;

 

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(vii) There is a Deed of Trust, recorded in the Official Records, creating an enforceable first priority Lien in favor of Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders on the Borrower Real Property, and except for the Permitted Exceptions, there are no Liens encumbering such Borrower Real Property; and

(viii) Borrower shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver to Administrative Agent to the extent requested: (a) a duly executed and acknowledged subordination agreement, recorded in the Official Records, from each party in interest to an agreement that includes a PAPA Obligation or Preemptive Purchase or Lease Right with respect to the Borrower Real Property, which subordination agreement shall (1) subordinate each of such PAPA Obligations and Preemptive Purchase or Lease Right to the Lien of this Loan on the applicable Borrower Real Property, and (2) be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Majority Lenders (provided that they should be consistent in all material respects with the forms provided by Initial Lender’s counsel prior to the Closing Date); and (b) delivered to Administrative Agent a legal opinion in a form reasonably acceptable to Majority Lenders that such subordination agreement is enforceable and is in a form sufficient to be a subordination agreement.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

In order to induce Administrative Agent and the Lenders to enter into this Agreement, Borrower represents and warrants to Administrative Agent and the Lenders for itself and each of the other members of the Consolidated Group that:

5.01 EXISTENCE, QUALIFICATION AND POWER; COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Each Loan Party and Property Entity (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own its assets and carry on its business, and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license, and (d) is in compliance with all Laws.

5.02 AUTHORIZATION; NO CONTRAVENTION. The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is a party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents, (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or any Joint Venture in which it is a member or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject, or (c) violate any Law.

 

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5.03 GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION; OTHER CONSENTS. No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

5.04 BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms.

5.05 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; NO MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT.

(a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby; and (ii) present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition of the Consolidated Group, as determined in accordance with GAAP, as of the date thereof and their consolidated results of operations and their cash flows for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby.

(b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Group dated June 30, 2011 , and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, and (ii) present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition of the Consolidated Group, as determined in accordance with GAAP, as of the date thereof and their consolidated results of operations and their cash flows for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments.

(c) Since the Closing Date, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.06 LITIGATION. Except for the litigation described on Schedule 5.06 , or any litigation addressed by Section 5.32, there are no actions, inquiries, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to Borrower’s Knowledge, threatened, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against any Loan Party and/or Property Entity or against any of their properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, (b) purport to affect or pertain to any Project, Asset or portion thereof or (c) if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

5.07 NO DEFAULT. No member of the Consolidated Group is in default under or with respect to any material Contractual Obligation (including the Indenture). No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

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5.08 OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY; LIENS.

(a) Borrower has good and marketable fee title to all of the Borrower Real Property and good title to the other components of the Property owned by Borrower free and clear of all Liens, subject only to Permitted Exceptions. CF Owner has good and marketable fee title to all of the CF Property free and clear of all Liens, subject only to the Existing Secured Indebtedness and Permitted Exceptions. MF Owner has good and marketable fee title to all of the MF Property free and clear of all Liens, subject only to the Existing Secured Indebtedness and Permitted Exceptions. Lyon Mayfield has good and marketable title to all of the Mayfield Property free and clear of all Liens, subject only to the Liens securing the Mayfield Loan and Permitted Exceptions. Borrower owns or leases all Real Property (other than the CF Property, the MF Property and the Mayfield Property) and Personal Property necessary for the use, entitlement, management, development, operation, marketing and sale of the Aggregate Real Property. There are no outstanding Mechanics’ Liens. There are no delinquent ground rents, assessments for Improvements or other similar outstanding charges or impositions affecting the Aggregate Real Property. No Improvements lie outside the boundaries and building restriction lines of the Aggregate Real Property or encroach onto any easements (unless affirmatively insured by a Title Policy), and no Improvements on adjoining properties encroach upon the Aggregate Real Property. The Title Policy premium has been fully paid. Except for customary gap undertakings, neither Borrower, any Loan Parties nor any other Person has provided any title indemnities (or analogous documentation) or deposits of cash or other security to the title insurer to obtain any Title Policy. The Permitted Exceptions do not and will not materially interfere with the security intended to be provided by any Deed of Trust, or with the use, entitlement, management, development, operation, marketing and sale of the Borrower Real Property, or the marketability or value of the Borrower Real Property. Borrower and each Loan Party will preserve its right, title and interest in and to the Collateral for so long as the Obligations remain outstanding and will warrant and defend same and the validity and priority of any Deed of Trust and the Liens in favor of Administrative Agent arising pursuant to the Loan Documents from and against any and all Claims whatsoever other than the Permitted Exceptions.

(b) As of the Closing Date, no member of the Consolidated Group owns any Real Property other (i) than the Closing Date Real Property and all Closing Date Real Property is Borrower Real Property, (ii) CF Property, (iii) San Carlos Property, (iv) MF Property and (v) Mayfield Property. Other than the Real Property described in the legal description set forth on Schedule A of the Title Policy (or of the endorsement thereto issued on the Closing Date) for any Asset, at the time of issuance of that Title Policy (or of such endorsement), there is no Borrower Real Property that is a part of such Asset, or any related Amenities and/or common areas owned by a member of the Consolidated Group and/or any of their Affiliates, and such legal description is a true, correct and complete legal description of the Asset (provided that if a representation in this Section 5.08(b) is breached, Borrower will be given the opportunity to cure such breach by complying with Section 6.19 with respect to the applicable Real Property).

(c) Neither Borrower, CF Owner, MF Owner, Lyon Mayfield nor any other member of the Consolidated Group has engaged in acts or omissions which have caused a default under any PAPA Obligation or triggered any buyback, repurchase options or rights of refusal thereunder. Neither Borrower, CF Owner, MF Owner, Lyon Mayfield nor any other member of the Consolidated Group has borrowed any amount from the holder of any PAPA Obligation, nor

 

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has any advance of funds been made by the holder of any PAPA Obligation on behalf of Borrower, CF Owner, MF Owner, Lyon Mayfield or any other member of the Consolidated Group. No modification under any agreement that includes a PAPA Obligation or Preemptive Purchase or Lease Right with respect to any Borrower Real Property has been agreed to by Borrower since the date of the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement.

(d) All covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements and other similar matters that exist with respect to the Closing Date Real Property (other than covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements and other similar matters (i) arising in the ordinary course of the Core Businesses, (ii) first arising after October 20, 2009 and (iii) that do not individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect on the value, use or marketability of the Asset that they encumber), are listed as exceptions on the Title Polices for the Closing Date Real Property.

(e) As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Existing Secured Indebtedness secured by the CF Property is $8,999,150. As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Existing Secured Indebtedness secured by the San Carlos Property is $3,010,425. As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Existing Secured Indebtedness secured by the MF Property is $6,500,000. As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Indebtedness secured by the Mayfield Property is $55,000,000.

5.09 SECURED INDEBTEDNESS. No Loan Party or Property Entity has any secured Indebtedness, other than indebtedness permitted by the provisions contained in Section 7.01.

5.10 INSURANCE. The Loan Parties maintain insurance in compliance with Section 6.07.

5.11 TAXES.

(a) The Loan Parties have filed all Federal, state and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have paid all Federal, state and other material taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP. No Loan Party is party to any tax sharing agreement.

(b) There is no proposed tax assessment against any Loan Party that would, if made, have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.12 ERISA COMPLIANCE.

(a) Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state Laws. Each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401 (a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto and, to Borrower’s Knowledge, nothing has occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification. Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate have made all required contributions to each Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code, and no application for a funding waiver or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Code has been made with respect to any Plan.

 

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(b) There are no pending or, to the Borrower’s Knowledge, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) no Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability; (iii) neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iv) neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (v) neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.

5.13 SUBSIDIARIES; JOINT VENTURES. None of Parent or Borrower has any Subsidiaries other than those (i) specifically disclosed in Part (a) of Schedule 5.13 and (ii) those Subsidiaries that will be disclosed in Part (a) of Schedule 5.13 as required by, and in compliance with, Section 6.01(e). No Loan Party owns or holds of record and/or beneficially (whether directly or indirectly) any shares of any class in the capital of any corporations nor any legal and/or beneficial interests in any Joint Venture, except for (i) the Joint Ventures listed on Part (b) of Schedule 5.13 , and (ii) the Joint Ventures that will be disclosed in Part (b) of Schedule 5.13 as required by, and in compliance with, Section 6.01(e). Borrower is the wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent and the Property Entities are the wholly owned Subsidiaries of Borrower.

5.14 MARGIN REGULATIONS; INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT; PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT.

(a) None of the proceeds of the Loan will be used in violation of Regulations U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (12 C.F.R. Part 221 and 207) (the “ Margin Regulations ”), for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any “margin stock” as defined in the Margin Regulations or reducing or retiring any Indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry margin stock or for any other purpose which might make this transaction a “purpose credit” within the meaning of the Margin Regulations. Neither any of the Loan Parties nor any Person acting on behalf of any of the Loan Parties have taken or will take any action which might cause any Loan Document to violate the Margin Regulations or any other regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or to violate Section 7 of the Exchange Act, or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, in each case as now in effect or as the same may hereafter be in effect.

(b) The Loan Parties are not subject to regulation under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Interstate Commerce Act (as any of the preceding have been amended), or any other law which regulates the incurring by any Loan Party of indebtedness, including laws relating to common or contract carriers or the sale of electricity, gas, steam, water or other public utility services.

 

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5.15 DISCLOSURE. No report, SEC filing, financial statement, certificate or other information furnished by or at the direction of any Loan Party to Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading in any material respect; provided that with respect to projected financial information, Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.

5.16 COMPLIANCE.

(a) The location, construction, occupancy, development, management, operation, sale, marketing and use of the Aggregate Real Property comply in all respects with the terms of the Permitted Exceptions relating to the Aggregate Real Property.

(b) Borrower, Parent and Property Entities and all of the Aggregate Real Property is in compliance with all applicable Laws and all Entitlements.

5.17 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.

(a) Neither any member of the Consolidated Group, nor any operator of the Aggregate Real Property or any operations thereon has violated or is in violation, or alleged violation, of any Environmental Laws. Neither any member of the Consolidated Group, nor any operator of the Aggregate Real Property or any operations thereon has failed to obtain or comply with any permit required pursuant to Environmental Laws for the occupation of any Aggregate Real Property or to conduct the operations thereon. The separate certification from Borrower dated of even date herewith describes all of the Existing Environmental Matters, each of which are listed on Schedule 5.17(a) . Borrower shall take all actions necessary to comply with all compliance orders affecting the Borrower Real Property and cause the Existing Environmental Matters to comply with all Environmental Laws. Borrower shall take all actions necessary to cause the CF Owner, MF Owner and Lyon Mayfield to (1) comply with all compliance orders affecting the CF Property, the San Carlos Property, the MF Property and the Mayfield Property, respectively and (2) cause the Existing Environmental Matters to comply with all Environmental Laws.

(b) Except for the Existing Environmental Matters, none of the members of the Consolidated Group has received notice from any third party including any federal, state or local Governmental Authority: (i) regarding any actual or alleged violation of Environmental Laws or any Environmental Liabilities, including any investigatory, remedial, or corrective liabilities, relating to any of them or the Aggregate Real Property; (ii) that it has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, with respect to a site listed on the National Priorities List, 40 C.F.R. Part 300 Appendix B (1986);

 

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(iii) that any Hazardous Materials which any of the members of the Consolidated Group has generated, transported or disposed of has been found at any site at which a federal, state or local Governmental Authority or other third party has conducted or has ordered that any of the members of the Consolidated Group conduct a remedial investigation, removal or other response action pursuant to any Environmental Law; or (iv) that any of the members of the Consolidated Group is a named party to any claim, action, cause of action, complaint, or legal or administrative proceeding (in each case, contingent or otherwise) arising out of any third party’s incurrence of costs, expenses, losses or damages of any kind whatsoever in connection with the release or presence of Hazardous Materials.

(c) Except for the Existing Environmental Matters: (i) none of the members of the Consolidated Group or any operator of any Aggregate Real Property has handled, processed, treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of any Hazardous Material and no portion of the Aggregate Real Property has been used for the handling, processing, treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous Materials except in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws; (ii) no underground tank or other underground storage receptacle for Hazardous Materials, asbestos containing material in any form or condition, materials or equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls, or landfills, surface impoundments, or disposal areas are located on any portion of the Aggregate Real Property; (iii) in the course of any activities conducted by any of the members of the Consolidated Group or operators of its properties, no Hazardous Materials have been generated or are being used on the Aggregate Real Property except in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws; (iv) to Borrower’s Knowledge, there have been no releases (i.e. any past or present releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, disposing or dumping) or threatened releases of Hazardous Materials on, upon, into or from any Aggregate Real Property of any of the members of the Consolidated Group (and no such Aggregate Real Property is contaminated with any such substance); (v) to Borrower’s Knowledge, there have been no releases on, upon, from or into any Real Property in the vicinity of any of the Aggregate Real Property which, through soil or groundwater contamination, may have come to be located on the Aggregate Real Property; and (vi) to Borrower’s Knowledge, any Hazardous Materials that have been generated, accumulated or stored on any of the Aggregate Real Property have been transported offsite only by carriers having an identification number issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, treated or disposed of only by treatment or disposal facilities maintaining valid permits as required under applicable Environmental Laws, which transporters and facilities have been and are, to Borrower’s Knowledge, operating in compliance with such permits and applicable Environmental Laws.

5.18 LOANS AS SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS. The Loan Parties and Property Entities have no Indebtedness that is senior or pari passu in right of payment to the Obligations of the Loan Parties to the Lenders (other than (a) Indebtedness under the Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness, (b) Indebtedness under the Existing Secured Indebtedness and (c) Permitted Indebtedness, but only to the extent that such Permitted Indebtedness is allowed to be senior or pari passu in right of payment to the Obligations under Section 7.01).

5.19 LAWS PERTAINING TO LAND SALES. None of the Loan Parties or Property Entities have received any notice that it is in violation of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, or any other laws pertaining to land sales (including any laws pertaining to the sale of interests in timeshare units) in any state in which any Loan Parties or Property Entities sells, transfers, manages, operates, develops or otherwise disposes of Aggregate Real Property.

 

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5.20 FISCAL YEAR. The Consolidated Group has a fiscal year ending December 31 of each calendar year.

5.21 COMMON ENTERPRISE AND CONSIDERATION. The Loan Parties are collectively engaged in a common enterprise for the furtherance of the Core Businesses. Accordingly, the Loan Parties have received good and adequate consideration for the entering into the Loan Documents to which they are parties to. Furthermore, any advance to Borrower that is subsequently disbursed by Borrower to any other Loan Party for use by such Loan Party shall benefit all of the other Loan Parties, even if the advance is based upon a Borrowing Base which includes assets of Loan Parties that do not receive the disbursement from Borrower. Each Loan Party will each receive good and adequate benefit from this common arrangement given the common enterprise of all of the foregoing as set forth above.

5.22 SUBSIDIARIES OWNING REAL PROPERTY. CF Owner, MF Owner and Lyon Mayfield are the only Subsidiaries of Parent or Borrower that own Real Property. Parent does not own any Real Property.

5.23 GUARANTORS OF THE INDENTURE. The entities on Schedule 5.23 , as such Schedule shall be updated immediately upon any additional entities becoming guarantors of the obligations under the Indenture, are all of the guarantors of the obligations under the Indenture.

5.24 ENTITLEMENTS. Other than as listed on Schedule 5.24(a) , the Aggregate Real Property is Entitled for single- or multi- family “for sale” residential use which allows for the development of at least one Unit on each Lot and all contemplated Amenities, which Entitlements are unconditional, vested, in full force and effect, and beyond all applicable appeal periods. Neither the Entitlements nor any other rights relating to the use, entitlement, management, development, operation, marketing or sale the Aggregate Real Property are in any way dependent upon or related to any real estate other than the Aggregate Real Property, validly created, existing appurtenant perpetual easements insured in the Title Policy or use of public rights of way. In the event that all or any part of the Improvements are destroyed or damaged, said Improvements can be legally reconstructed to their condition prior to such damage or destruction, and thereafter exist for the same use without violating any zoning Laws or Laws applicable thereto and without the necessity of obtaining any variances or special permits. All Entitlements necessary to operate the Aggregate Real Property as it is currently operated are in full force and effect including all water permits and approvals. No Loan Party or Property Entity has received any written notice of any violation of any Entitlements. Schedule 5.24(b) accurately reflects for each Project or Asset as applicable, whether a Final Map, a Tentative Map, or neither, has been recorded or approved, as applicable.

5.25 MATERIAL AGREEMENTS; NO MATERIAL DEFAULTS.

(a) Attached hereto as Schedule 5.25 is a true and correct listing of all material contracts, equipment leases, permits, development agreements not of record, covenants not of record, restrictions not of record, option agreements not of record, purchase and sale agreements,

 

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land banking agreements, instruments and other agreements under which any Loan Party or Property Entities (or all Loan Parties and Property Entities in the aggregate) has a potential outstanding liability in excess of $1,000,000 under any one of the foregoing or under any category of the foregoing (collectively “ Material Agreements ”).

(b) No event has occurred which, immediately or upon the expiration of applicable cure or grace periods, would constitute a default under any Material Agreement.

5.26 NO CONDEMNATION. No condemnation proceeding is pending, or to Borrower’s Knowledge, threatened against any Aggregate Real Property which would impair the use, entitlement, management, development, operation, marketing and sale of such Aggregate Real Property. If the foregoing representation and warranty shall cease to be true (subject to Section 5.47) with respect to a Project or Asset or a portion thereof, such Project or Asset (or such portion thereof, as the case may be) shall cease to be part of the Borrowing Base until such time as such representation and warranty is once again true.

5.27 CFD AND SUBDIVISION BOND. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.27(a) , neither Borrower nor any Property Entity has any CFD Obligations in existence. The information regarding the CFD Obligations delivered as part of the due diligence materials prior to the Closing Date is true and correct in all material respects and accurately reflects all outstanding, annual assessment amount under such bonds, the improvements covered by such bonds and the status of work, the anticipated release date of such bonds, interest reserves and any current or potential defaults under such bonds, there are no CFD Obligations in existence with respect to any Project or Asset or portion thereof. None of the Aggregate Real Property, Borrower or Property Entities are subject to any subdivision improvement bonds, except as set forth on Schedule 5.27(b) . The information provided to Initial Lender includes the total principal amount of the subdivision improvement bonds outstanding, the improvements covered by such bonds and the status of the work, the anticipated release date of such bonds, third party guarantees of such bonds and any current or potential defaults under such bonds, there are no subdivision improvement bonds in existence with respect to any Asset.

5.28 UTILITIES. Other than as listed on Schedule 5.28 , Borrower or the applicable Property Entity has obtained binding commitments from each applicable utility provider for the provision of adequate telephone service, electric power, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water for the use, entitlement, management, development, operation, marketing and sale of each Lot and Unit in each Asset.

5.29 LOT AND UNIT SALES. Other than as set forth on Schedule 5.29 , as of February 19, 2012 there were no pending sales of Aggregate Real Property by Borrower or any Property Entity, and such schedule accurately reflects for each pending sale the gross sale price, concessions, closing costs, broker’s commission, and any seller financing.

5.30 GOLF COURSES. Other than as listed on Schedule 5.30 , no Project, Asset or any portion thereof includes or is anticipated to include a golf course.

 

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5.31 MORATORIUMS. Other than as listed on Schedule 5.31 , there are no current, or to Borrower’s Knowledge, proposed, moratoriums on the construction or occupancy of any Improvements.

5.32 CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS; WARRANTIES.

(a) Other than as listed on Schedule 5.32(a) , there are no pending or threatened construction defect claims in excess of an aggregate of $500,000 (in excess of available insurance) per Asset by Unit owners or occupiers who have purchased or occupied Units from or constructed by any of the members of the Consolidated Group, and no repetitive warranty claims relating to a common product or matter in excess of an aggregate of $1,000,000 (in excess of available insurance) with respect to all Real Property owned by any member of the Consolidated Group.

(b) Other than as listed on Schedule 5.32(b) , there are no pending or threatened construction defect claims, and no repetitive warranty claims relating to a common product or matter in excess of $500,000 (in excess of available insurance) per Asset with respect to any Project by any homeowners’ association or similar entity.

5.33 AMENITIES. All Amenities at or related to or used by owners of Units or Lots in each Project or Asset have been conveyed to such Project’s homeowners’ association or are subject to a valid and perfected first priority Lien in favor of Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders (except for Amenities on the CF Property, the San Carlos Property, the MF Property or the Mayfield Property, which are owned by CF Owner, MF Owner and Lyon Mayfield, respectively, or the applicable homeowner’s association).

5.34 ORAL AGREEMENTS; MATTERS NOT OF RECORD. Other than as set forth on Schedule 5.34 , no Loan Party or Property Entity is a party to any oral agreement or matters that are not of record that are or would otherwise be Liens on any of the Aggregate Real Property.

5.35 BORROWING BASE. The Real Property Classification of each and all Borrower Real Property included in the Borrowing Base is true and correct.

5.36 LEASED REAL PROPERTY. Schedule 5.36 lists all Real Property that is leased by the Loan Parties or Property Entities as either lessor or lessee (and lists the material terms thereof), to the extent that the potential liability or value to Borrower, Parent or any Property Entity under or of any such lease is equal to $100,000 or more.

5.37 CREATION, PERFECTION AND PRIORITY OF LIENS. As of the Closing Date, (i) the execution and delivery of the Security Documents by each Loan Party, together with the filing of any Uniform Commercial Code financing statements delivered to Administrative Agent for filing and recording, and the recording of each Deed of Trust, are effective to create in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of itself and the Lenders, as security for the Obligations, a valid and perfected first priority Lien on all of the Collateral then in existence (subject only to (A) Permitted Exceptions in the case of Collateral consisting of Real Property and (B) Permitted Liens in the case of Collateral consisting of Personal Property), and (ii) all filings and other actions necessary or desirable to perfect and maintain the perfection and first priority status of such Liens have been duly made or taken and remain in full force and effect.

 

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5.38 EQUITY SECURITIES. All outstanding Equity Securities of each member of the Consolidated Group are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. All Equity Securities of each member of the Consolidated Group have been offered and sold in compliance with all federal and state securities laws and all other applicable Law, except where any failure to comply, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Equity Securities of any member of the Consolidated Group are subject to any Lien except those in favor of Administrative Agent and the Collateral Trustee (as defined in the Indenture).

5.39 NO AGREEMENTS TO MERGE. No Loan Party has any legal obligation, absolute or contingent, to any Person to effect any merger, consolidation or other reorganization or to enter into any agreement with respect thereto.

5.40 LABOR MATTERS. There are no disputes presently subject to grievance procedure, arbitration or litigation under any of the collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts or employee welfare or incentive plans to which any Loan Party is a party, no Loan Party is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement or other contract with a labor union or labor organization and there are no strikes, lockouts, work stoppages or slowdowns, or, to Borrower’s Knowledge, jurisdictional disputes or organizing activities occurring or threatened, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.41 BURDENSOME CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS ETC.. No Loan Party, Property Entity nor any of their respective Properties are subject to any Contractual Obligation or requirement of Law which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.42 BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS. No Broker’s Commission is to be paid by the Lenders with respect to the extensions of credit contemplated hereby as a result of any agreement entered into by a Loan Party.

5.43 AGREEMENTS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS. Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.43 , no Loan Party has entered into any material agreement or contract with any of its Affiliates or any Joint Venture which is required to be disclosed to the SEC and has not been disclosed to the SEC. No Loan Party is a party to or is bound by any Contractual Obligation or is subject to any restriction under its charter or formation documents, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.44 FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, ETC.

(a) No Loan Party (A) is, or is controlled by, a Designated Person; (B) has received funds or other property from a Designated Person; or (C) is in breach of or is the subject of any action or investigation under any Anti-Terrorism Law. No Loan Party engages or will engage in any dealings or transactions, or is or will be otherwise associated, with any Designated Person. The Borrower, Parent and each Subsidiary are in compliance, in all material respects, with the Patriot Act. Each Loan Party has taken reasonable measures to ensure compliance with the Anti-Terrorism Laws including the requirement that (1) no Person who owns any direct or indirect interest in any Loan Party is a Designated Person and (2) funds invested directly or indirectly in any Loan Party are derived from legal sources.

 

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(b) No portion of the proceeds of any Loan or other credit made hereunder has been or will be used, directly or indirectly for, and no fee, commission, rebate or other value has been or will be paid to, or for the benefit of, any governmental official, political party, official of a political party or any other Person acting in an official capacity in violation of any applicable law, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

5.45 INTERNAL CONTROLS. From and after a Public Offering:

(a) The Borrower has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-14 under the Exchange Act and the rules of the SEC, which (A) are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Borrower, including its consolidated Subsidiaries, is made known to the Borrower’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions by others within those entities, particularly during the periods in which the periodic reports required under the Exchange Act are being prepared; (B) have been evaluated for effectiveness as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing of the Borrower’s most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the Securities Exchange Commission; and (C) are effective in all material respects to perform the functions for which they were established;

(b) Based on the evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures, the Borrower is not aware of (A) any significant deficiency in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Borrower’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or any material weaknesses in internal controls or (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Borrower’s internal controls; and

(c) Since the date of the most recent evaluation of such disclosure controls and procedures, there have been no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses, other than those disclosed in filings made by the Borrower under the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

5.46 INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLES. No Subsidiaries of Parent and no Subsidiaries of Borrower owe any amounts to WL Southwest.

5.47 EFFECTIVE DATE; MATERIALITY THRESHOLD OF CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The breach of the representations and warranties made by Borrower to Administrative Agent and the Lenders in Sections 5.01(d), 5.06 (in excess of available insurance), 5.08(a), 5.16, 5.17, 5.19, 5.24, 5.25(b), 5.26, 5.31, 5.33 and 5.34, shall not result in a Default unless any such breaches taken as an aggregate would reduce the value of, or cause liability, damage or loss to, or Claims against, the any individual Asset by or in an amount equal to $1,000,000 or more (the calculation of such reduction in value, liability, damage or Claim with respect to a specific breach shall be made without regard to any limitation or qualification as to materiality set forth in such representation or warranty). This Section 5.47 only applies to the

 

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representations and warranties listed in the first sentence of this Section 5.47, and only with respect to the aggregate of all such Claims against an Asset up to $1,000,000 (and any amount in excess of the $1,000,000 per Asset shall constitute a Default) and not to any reduction in the value of, or liability, damage or loss to, or Claims against, Borrower or any of the Consolidated Group; provided, however, whether or not a Default exists after applying such $1,000,000 limitations above, nonetheless a Default shall exist if any breach or breaches of the representations and warranties set forth in the first sentence of this Section 5.47 occur(s) that individually or in the aggregate would reduce the value of, or cause liability, damage or loss to, or Claims against, any or all of the Aggregate Real Property or any portion thereof in an amount equal to $20,000,000 or more (the calculation of such aggregate reduction in value, liability, damage or Claim with respect to any or all of the Aggregate Real Property shall be made without regard to any limitation or qualification as to materiality set forth in such representation or warranty and without the deduction of $1,000,000 for any Asset in making such computation). Nothing in this Section 5.47 shall relieve Borrower of any covenants or obligations under the Loan Documents related to the subject matter of such representations and warranties whether or not a “Default” exists under this Section 5.47.

5.48 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES UPON DELIVERY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, DOCUMENTS, AND OTHER INFORMATION. Each delivery by any Loan Party to Administrative Agent or any Lender of any schedules (including the schedules attached to this Agreement), financial statements, Borrowing Base Report, Project Eligibility Request other documents or information on or after the date of this Agreement shall be a representation and warranty that such schedules, financial statements, other documents and information are true, correct and complete (in accordance with GAAP) in all material respects, that there are no material omissions therefrom that would result in such financial statements, other documents or information being materially incomplete, incorrect or misleading in any material respect as of the date thereof, and that such financial statements accurately present the financial condition and results of operations of the Loan Parties as at the dates thereof in all material respects and for the periods covered thereby.

ARTICLE VI

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, and 6.03) cause each member of the Consolidated Group to:

6.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER REPORTS. Deliver to Administrative Agent, in form and detail satisfactory to Majority Lenders:

(a) as soon as available, but in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of Parent, a consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the Consolidated Group, as determined in accordance with GAAP, as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated and consolidating statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant of

 

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nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent (which may be Windes and McClaughry), which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit;

(b) as soon as available, but in any event within sixty (60) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Parent, a consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the Consolidated Group, as determined in accordance with GAAP, as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related consolidated and consolidating statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of Parent’s fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, certified by a Responsible Officer of Borrower as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Consolidated Group in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c) as soon as available, and in any event no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of Parent, a projected balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement for the next fiscal year; and

(d) as soon as available, and in any event not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of Parent, an updated Annual Budget for the (i) Borrower and (ii) Consolidated Group and, as soon as available, any material revisions to or any final revisions of any such projected consolidated Annual Budgets;

(e) as soon as available, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of each fiscal year of Borrower, updates to Schedule 5.13 (upon the deliveries of such updates, Schedule 5.13 shall be automatically updated, without any further consent from Administrative Agent or the Lenders) to the extent that such Schedule is not accurate or complete as of the last day of such fiscal quarter.

6.02 CERTIFICATES; OTHER INFORMATION. Deliver to Administrative Agent, in form and detail satisfactory to Majority Lenders and with sufficient copies for each Lender:

(a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Section 6.01(a), a certificate of its independent certified public accountants certifying such financial statements;

(b) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), (i) a report of all loans made by any Loan Party to any officers, directors, board members, employees, shareholders or Affiliates of any Loan Party during such previous fiscal quarter, (iii) a report of all Investments made any Loan Party in suppliers and customers of each of the Loan Parties during the previous fiscal quarter, (iv) a report of all of all transactions between the Loan Parties and their Affiliates during such previous fiscal quarter, (v) a report of all bonus compensation paid or awarded to any Key Manager by any member of the Consolidated Group during the previous fiscal quarter and (vi) a detailed list, by category, of all Excluded Assets;

 

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(c) promptly after any request by Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of any detailed audit reports, management letters or recommendations submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of the board of directors) of Borrower or Parent by independent accountants in connection with the accounts or books of Borrower, Parent or any other member of the Consolidated Group, or any audit of any of them;

(d) within five (5) days after the same are available, and to the extent the same are made public in accordance with the Exchange Act, copies of each of the following documents of Borrower or any other member of the Consolidated Group not otherwise required to be delivered to Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement:

(i) proxy statements and annual reports to shareholders;

(ii) annual reports on Form 10-K;

(iii) quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; and

(iv) each current report on Form 8-K (other than current reports on Form 8-K relating only to “Other Events” under Item 5 of Form 8-K or other items defined as “Other Events” as may be assigned in the future) and transaction statements On Schedule TO, 13D or 13E-3 that such Person may file under the Exchange Act;

(e) promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by any member of the Consolidated Group, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any formal investigation or other formal inquiries not in the ordinary course by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof;

(f) as soon as available, but in any event no later than (i) thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter, a preliminary Borrowing Base Report, which preliminary Borrowing Base Report shall include a detailed calculation of the Borrowing Base, together with copies of accounts statements during the preceding three (3) months from each depository maintaining a deposit account that is subject to a Control Agreement or is otherwise subject to a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent, and (ii) forty five (45) days after the end of each calendar quarter, a final Borrowing Base Report, which final Borrowing Base Report shall include a detailed calculation of the Borrowing Base, together with any new account statements covering deposit accounts described above;

(g) as soon as available, but in any event no later than three (3) Business Days after the end of each week, (i) a report of all Asset Sales, and all sales and closings of Aggregate Real Property (on an asset-by-asset basis, including Units and Lots) from the previous week (including gross sales prices, deductions therefrom to reach Net Proceeds and estimated net sale prices with respect to each such transaction), (ii) a summary of the current cash balances in the deposit accounts of the Loan Parties that are subject to Control Agreements and (iii) such additional information as may be reasonably requested by Administrative Agent or otherwise agreed to by the parties hereto;

 

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(h) as soon as available, but in any event no later than ten (10) Business Days (including a report of the commencement of the physical construction of Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction as contemplated by the definition of Permitted Construction Indebtedness) after the end of each calendar month, a report of (i) all construction activity, together with a report of all sales and closings of Units and Lots from the previous month, with such additional information as may be agreed to by the parties hereto, (ii) all acquisitions of any fee or other interest in Real Property during such previous calendar month, (iii) all Distributions made during such calendar month, (iv) all expenditures or series of related expenditures outside of the Core Businesses in excess of $100,000 during such previous calendar month, (v) all drawdowns or borrowings under any Permitted Construction Indebtedness or Acquisition Indebtedness and (vi) Investments in Joint Ventures during such previous calendar month;

(i) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial or corporate affairs of any Loan Party, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request. Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 or Section 6.02(d) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which such documents are posted on Borrower’s behalf on a secure Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by Administrative Agent); provided that:

(i) Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to Administrative Agent or any Lender that requests Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by Administrative Agent or such Lender and

(ii) Borrower shall notify Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents;

(j) promptly upon and in any event within five (5) days after receipt thereof, copies of all notices delivered to Borrower or any other member of the Consolidated Group under the Indenture, the Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness, the Existing Secured Indebtedness or other Permitted Indebtedness; and

(k) at least five (5) Business Days’ advance notice of any refinancing of (i) the Indebtedness under the Indenture, (ii) any Permitted Construction Indebtedness, (iii) any Acquisition Indebtedness.

 

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6.03 NOTICES. Promptly notify Administrative Agent of:

(a) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;

(b) any matter that has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including (i) breach or non-performance of, or any default under, a Contractual Obligation of any member of the Consolidated Group (including failure to pay any amount due in respect of an Indenture or any other Permitted Indebtedness on the date scheduled for payment therefor, without giving effect to any grace period); (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between any member of the Consolidated Group and any Governmental Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any material litigation or proceeding affecting Parent, Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws;

(c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event;

(d) any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by any Loan Party;

(e) the occurrence of a default or event of default under any of the Indenture, Permitted Construction Indebtedness, Acquisition Indebtedness, or Existing Secured Indebtedness or any other Indebtedness of Borrower, Parent or any Property Entity;

(f) any change in Key Management; and

(g) any Distribution (other than regularly scheduled Distributions in respect of the New Preferred Shares in an amount not to exceed four percent (4%) of the par value of the New Preferred Shares during any twelve (12) month period).

Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

6.04 PAYMENT OF OBLIGATIONS. Pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, all its obligations and liabilities, including (a) all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by Parent or Borrower; (b) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien upon its property; and (c) all Indebtedness, as and when due and payable, but subject to any subordination provisions contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing such Indebtedness.

6.05 PRESERVATION OF EXISTENCE, ETC.. (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04(a); (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal

 

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conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.06 MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES. Preserve and maintain the Aggregate Real Property in good order, repair and condition, and shall promptly restore damage from casualty or condemnation to the condition existing immediately prior to such damage, and shall not permit or commit waste on the Aggregate Real Property or permit impairment or deterioration of the Aggregate Real Property.

6.07 MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE.

(a) Property. Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurers having an A.M. Best rating of A- or better and not Affiliates of Borrower or Parent insurance with respect to its Properties and business against such casualties and contingencies, including fire, lightening and other perils, as shall be in accordance with the general practices of businesses engaged in similar activities in similar geographic areas and the Consolidated Group’s past practices and consistent with the Consolidated Group’s practices on the Closing Date, and in amounts, containing such terms, in such forms and for such periods as may be reasonable and prudent in accordance with sound business practices. The Consolidated Group shall at all times comply with and conform to all provisions of each such insurance policy and to all requirements of the insurers thereunder applicable to the Consolidated Group, the Properties or to the use, occupation, possession, operation, maintenance or repair of all or any portion of the Aggregate Real Property.

(b) Liability. Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurers having an A.M. Best rating of A- or better and not Affiliates of Borrower or Parent protecting the Consolidated Group, Administrative Agent and each Lender against loss from liability imposed by law or assumed in any agreement, document, or instrument and arising from bodily injury, death or property damage, as shall be in accordance with the general practices of businesses engaged in similar activities in similar geographic areas and the Consolidated Group’s past practices and consistent with the Consolidated Group’s practices on the Closing Date, and in amounts, containing such terms, in such forms and for such periods as may be reasonable and prudent in accordance with sound business practices.

(c) Additional Insurance.

(i) Such other policies of insurance as Administrative Agent, acting at the direction of Majority Lenders, may reasonably request in writing to the extent available on commercially reasonable terms.

(d) General. All policies for required insurance will be in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent, acting at the direction of Majority Lenders in their absolute and sole discretion. All property policies evidencing required insurance will name Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, as first mortgagee and loss payee. All liability policies evidencing required insurance will name Administrative Agent and each Lender as additional insured. The policies will not be cancelable as to the interests of Administrative Agent or the

 

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Lenders due to the acts of Borrower or any other member of the Consolidated Group. The policies will provide for at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of the cancellation or modification thereof to be given to Administrative Agent. A certified copy of each insurance policy or, if acceptable to Administrative Agent and Majority Lenders, certificates of insurance evidencing that such insurance is in full force and effect, will be delivered to Administrative Agent, together with proof of the payment of the premiums thereof. Prior to the expiration of each such policy, Borrower shall furnish Administrative Agent and the Lenders evidence that such policy has been renewed or replaced in the form of the original or a certified copy of the renewal or replacement policy or, if acceptable to Administrative Agent, acting at the direction of Majority Lenders, a certificate reciting that there is in full force and effect, with a term covering at least the next succeeding calendar year, insurance of the types and in the amounts required in this Section 6.07.

(e) Borrower will not (and will not permit any Loan Party or Property Entity to) settle any claim under any casualty insurance policies, if such claim involves any loss in excess of $1,000,000, without the prior written approval of Administrative Agent, acting at the direction of Majority Lenders, and the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each such policy that is renewed or entered into after the Closing Date to contain a provision to such effect.

6.08 COMPLIANCE. Comply, and cause the Aggregate Real Property (including the location, construction, occupancy, development, management, operation, sale, marketing and use thereof) to comply in all material respects, with all Entitlements, all Permitted Exceptions and all Laws, including all Environmental Laws, applicable to it or to the Core Businesses or the Aggregate Real Property.

6.09 BOOKS AND RECORDS. Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of Borrower or each other member of the Consolidated Group, as the case may be.

6.10 INSPECTION RIGHTS. Upon the reasonable request of Administrative Agent or any Lender, allow Administrative Agent and/or any Lender and their representatives to inspect any of their Aggregate Real Property, to review reports, files, and other records maintained in the ordinary course of the Core Businesses, from time to time, during reasonable business hours; provided that unless a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and except in the case of Administrative Agent and its representatives, Borrower shall not be responsible for the costs and expenses of such inspections more than once per fiscal year, other than in connection with inspections regarding the accuracy, truthfulness or completeness of any Borrowing Base Report.

6.11 NEW SUBSIDIARIES. Promptly, and in any event within twenty (20) days after the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent or Borrower after the date hereof (i) notify Administrative Agent and each Lender of such event, (ii) cause each such Subsidiary which is not an Excluded Subsidiary to become a party to the Unconditional Guaranty, the Security Agreement and each other applicable Security Document in accordance with the terms thereof and amend the Security Documents (and related filings) as appropriate in light of such event to pledge to Administrative Agent for the benefit of itself and the Lenders all assets of such Subsidiary, and, in each case, execute and deliver all documents or instruments required

 

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thereunder or appropriate to perfect the security interests created thereby, (iii) cause each document (including each Uniform Commercial Code financing statement) required by applicable Laws or reasonably requested by Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of itself and the Lenders a valid, legal and perfected first priority Lien on the Collateral subject to the Security Documents to be so filed, registered or recorded and evidence thereof delivered to Administrative Agent and (iv) deliver an opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Majority Lenders with respect to each such Person and the matters set forth in this Section 6.11.

6.12 INTANGIBLE, RECORDING AND STAMP TAX. Promptly pay all intangible taxes or documentary stamp taxes assessed against the Loan Parties, Property Entities, Administrative Agent or any of Lenders as a result of this Agreement, recordation of any Deed of Trust or any document related hereto, if any.

6.13 FURTHER ASSURANCES. At any time and from time to time, execute, acknowledge and deliver such further documents, agreements and instruments and take such further action as may reasonably be requested by Administrative Agent, in each case further and more perfectly to effect the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including, from time to time to better assure, preserve, protect and perfect the interest of Administrative Agent in the Collateral and the rights and remedies of Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents. Without limiting the foregoing, to the extent that Administrative Agent, acting at direction of Majority Lenders, determines from time to time that additional deeds of trust, amendments to deeds of trust, financing statements, subordinations and other documents are required in order to perfect all Liens and encumbrances in favor of Administrative Agent, and cause all Collateral encumbered by any of the Deeds of Trust to be subject only to Permitted Exceptions, Borrower shall execute and deliver such documents, instruments and other agreements as Administrative Agent or Majority Lenders may reasonably request.

6.14 SPECIAL COVENANTS RELATING TO COLLATERAL.

(a) Defense of Title. Borrower shall (or shall cause the applicable Loan Party or Property Entity, as applicable, to) defend the Collateral, the title and interest therein of Borrower (or the applicable Loan Party or Property Entity) represented and warranted in the Security Documents and the legality, validity, binding nature and enforceability of each Lien and encumbrance contained in the Security Documents and the first priority of the Security Documents against all matters, including: (a) any attachment, levy, or other seizure by legal process or otherwise of any or all Collateral; (b) except for Permitted Exceptions, any Lien or encumbrance or claim thereof on any or all Collateral; (c) any attempt to foreclose, conduct a trustee’s sale, or otherwise realize upon any or all Collateral under any Lien or encumbrance, regardless of whether a Permitted Lien and regardless of whether junior or senior to the Security Documents; and (d) any claim questioning the legality, validity, binding nature, enforceability or priority of the Security Documents. Borrower shall notify Administrative Agent and each Lender promptly in writing of any of the foregoing and will provide such information with respect thereto as Administrative Agent may from time to time request. During the period of time that Borrower is not able to comply with the covenants set forth herein for a Project or portion thereof for a period of thirty (30) days following written notice from Administrative Agent (provided that if Borrower cannot reasonably cure such non-compliance within such thirty (30) day period, such thirty (30) day

 

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period shall be extended for a reasonable period not in excess of thirty (30) days from the date of Administrative Agent’s notice to cure such non-compliance provided that Borrower shall have commenced such cure within such thirty (30) day period and shall diligently thereafter proceed to effect such cure), then such Project (or portion thereof, as the case may be) shall cease to have any value in the computation of the Borrowing Base until Borrower shall so comply.

(b) Plats, Annexations and Approvals. For each Project or any portion thereof to be included in the Borrowing Base:

(i) Each plat, Tentative Map or Final Map with respect to any portion of any Project shall comply with all Laws and shall be satisfactory in form and substance to Majority Lenders. Prior to evaluation by Majority Lenders of the plat or map for approval, Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent such certifications, maps, surveys and other documents and information as Majority Lenders requires. Prior to the recordation of any plat or map relating to any Borrower Real Property, Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent such title insurance endorsements insuring the continued priority of the Deed of Trust after recording of the plat or map as Majority Lenders may require. Borrower agrees to take such steps as Majority Lenders may require in (i) either re-recording the Deed of Trust or amending the Deed of Trust to reflect the new plat legal description, and (ii) obtaining an endorsement to the Title Policy to amend the legal description therein.

(ii) Based on the applicable stage of development, Borrower shall obtain and, upon request, provide Administrative Agent with, evidence of: (i) appropriate Entitlements for the use, entitlement, management, development, operation, marketing and sale of each Project or portion thereof and compliance therewith in all material respects; (ii) all necessary approvals and permits of Governmental Authorities and other third parties necessary to permit the use, entitlement, management, development, operation, marketing and sale of each Project or portion thereof, including all applicable public reports, architectural committee approvals, public offering statements, exemptions and other approvals required pursuant to any applicable Laws or Permitted Exceptions; (iii) all Entitlements necessary to commence, carry out and complete Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction; and (iv) evidence of payment of all fees and other required amounts for such approvals and permits.

(iii) At Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s request, Borrower shall provide Administrative Agent or such Lender with true and correct copies of all documents and instruments relating to proposed easements, boundary line adjustments, covenants, conditions and restrictions and other similar matters affecting title to each Project or portion thereof in connection with the use, entitlement, management, development, operation, marketing and sale thereof, together with all surveys, plats, contracts and other information requested by Administrative Agent or such Lender in connection therewith. Such easements, boundary line adjustments, covenants, conditions and restrictions and other matters shall not be entered into by Borrower unless consented to in writing by Majority

 

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Lenders, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld by Majority Lenders, so long as they are entered into in the ordinary course of developing each Project. If such consent is granted by Majority Lenders, Administrative Agent on behalf of itself and the Lenders will also enter into such subordinations and releases as may be appropriate in connection with such easements, boundary line adjustments and covenants, conditions and restrictions, provided that such subordinations are in form satisfactory to Majority Lenders, and, in connection with any such releases, Borrower has satisfied the conditions precedent set forth in Section 8.03.

In the event that Borrower is not able to comply with the covenants set forth herein for a Project or portion thereof for a period of ten (10) days following written notice from Administrative Agent (provided that if Borrower cannot reasonably cure such non-compliance within such ten (10) day period, such ten (10) day period shall be extended for a reasonable period not in excess of thirty (30) days from the date of Administrative Agent’s notice to cure such non-compliance provided that Borrower shall have commenced such cure within such ten (10) day period and shall diligently thereafter proceed to effect such cure), then such Project (or portion thereof, as the case may be) shall cease to have any value in calculation of the Borrowing Base until Borrower shall so comply.

(c) Utilities. Borrower shall provide or cause to be provided all telephone service, electric power, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water facilities for each Project, and such utilities will be adequate to serve such Project in all material respects. No condition will exist to affect Borrower’s right to connect into and have adequate use of such utilities, except for the payment of normal connection charges or tap charges and except for the payment of subsequent charges for such services to the utility supplier. In the event that Borrower is not able to comply with the covenants set forth herein for a Project or portion thereof for a period of ten (10) days following written notice from Administrative Agent (provided that if Borrower cannot reasonably cure such non-compliance within such ten (10) day period, such ten (10) day period shall be extended for a reasonable period not in excess of thirty (30) days from the date of Administrative Agent’s notice to cure such non-compliance provided that Borrower shall have commenced such cure within such ten (10) day period and shall diligently thereafter proceed to effect such cure), then such Project (or portion thereof, as the case may be) shall cease to have any value in calculation of the Borrowing Base until Borrower shall so comply.

(d) Plans, Drawings and Specifications. Borrower shall be the sole owner of all Plans, Drawings and Specifications for the Improvements for each Project or, to the extent that Borrower is not the sole owner of such Plans, Drawings and Specifications, Borrower shall have the unconditional right to use such Plans, Drawings and Specifications in connection with the construction of the Improvements for such Project. None of Administrative Agent nor any Lenders will be restricted in any way in use of such Plans, Drawings and Specifications from and after a Default in connection with the Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction of the Improvements and the exercise of Administrative Agent’s and Lenders’ other rights and remedies, and Borrower shall obtain all consents and authorizations necessary for the use of such Plans, Drawings and Specifications by Administrative Agent on behalf of itself and the Lenders. In the event that Borrower is not able to comply with the covenants set forth herein for a Project or portion thereof for a period of ten (10) days following written notice from Administrative Agent (provided that if Borrower cannot reasonably cure such non-compliance within such ten (10) day period, such ten (10) day period shall be extended for a reasonable period not in excess of thirty

 

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(30) days from the date of Administrative Agent’s notice to cure such non-compliance provided that Borrower shall have commenced such cure within such ten (10) day period and shall diligently thereafter proceed to effect such cure), then such Project (or portion thereof, as the case may be) shall cease to have any value in calculation of the Borrowing Base until Borrower shall so comply.

(e) Compliance with Permitted Exceptions. Borrower shall keep and maintain in full force and effect all restrictive covenants, development agreements, easements and other similar agreements with Governmental Authorities and other Persons that are necessary or desirable for the use, entitlement, management, development, operation, marketing and sale of each Project. Borrower shall not default in any material respect under any such covenants, development agreements, easements and other agreements and will diligently enforce its rights thereunder. In the event that Borrower is not able to comply with the covenants set forth herein for a Project or portion thereof for a period of ten (10) days following written notice from Administrative Agent (provided that if Borrower cannot reasonably cure such non-compliance within such ten (10) day period, such ten (10) day period shall be extended for a reasonable period not in excess of thirty (30) days from the date of Administrative Agent’s notice to cure such non-compliance provided that Borrower shall have commenced such cure within such ten (10) day period and shall diligently thereafter proceed to effect such cure), then such Project (or portion thereof, as the case may be) shall cease to have any value in calculation of the Borrowing Base until Borrower shall so comply.

(f) Project Development. For each Project:

(i) Borrower shall at all times, in all material respects, develop, maintain and operate the Projects and use its best efforts to market and sell Units in each Project. Borrower shall pay all costs and expenses arising in connection with the management, use, entitlement, development, operation, marketing and sale of each Project. The Improvements for each Project shall be constructed and developed in conformity in all material respects with the Plans, Drawings and Specifications therefor, and shall be contained wholly within the lot lines of the land included within the Project and will not encroach in any material respect on any other real estate, easements, building lines or setback requirements. Within ten (10) days after Borrower receives notice or knowledge thereof, Borrower shall proceed with diligence to correct any material departure from applicable Plans, Drawings and Specifications and any departure from applicable laws, rules and regulations of any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Project.

(ii) With respect to those portions of each Project which are to be “open space” or otherwise constitute streets and other common areas to be Dedications to homeowners’ associations or other Governmental Authorities with jurisdiction over such Project and are not otherwise included within the portions of the Borrower Real Property to be developed by Borrower, Borrower shall take such actions as may be necessary to cause such Dedications to be made promptly and in accordance with applicable covenants, conditions and restrictions and Law. Majority Lenders’ may notify Borrower that such Dedications are required, in which case Borrower shall cause such Dedications to occur within thirty (30) days after such notification.

 

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In the event that Borrower is not able to comply with the covenants set forth herein for a Project or portion thereof for a period of ten (10) days following written notice from Administrative Agent (provided that if Borrower cannot reasonably cure such non-compliance within such ten (10) day period, such ten (10) day period shall be extended for a reasonable period not in excess of thirty (30) days from the date of Administrative Agent’s notice to cure such non-compliance provided that Borrower shall have commenced such cure within such ten (10) day period and shall diligently thereafter proceed to effect such cure), then such Project (or portion thereof, as the case may be) shall cease to be included in the Borrowing Base until Borrower shall so comply.

(g) Title Policy Endorsements. If required by Majority Lenders, from time to time in connection with the approvals that may be granted by Majority Lenders pursuant to the Loan Documents, Borrower shall provide such continuation endorsements, date down endorsements, survey endorsements and other endorsements to each Title Policy for each Project or Asset, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to Majority Lenders as they determine are necessary to insure the priority of each Deed of Trust as a valid first Lien on the applicable Collateral, subject only to Permitted Exceptions. Borrower agrees to furnish to the Title Company, at Borrower’s sole cost and expense, such surveys and other documents and information as Majority Lenders or the Title Company may require for the Title Company to issue such endorsements. In the event that Borrower is not able to comply with the covenants set forth herein for a Project or Asset, as the case may be, for a period of ten (10) days following written notice from Administrative Agent (provided that if Borrower cannot reasonably cure such non-compliance within such ten (10) day period, such ten (10) day period shall be extended for a reasonable period not in excess of thirty (30) days from the date of Administrative Agent’s notice to cure such non-compliance provided that Borrower shall have commenced such cure within such ten (10) day period and shall diligently thereafter proceed to effect such cure), then such Project or Asset, as the case may be, shall cease to have any value in calculation of the Borrowing Base until Borrower shall so comply.

(h) Improvement Districts. For any Project, without obtaining the prior written consent of Majority Lenders, Borrower shall not consent to, or vote in favor of, the inclusion of all or any part of the Collateral in any improvement district, any “Mello-Roos” district (for Projects in California), special assessment district or similar district. Borrower shall give immediate notice to Administrative Agent and each Lender of any notification or advice that Borrower may receive from any municipality or other third party of any intent or proposal to include all or any part of the Collateral in an improvement, assessment or other district. Upon prior written notice to Borrower, Administrative Agent, acting at the direction of Majority Lenders, shall have the right to file a written objection to the inclusion of all or any part of the Collateral in an improvement, assessment or other district, either in its own name or in the name of Borrower or any Lender, and to appear at, and participate in, any hearing with respect to the formation of any such district. In the event that Borrower is not able to comply with the covenants set forth herein for a Project or portion thereof for a period of ten (10) days following written notice from Administrative Agent (provided that if Borrower cannot reasonably cure such non-compliance within such ten (10) day period, such ten (10) day period shall be extended for a reasonable period not in excess of thirty (30) days from the date of Administrative Agent’s notice to cure such non-compliance provided that Borrower shall have commenced such cure within such ten (10) day period and shall diligently thereafter proceed to effect such cure), then such Project shall cease to have any value in calculation of the Borrowing Base until Borrower shall so comply.

 

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(i) Intentionally Omitted.

(j) Appraisal Requirements . The form and substance of each Appraisal must be reasonably satisfactory to Majority Lenders, provided that in reviewing Appraisals, Majority Lenders shall apply the policies and procedures generally used by Majority Lenders in their real estate lending activities. Each Appraisal of Borrower Real Property that is Unimproved Land, Land Under Development or Finished Lots shall be based upon the “bulk finished appraised value” of such Borrower Real Property. Each Appraisal of Borrower Real Property that are Homes Under Construction or Model Homes will be at least a “FNMA plan type appraisal”. Each Appraisal must include, without limitation, the following information: (i) a narrative economic and demographic feasibility analysis of the market, including a supply and demand comparison; (ii) a narrative comparison of each subject Asset to competing projects in the same metropolitan area; (iii) a base plan type value for each type of Unit in each Asset; and (iv) a market and absorption study for each Asset. All Appraisals must comply with the appraisal policies and procedures of Majority Lenders and with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended. All Appraisals shall be addressed to each Lender and their respective successors and assigns for their reliance.

(i) Appraiser Engagement . Each Appraisal must be prepared by either (1) an M.A.I.-certified appraiser selected by Majority Lenders and reasonably approved by Borrower, or (2) by the an M.A.I.- certified appraiser employed in the real property appraisal department of Majority Lenders’ selection of either Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG or Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and which appraiser shall be engaged by Majority Lenders. Upon request by Majority Lenders, Borrower will provide to Majority Lenders all information (including Lot and Unit premiums and upgrades, if applicable) necessary to allow an Appraisal to be ordered by Majority Lenders. Majority Lenders will engage an appraiser to perform an Appraisal only when it receives all information deemed necessary by the Majority Lenders and the appraiser for preparation of such Appraisal. Majority Lenders will not have any liability to Borrower or any other Person with respect to delays in the Appraisal process. Borrower and its Affiliates will not employ any appraiser that prepares an Appraisal for any of the Borrower Real Property unless specifically requested to do so by Majority Lenders. Majority Lenders may employ a staff appraiser or a fee appraiser and Borrower will reimburse Majority Lenders at Majority Lenders’ reasonable cost therefor.

(ii) Appraisal Evaluation . Upon receipt of an Appraisal, Majority Lenders will review the Appraisal in accordance with the appraisal policies and procedures of Majority Lenders and establish an Appraised Value. Majority Lenders will notify Borrower of such Appraised Value.

(iii) Appraisals . Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.14(j) to the contrary, Majority Lenders may order Appraisals or updated Appraisals as set forth below.

 

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(A) Majority Lenders may order Appraisals or updated Appraisals at any time and from time to time if required by any Law;

(B) Majority Lenders may order Appraisals for up to one-third of all Eligible Real Property Collateral as it elects each calendar year;

(C) Within 45 days following the receipt of any Borrowing Base Report, Majority Lenders may order an Appraisal on any Borrower Real Property that was first added to Eligible Real Property Collateral during the quarter ending on the date of such Borrowing Base Report if the Majority Lenders do not approve the Net Present Value of Projected Net Revenues and Net Present Value of Projected Total Project Costs included in the Certified Net Cash Flow Report included as part of such Borrowing Base Report;

(D) Within 90 days following the receipt of a financial statement that reflects an impairment or write down of the carrying or book value of any Eligible Real Property Collateral, the Majority Lenders may order an Appraisal on the Eligible Real Property Collateral with respect to which such impairment or write down was recorded in the books and records of the Borrower for financial statement purposes;

(E) In the event that Borrower reasonably believes that there has been a material increase in the value of any Borrower Real Property since the previous Appraisal of such Borrower Real Property, then not less than six (6) months after the date of such previous Appraisal, Borrower may request that Majority Lenders order a new Appraisal of such Borrower Real Property from the appraiser that prepared the previous Appraisal;

(F) Not more than once every six (6) months on any Asset where the existing Appraised Value is lower than the amount determined in the first sentence of the definition of “Eligible Real Property Collateral Valuation”, Borrower may request that Lender order a new Appraisal; and

(G) Majority Lenders may order updated or new Appraisals at any time and from time to time.

(iv) Expenses. Borrower shall pay the cost and expense of all Appraisals obtained by Majority Lenders in connection with the Loan. Additionally, Borrower shall pay for all costs and expenses with respect to Appraisals ordered solely by Lender after the occurrence of a Default, or pursuant to Sections 6.14(j)(ii), or 6.14(j)(iii)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E) or (F) with respect to any particular Asset, Lots or Units. Unless Borrower is required to pay the cost and expense of an Appraisal under the previous sentence, Lender shall pay for an Appraisal ordered under 6.14(j)(iii)(G). Other than as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, Borrower will reimburse Majority Lenders for all costs and expenses incurred in the appraisal process and in establishing and monitoring Appraised Values. All

 

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reimbursements by Borrower to Majority Lenders required by this Section 6.14(j)(iv) will be paid to Majority Lenders within fifteen (15) days after notice from Majority Lenders to Borrower.

(v) No ordering of any Appraisal under any of Sections 6.14(j)(iii)(A) through (G), inclusive, shall limit Lender’s right to order Appraisals under any of such sections (for example, an Appraisal ordered under Section 6.14(j)(iii)(F) will not count against Lenders’ rights under Section 6.14(j)(iii)(B)).

(k) Joint Ventures. Borrower shall, or shall cause the applicable member of the Consolidated Group to, pledge to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders (i) all proceeds of equity interests in any Joint Venture in which the Borrower, or a member of the Consolidated Group, is an equity holder and (ii) to the extent not prohibited by the documents governing such Joint Venture, its equity interest in any Joint Venture in which the Borrower, or a member of the Consolidated Group, is an equity holder, in each case on a first priority basis. When negotiating the terms of documents governing a Joint Venture, Borrower shall, or shall cause the applicable member of the Consolidated Group, to use its best efforts to include in such documents provisions permitting the ability to pledge its respective interest in the Joint Venture to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders. The terms of the documents governing such Joint Venture shall be reasonably acceptable to the Lenders, based on parameters agreed upon in writing by Borrower and Lenders, including provisions for distributions to the Borrower.

6.15 PAPA OBLIGATIONS. Without limitation of the other provisions of this Agreement, it is acknowledged and agreed by Borrower (a) that a portion of the proceeds of the Loan will be used for acquisitions and development of Real Property which is Eligible Real Property Collateral as to which the PAPA Obligations exist, including toward fulfilling certain development obligations to the parties owed such PAPA Obligations and performance and payment of PAPA Obligations when due, (b) that Borrower shall not engage in acts or omissions which would cause a default under any PAPA Obligations (or trigger any buyback, repurchase options or rights of first refusal, and in no event shall any sale pursuant to those matters constitute a sale in the ordinary course of the Core Businesses), (c) that Borrower shall promptly provide evidence of compliance with all PAPA Obligations upon Administrative Agent’s request and without request to promptly provide notice of any default or asserted default with respect to any PAPA Obligations, (d) that upon Administrative Agent’s request, Borrower will promptly provide evidence of compliance with any options held by any member of the Consolidated Group to acquire Real Property and without request promptly provide notice of any exercise, pending expiration or default or asserted default under any such options, and (e) except to the extent that Borrower is required by the Entitlements to improve areas adjacent to the Boundaries of the Borrower Real Property, in no event shall Borrower use (or allow any other Person to use) any proceeds of the Loan to improve any Real Property which is not actually owned by Borrower (whether or not an option is held thereon). Further, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in no event shall any Real Property or any such option to acquire Real Property be transferred by Borrower to any Affiliate or Related Party or any member of the Consolidated Group including that no such transfer shall be permitted in connection with any transaction contemplated with respect to Article VIII.

 

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6.16 TRANSFER OF CF PROPERTY AND MF PROPERTY TO BORROWER. Concurrently with the repayment of the Existing Secured Indebtedness secured by the MF Property, San Carlos Property and/or CF Property, or any portion thereof, Borrower shall (a) cause the MF Owner or the CF Owner, or the applicable portion thereof, as applicable, to transfer fee title of the MF Property, San Carlos Property or CF Property, as applicable, to Borrower and (b) deliver the Title Policy to Administrative Agent and cause such Real Property (together with all appurtenant Personal Property) to become Collateral hereunder and under the Security Documents. Concurrently with the repayment and satisfaction of the Existing Secured Indebtedness (other than in connection with repayment and reconveyance of portions of the Existing Secured Indebtedness to allow closings of retail sales of lots or units in the ordinary course of business at arm’s length to Persons other than Related Parties), with respect to the: (a) CF Property, or any portion thereof, (i) cause the Lien of the deed(s) of trust securing the Existing Secured Indebtedness to be fully reconveyed, (ii) convey fee title of the CF Property, or applicable portion thereof, to Borrower, (iii) execute, acknowledge and record in the Official Records, a Deed of Trust, subject only to Permitted Exceptions, as a Lien against the CF Property, or the applicable portion thereof, and (iv) cause the Title Policy to be issued; (b) MF Property, or any portion thereof, (i) cause the Lien of the deed(s) of trust securing the Existing Secured Indebtedness to be fully reconveyed, (ii) convey fee title of the MF Property, or applicable portion thereof, to Borrower, (iii) execute, acknowledge and record in the Official Records, a Deed of Trust, subject only to Permitted Exceptions, as a Lien against the MF Property, or the applicable portion thereof, and (iv) cause the Title Policy to be issued; and (c) San Carlos Property, or any portion thereof, (i) cause the Lien of the deed(s) of trust securing the Existing Secured Indebtedness to be fully reconveyed, (ii) convey fee title of the San Carlos Property, or applicable portion thereof, to Borrower, (iii) execute, acknowledge and record in the Official Records, a Deed of Trust, subject only to Permitted Exceptions, as a Lien against the San Carlos Property, or the applicable portion thereof, and (iv) cause the Title Policy to be issued.

6.17 PROPERTY TRANSFERS. If at any time Borrower owns any Real Property (that is not released pursuant to Article VIII) that is not subject to the Lien of a Deed of Trust, Borrower shall upon request of Majority Lenders, as soon as reasonably practicable: (i) execute, acknowledge and record in the Official Records, a Deed of Trust (or an amendment to an existing Deed of Trust to include such added Real Property as Collateral), subject only to Permitted Exceptions, as a Lien on such Real Property; and (ii) cause a Title Policy (or an endorsement to an existing Title Policy, as required by Majority Lenders, insuring the priority of the Deed of Trust on such added Real Property) to be issued.

6.18 RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL. The Borrower shall grant ColFin WLH Funding, LLC (or one of its Affiliates) a right of first refusal, in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent, to provide (x) all or any portion of the equity financing for the Mayfield Property and its subsequent development thereof and (y) all or any portion of any Acquisition Indebtedness (collectively, the “ Rights of First Refusal ”).

6.19 CERTAIN REAL ESTATE COVENANTS

(a) Borrower covenants and agrees that upon request by Administrative Agent from time to time, Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent, in form and content reasonably acceptable to the Majority Lenders, a schedule of all maps, plats and Tentative Maps in existence

 

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with respect to the Projects in the possession of, or prepared for, any member of the Consolidated Group and each such map, plat or Tentative Map shall be made available by Borrower for review and copying by Lender and contain or be accompanied by such information in the possession of, or prepared for any member of the Consolidated Group and such certifications as Administrative Agent or Lender may reasonably request.

(b) Borrower covenants and agrees that upon request by Administrative Agent from time to time, Borrower shall provide to Administrative Agent, in form and content reasonably acceptable to the Majority Lenders, a schedule of all soils/hydrology test reports relating to the Projects in the possession of, or prepared for, any member of the Consolidated Group, and such test reports shall be made available by Borrower for review and copying by Administrative Agent or Lender.

(c) Borrower covenants and agrees that upon request by Administrative Agent from time to time, Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent, in form and content reasonably acceptable to the Majority Lenders, a schedule of all environmental assessments of the Projects in the possession of, or prepared for, any member of the Consolidated Group, and such assessments shall be made available by Borrower for review and copying by Administrative Agent or Lender. If Majority Lenders determine that any further review should be obtained, Borrower shall also provide such follow up testing, reports, and other actions as may be required by Administrative Agent. If such reports (or soils/hydrology tests reports referenced immediately above) are addressed to Borrower, Borrower shall cause a reliance letter, in form and substance satisfactory to Majority Lenders, to be provided to Administrative Agent.

(d) Borrower covenants and agrees that if in Borrower’s possession and requested by Administrative Agent from time to time, Borrower shall provide Administrative Agent, in form and content acceptable to the Majority Lenders, a preliminary title report for each Project, prepared by the Title Company, together with a legible copy of each “SCHEDULE B” item.

ARTICLE VII

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any member of the Consolidated Group to, directly or indirectly:

7.01 PERMITTED INDEBTEDNESS. Incur or permit to exist or remain outstanding any Indebtedness; provided, however, that the Loan Parties may incur or permit to exist or remain outstanding the following Indebtedness (“ Permitted Indebtedness ”):

(a) Indebtedness of any Loan Party arising under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

(b) Indebtedness in respect of taxes, assessments, governmental charges, and claims for labor, materials or supplies, to the extent that payment thereof is not yet due or is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and an adequate reserve has been established therefor and is maintained in accordance with GAAP;

 

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(c) Existing Secured Indebtedness;

(d) Indebtedness of any Loan Party incurred to finance the purchase of equipment used in the ordinary course of the Core Businesses in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000;

(e) Indebtedness of any Loan Party arising under the Indenture in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $75,000,000 plus any additional principal amount resulting from the payment in-kind of interest thereon and extensions, renewals, refinancings and replacements thereof; provided that (i) the principal amount of any such refinancing does not exceed $75,000,000 plus any such payment-in-kind interest plus any accrued interest, premiums thereon and fees and expenses incurred in connection with such extension, renewal, refinancing or replacement, (ii) the maturity date of such Indebtedness is extended beyond the first anniversary of the Maturity Date and (iii) the material terms and provisions of any such refinancing (including redemption, prepayment, security, default and subordination provisions) are no less favorable to the applicable Loan Party and the Lenders than the Indebtedness being refinanced (other than the interest rate and fees under such refinanced Indebtedness which may be at a rate consistent with the rates and fees then prevailing in the market for similar Indebtedness for borrowers engaged in the Core Businesses and with similar credit risks as Borrower);

(f) Other Indebtedness that satisfies each of the following conditions (“ Other Permitted Indebtedness ”):

(i) Subject to Section 7.01(f) (iii)-(vii) and the terms of the Rights of First Refusal and Acquisition Indebtedness;

(ii) Subject to Section 7.01(f) (iii)-(vii), Permitted Construction Indebtedness;

(iii) All Acquisition Indebtedness and Permitted Construction Indebtedness shall not exceed in the aggregate at any one time outstanding $100 million of principal amount (including interest that is payable in kind and added to the principal amount thereof), which $100 million aggregate limit shall be reduced dollar-for-dollar by the outstanding principal amount (including interest that is payable in kind and added to the principal amount thereof) on any outstanding Existing Secured Indebtedness and the unsecured Indebtedness referred to in Section 7.01(g) below; provided, however , Acquisition Indebtedness constituting Non-Recourse Debt shall not count against such $100 million limitation;

(iv) All Acquisition Indebtedness shall not exceed in the aggregate at any one time outstanding $20 million of principal amount (including interest that is payable in kind and added to the principal amount thereof); provided, however , Acquisition Indebtedness constituting Non-Recourse Debt shall not count against such $20 million limitation. For clarification purposes, the outstanding principal balance (including interest that is payable in kind and added to the principal amount thereof) of Acquisition Indebtedness referred to in this Section 7.01(f)(iv) shall be included for purposes of applying the limitations referred to in this Section 7.01(f)(iv) and 7.01(f)(iii);

 

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(v) All Acquisition Indebtedness and Permitted Construction Indebtedness shall be on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Majority Lenders (including notice and cure rights for the benefit of the Administrative Agent) and shall be made by an lender that is not an Affiliate of any Loan Party or any Joint Venture;

(vi) Acquisition Indebtedness and Permitted Construction Indebtedness shall be permitted only if (x) at the time of each closing and funding of any such Indebtedness, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and no Default or Event of Default shall occur as a result of the incurrence of such Indebtedness or the release of any Liens in connection therewith and (y) if Borrower first demonstrates to the Administrative Agent’s reasonable satisfaction compliance with the Borrowing Base test measured both before and after (on a pro forma basis) the incurrence of such Indebtedness and the release to the satisfaction of Administrative Agent; and

(vii) The Liens securing the Acquisition Indebtedness are permitted pursuant to Section 7.02(i);

(g) Indebtedness of any Loan Party that is unsecured in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000 to be used by the Borrower or the Parent for general working capital purposes, provided that any such Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or the Parent under this clause (g) shall reduce the amount of Indebtedness available to be borrowed under clause 7.01(f) on a dollar for dollar basis and shall be on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Majority Lenders; and

(h) The Mayfield Loan.

7.02 PERMITTED LIENS. Create or permit to exist any Lien on any Property of Borrower or any member of the Consolidated Group, including Parent, whether now or hereafter acquired, except for the following (the “ Permitted Liens ”):

(a) Liens and other encumbrances arising from attachments or similar proceedings, pending litigation, judgments or taxes or assessments or government charges in any such event whose validity or amount is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate cash reserves have been established and are maintained in accordance with GAAP, or taxes and assessments which are not due and delinquent;

(b) Mechanics’ Liens;

(c) pledges or deposits made in connection with workmen’s compensation, employee benefit plans, unemployment or other insurance, old age pensions, or other Social Security benefits;

 

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(d) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Sections 7.01(c), 7.01(d), and 7.01(h); provided that in the case of in the case of Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.01(d), such Liens exist at the time such equipment was acquired and in any event such Liens extend only to the property acquired;

(e) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.01(e); provided that such Indebtedness and Liens are at all times subject to the terms of the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

(f) precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statements related to equipment leases or other operating leases in the ordinary course of business permitted under this Agreement;

(g) easements, rights-of-way and other such restrictions of record customary in any of the Core Businesses and which do not diminish the value of the subject Collateral;

(h) Liens in favor of Administrative Agent and the Lenders under or pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

(i) Liens on Real Property securing Acquisition Indebtedness under Section 7.01(f)(i) above provided that the sum of the following amounts for all such Acquisition Indebtedness at any one time outstanding shall not exceed $40 million: (i) the Land Acquisition Cost of the Real Property minus Acquisition Indebtedness and (ii) the aggregate of all principal paid by any member of the Consolidated Group or any Joint Venture with respect to outstanding Acquisition Indebtedness following the date such Acquisition Indebtedness is incurred.

(j) Liens securing Permitted Construction Indebtedness under Section 7.01(f)(ii) above.

(k) Permitted Exceptions;

(l) rights of setoff or bankers’ Liens upon deposits of cash in favor of banks or other depository institutions whether arising by contract or operation of law, incurred in the ordinary course of business so long as such deposits are not intended to be collateral for any obligations;

(m) Liens securing Secured Intercompany Loans;

(n) pledges of the Equity Securities in a Joint Venture in connection with Non-Recourse Debt of such Joint Venture; and

(o) Liens on PCI Released Property securing Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.01(f).

7.03 INVESTMENTS. Make any Investments (other than by the Borrower in Borrower Real Property as necessary for the Core Businesses and subject to Section 7.05), except:

(a) Cash Equivalents subject to a first priority perfected Lien in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of itself and the Lenders;

 

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(b) deposit accounts which are subject to Control Agreements;

(c) Investments in Excluded Assets;

(d) Loans to officers, directors, board members, employees, shareholders or affiliates of Borrower made in the ordinary course of such Loan Party’s business on such terms as are customary and reasonable for similarly situated companies, and in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not in excess of $100,000;

(e) Investments in suppliers and customers of Borrower made in the ordinary course of such Loan Party’s business on such terms as are customary and reasonable for similarly situated companies, and in an aggregate amount outstanding during any rolling twelve (12) month period not in excess of $100,000;

(f) Investments existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 7.03(f) hereto;

(g) Investments by Borrower in WL Southwest; provided that such Investments (i) consist solely of Units, (ii) at the time any such Unit is transferred, WL Southwest has entered into a binding purchase and sale agreement with a bona fide arm’s length (other than a sale to an employee in accordance with the provisions of Section 8.01(b)(ii)) all cash purchaser retail end-user for such Unit, (iii) immediately after the transfer of title to such Unit to WL Southwest such Unit shall be transferred, through the same escrow as part of the same transaction, to such purchaser and (iv) the Net Proceeds from such sale are paid directly to Borrower;

(h) Investments in accordance with Sections 7.12; and

(i) Investments in Lyon Mayfield to fund development costs in accordance with the terms of the Completion Guaranty made as of October 28, 2011, by the Persons listed on Schedule 1 thereto in favor of Qina, LLC.

7.04 FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES. Do any of the following:

(a) merge or consolidate with or into any Person, except that Subsidiaries of Borrower may merge into a Loan Party; provided that such Loan Party must be the survivor;

(b) dispose of any Property other than (i) Asset Sales in compliance with Section 2.02(c)(i) (provided that no Asset Sale of all or substantially all of the property of a Loan Party or Equity Securities of any Loan Party may be made) or (ii) Asset Sales permitted under and in compliance with Article VIII;

(c) commence Vertical Construction on the Project listed on Schedule APT ; and

 

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(d) sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any Equity Securities of a Subsidiary of Borrower that is the borrower under any Secured Intercompany Loan at any time that such Secured Intercompany Loan is outstanding.

7.05 ACQUISITIONS. Acquire any fee or other interest in Real Property (whether by exercise of an option or otherwise) unless (i) the member of the Consolidated Group acquiring such Real Property is Borrower, (ii) a fully executed and acknowledged Deed of Trust for the Real Property shall concurrently with Borrower’s acquisition of the Real Property, be recorded in the Official Records, and upon recordation of the Deed of Trust, Administrative Agent shall have received a Title Policy issued by the Title Company, (iii) an Appraisal if required under Section 6.14(j)(iii)(C) (obtained at Borrower’s sole cost and expense) of such Real Property showing the Appraised Value of the Real Property at least equal to the Land Acquisition Costs of the Real Property being acquired has been delivered to Administrative Agent, (iv) such Real Property is used in the Core Businesses and (v) the Land Acquisition Cost for Unentitled Land shall not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate during any twelve (12) month period. In furtherance of the foregoing, Borrower shall, or shall cause the applicable Loan Party, to execute and deliver such financing statements, subordinations and other documents requested by Administrative Agent, acting at the direction of Majority Lenders, necessary or advisable to grant and convey a first priority perfected Lien in the Real Property.

7.06 TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. Enter into any agreement to pay any fees, wages, salary, bonus, commission, contributions to benefit plans or any other compensation for goods or services or otherwise enter into any other agreement or arrangement, including for the transfer of assets, with its Affiliates or to or for the benefit of any Person who is a director or officer of any member of the Consolidated Group or any of its Affiliates or who has, or any of whose Affiliates has, a beneficial interest in the capital stock or partnership interests of any member of the Consolidated Group or any of its Affiliates (each an “ Affiliate Transaction ”), except (i) (a) in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of such member’s business, (b) upon terms and conditions materially no more favorable than those such member would be willing to enter into with an unaffiliated third party, (c) if the aggregate value of the Affiliate Transaction exceeds $2 million, the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent prior to entering into such Affiliate Transaction a certificate from an officer of Borrower certifying that (x) such transaction is on terms and conditions materially no more favorable than those such member would be willing to enter into with an unaffiliated third party, and (y) such Affiliate Transaction does not violate any provision of this Agreement, and (d) if the aggregate value of the Affiliate Transaction exceeds $10 million, the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent prior to entering into such Affiliate Transaction an opinion as to the fairness to the applicable member of the Consolidated Group from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing and (ii)(a) pursuant to an agreement under which the Borrower, or, as applicable, a Joint Venture, incurs no more than $60 million of Indebtedness in the aggregate in connection with the development of the Mayfield Property and (b) in a transaction contemplated by the RMV Purchase Agreement. At the request of Administrative Agent, Borrower shall provide computations and evidence of compliance with this Section 7.06. Borrower shall not sell, convey, grant, quitclaim, lease or otherwise transfer any Borrower Real Property to CF Owner, MF Owner, Lyon Mayfield, any Joint Venture, or any Related Parties, Subsidiaries or Affiliates of Borrower. Borrower shall not permit: (i) CF Owner to sell, convey, grant, quitclaim, lease or otherwise transfer any CF Property to any of MF Owner, Lyon Mayfield,

 

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any Joint Venture, or any Related Parties, Subsidiaries or Affiliates of CF Owner or Borrower, other than Borrower; or (ii) MF Owner to sell, convey, grant, quitclaim, lease or otherwise transfer any MF Property to any of CF Owner, Lyon Mayfield, any Joint Venture, or any Related Parties, Subsidiaries or Affiliates of MF Owner or Borrower, other than Borrower; and (iii) Lyon Mayfield to sell, convey, grant, quitclaim, lease or otherwise transfer any Mayfield Property to any of CF Owner, MF Owner, any Joint Venture, or any Related Parties, Subsidiaries or Affiliates of Lyon Mayfield or Borrower, other than Borrower; provided, however, that nothing in this sentence shall prohibit the Borrower from selling, conveying, granting, quitclaiming, leasing or otherwise transferring such properties in non-Affiliated Transactions. No amendment, modification, renewal or extension (other than renewals or extensions on arm’s length market terms) shall be entered into in connection with any existing documents or agreements between the Borrower, Parent or any of their Affiliates, on the one hand, and any of their Affiliates on the other hand, including the lease agreement referenced in Section 7.08(c).

7.07 SECOND LIEN NOTES.

(a) Issue additional Second Lien Notes.

(b) Except as permitted by the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, prepay, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Second Lien Notes; or

(c) permit the modification, waiver or amendment of any of the terms of the Indenture, except for modifications, waivers or amendments not prohibited by Section 7.01(e) or by the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

7.08 PERMITTED DISTRIBUTIONS. Make any Distributions; provided that:

(a) Subsidiaries may make Distributions to Borrower;

(b) If no Default exists, (i) regularly scheduled Distributions in respect of the New Preferred Shares may be made in an amount not to exceed four percent (4%) of the par value of the New Preferred Shares during any twelve (12) month period and (ii) Distributions of any accrued and unpaid dividends in respect of the New Preferred Shares that have accrued at a rate not to exceed 6% per annum, reduced by the amount of Distributions paid in cash, upon conversion of the New Preferred Shares;

(c) Payments of rent may be made under the that certain Lease Agreement dated and in effect on April 1, 2003, between WHL 1976 T, LLC by: William Harwell Lyon 1976 Trust (its managing member) and William Lyon Homes, Inc., relating to the headquarters of Borrower, as in effect from April 1, 2003;

(d) Distributions by Joint Ventures may be made to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; and

(e) Investments permitted by Sections 7.03(g) may be made to the extent such Investments would also constitute a Distribution.

 

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7.09 CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS. Engage in any material line of business different from any of the Core Businesses.

7.10 USE OF PROCEEDS. Use the proceeds of the Loan, in violation of the Margin Regulations, or for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any “margin stock” as defined in the Margin Regulations or reducing or retiring any Indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry “margin stock” or for any other purpose which might make this transaction a “purpose credit” within the meaning of the Margin Regulations.

7.11 NO OTHER NEGATIVE PLEDGE. Covenant or otherwise agree with any Person (other than (a) the Lenders and Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement, (b) the Collateral Trustee (as defined in the Indenture) and (c) with respect to the assets securing Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness, the lenders of such Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness), whether in connection with obtaining or modifying credit accommodations from such Person, or incurring other Indebtedness, or otherwise, to keep its unencumbered assets free of any or all Liens.

7.12 INVESTMENTS IN MF OWNER AND CF OWNER. Make any Investments in MF Owner or CF Owner unless: (i)(a) such Investment is in the form of a loan or extension of credit (a “ Credit Advance ”); (b) the borrower under such Credit Advance is either MF Owner or CF Owner; (c) such Credit Advance is evidenced by one or more promissory notes; (d) such Credit Advance is made solely to repay, in its entirety, and terminate the Existing Secured Indebtedness of MF Owner or CF Owner, as applicable; (e) such Credit Advance is made directly to the lender, agent or trustee under such Existing Secured Indebtedness pursuant to a payoff letter or demand letter pursuant to which such lender, agent or trustee has agreed to release its Liens on the MF Property or CF Property, as applicable, upon receipt of the amounts set forth in such letter; (f) the documentation evidencing such Credit Advance, including the secured promissory notes, shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Majority Lenders and provide that the proceeds from any asset sale (including the sale of Lots and Units) by MF Owner or CF Owner shall be paid directly to Borrower; (g) Borrower, for the benefit of Administrative Agent and as security for MF Owner’s or CF Owner’s obligations under such Credit Advance, is granted a first priority perfected Lien on all assets (including all Real Property and Personal Property) of MF Owner or CF Owner, as applicable; and (h) Administrative Agent, for itself and the Lenders, is granted a first priority perfected lien in Borrower’s right, title and interest in and to the Credit Advance, the promissory note or notes issued in connection therewith and an assignment of all collateral pledged by MF Owner or CF Owner, as applicable, in connection with such Credit Advance, (ii)(a) such Investment is made in either MF Owner or CF Owner and does not exceed an amount necessary to service the Existing Secured Indebtedness of MF Owner or CF Owner, as applicable and to pay operating expenses of MF Owner or CF Owner, as applicable, or (iii) such Credit Advance is accounted for as an intercompany receivable on the books and records of the Borrower in accordance with GAAP.

7.13 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.

7.14 BORROWING BASE. Permit at any time Total Outstandings to exceed the Borrowing Base.

7.15 EXPENDITURES OUTSIDE OF CORE BUSINESSES. Permit expenditures (other than expenditures incurred in the acquisition, development, construction or sale of

 

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Aggregate Real Property as part of the Core Businesses or otherwise in furtherance of the Core Business) to exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate during any Annual Period without the prior written consent of Majority Lenders; provided that, any expenditure or series of related expenditures in an amount less than or equal to $100,000 shall not be included in calculating such $5,000,000 limit. In no event shall payments relating to or for the benefit of the RMV Property or the RMV Entities be permitted to exceed the RMV Monetary Obligation Cap.

7.16 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.

7.17 CHANGES IN KEY MANAGEMENT. Permit, at any time prior to the Maturity Date:

(a) both members of Key Management identified in clause (i) of the definition thereof (or any other individual or individuals approved by Majority Lenders as a substitute for one or both of them in accordance with the terms of this Section 7.17) to cease whether voluntarily or involuntarily to devote substantially all of their business time to the management or operations of Parent or Borrower; or

(b) the member of Key Management identified in clause (ii) of the definition thereof (or any other individual approved by Majority Lenders as a substitute for him in accordance with the terms of this Section 7.17) (the “ Clause (ii) Manager ”) to cease whether voluntarily or involuntarily to devote substantially all of his business time to the management or operations of Parent or Borrower;

Unless, in each case, a substitute or substitutes acceptable to Majority Lenders in their sole and absolute discretion is found for such individual or individuals within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date such individual announces his resignation or departure or is removed from his position (each, a “ Departure ”); provided, however, that if a substitute or substitutes have not been appointed within such period but Borrower is diligently attempting to recruit such substitute or substitutes, this covenant shall not be deemed in breach until the two hundred seventieth (270 th ) day from the date of the relevant Departure; provided, further, that such approval will not be unreasonably withheld by the Majority Lenders in the case of a Departure by the Clause (ii) Manager if such Departure results from a termination during any period during which the Clause (ii) Manager is party to an Employment Agreement initially entered into following the Closing Date with the Parent or Borrower and such Departure results from either (x) a termination of employment by the Parent or Borrower with cause (as that term is defined in such Employment Agreement) or (y) a termination of employment by the Clause (ii) Manager other than for “good reason” (as that term is defined in such Employment Agreement).

7.18 EXCLUDED ASSETS. Permit the aggregate fair market value of all Excluded Assets to exceed the amounts set forth in the definition of Excluded Assets at any time.

7.19 IMPROVEMENTS. Without limitation of any other provisions of this Agreement regarding the Core Businesses or use of the Aggregate Real Property, other than in the ordinary course of the Core Businesses, no portion of the Aggregate Real Property shall be removed, demolished or altered in any manner, if it diminishes the value of any Project by at least $1,000,000, without the prior written consent of Majority Lenders. Further, if any Borrower Real

 

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Property or any portion thereof that is condemned, destroyed, removed, demolished or altered in any manner which diminishes the value of any Project, then the Majority Lenders may exclude such Borrower Real Property from the Borrowing Base.

7.20 PAPA OBLIGATION. Neither Borrower nor any other member of the Consolidated Group will borrow any amount from the holder of any PAPA Obligation, nor permit any advance of funds by the holder of any PAPA Obligation on behalf of Borrower or any member of the Consolidated Group without prompt repayment of such advance in full.

7.21 NEGATIVE PLEDGE. Neither Borrower or any other Loan Party shall permit or suffer to exist any Lien on or pledge of the Equity Securities of any member of the Consolidated Group other than any Lien on or pledge in favor of the Collateral Trustee (as defined in the Indenture).

7.22 CF PROPERTY AND MF PROPERTY AND MAYFIELD PROPERTY. Except for (i) individual retail sales of lots or units to end users in the ordinary course of business at arm’s length to Persons other than Related Parties and (ii) bulk sales at arm’s length to Persons other than Related Parties, subject to the terms of the Existing Secured Indebtedness, Borrower shall not permit the CF Owner to, and the CF Owner shall not, transfer, convey, grant, pledge, encumber sell, lease or assign the CF Property, or any portion thereof or interest therein, to any Person except Borrower. Except for (i) individual retail sales of lots or units to end users in the ordinary course of business at arm’s length to Persons other than Related Parties and (ii) bulk sales at arm’s length to Persons other than Related Parties, subject to the terms of the Existing Secured Indebtedness, Borrower shall not permit the MF Owner to, and the MF Owner shall not, transfer, convey, grant, pledge, encumber sell, lease or assign the MF Property, or any portion thereof or interest therein, to any Person except Borrower. Except for (i) individual retail sales of lots or units to end users in the ordinary course of business at arm’s length to Persons other than Related Parties and (ii) bulk sales at arm’s length to Persons other than Related Parties, subject to the terms of the Existing Secured Indebtedness, Borrower shall not permit Lyon Mayfield to, and Lyon Mayfield shall not, transfer, convey, grant, pledge, encumber sell, lease or assign the Mayfield Property, or any portion thereof or interest therein, to any Person except Borrower.

7.23 AMENDMENT TO DOCUMENTS. Amend, modify, supplement, waive or replace any document, instrument or agreement (or any terms or conditions thereof) entered into in connection with or evidencing the Existing Secured Indebtedness (except to the extent otherwise permitted by the terms hereof) or any Secured Intercompany Loans unless, in each case, such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or replacement is consented to in writing by Administrative Agent acting at the direction of Majority Lenders.

ARTICLE VIII

RELEASES

8.01 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RELEASES. Administrative Agent shall release the relevant property described below from the Lien of a Deed of Trust (through an escrow arrangement acceptable to Majority Lenders, concurrent with the closing of the relevant transaction) upon satisfaction of the following conditions precedent, provided that Borrower requests such release in writing by way of written notice of the request to Administrative Agent not

 

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less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the applicable transfer, which request shall be accompanied by a common and legal description of the relevant property to be released reasonably satisfactory to Majority Lenders and provided that the release shall not violate any requirements of any document of record or any applicable Law including those regarding subdivisions, tract maps, parcel maps and the division of land into lots or parcels; and the Collateral remaining after giving effect to the release shall be in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and ordinances, the un-released Collateral remaining after giving effect to the release shall not be impaired with respect to Borrower’s ability to diligently proceed with any Improvements, and that Borrower has concurrently submitted to Administrative Agent all documents and instruments necessary to release the relevant Borrower Real Property from the Liens of the applicable Loan Documents, and in the case of any released property as to which construction has not been fully completed, the Person acquiring the property shall have agreed, to the reasonable satisfaction of Administrative Agent, to complete the construction and development thereof (and any related Amenities) in accordance with the plans and specifications reasonably approved in writing by Majority Lenders:

(a) At the time of such release no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing. It shall be an additional condition that no Default or Event of Default shall occur as a result of the transaction that is the subject of the release.

(b) Such release shall be either in connection with (i) a bona fide arm’s length all-cash sale in the ordinary course of Borrower’s Core Businesses (or in the case of a Dedication, a transfer or donation, in the ordinary course of Borrower’s Core Businesses, of a portion of a Project) to an unrelated Person who is either (x) a member of the general home-buying public purchasing a Unit or (y) a merchant builder purchasing single or multiple Finished Lots or Homes Under Construction in Nevada or Arizona in a transaction of a type which Borrower has customarily done historically and is consistent with its business plan for such Project, and in the case of either (x) or (y), who is not an Affiliate or Related Party of the Consolidated Group (a “ Standard Retail Sale ”), (ii) in not more than ten (10) instances in any calendar year, a sale to an employee of any member of the Consolidated Group for use by such employee as their primary residence, with a discount of not more than three percent (3%) of the purchase price that would be charged for the applicable Lot or Unit in a Standard Retail Sale (a release in connection with (i) or (ii) is a “ Standard Release ”) or (iii) Borrower obtaining Permitted Construction Indebtedness secured solely by such Borrower Real Property (in the case of this clause “(iii),” a “ PCI Release ”, and the Borrower Real Property so transferred in connection therewith is the “ PCI Released Property ”).

(c) Unless the portion of the Borrower Real Property to be released is an entire parcel with respect to which Administrative Agent has previously approved the Final Map or is a Lot or Lots (or a Unit or Units) within a subdivision with respect to which Administrative Agent has previously approved a Final Map, Borrower or Title Company shall have delivered to Administrative Agent (i) a legal description of the portion of the Borrower Real Property to be released, (ii) a map or plat of the portion of the Borrower Real Property to be released, and (iii) copies of any easements for ingress, egress or otherwise to be granted or retained in connection with such release.

 

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(d) With respect to any Standard Release (but not PCI Releases), unless the portion of the Borrower Real Property to be released is an entire parcel with respect to which Administrative Agent has previously approved Final Map or is a lot or lots within a subdivision with respect to which Administrative Agent has previously approved a Final Map, prior to such release, (i) the remaining unreleased portion of the Borrower Real Property will, after giving effect to such release, have adequate access ingress and egress and will have access to and rights to any Amenities related to the applicable Project, in the reasonable opinion of Majority Lenders, and (ii) the value of the unreleased portion of the Project will, after giving effect to such release, not otherwise be materially impaired in the reasonable opinion of Majority Lenders, including LTAA 9 (a.k.a. CLTA 111). Majority Lenders shall have the right to approve any Standard Release, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, provided however, that unless Majority Lenders have notified Borrower that Majority Lender’s approval will be required prior to any Standard Release, Borrower shall proceed with Standard Releases without receiving Majority Lender’s prior consent.

(e) Borrower shall provide Administrative Agent with such endorsements to the Title Policy as Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with each release.

(f) Borrower shall pay all of Administrative Agent’s reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising in connection with each release.

(g) Each release shall be made by Administrative Agent by delivery of the release documents to a title company or other escrow agent satisfactory to Majority Lenders upon such conditions as shall assure Administrative Agent that all conditions precedent to such release have been satisfied and that the applicable transaction will be completed.

(h) In no event shall any transfer or conveyance be made of any Amenities (or land slated therefor) except a customary transfer to the homeowners association for the applicable Project, subject to Administrative Agent’s reasonable approval.

8.02 STANDARD RELEASES. In connection with and as conditions to any Standard Releases of any Borrower Real Property:

(a) Borrower shall satisfy each of the conditions set forth in 8.01.

(b) If requested by Administrative Agent, Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent a true and correct copy of the applicable Purchase Contracts.

(c) The sale shall be made in the ordinary course of the development and marketing of the applicable Project, and shall be accompanied by such development covenants, conditions and restrictions, deeds of trust, and other documents, consistent with Borrower’s past practices, as shall be necessary to assure that development of the Project occurs in accordance with Borrower’s development plans and existing Entitlements.

(d) The transaction occurs through an escrow account over which Lender has a Control Agreement and Borrower then causes the net proceeds of such transfer to be placed in an account over which Lender has a Control Agreement.

 

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(e) The form of standing escrow instructions which has historically been used by Lender in connection with sales which are the subject of Standard Releases, shall be modified to provide that instead of such standing escrow instructions expiring automatically at the end of each month, such standing escrow instructions would continue in effect until cancelled, withdrawn or modified by Lender by written notice pursuant to the terms of such standing escrow instructions.

8.03 DEDICATIONS. In connection with and as conditions to release of any Borrower Real Property as a Dedication:

(a) Borrower shall satisfy each of the conditions set forth in Section 8.01.

(b) At least ten (10) days prior to a release, Borrower shall have delivered to Administrative Agent all the terms, conditions and details of such release, including the purpose of such release, evidence of the conformity of such release to the overall development plan for the Project and all Entitlements required in connection therewith, all of which shall be in form and content reasonably satisfactory to Majority Lenders.

8.04 PERMITTED CONSTRUCTION INDEBTEDNESS. In connection with and as conditions to any PCI Release, the PCI Released Property must, concurrent with the release, become immediately subject to a deed of trust as security in favor of the Eligible Construction Lender for Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness and:

(a) Borrower shall satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 8.01.

(b) Any PCI Released Property must consist only of (i) Real Property ready for immediate commencement or continuance of Horizontal Improvements, (ii) Finished Lots or Homes Under Construction (for which, all necessary Entitlements have been obtained and a Final Map has been recorded, so that Horizontal Improvements or Vertical Construction may commence or continue upon funding of the Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness), or (iii) Model Units in the same Phase or Project, and such Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness shall only encumber the relevant Finished Lots, Homes Under Construction or Model Units.

(c) Borrower must concurrently with such release close and receive Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness as contemplated herein and the proceeds thereof, in accordance with the terms thereof shall be deposited directly into an account as to which Lenders have a Control Agreement in effect.

(d) Borrower shall demonstrate its compliance with the Borrowing Base and the 50% and 60% value/cost and $20 million Land Acquisition Indebtedness requirements and limitations of Section 7.01(f) (which limitations shall apply to such Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness) measured both before and after the release to the satisfaction of Administrative Agent.

(e) If at any time all or any part of the PCI Released Property is released from the Lien of the Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness (other than in connection with a sale permitted under this Agreement and permitted under the Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness), Borrower shall in no event sell, transfer or further encumber the PCI Released

 

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Property, except with other Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness in compliance with this Section 8.04, the Borrower shall (i) execute, acknowledge and record a Deed of Trust against all such remaining PCI Released Property for the benefit of Administrative Agent and the Lenders to secure the Loan Parties’ Indebtedness, (ii) deliver a Title Policy insuring a first priority Lien in favor of the Lenders in such PCI Released Property and (iii) deliver such other documents, agreements, reports and instruments as may be reasonably required by Majority Lenders (which shall include a subordination agreement acceptable to them with respect to any PAPA Obligations).

(f) Borrower shall have entered into binding documentation, for the Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness with the Eligible Construction Lender, which Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness is secured solely by the PCI Released Property.

(g) Borrower shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Eligible Construction Lender of the applicable Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness to enter into a PCI Intercreditor Agreement providing the Lenders with notice of any default (and opportunity to cure any default) by Borrower before any acceleration and/or to permit Lenders to purchase such loan from the Eligible Construction Lender at par in such events in form and content reasonably acceptable to Majority Lenders.

8.05 PERMITTED PLEDGE OF JOINT VENTURE EQUITY INTEREST. If the equity securities of a Joint Venture are pledged and such pledge is permitted under Section 7.02(n), the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, shall, and is hereby authorized by the Lenders to, either release or subordinate its lien on such equity securities concurrently with the pledge thereof; provided that concurrently with the repayment of such permitted financing arrangements the equity securities of such Joint Venture shall be pledged, on a first priority basis, to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, and the proceeds from such Joint Venture, after repayment of the permitted financing, shall be promptly distributed to the equity holders thereof and subject to the lien of the Administrative Agent.

ARTICLE IX

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

9.01 DEFAULT. Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default (each, an “ Event of Default ”):

(a) Non-Payment. Any Loan Party shall fail to pay (i) any principal of any Loan when the same becomes due or, (ii) any interest, fees or other amounts payable under the terms of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents within three (3) Business Days after the same becomes due; or

(b) Specific Covenants. (i) Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.05(a) and 6.15(b), Sections 7.07, 7.08, 7.12, 7.14, 7.17, 7.18, 7.20, 7.22 or 7.23 or Article XIII, or (ii) any Guarantor fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in Section 1 of the Unconditional Guaranty; or

(c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan

 

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Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after the earlier of the date a Responsible Officer of Borrower has knowledge of such failure or written notice thereof to Borrower from Administrative Agent or any Lender; or

(d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of Borrower or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

(e) Cross-Default. Any member of the Consolidated Group (i) fails to make any payment when due (after giving effect to the expiration of any applicable grace periods) (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the $10,000,000, or (ii) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or Guarantee or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; provided that any non-recourse loans to Joint Ventures permitted hereunder, other than loans constituting 7.01(f) Indebtedness, shall be excluded from this Section 9.0 l(e); or

(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any member of the Consolidated Group institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or any member of the Consolidated Group shall take any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing; or

(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) Any member of the Consolidated Group becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of the Borrower or the Consolidated Group, taken as a whole, and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within thirty (30) days after its issue or levy; or

 

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(h) Judgments. There is entered against any member of the Consolidated Group (i) a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding the $10,000,000 (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage), or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or

(i) ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of Borrower or another member of the Consolidated Group under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of $3,000,000, or (ii) Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of $3,000,000; or

(j) Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any other Person contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any provision of any Loan Document; or

(k) Security Documents. Any Lien intended to be created by any Security Document shall at any time be invalidated, subordinated or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect, for whatever reason (except for Liens on Collateral not constituting Real Property to the extent that such non-Real Property Collateral has a fair market value of less than $100,000), or any security interest purported to be created by any Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party in writing not to be, a valid, first priority (except as expressly otherwise provided in this Agreement or such Security Document) perfected Lien in the Collateral covered thereby (except for immaterial items of Collateral); or

(l) Indictment. Borrower or any member of Key Management shall be indicted for a federal crime, a punishment for which could include the forfeiture of any of its assets which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(m) Guarantors. Any Guarantor shall repudiate or purport to revoke the Unconditional Guaranty; or

(n) Designated Person. Any Loan Party shall become a Designated Person; or

(o) Prohibited Transfers. The occurrence of any transfer, assignment or encumbrance in violation of the terms of any Deed of Trust or any provision of this Agreement (including Sections 6.17 or 7.06); or

 

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(p) Title Insurance. (i) If any Title Policy issued (A) reflects Liens or that are not Permitted Exceptions and such Liens or Encumbrances are not removed within thirty (30) days after demand by Administrative Agent or (B) fails to contain endorsements requested by Administrative Agent and such endorsements are not included within thirty (30) days after demand by Administrative Agent, or (ii) a Title Company becomes insolvent, bankrupt or otherwise unable to pay claims and the affected Title Policy is not replaced with another Title Policy approved by Administrative Agent within thirty (30) days after Administrative Agent’s demand therefor, and in the foregoing events, the Borrower Real Property covered by the Title Policy shall cease to be part of the Borrowing Base; or

(q) Material Adverse Effect. Any Material Adverse Effect shall occur; or

(r) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control; or

(s) Control Agreements. Borrower fails, for any reason whatsoever, to deliver Control Agreements duly executed by the applicable depository institution and Loan Party in respect of each of the deposit accounts and securities accounts pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement within twenty (20) days after the Closing Date; or

(t) Mandatory Transfers. Failure of Borrower to cause any transfer of Real Property required under the terms of this Agreement to occur on the required date, including as set forth in Section 6.18 or 6.19 (including recordation of the required Deed of Trust or amendment and issuance of the required Title Policy or endorsement, as applicable).

9.02 REMEDIES UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing unremedied, Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, Majority Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:

(a) Declare an Event of Default;

(b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrower;

(c) set-off any amounts held for the account of the Loan Parties as cash collateral or in any accounts maintained with Administrative Agent, any other Lender or their respective affiliates; and

(d) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or any other applicable Law, including the Uniform Commercial Code, either by suit in equity or by action at law, or both;

(e) provided, however, that immediately upon the occurrence or existence of an Event of Default described in Section 9.01(f), the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and all other Obligations, payable by the Borrower and the other Loan Parties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest, or any other notice of any kind, all of which are

 

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hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the other Loan Documents to the contrary notwithstanding. Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral located within the State of California constitutes mixed collateral under Section 9604 of the California Commercial Code, and that Administrative Agent may foreclose upon same in such order and priority as Administrative Agent determines.

9.03 APPLICATION OF FUNDS. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by Administrative Agent in the following order:

First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III) payable to Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of any Lender and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and other obligations, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; and

Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.

9.04 PROTECTIVE ADVANCES/CURE RIGHTS.

If at any time a breach, default or event of default, occurs or a member of the Consolidated Group otherwise fails to perform or comply with any of the terms, covenants, and conditions to be performed and/or complied with, under any 7.01(f) Indebtedness, Permitted Borrower Construction Indebtedness, Acquisition Indebtedness, Existing Secured Indebtedness, PAPA Obligations (or subordination agreements with respect thereto) or other Indebtedness (other than the Indenture), then the Lenders, without waiving or releasing any of the Obligations, may (but shall not be required to):

(a) make advances to Borrower and/or directly make any payments as Lenders may deem necessary to cure or remedy such event or failure, including, without limitation, to cure or prevent a default or event of default or an exercise of any rights or remedies or options against Borrower, Lenders or any Real Property (and if such advances are so made to Borrower, then Borrower shall apply such funds advanced, so as to do so); and/or

(b) perform any other acts on their part to be performed for such purposes.

 

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The making by Lenders of any such advances, payments or performances will not, however, be deemed to cure any Default or Event of Default under the Loan Documents arising from the predicated events of default. All sums so advanced or paid and all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Lenders in connection with the performance of any such act shall be subject to the same terms as any, and shall be deemed to be, a Credit Extension under the Loan Documents (including that such advances shall bear interest at the Applicable Rate and be due on the Maturity Date, and will be added to the principal of the Loan and the Note and if repaid prior to the Maturity Date will be secured by the Security Documents). All such payments and advances so actually made shall conclusively be deemed to be protective advances which are required and mandatory to preserve and protect Lenders’ security for the performance of the Obligations under the Loan Documents, and shall be secured by the Security Documents to the same extent and with the same priority as the other principal, interest and other amounts payable under the Loan Documents.

ARTICLE X

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

10.01 APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY. Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints ColFin WLH Funding, LLC to act on its behalf as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

10.02 RIGHTS AS A LENDER. The Person serving as Administrative Agent hereunder, to the extent a Lender, shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

10.03 EXCULPATORY PROVISIONS. Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Administrative Agent:

(a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and

 

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(c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 11.01 and 9.02) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to Administrative Agent by Borrower, or a Lender. Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to Administrative Agent.

10.04 RELIANCE BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan. Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

10.05 DELEGATION OF DUTIES. Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.

 

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10.06 RESIGNATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders and Borrower to be effective not earlier than thirty (30) days from the date of such notice. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, Majority Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by Majority Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if Administrative Agent shall notify Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (2) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender, until such time as Majority Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 11.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

10.07 NON-RELIANCE ON ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND OTHER LENDERS. Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

10.08 NO OTHER DUTIES ETC.. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Initial Lender and Lead Arranger listed on the cover page hereof shall not have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in their capacity, as applicable, as Administrative Agent or a Lender.

10.09 ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM. In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, and all other obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and Administrative Agent under Sections 2.05 and 11.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

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(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to Administrative Agent and, in the event that Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders to pay to Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due Administrative Agent under Sections 2.05 and 11.04. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.

10.10 COLLATERAL AND GUARANTY MATTERS. The Lenders irrevocably authorize Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion:

(a) to release or cause the release of any Lien on any property granted to or held by or on behalf of Administrative Agent under any Loan Document (a) upon payment in full of all Obligations, (b) that is sold or to be sold as part of or in connection with any Disposition contemplated under Article VIII hereto or as otherwise contemplated hereunder or under the Loan Documents, in each case at the direction of Majority Lenders, or (iii) subject to Section 10.01, if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by Majority Lenders, except to the extent that the consent of all Lenders is required pursuant to Section 11.01(f) hereto; and

(b) to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Unconditional Guaranty, if (i) such Guarantor does not own any Collateral (or is simultaneously transferring its ownership interest in all remaining Collateral either (x) in connection with a Disposition permitted under Article VIII hereto, or (y) to Borrower or another Guarantor), and (ii) such Guarantor is dissolving and terminating its existence.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

11.01 AMENDMENTS, ETC.. Unless expressly stated otherwise herein, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing

 

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signed by Majority Lenders and Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

(a) extend or increase the Loans of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, or increase the commitments of any Lender to lend any additional amounts hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender;

(b) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

(c) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or (subject to clause (ii) of the second proviso to this Section 11.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; provided, however, that only the consent of Majority Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate;

(d) change Section 2.09 or Section 9.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender;

(e) change any provision of this Section or the definition of “Majority Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby; or

(f) (i) release any Guarantor except as expressly contemplated under Section 10.10(b), or (ii) except as permitted in Section 10.10(a) or the applicable Security Document, transfer, subordinate or release Liens on, or after foreclosure or other acquisition of title by Administrative Agent or transfer or sell, any Collateral securing the Obligations at less than fair market value and without payment of Net Proceeds thereon in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02(c) hereto, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby;

provided further, that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (ii) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto and (iii) the Administrative Agent Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Loans of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender.

No failure or delay by Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof or of any other right hereunder or thereunder nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other

 

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further exercise thereof or of any other right hereunder or thereunder. The Lenders may condition the giving or making of any amendment, waiver or consent of any term, covenant, agreement or condition of this Agreement or any other Loan Document on payment of a fee by the Borrower.

11.02 NOTICES; EFFECTIVENESS; ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION.

(a) Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

(i) if to Borrower or Administrative Agent, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 11.02 ; and

(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified on the signature pages hereto.

Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).

(b) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender, as applicable, has notified Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. Administrative Agent or Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

 

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(c) Change of Address, Etc. Each of Borrower and Administrative Agent may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to Borrower and Administrative Agent.

(d) Reliance by Administrative Agent and Lenders. Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices purportedly given by or on behalf of Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. Borrower shall indemnify Administrative Agent and each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with Administrative Agent may be recorded by Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.

11.03 NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. No failure by any Lender or Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.

11.04 EXPENSES; INDEMNITY; DAMAGE WAIVER.

(a) Costs and Expenses. Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Administrative Agent, the Initial Lender and the Lead Arranger (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for Administrative Agent, the Initial Lender and the Lead Arranger), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, due diligence, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Administrative Agent, the Initial Lender and the Lead Arranger (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for Administrative Agent and the Initial Lender), in connection with any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), and (iii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Administrative Agent or any Lender (including the fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for Administrative Agent or any Lender), and shall pay all fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of Administrative Agent or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section 11.04, or (B) in connection with the Loans hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.

(b) Indemnification by Borrower. Borrower shall indemnify and defend Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender, and each Related Party of any of

 

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the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, Broker’s Commissions (including all expenses and attorney’s fees incurred by Administrative Agent or any Lender is connection with the defense of any action or proceeding brought to collect any such Broker’s Commissions), liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee), and shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from all fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys who may be employees of any Indemnitee, incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by Borrower or any other Loan Party (collectively, “ Claims ”) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any Aggregate Real Property, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the comparative, contributory or sole negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if Borrower or such Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount, provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make payments pursuant to this Section 11.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any payment under this Section 11.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make its payment under this Section 11.04(c).

(d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to

 

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direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

(e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section 11.04 shall be payable not later than five Business Days after demand therefor.

(f) Survival. The agreements in this Section 11.04 shall survive the resignation of Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Loans and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other obligations.

11.05 PAYMENTS SET ASIDE. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of Borrower is made to Administrative Agent or any Lender, or Administrative Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by Administrative Agent, or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by Administrative Agent. The obligations of the Lenders under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

11.06 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

(a) Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section 11.06; provided, that the maximum amount of the Loan that can be assigned in the aggregate under subsection (d) of the definition of “Eligible Assignee” shall not exceed thirty-three percent (33%) of the outstanding principal amount of the Loan (determined at the time of each such assignment), (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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(b) Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of the Loans at the time owing to it); provided that:

(i) except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Loans at the time owing to it and except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or a Related Fund, the aggregate amount of the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed);

(ii) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans and commitments assigned;

(iii) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500, provided that (a) only one such fee shall be payable in the event of contemporaneous assignments to or by two or more Related Funds and (b) the Eligible Assignee, if shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations, including, if applicable, commitments of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01 and 11.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment. Upon request, Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.

(c) Register. Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, shall maintain at Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and

 

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Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and principal amounts of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and Borrower, Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by Borrower at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. In addition, at any time that a request for a consent for a material or substantive change to the Loan Documents is pending, any Lender wishing to consult with other Lenders in connection therewith may request and receive from Administrative Agent a copy of the Register.

(d) Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, Borrower or Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Eligible Participant (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) Borrower, Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to clauses (a) through (f) of Section 11.01 that affects such Participant. Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 11.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.09 and Section 11.13 as though it were a Lender.

(e) Limitations upon Participant Rights. A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with Borrower’s prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01 unless Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of Borrower, to comply with Section 3.01(e) as though it were a Lender.

(f) Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledge or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

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(g) Electronic Execution of Assignments. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

(h) Bifurcation. In furtherance of each Lender’s ability to assign or grant participations in their Loans, each Lender shall be entitled to bifurcate its Loans into component, mezzanine or other notes; provided, that no such bifurcation shall, individually or in the aggregate, increase Borrower’s Obligations hereunder.

(i) Syndication. Borrower shall provide sufficient financial information as reasonably requested by the Initial Lender for the preparation of an information memorandum describing Borrower for use in connection with syndication of this credit facility, if any. Such packet will be distributed on a confidential basis to potential transferees of the Loans. In addition, the management of Borrower and Parent will be available upon reasonable notice to participate in meetings with perspective transferees and to answer questions and actively be involved in the syndication process.

11.07 TREATMENT OF CERTAIN INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY. Each of Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, attorneys and representatives (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than Borrower. For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from Borrower or any Subsidiary relating to Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to Administrative Agent, any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have

 

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complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information but no less than a reasonable standard of care. Unless consented to by Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld) no Lender other than the Administrative Agent and the Initial Lender shall be entitled to receive any information deliverable pursuant to Sections 6.01 and 6.02 other than that provided for in Sections 6.01(a), 6.01(b), 6.01(e), 6.02(a), 6.02(d), 6.02(f) and 6.02(k).

11.08 RIGHT OF SETOFF. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, after obtaining the prior written consent of Administrative Agent (but without the prior notice to or consent of Borrower, any such notice and consent being expressly waived by Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable Law), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of Borrower or any other Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of Borrower or such Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of Borrower or such Loan Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this Section 11.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender agrees to notify Borrower and Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

11.09 INTEREST RATE LIMITATION. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “ Maximum Rate ”). If Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

11.10 COUNTERPARTS; INTEGRATION; EFFECTIVENESS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01

 

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this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by Administrative Agent and when Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

11.11 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied.

11.12 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

11.13 REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS. If Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, then Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 11.06), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

(a) Borrower shall have paid to Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 11.06(b);

(b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

(c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and

 

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(d) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

11.14 GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; ETC.

(a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA (WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF).

(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY UNITED STATES FEDERAL OR CALIFORNIA STATE COURT SITTING IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST BORROWER IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

(c) SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

11.15 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY VOLUNTARILY, KNOWINGLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 11.15.

 

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11.16 ARBITRATION.

(a) Arbitration. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 11.14 and 11.15, the parties hereto agree, upon demand by any party, to submit to binding arbitration all claims, disputes and controversies between or among them (and their respective employees, officers, directors, attorneys, and other agents), whether in tort, contract or otherwise arising out of or relating to in any way (i) the Loans and related Loan Documents which are the subject of this Agreement and its negotiation, execution, collateralization, administration, repayment, modification, extension, substitution, formation, inducement, enforcement, default or termination, or (ii) requests for additional credit.

(b) Governing Rules. Any arbitration proceeding will (i) proceed in a location in California selected by the American Arbitration Association (“ AAA ”); (ii) be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9 of the United States Code), notwithstanding any conflicting choice of law provision in any of the documents between the parties; and (iii) be conducted by the AAA, or such other administrator as the parties shall mutually agree upon, in accordance with the AAA’s commercial dispute resolution procedures, unless the claim or counterclaim is at least $1,000,000.00 exclusive of claimed interest, arbitration fees and costs in which case the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the AAA’s optional procedures for large, complex commercial disputes (the commercial dispute resolution procedures or the optional procedures for large, complex commercial disputes to be referred to, as applicable, as the “ Rules ”). If there is any inconsistency between the terms hereof and the Rules, the terms and procedures set forth herein shall control. Any party who fails or refuses to submit to arbitration following a demand by any other party shall bear all costs and expenses incurred by such other party in compelling arbitration of any dispute. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by any party that is a bank of the protections afforded to it under 12 U.S.C. §91 or any similar applicable state law.

(c) No Waiver of Provisional Remedies, Self-Help and Foreclosure. The arbitration requirement does not limit the right of any party to (i) foreclose against Aggregate Real Property or any other Collateral; (ii) exercise self-help remedies relating to Collateral or proceeds of Collateral such as setoff or repossession; or (iii) obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as replevin, injunctive relief, attachment or the appointment of a receiver, before during or after the pendency of any arbitration proceeding. This exclusion does not constitute a waiver of the right or obligation of any party to submit any dispute to arbitration or reference hereunder, including those arising from the exercise of the actions detailed in sections (i), (ii) and (iii) of this subsection.

(d) Arbitrator Qualifications and Powers. Any arbitration proceeding in which the amount in controversy is $5,000,000 or less will be decided by a single arbitrator selected according to the Rules, and who shall not render an award of greater than $5,000,000. Any dispute in which the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000,000 shall be decided by majority vote of a panel of three arbitrators; provided however, that all three arbitrators must actively participate in all hearings and deliberations. The arbitrator will be a neutral attorney licensed in the State of California or a neutral retired judge of the state or federal judiciary of California, in either case with a minimum of ten years experience in the substantive Law applicable to the subject matter of the dispute to be arbitrated. The arbitrator will determine whether or not an issue is arbitratable and will give effect to the statutes of limitation in determining any claim. In any arbitration proceeding the arbitrator will decide (by documents only or with a hearing at the arbitrator’s

 

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discretion) any pre-hearing motions which are similar to motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim or motions for summary adjudication. The arbitrator shall resolve all disputes in accordance with the substantive Law of California and may grant any remedy or relief that a court of such state could order or grant within the scope hereof and such ancillary relief as is necessary to make effective any award. The arbitrator shall also have the power to award recovery of all costs and fees, to impose sanctions and to take such other action as the arbitrator deems necessary to the same extent a judge could pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the California Rules of Civil Procedure or other applicable Law. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The institution and maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of a provisional or ancillary remedy shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff, to submit the controversy or claim to arbitration if any other party contests such action for judicial relief.

(e) Discovery. In any arbitration proceeding discovery will be permitted in accordance with the Rules. All discovery shall be expressly limited to matters directly relevant to the dispute being arbitrated and must be completed no later than twenty (20) days before the hearing date and within one hundred eighty (180) days of the filing of the dispute with the AAA. Any requests for an extension of the discovery periods, or any discovery disputes, will be subject to final determination by the arbitrator upon a showing that the request for discovery is essential for the party’s presentation and that no alternative means for obtaining information is available.

(f) Class Proceedings and Consolidations. The resolution of any dispute arising pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be determined by a separate arbitration proceeding and such dispute shall not be consolidated with other disputes or included in any class proceeding.

(g) Payment Of Arbitration Costs And Fees. The arbitrator shall award all costs and expenses of the arbitration proceeding.

(h) Miscellaneous. To the maximum extent practicable, the AAA, the arbitrators and the parties shall take all action required to conclude any arbitration proceeding within one hundred eighty (180) days of the filing of the dispute with the AAA. No arbitrator or other party to an arbitration proceeding may disclose the existence, content or results thereof, except for disclosures of information by a party required in the ordinary course of its business or by applicable Law or regulation. If more than one agreement for arbitration by or between the parties potentially applies to a dispute, the arbitration provision most directly related to the Loan Documents or the subject matter of the dispute shall control. The arbitration provisions set forth in this Section 11.16 shall survive termination, amendment or expiration of any of the Loan Documents or any relationship between the parties.

11.17 RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES. The relationship between the Borrower, on the one hand, and the Lenders and Administrative Agent, on the other, is, and at all times shall remain, solely that of borrower and lenders. Neither the Lenders nor Administrative Agent shall under any circumstances be construed to be partners or joint venturers of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates; nor shall the Lenders nor Administrative Agent under any circumstances be deemed to be in a relationship of confidence or trust or a fiduciary relationship with the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, or to owe any fiduciary duty to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates. The Lenders and

 

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Administrative Agent do not undertake or assume any responsibility or duty to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates to select, review, inspect, supervise, pass judgment upon or otherwise inform the Borrower or any of its Affiliates of any matter in connection with its or its property, any security held by Administrative Agent or any Lender or the operations of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates. The Borrower and each of its Affiliates shall rely entirely on their own judgment with respect to such matters, and any review, inspection, supervision, exercise of judgment or supply of information undertaken or assumed by any Lender or Administrative Agent in connection with such matters is solely for the protection of the Lenders and Administrative Agent and neither the Borrower nor any of its Affiliates is entitled to rely thereon.

11.18 USA PATRIOT ACT NOTICE. Each Lender that is subject to the Patriot Act and Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Borrower, which information includes the name and address of Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act.

11.19 DISCRETION STANDARD. Whenever in this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, any act, consent, decision, election, satisfaction, opinion or approval by any Lender, Majority Lenders or Administrative Agent (including with respect to any act, consent, decision, election, satisfaction, opinion or approval), such act, consent, decision, election, satisfaction, opinion or approval may be given, withheld, made or not made, taken or not taken, as applicable, in Administrative Agent’s, Majority Lenders’ or Lender’s sole and absolute discretion except as otherwise expressly provided herein, that such act, consent, decision, election, satisfaction, opinion or approval shall be reasonably exercised.

11.20 TIME OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence of the Loan Documents.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered under seal as of the date first set forth above.

 

BORROWER :
WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC.

/s/ Matthew R. Zaist

Name: Matthew R. Zaist
Title: Executive Vice President
Address for Notices:
[                    ]
[                    ]
[                    ]

[SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

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ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT :
[                    ]

/s/ Mark M. Hedstrom

Name: Mark M. Hedstrom
Title: Vice President
Address for Notices:
[                    ]
[                    ]
[                    ]
LENDER AND LEAD ARRANGER :
[                    ]

/s/ Mark M. Hedstrom

Name: Mark M. Hedstrom
Title: Vice President
Address for Notices:
[                    ]
[                    ]
[                    ]

 

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Exhibit 10.5

WILLIAM LYON HOMES

CLASS B COMMON STOCK

AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

February 25, 2012


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

                 Page  

1.

     

Agreement to Sell and Purchase.

     2   
   1.1.   

Authorization of Shares

     2   
   1.2.   

Sale and Purchase

     2   

2.

     

Closing, Delivery and Payment.

     2   
   2.1.   

Closing

     2   
   2.2.   

Delivery

     2   
   2.3.   

Registration Rights

     2   

3.

     

Representations and Warranties of the Company.

     3   
   3.1.   

Organization, Good Standing and Qualification

     3   
   3.2.   

Capitalization.

     3   
   3.3.   

Authorization; Binding Obligations

     4   
   3.4.   

No Contravention

     4   

4.

     

Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser.

     5   
   4.1.   

Requisite Power and Authority

     5   
   4.2.   

Investment Representations

     5   

5.

     

Conditions to Closing.

     6   
   5.1.   

Conditions to Obligations of the Purchaser at Closing

     6   
   5.2.   

Conditions to Obligations of the Company at Closing

     6   
   5.3.   

Conditions to Obligations of the Company and of the Purchaser at Closing

     7   

6.

     

Covenants.

     8   
   6.1.   

Reasonable Assurances

     8   

7.

     

Miscellaneous.

     8   
   7.1.   

Governing Law

     8   

 

- i -


                 Page  
   7.2.   

Survival

     8   
   7.3.   

Successors and Assigns

     8   
   7.4.   

Entire Agreement

     8   
   7.5.   

Severability

     8   
   7.6.   

Amendment

     8   
   7.7.   

Termination

     8   
   7.8.   

Remedies

     9   
   7.9.   

Delays or Omissions

     9   
   7.10.   

Notices

     9   
   7.11.   

Titles and Subtitles

     9   
   7.12.   

Counterparts

     9   
   7.13.   

Broker’s Fees

     9   
   7.14.   

Pronouns

     9   
   7.15.   

Taxes

     10   
   7.16.   

No Presumption

     10   

 

- ii -


WILLIAM LYON HOMES

CLASS B COMMON STOCK AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This C LASS B C OMMON S TOCK AND W ARRANT P URCHASE A GREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of February 25, 2012, by and between W ILLIAM L YON H OMES , a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”) and the person set forth on Schedule 1 hereto (the “ Purchaser ”).

R ECITALS

Whereas , the Company, in order to reorganize its capital structure pursuant to a prepackaged joint plan of reorganization, contemplates engaging in an exchange offer of the Company’s outstanding senior notes, a rights offering, and an issuance of new stock to the Company’s current equity holders (the “ Issuance ”) pursuant to which this Agreement is being executed, each as more precisely described in the Disclosure Statement for the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al. and the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al., both dated as of November 17, 2011 and all schedules, exhibits and other documents attached thereto (collectively, the “ Solicitation Package ”, and such transactions constituting the “ Capital Restructuring ”) (capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Solicitation Package); and

Whereas , in connection with the Issuance, the Company has authorized the issuance and sale of (i) 31,464,548 shares of its Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class B Shares ”) and (ii) warrants to purchase up to 15,737,294 shares of Class B Shares (the “ Warrants ” and, together with the Class B Shares, the “ Purchased Securities ”) in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $25 million;

Whereas , the Purchase and Sale, and Security Agreement between William Lyon Homes, Inc. (“ WLHI ”) (a California corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) and Lyon Rancho, LLC (“ Rancho ”) (a Delaware limited liability company wholly owned by the Purchaser), provides, subject to the terms and conditions therein, that WLHI shall purchase from Rancho the membership interests in the limited liability company that is the owner of the option to purchase the Rancho Mission Viejo Properties (the Rancho Purchase ”); in the event the Rancho Purchase occurs on the Effective Date, the cash portion of the purchase price payable under this Agreement shall be reduced by a credit in the amount equal to the purchase price for the Rancho Purchase.

Whereas , the Purchaser and the Company have entered into a Stockholders Commitment Letter dated as of November 4, 2011, as amended (the “ Stockholders Commitment Letter ”), pursuant to which the Purchaser has agreed to purchase the Purchased Securities; and

Whereas , the Purchaser desires to purchase the Purchased Securities indicated for such Purchaser on Schedule 1 hereto on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and the Company desires to issue and sell the Purchased Securities to the Purchaser on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

- 1 -


A GREEMENT

Now, therefore , in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises, representations, warranties, and covenants hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

  1. A GREEMENT TO S ELL AND P URCHASE .

1.1. Authorization of Shares . On or prior to Closing (as defined in Section 2.1 below), the Company shall have authorized the issuance and sale to the Purchaser of the Purchased Securities upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Company shall have authorized the issuance of and reserved for issuance the additional Class B Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants (the “ Additional Class B Shares ”). The Class B Shares and the Additional Class B Shares, when issued, shall have the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “ Restated Charter ”), a form of which is attached as Exhibit A . The Warrants, when issued, shall be subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in the form of Warrant attached hereto as Exhibit B .

1.2. Sale and Purchase . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at Closing, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, (i) the number of Class B Shares indicated for the Purchaser on Schedule 1 hereto and (ii) the number of Warrants indicated for the Purchaser on Schedule 1 hereto in exchange for the aggregate purchase price set forth on Schedule 1 hereto (the “ Purchase Price ”).

 

  2. C LOSING , D ELIVERY AND P AYMENT .

2.1. Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Securities (“ the Closing ”) shall take place immediately following the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent described in Section 5 at the offices of Irell & Manella LLP, 840 Newport Center Drive, Suite 400, Newport Beach, California 92660, or at such other time or place as the Company and the Purchaser may mutually agree.

2.2. Delivery . At Closing, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Company will deliver to the Purchaser a certificate representing the Purchased Securities to be purchased at Closing by the Purchaser as set forth in Section 1.2 and Schedule 1 hereto, and the Purchaser shall pay to the Company the Purchase Price therefor by wire transfer of immediately available funds; provided, if the Rancho Purchase is consummated on the Effective Date, the cash portion of the Purchase Price shall be reduced by a credit in an amount equal to the purchase price for the Rancho Purchase.

2.3. Registration Rights . At or prior to the Closing, the Company shall enter into the Class B Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C .

 

- 2 -


  3. R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES OF THE C OMPANY .

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser as of the date of mutual execution of this Agreement:

3.1. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification . The Company and each of the Debtors listed on Plan Schedule 1 (each a “ Subsidiary ” and together the “ Subsidiaries ”) are entities duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of their respective organization. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have all requisite corporate or entity power and authority to own, lease and operate their respective properties and assets, and to carry on their respective businesses as presently conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets, to execute and deliver this Agreement, to issue and sell the Purchased Securities, to issue the Additional Class B Shares upon the exercise of the Warrants and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement, the Warrants and the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are duly qualified in, and are authorized to do business and are in good standing as a foreign corporation or entity in, all jurisdictions in which the nature of their respective activities and of their properties (both owned and leased) makes such qualification necessary, other than where the failure to be so qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Section 3.1 , “ Material Adverse Effect ” shall mean a material adverse change in the assets, liabilities, business, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole (provided, however, that the Chapter 11 Cases and the events leading to the Chapter 11 Cases or resulting directly or indirectly therefrom, in and of themselves, shall not be deemed to give rise to a Material Adverse Effect).

3.2. Capitalization .

(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company, immediately after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Plan, shall be as set forth in the Restated Charter.

(b) All of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company, as of the Closing, will have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to, or were issued in compliance with, any preemptive or similar rights, including, but not limited to, those created by statute, the Company’s organizational documents or any agreements to which the Company was or is party or is bound.

(c) Other than this Agreement or as described in the Solicitation Package or Plan Supplement, (i) there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights (including conversion rights, preemptive or similar rights, rights of first refusal, and registration rights), proxy or shareholder agreements, or agreements, arrangements or commitments of any kind for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any issued or unissued securities; (ii) there are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of the Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the Company; and (iii) there are no voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound with respect to the voting of any shares of the capital stock of the Company.

 

- 3 -


(d) The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the Class B Shares and the Additional Class B Shares are as stated in the Restated Charter. The Purchased Securities have been duly authorized and when issued, delivered and paid for in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Warrants and the Restated Charter, the Class B Shares and Additional Class B Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and will be free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges, agreements, limitations on voting rights, charges or other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever (collectively, “ Liens ”), except as contemplated by the Restated Charter, and will not be subject to, or will have been issued in compliance with, any preemptive or similar rights; provided, however, that the Purchased Securities and Additional Class B Shares may be subject to restrictions on transfer under state or federal securities laws as set forth herein or as otherwise required by such laws at the time a transfer is proposed.

(e) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties and compliance with the covenants of the Purchaser set forth in this Agreement, the Purchased Securities will not be issued in violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “S ecurities Act ”), or any other applicable laws (including state “blue sky” laws).

3.3. Authorization; Binding Obligations . All corporate action on the part of the Company, its officers, directors and shareholders necessary for the authorization of this Agreement, the Warrants and the Registration Rights Agreement, the performance of all obligations of the Company hereunder, and under the Warrants and the Registration Rights Agreement, and the authorization, sale, issuance and delivery of the Purchased Securities pursuant hereto have been taken or will be taken prior to Closing. This Agreement has been, and the Warrants and the Registration Rights Agreement will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof and thereof by the Purchaser, will be valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights, and (b) general principles of equity that restrict the availability of equitable remedies.

3.4. No Contravention . Except for the approvals required under the Chapter 11 Cases, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Warrants and the Registration Rights Agreement by the Company, including the issuance and sale of the Purchased Securities and the Additional Class B Shares and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder, (i) do not contravene or result in the breach of any provision of the Company’s organizational documents; (ii) do not violate any law or order of any federal, state, local or foreign government or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of such government or political subdivision, or any self-regulated organization or other non-governmental regulatory authority or quasi-governmental authority, or any arbitrator, court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction (“ Governmental Authority ”) applicable to the Company or to the Purchased Securities; and (iii) do not result in the creation of any Lien upon the Purchased Securities or Additional Class B Shares.

 

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  4. R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES OF THE P URCHASER .

The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company as of the date of mutual execution of this Agreement:

4.1. Requisite Power and Authority . All actions, corporate or otherwise, on the part of Purchaser necessary for the authorization of this Agreement, the performance of all obligations of Purchaser hereunder, and the purchase of the Purchased Securities pursuant hereto have been taken or will be taken prior to Closing. Assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Company, this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Purchaser and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Company, will be valid and binding obligations of Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights, and (b) general principles of equity that restrict the availability of equitable remedies.

4.2. Investment Representations . Purchaser understands that none of the Purchased Securities or Additional Class B Shares have been registered under the Securities Act. Purchaser also understands that the Purchased Securities are being offered and sold pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in the Securities Act based in part upon Purchaser’s representations contained in this Agreement. Purchaser hereby represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Purchaser Bears Economic Risk . Purchaser has substantial experience in evaluating and investing in private placement transactions of securities in companies similar to the Company so that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Company and has the capacity to protect its own interests. Purchaser understands that it may be required to bear the economic risk of this investment indefinitely and may not transfer the Purchased Securities unless the Purchased Securities are registered pursuant to the Securities Act, or an exemption from registration is available. Purchaser also understands that there is no assurance that any exemption from registration under the Securities Act will be available and that, even if available, such exemption may not allow Purchaser to transfer all or any portion of the Purchased Securities under the circumstances, in the amounts or at the times Purchaser might propose. The Warrants and the certificates representing the Class B Shares will bear appropriate legends reflecting such limitations on transfer.

(b) Acquisition for Own Account . Purchaser is acquiring the Purchased Securities for Purchaser’s own account for investment only, and not with a view towards distribution.

(c) Accredited Investor . Purchaser represents that it is an accredited investor within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act.

 

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(d) Residence . The office of Purchaser in which its investment decision was made is located at the address indicated for Purchaser on Purchaser’s signature page hereto.

(e) Company Information . Purchaser has received a copy of the Solicitation Package and the Plan Supplement.

 

  5. C ONDITIONS TO C LOSING .

5.1. Conditions to Obligations of the Purchaser at Closing . Purchaser’s obligation to purchase the Purchased Securities is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to Closing, of the following conditions.

(a) Representations and Warranties True; Performance of Obligations . The representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 3 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for representations and warranties qualified by materiality or material adverse effect, which shall be true and correct) at the date of Closing (other than representations and warranties made as of a specific date, which shall have been true and correct as of such date), and the Company shall have performed all obligations and conditions herein required to be performed or observed by it.

(b) Filing of Restated Charter . The Restated Charter shall have been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, shall have become effective and shall continue to be in full force and effect.

(c) Stock Certificates and Warrants . The Company shall have delivered to Purchaser validly executed share certificates representing the Class B Shares to be issued at Closing as well as duly executed instruments representing the Warrants.

(d) Registration Rights . The Company shall have entered into and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

(e) Material Adverse Change . No material adverse change (as defined or otherwise referenced in the Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Noteholders RSA or the Colony RSA, as applicable, or any similar event giving rise to a right of termination under the Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Noteholders RSA or the Colony RSA, as applicable) as a result of which the applicable party or parties under the Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Noteholders RSA or the Colony RSA, as the case may be, shall terminate its or their respective commitments under such agreement, shall have occurred.

5.2. Conditions to Obligations of the Company at Closing . The Company’s obligation to issue and sell the Purchased Securities is subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to Closing, of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True . The representations and warranties in Section 4 made by Purchaser shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for representations and warranties qualified by materiality or material

 

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adverse effect, which shall be true and correct) at the date of Closing (other than representations and warranties made as of a specific date, which shall have been true and correct as of such date).

(b) Performance of Obligations . Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions herein required to be performed or complied with by Purchaser on or before Closing.

(c) Payment . Purchaser shall have paid the entire Purchase Price for its Purchased Securities as set forth in Section 1.2 and Schedule 1 .

(d) Registration Rights . Purchaser shall have entered into and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

5.3. Conditions to Obligations of the Company and of the Purchaser at Closing . The Company’s obligation to issue and sell the Purchased Securities, and the Purchaser’s obligation to purchase the Purchased Securities, are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to Closing, of the following conditions:

(a) Closing of Other Subscription Transactions . Simultaneously with the Closing hereunder, the Company shall have received gross proceeds from the sale of Class C Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares totaling $60 million.

(b) Closing of Other Capital Restructuring Transactions . The Capital Restructuring transactions (other than the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) shall have been consummated substantially simultaneously with the Closing.

(c) Amendment of Senior Secured Loan Agreement . In connection with the Capital Restructuring, CA Lyon and the Prepetition Agent shall have entered into an amendment to the Prepetition Secured Loan Agreement in accordance with the terms set forth in the Colony Restructuring Term Sheet.

(d) Circle G Loan Agreement and Mountain Falls Loan Agreement . In connection with the Capital Restructuring, the maturity of the loan under the Circle G Loan Agreement shall have been extended, and the loan under the Mountain Falls Loan Agreement shall have been restructured, both on terms and conditions satisfactory to CA Lyon and the Ad Hoc Noteholders Group.

(e) Plan Confirmation . The Plan shall have been confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court within 60 days after the Petition Date (the “ Confirmation Deadline ”), unless the Confirmation Deadline is extended as contemplated by the Solicitation Package.

(f) No Legal Impediment . No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award that has the effect of making the

 

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transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Capital Restructuring illegal, otherwise restraining or prohibiting consummation of such transactions or causing any of the transactions contemplated hereunder to be rescinded following completion thereof.

 

  6. C OVENANTS .

6.1. Reasonable Assurances . Each of the Company and the Purchaser will use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the conditions set forth in Section 5 to be satisfied, insofar as such matters are within the control of the Company or the Purchaser, as applicable.

 

  7. M ISCELLANEOUS .

7.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Delaware as such laws are applied to agreements between Delaware residents entered into and performed entirely in Delaware.

7.2. Survival . The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made herein shall survive for a period of eighteen months following the Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby, except that the representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1 , 3.2 and 3.3 shall survive for a period of three years.

7.3. Successors and Assigns . Neither this Agreement nor any right, remedy, obligation or liability arising hereunder or by reason hereof shall be assignable by either the Company or the Purchaser without the prior written consent of the other party.

7.4. Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the exhibits and schedules hereto, and the other documents delivered pursuant hereto constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to the subjects hereof, and no party shall be liable or bound to any other in any manner by any representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, except as specifically set forth herein and therein.

7.5. Severability . In case any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

7.6. Amendment . This Agreement may be amended or modified only upon the written consent of the Company and the Purchaser.

7.7. Termination . This Agreement may be terminated by the applicable party if the conditions to such party’s performance in Section 5 are not satisfied or waived prior to or on the “Outside Date” as defined in the Restructuring Support Agreement dated as of November 4, 2011, by and among (i) the Company and WLHI on behalf of themselves and certain subsidiaries and (ii) the “Consenting Noteholders” (as defined therein). However, no such termination shall limit any party’s rights with respect to any breach hereof that occurred prior to such termination, including enforcement of such party’s rights hereunder with respect to any events, actions or statements that occurred prior to such termination.

 

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7.8. Remedies . The parties hereto understand and agree that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any violation of this Agreement. Accordingly, each party agrees that in the event of a breach of this Agreement, the non-breaching party shall be entitled to seek equitable relief, including injunction and specific performance. Such remedy shall be in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity.

7.9. Delays or Omissions . It is agreed that no delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party, upon any breach, default or noncompliance by another party under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach, default or noncompliance, or any acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach, default or noncompliance thereafter occurring. All remedies, either under this Agreement, the Restated Charter, by law, or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not exclusive.

7.10. Notices . All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed telex or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at the address as set forth on the signature pages hereof and to the Purchaser at the address set forth on the signature page hereof, or at such other address as the Company or the Purchaser may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other party hereto.

7.11. Titles and Subtitles . The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.

7.12. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which, together, shall constitute one instrument.

7.13. Broker’s Fees . Each party hereto represents and warrants that, except as set forth in the Solicitation Package and Plan Supplement, no agent, broker, investment banker, person or firm acting on behalf, or under the authority, of such party hereto is or will be entitled to any broker’s or finder’s fee or any other commission directly or indirectly in connection with the transactions contemplated herein. Each party hereto further agrees to indemnify the other party for any claims, losses or expenses incurred by such other party as a result of the representation in this Section 7.13 being untrue.

7.14. Pronouns . All pronouns contained herein, and any variations thereof, shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine or neutral, singular or plural, as the identity of the parties hereto may require.

 

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7.15. Taxes . For federal and state income tax purposes, the parties hereto agree to report the transactions contemplated hereby consistently with the characterization of such transactions as described in this Agreement.

7.16. No Presumption . Any rule of law and any legal decision that would require interpretation of any claimed ambiguities in this Agreement against the party that drafted it has no application and is expressly waived. If any claim is made by a party relating to any conflict, omission or ambiguity in the provisions of this Agreement, no presumption or burden of proof or persuasion will be implied because this Agreement was prepared by, or at the request of, any party or its counsel.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Company has executed this C LASS B C OMMON S TOCK AND W ARRANT P URCHASE A GREEMENT as of the date set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

 

COMPANY:
WILLIAM LYON HOMES
Signature:  

/s/ Matthew R. Zaist

Name:  

           Matthew R. Zaist

Title:  

              Executive Vice President

Address:  

 

 

 

[COMPANY SIGNATURE PAGE TO CLASS B COMMON STOCK AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT]

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the undersigning Purchaser has executed this C LASS B C OMMON S TOCK AND W ARRANT P URCHASE A GREEMENT as of the date set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

 

PURCHASER:

LYON SHAREHOLDER 2012, LLC

a Delaware limited liability company

By:  

/s/ William Lyon

  William Lyon
  Manager
By:  

/s/ William H. Lyon

  William H. Lyon
  Manager

[PURCHASER SIGNATURE PAGE TO CLASS B COMMON STOCK AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT]

 

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SCHEDULE 1

PURCHASER

 

Name and Address

   Purchase
Price ($)
   Reduction in
Closing
Purchase Price
If Rancho
Purchase
Occurs on
Effective Date
   No. of Class
B Common
Shares
Issued
   No. of
Warrants
Issued
           

 

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EXHIBIT A

RESTATED CHARTER

 

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EXHIBIT B

FORM OF WARRANT

 

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EXHIBIT C

CLASS B COMMON STOCK REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

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Exhibit 10.6

THIS WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IN VIOLATION OF SUCH ACT AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER

No. of Shares of Class B Common Stock: 15,737,294

WARRANT

To Purchase Shares of Class B Common Stock of

WILLIAM LYON HOMES

THIS WARRANT (referred to herein as this “ Warrant ”) IS TO CERTIFY THAT LYON SHAREHOLDER 2012, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holder ”) is entitled, at any time prior to the Expiration Date (as hereinafter defined), to purchase from WILLIAM LYON HOMES, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), up to 15,737,294 shares of Class B Common Stock (as hereinafter defined and subject to adjustment as provided herein), in whole or in part, at the Current Warrant Price (as defined herein), all on the terms and conditions and pursuant to the provisions hereinafter set forth.

WHEREAS, the Company and the Holder have entered into a securities purchase agreement dated as of February 25, 2012 pursuant to which the Company is issuing to the Holder (i) shares of Class B Common Stock and (ii) this Warrant to purchase Class B Common Stock;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements herein set forth, the Company hereby issues this Warrant on the following terms and conditions:

 

1. DEFINITIONS

As used in this Warrant, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below:

Business Day ” shall mean any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banks are required or permitted to be closed in the State of California.

Class A Common Stock ” shall mean the Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company.

Class B Common Stock ” shall mean (except where the context otherwise indicates) the Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company as constituted on the Issue Date, and any capital stock into which such Class B Common Stock may thereafter be converted, and shall also include: (i) capital stock of the Company of any other class (regardless of how denominated) issued to the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock upon any reclassification thereof that is not preferred as to dividends or assets over any other class of stock of the Company and that is not subject to redemption; and (ii) shares of common stock of any successor or acquiring corporation (as defined in Section 4.2 ) received by, or distributed to, the holders of Class B Common Stock of the Company in the circumstances contemplated by Section 4.2 .


Commission ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereof.

Current Warrant Price ” as of any date shall mean, in respect of a share of Class B Common Stock at any date herein specified, $2.07, as such price shall have been adjusted in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Expiration Date ” shall mean February 24, 2017.

Governmental Authority ” means the government of any nation, state, city, locality or other political subdivision of any thereof, and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government or any international regulatory body having or asserting jurisdiction over a Person, its business or its properties.

Holder ” shall mean the Person in whose name this Warrant is registered on the books of the Company maintained for such purpose or, collectively, each Holder of a Warrant, in the event of any division of this Warrant.

Issue Date ” shall mean February 24, 2012.

Majority Holders ” shall mean the holders of Warrants exercisable for an amount in excess of 50% of the aggregate number of shares of Warrant Stock then purchasable upon exercise of all Warrants.

Other Property ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 .

Person ” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity, and shall include any successor by merger or otherwise of such entity.

Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

Warrants ” shall mean this Warrant and all warrants issued upon transfer, division or combination thereof, or in substitution for any thereof. All Warrants shall at all times be identical as to terms and conditions and date, except as to the number of shares of Class B Common Stock for which they may be exercised.

Warrant Stock ” shall mean the shares of Class B Common Stock purchased by Holder upon the exercise of this Warrant.

 

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2. EXERCISE OF WARRANT

2.1. Manner of Exercise . At any time or from time to time from and after the Issue Date and until 5:00 P.M., Pacific Standard Time, on the Expiration Date, Holder may exercise this Warrant, on any Business Day, for all or any part of the number of shares of Class B Common Stock purchasable hereunder.

In order to exercise this Warrant, in whole or in part, Holder shall deliver to the Company at its principal office at 4490 Von Karman Avenue, Newport Beach, California 92660 (or any address subsequently indicated in writing by the Company): (i) a written notice of Holder’s election to exercise this Warrant, which notice shall specify the number of shares of Class B Common Stock to be purchased; (ii) payment of the Current Warrant Price made by certified or official bank check; and (iii) this Warrant. Such notice shall be substantially in the form appearing at the end of this Warrant as Exhibit A , duly executed by Holder. Upon receipt of the items specified in the preceding sentence, the Company shall execute or cause to be executed, and deliver or cause to be delivered to Holder as soon as practicable, a certificate or certificates representing the aggregate number of full shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon such exercise, together with cash in lieu of any fraction of a share, as hereinafter provided. The stock certificate or certificates so delivered shall be in such denomination or denominations as Holder shall request in the notice and shall be registered in the name of Holder. This Warrant shall be deemed to have been exercised and such certificate or certificates shall be deemed to have been issued, and Holder shall be deemed to have become a holder of record of such shares for all purposes, as of the date the notice, together with the Current Warrant Price and this Warrant, are received by the Company as described above. If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, appropriate notation may be made on this Warrant and the same returned to Holder.

2.2. Conditions to Exercise . Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if the sale of the Warrant Stock to be received upon exercise of this Warrant has not been registered under the Securities Act, the issuance of such Warrant Stock shall be conditioned upon delivery to the Company of a written certification substantially in the form of the certification attached hereto as Exhibit B , or, at Holder’s election, the delivery to the Company of an opinion of counsel, which opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, that such Warrant Stock may be issued without registration under the Securities Act.

2.3. Payment of Taxes . All shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of this Warrant shall be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and without any preemptive rights. The Company shall pay all expenses in connection with, and all taxes and other governmental charges that may be imposed with respect to, the issue or delivery thereof, other than income taxes payable by Holder.

2.4. Fractional Shares . The Company shall not be required to issue a fractional share of Class B Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share that Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall pay a cash adjustment in respect of such fraction in an amount equal to the fair market value of such fraction which fair market value shall be determined in good faith by the Company.

 

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3. TRANSFER, DIVISION AND COMBINATION

3.1. Transfer . Neither this Warrant nor any rights hereunder shall be transferred, in whole or in part, unless such transfer is registered pursuant to the Securities Act, or pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Any transfer of this Warrant and of rights hereunder, in whole or in part, shall be registered on the books of the Company to be maintained for such purpose, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company referred to in Section 2.1 , together with a written assignment of this Warrant, duly executed by Holder, and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall, subject to Section 7 , execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees and in the denomination specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be canceled. A Warrant, if properly assigned in compliance with Section 7 , may be exercised by a new Holder for the purchase of shares of Common Stock without having a new Warrant issued.

3.2. Division and Combination . Subject to Section 7 , this Warrant may be divided into multiple Warrants or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office or agency of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by Holder. Subject to compliance with Section 3.1 and with Section 7 , as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice.

 

4. ADJUSTMENTS

The number of shares of Class B Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable and the price at which such shares may be purchased upon exercise of this Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as set forth in this Section 4 . The Company shall give Holder notice of any event described below that requires an adjustment pursuant to this Section 4 at the time of such event.

4.1. Stock Dividends, Subdivisions and Combinations . If at any time the Company shall:

(a) take a record of the holders of its Class B Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend payable in, or to receive any other distribution of, additional shares of Class B Common Stock,

(b) subdivide its outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock into a larger number of shares of Class B Common Stock, or

(c) combine its outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock into a smaller number of shares of Class B Common Stock,

 

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then (i) the number of shares of Class B Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately after the occurrence of any such event shall be adjusted to equal the number of shares of Class B Common Stock that a record holder of the same number of shares of Class B Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to the occurrence of such event would own or be entitled to receive after the happening of such event; and (ii) the Current Warrant Price per share shall be adjusted to equal (A) the Current Warrant Price, multiplied by the number of shares of Class B Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to the adjustment, divided by (B) the number of shares for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately after such adjustment.

4.2. Reorganization, Reclassification, Merger, Consolidation or Disposition of Assets . In case the Company shall reorganize its capital, reclassify its capital stock, consolidate or merge with or into another corporation (where the Company is not the surviving corporation or where there is a change in, or distribution with respect to, the Class B Common Stock of the Company), or sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all its property, assets or business to another corporation and, pursuant to the terms of such reorganization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or disposition of assets, shares of common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation, or any cash, shares of stock or other securities or property of any nature whatsoever (including warrants or other subscription or purchase rights) in addition to, or in lieu of, common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation (“ Other Property ”), are to be received by, or distributed to, the holders of Class B Common Stock of the Company, then Holder shall have the right thereafter to receive, upon exercise of this Warrant and payment of the Current Warrant Price, the number of shares of common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and Other Property receivable upon or as a result of such reorganization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or disposition of assets by a holder of the number of shares of Class B Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such event. In case of any such reorganization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or disposition of assets, the successor or acquiring corporation (if other than the Company) shall expressly assume the due and punctual observance and performance of each covenant and condition of this Warrant to be performed and observed by the Company and all the obligations and liabilities hereunder, subject to such modifications as may be deemed in good faith to be reasonably appropriate (as determined by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company) in order to provide for adjustments of shares of the Class B Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable which shall be as nearly equivalent as practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Section 4 . For purposes of this Section 4.2 , “ common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation ” shall include stock of such corporation of any class that is not preferred as to dividends or assets over any other class of stock of such corporation and that is not subject to redemption, and shall also include any evidences of indebtedness, shares of stock or other securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable for, any such stock, either immediately or upon the arrival of a specified date or the happening of a specified event, and any warrants or other rights to purchase or subscribe for any such stock. The foregoing provisions of this Section 4.2 shall similarly apply to successive reorganizations, reclassifications, mergers, consolidations or disposition of assets.

4.3. Warrant Exercisable for shares of Class A Common Stock Under Certain Circumstances . If all of the Company’s outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock have been

 

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converted into Class A Common Stock, then shares of Class A Common Stock (rather than Class B Common Stock) shall be issued upon any exercise of this Warrant, and the other provisions of this Warrant shall be applicable mutatis mutandis . In addition, if this Warrant (or any portion thereof) is transferred to any transferee that is not an Eligible Class B Common Stockholder (as defined in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation), then shares of Class A Common Stock (rather than Class B Common Stock) shall be issued upon any exercise of this Warrant (or such portion), and the other provisions of this Warrant shall be applicable mutatis mutandis .

4.4. Distributions . Without duplication of any adjustment pursuant to Section 4.1 or 4.2 hereof, if, while this Warrant or any portion hereof remains outstanding and unexpired, the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall have received, or, on or after the record date fixed for the determination of eligible stockholders, shall have become entitled to receive, without payment therefor, other or additional stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the Company by way of dividend or distribution, then, in each case, this Warrant shall represent the right to acquire upon exercise hereof, but solely with respect to any portion of this Warrant that remains unexercised and unexpired as of the record date of any such dividend or distribution, in addition to the number of shares of Class B Common Stock then receivable upon exercise of this Warrant, and without payment of any additional consideration therefor, the amount of such other or additional stock or other securities or property (including cash) that Holder would have received had it been the holder of record of the shares of Class B Common Stock receivable as of such record date upon exercise of this Warrant and all other dividends and distributions receivable with respect to such additional stock or other securities or property after such record date and prior to the date of such exercise of this Warrant, giving effect to all adjustments called for during such period by the provisions of this Section 4 .

 

5. RIGHTS OF HOLDER

5.1. No Impairment . The Company shall not by any action, including the amendment of its Certificate of Incorporation or comparable governing instruments or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times, and in good faith, assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder against impairment.

Upon the request of Holder, the Company will, at any time during the period in which this Warrant is outstanding, acknowledge in writing, in form reasonably satisfactory to Holder, the continuing validity of this Warrant and the obligations of the Company hereunder.

 

6. RESERVATION AND AUTHORIZATION OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK; REGISTRATION WITH OR APPROVAL OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY

From and after the Closing Date, the Company shall at all times reserve and keep available for issue upon the exercise of Warrants such number of its authorized but unissued shares of Class B Common Stock as will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of this

 

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Warrant. All shares of Class B Common Stock that shall be so issuable, when issued upon exercise of any Warrant and payment is made therefor in accordance with the terms of such Warrant, shall be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable, and not subject to preemptive rights.

 

7. RESTRICTIVE LEGEND

7.1. Legend Requirement . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7 , each Warrant and each certificate for Warrant Stock initially issued upon the exercise of this Warrant, and each certificate for Warrant Stock issued to any subsequent transferee of any such certificate, shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form.

With respect to any Warrant.

This Warrant has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be transferred in violation of such Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

With respect to each certificate for Warrant Stock:

The securities represented by this Certificate have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be transferred in violation of such Act and the rules or regulations thereunder.

7.2. Termination of Legend Requirement . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7 , the legend requirements of Section 7.1 shall terminate as to any share of Warrant Stock (i) when and so long as such security shall have been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of pursuant thereto, or (ii) when the Company shall have received an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company that such shares may be transferred without registration thereof under the Securities Act.

 

8. REPORTS UNDER SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

With a view to making available to Holder the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or any other similar or successor rule or regulation of the Commission that may at any time permit Holder to sell shares of Warrant Stock to the public without registration, the Company agrees, at all times when Holder may need to rely on Rule 144 to sell such securities to the public without registration, to furnish to Holder such information as Holder may reasonably request to permit Holder to sell shares of Warrant Stock without registration.

 

9. MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. Notice Generally . Any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration, delivery or other communication hereunder to be made pursuant to the provisions of this Warrant

 

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shall be sufficiently given or made if in writing and either delivered in person with receipt acknowledged or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by telecopy and confirmed by telecopy answerback, addressed as follows:

 

  (a) If to Holder, at:

LYON SHAREHOLDER 2012, LLC

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: William H. Lyon

Facsimile: (949) 476-2178

Email: billh.lyon@lyonhomes.com

 

  (b) If to the Company, at

William Lyon Homes

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Matthew R. Zaist

Facsimile: (949) 476-2178

Email: matt.zaist@lyonhomes.com

or at such other address as may be substituted by notice given as herein provided. The giving of any notice required hereunder may be waived in writing by the party entitled to receive such notice. Every notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration, delivery or other communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given or served on the date on which personally delivered, with receipt acknowledged, telecopied and confirmed by telecopy answerback, or three Business Days after the same shall have been deposited in the United States mail. Failure or delay in delivering copies of any notice, demand, request, approval, declaration, delivery or other communication to the person designated above to receive a copy shall in no way adversely affect the effectiveness of such notice, demand, request, approval, declaration, delivery or other communication.

9.2. Remedies . Each holder of a Warrant or Warrant Stock, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under the terms of this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant, and hereby agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

9.3. Successors and Assigns . Subject to the provisions of Section 3.1 , this Warrant and the rights evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors of the Company and the successors and assigns of Holder.

 

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9.4. Amendment . This Warrant may be modified or amended, and the provisions hereof waived, only with the written consent of the Company and the Majority Holders.

9.5. Severability . Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by, or invalid under, applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.

9.6. Headings . The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

9.7. Governing Law . THIS WARRANT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW. EACH OF THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF, OR RELATING TO, THIS WARRANT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be duly executed.

Dated: February 25, 2012

 

WILLIAM LYON HOMES
By:  

/s/ Matthew R. Zaist

Name:   Matthew R. Zaist
Title:   Executive Vice President

 

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Exhibit A – Exercise Notice

William Lyon Homes

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: [                        ]

Facsimile: [                        ]

Date:             , 20    

The undersigned hereby elects to exercise his/its Warrant and to purchase              shares of Class B Common Stock of William Lyon Homes through the payment of $              by certified or bank cashier’s check tendered herewith.

Please issue the shares as to which this Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below.

 

 

Signature

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES

 

Name:  

 

(Print in block letters)
Address:  

 

Breakdown of Certificates (Denomination(s)):  

 

 

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Exhibit B – Certification Form

The undersigned hereby certifies to William Lyon Homes, that he/it:

 

  a. is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of that term as defined in Rule 501(a) promulgated under the Securities Act, and is aware that the Warrant Stock is being issued in reliance upon his/its representations herein.

 

  b. has a financial condition such that he/it is able to bear the risk of holding the Warrant Stock for an indefinite period of time and can bear the loss of its entire investment in the Warrant Stock.

 

  c. has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and in making investments of this type that he/it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of any investment in the Company and has the capacity to protect his/its own interests.

 

  d. will acquire the Warrant Stock for investment for his/its own account and not with a view to any unlawful distribution of any part thereof and does not have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person to sell, transfer, or grant participations to such Person or to any third person, with respect to the Warrant Stock, except for such contract, undertakings, agreements or arrangements which would not require registration under the Securities Act.

 

  e. understands that the Warrant Stock may not be sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of without registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, and that in the absence of an effective registration statement covering the Warrant Stock or an available exemption from registration under the Securities Act, the Warrant Stock must be held indefinitely. In the absence of an effective registration statement covering the Warrant Stock, he/it will sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the Warrant Stock only in a manner consistent with its representations and agreements set forth herein.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this CERTIFICATION this      day of             , 20    .

 

Signature  

 

                       

(Print Name)

 

(Street Address)

 

(City) (State) (Zip Code)

 

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Exhibit 10.7

CLASS B COMMON STOCK

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This CLASS B COMMON STOCK REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of February 25, 2012 (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into among WILLIAM LYON HOMES, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the Holders (as defined below). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in Section 1 .

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al (the “ Plan ”), dated as of November 17, 2011, the Initial Holders and the Company have entered into that certain Class B Common Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “ Purchase Agreement ”).

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Holders are purchasing shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company (as reorganized pursuant to the Plan), par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class B Shares ”) and warrants to purchase Class B Shares (the “ Class B Warrants ”).

WHEREAS, the Class B Shares are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (“ Class A Shares ”) under certain circumstances;

WHEREAS, in order to induce the Initial Holders to enter into the Purchase Agreement and acquire the Class B Shares and Class B Warrants, the Company is entering into this Agreement to grant to the Holders certain rights to cause the Company to register Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of the Class B Shares (including upon conversion of Class B Shares issuable upon exercise of the Class B Warrants), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

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

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, and unless the context requires a different meaning, the following terms have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction.

Automatic Shelf Registration Statement ” means an “automatic shelf registration statement” as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

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Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, without regard to whether such right is currently exercisable, is exercisable only after the passage of time or is exercisable only upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The terms “ beneficially owns ” and beneficially owned ” have a corresponding meaning.

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors of the Company (or any duly authorized committee thereof).

Business Day ” means any day (other than a day which is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of New York) on which banks are open for business in the State of New York.

Capital Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock issued by such person, including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such person.

Certificate of Incorporation ” shall mean the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as it may be amended from time to time.

Class A Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain registration rights agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the holders identified therein with respect to registration rights of certain holders of Class A Shares, as set forth therein, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Class A Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Class B Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Class B Warrants ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction.

control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means, unless otherwise noted, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Convertible Preferred Shares ” means the Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share.

Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain registration rights agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the holders identified therein with respect to registration rights of certain holders of Convertible Preferred Shares and Class C Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, as set forth therein, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

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Counsel to the Holders ” means, with respect to any Piggyback Takedown or any Holder Underwritten Offering, one (1) counsel selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown or Holder Underwritten Offering.

Delay Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(c).

Disclosure Package ” means the following, collectively, with respect to any offering of Registrable Securities, (i) the preliminary Prospectus, in the form provided to the Holders for delivery to purchasers of Registrable Securities, (ii) each Free Writing Prospectus, in the form provided to the Holders for delivery to purchasers of Registrable Securities and (iii) all other information, in each case, that is deemed, under Rule 159 promulgated under the Securities Act, to have been conveyed to purchasers of securities at the time of sale of such securities (including, without limitation, a contract of sale).

Electing Holder ” means a Holder of Registrable Securities who has provided the Company with a Notice and Questionnaire.

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

FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Free Writing Prospectus ” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Hedging Counterparty ” means a broker-dealer registered under Section 15(b) of the Exchange Act or an Affiliate thereof.

Hedging Transaction ” means any transaction involving a security linked to the Registrable Securities or any security that would be deemed to be a “derivative security” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(c) promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the Registrable Securities or transaction (even if not a security) which would (were it a security) be considered such a derivative security, or which transfers some or all of the economic risk of ownership of the Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, any forward contract, equity swap, put or call, put or call equivalent position, collar, non-recourse loan, sale of an exchangeable security or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, the following transactions shall be deemed to be Hedging Transactions:

(i) transactions by a Holder in which a Hedging Counterparty engages in short sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus and may use Registrable Securities to close out its short position;

 

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(ii) transactions pursuant to which a Holder engages in a short sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus and delivers Registrable Securities to close out its short position;

(iii) transactions by a Holder in which the Holder delivers, in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act, Registrable Securities to the Hedging Counterparty who will then publicly resell or otherwise transfer such Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act; and

(iv) a loan or pledge of Registrable Securities to a Hedging Counterparty who may then become a selling stockholder and sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities, in each case, in a public transaction pursuant to a Prospectus.

Holder ” (collectively, the “ Holders ”) means each Person identified as a Holder on the signature pages hereto who is the record or beneficial owner of Registrable Securities, together with such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns or an additional purchaser of Registrable Securities, in either case who executes a Joinder to this Agreement in the form of Annex B hereto for so long as it holds any Registrable Securities and each of its successors and assigns and direct and indirect transferees who beneficially own Registrable Securities.

Holder Underwritten Offering ” means an underwritten offering takedown to be conducted by one or more Electing Holders in accordance with Section 3(d).

Indemnified Party ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).

Indemnifying Party ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).

Initial Holder ” (collectively, the “ Initial Holders ”) means each Person identified as a Holder on the signature pages hereto on the date of this Agreement, excluding such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns even though such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns may execute a Joinder to this Agreement in the form of Annex B hereto and excluding each of its successors and assigns and direct and indirect transferees who Beneficially Own Registrable Securities.

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(a).

Notice and Questionnaire ” means a written notice delivered to the Company in the form attached as Annex A hereto.

Other Registrable Securities ” means, collectively, the Registrable Securities, as such term is defined in the Other Registration Agreements, and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any Registrable Securities as defined herein.

Other Registrable Securityholders ” means Persons party to the Other Registration Agreements, which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any Holders hereunder.

 

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Other Registration Agreements ” means, collectively, the Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement and the Class A Registration Rights Agreement.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, firm, incorporated or unincorporated association, or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

Plan ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Piggyback Takedown ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Prospectus ” means the prospectus related to any Registration Statement (whether preliminary or final or any prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, a prospectus or prospectus supplement that discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance on Rule 415, 424, 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act, as amended or supplemented by any amendment or prospectus supplement), including post-effective amendments, and all materials incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Registrable Securities ” means (i) any Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of the Class B Shares issued to the Holders pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, (ii) any Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of the Class B Shares issuable to the Holders pursuant to the Class B Warrants, (iii) any additional Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of any Class B Shares distributed by way of a dividend, stock split or other distribution in respect of the Class B Shares described in clause (i) or (ii), and (iv) any additional Class A Shares issued by way of a dividend, stock split or other distribution in respect of the Class A Shares described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii). As to any particular Registrable Securities, once issued, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Securities shall have been declared effective under the Securities Act by the SEC and such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of pursuant to such effective Registration Statement, (ii) they shall have been distributed pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and are no longer “restricted securities”, (iii) they shall have ceased to be outstanding, or (iv) the entire amount of the Registrable Securities held by any Holder may be sold by such Holder in a single sale without, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company and such Holder, any limitation as to volume or manner of sale requirements pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and the Company removes any restrictive legend borne by the Registrable Securities.

Registration ” means registration under the Securities Act of an offering of Registrable Securities.

Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act that covers resales of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the related Prospectus, all amendments and supplements

 

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to such registration statement, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement. The term “Registration Statement” shall also include any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) to register additional securities in connection with any offering.

Requesting Holders ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

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

Selling Expenses ” means underwriting fees, discounts, selling commissions, underwriter expenses and stock transfer taxes relating to the registration and sale of a Holder’s Registrable Securities and, subject to Section 6, the fees and expenses of Holder’s own counsel.

Shelf Registration ” means a registration of securities pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the SEC in accordance with and pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.

underwriter ” means the underwriter, placement agent or other similar intermediary participating in an underwritten offering.

underwritten offering ” of securities means a public offering of securities registered under the Securities Act in which an underwriter, placement agent or other similar intermediary participates in the distribution of such securities.

2. General; Securities Subject to this Agreement .

(a) Grant of Rights . The Company hereby grants registration rights with respect to the Registrable Securities to the Holders upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Transfer of Registration Rights . Any Registrable Securities that are pledged or made the subject of a Hedging Transaction, which Registrable Securities are not ultimately disposed of by the Holder pursuant to such pledge or Hedging Transaction shall be deemed to remain “Registrable Securities,” notwithstanding the release of such pledge or the completion of such Hedging Transaction.

3. Shelf Registrations

(a) Filings . For so long as there are Registrable Securities outstanding, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that from and after one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of initial issuance of any Registrable Securities

 

6


the Company shall at all times have and maintain an effective Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration covering the resale of all of the Registrable Securities requested to be included by the Electing Holders, on a delayed or continuous basis (the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”), which Shelf Registration Statement may also provide for the sale by other holders with registration rights granted in connection with the Plan. In furtherance of such obligation, the Company shall use best efforts to file on or prior to one hundred and twenty (120) days after the initial issuance of any Registrable Securities an initial Shelf Registration Statement. The Company shall give written notice of the filing of any Shelf Registration Statement at least fifteen (15) days prior to filing such Shelf Registration Statement to all Holders of Registrable Securities and shall include in such Shelf Registration Statement all Registrable Securities of Electing Holders. The Company shall use best efforts to cause the initial Shelf Registration Statement to become effective on or prior to one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of initial issuance of any Registrable Securities and shall maintain the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the terms hereof.

(b) Additional Electing Holders . From and after the date that the Shelf Registration Statement is initially effective, as promptly as is practicable after receipt of a proper Notice and Questionnaire, and in any event within (x) ten (10) Business Days after the date such Notice and Questionnaire is received by the Company or (y) if a Notice and Questionnaire is so received during a Delay Period, five (5) Business Days after the expiration of such Delay Period, the Company shall take all necessary action to cause the Electing Holder to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus in such a manner as to permit such Holder to deliver such Prospectus in connection with sales of such Registrable Securities to the purchasers thereof in accordance with applicable law, which action may include: (i) if required by applicable law, filing with the SEC a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement; (ii) preparing and, if required by applicable law, filing a supplement or supplements to the related Prospectus or a supplement or amendment to any document incorporated therein by reference; (iii) filing any other required document; or (iv) with respect to a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement that is not automatically effective, causing such post-effective amendment to be declared or to otherwise become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is practicable; provided that the Company may delay such filing until the date that is twenty (20) Business Days after any prior such filing, and if such Notice and Questionnaire is delivered during a Delay Period, the Company shall so inform the Holder delivering such Notice and Questionnaire and shall take the actions set forth above upon expiration of the Delay Period in accordance with Section 3(c). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to name any Holder as a selling securityholder in any Shelf Registration Statement or related Prospectus until such Holder has returned a duly completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company.

(c) Delay Periods . Upon written notice to the Holders of Registrable Securities, (x) the Company shall be entitled to suspend, for a period of time, the use of any Registration Statement or Prospectus if the Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation with counsel, that the Registration Statement or any Prospectus may contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements in the Registration Statement or Prospectus not misleading and (y) the Company shall not be required to amend or supplement the Registration Statement, any related Prospectus or any

 

7


document incorporated therein by reference if the Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation with counsel, that such amendment would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on any proposal or plan of the Company to effect a merger, acquisition, disposition, financing, reorganization, recapitalization or similar transaction, in each case that is material to the Company (in case of each clause (x) and (y), a “ Delay Period ”); provided that (A) the duration of all Delay Periods may not exceed ninety (90) days in the aggregate in any 12-month period and (B) the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to amend the Registration Statement and/or Prospectus to correct such untrue statement or omission as soon as reasonably practicable.

(d) Holder Underwritten Offering .

(i) One or more Electing Holders holding at least 25% of a class of then outstanding Registrable Securities may request that the Company effect an underwritten takedown under the Shelf Registration Statement of Registrable Securities held by such Electing Holder or Electing Holders in an amount equal to at least 25% of such class of then outstanding Registrable Securities (or, if less than such amount, all of their remaining Registrable Securities) (each, a “ Holder Underwritten Offering ”). Within five (5) business days of receipt of such request, the Company shall notify all other Holders and Other Registrable Securityholders of such request and shall (except as provided in clause (iii) below) include in such Holder Underwritten Offering all Registrable Securities and Other Registrable Securities requested to be included therein by Holders or Other Registrable Securityholders who respond within five (5) Business Days of the Company’s notification described above (such Holders who are not Electing Holders shall participate in the Holder Underwritten Offering only if they also become Electing Holders, and such Other Registrable Securityholders shall participate in the Holder Underwritten Offering only if they also become “Electing Holders” as such term is defined in the registration rights agreement with the Company in respect the Other Registrable Securities).

(ii) For any Holder Underwritten Offering, the managing underwriter or underwriters shall be selected by Electing Holders participating in such offering holding a majority of the Registrable Securities to be disposed of pursuant to such offering and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company.

(iii) If the managing underwriter or underwriters for the Holder Underwritten Offering advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such underwritten offering takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to Electing Holders representing a majority of Registrable Securities included in the Holder Underwritten Offering, the Company shall include in such Holder Underwritten Offering the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities requested to be included by the Electing Holders and the Other Registrable Securityholders, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation), (B) second, the securities requested to be included in such Holder Underwritten Offering by holders exercising piggyback registration rights other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Other Registration Agreements

 

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(pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation), (C) third, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (D) fourth, other securities requesting to be included in such Holder Underwritten Offering (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation).

(iv) The Company shall not be required to effect a Holder Underwritten Offering: (A) more than once in any twelve (12) month period or (B) if it shall have already made three (3) Holder Underwritten Offerings pursuant to this Agreement.

4. Piggyback Takedowns .

(a) Right to Piggyback . If the Company proposes to undertake the marketing of a registered underwritten offering of its Capital Stock for its own account (other than a Registration Statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or a Registration Statement connection with a rights offering) or for the account of any other stockholder or stockholders of the Company not party hereto (the “ Requesting Holders ”), the Company shall give prompt written notice of its intention to effect such offering (a “ Piggyback Takedown ”) to all Holders of Registrable Securities and Other Registrable Securityholders. In the case of a Piggyback Takedown that is an offering under a Shelf Registration, such notice shall be given not less than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the expected date of commencement of marketing efforts for such Piggyback Takedown. In the case of a Piggyback Takedown that is an offering under a Registration Statement that is not a Shelf Registration, such notice shall be given not less than thirty (30) Business Days prior to the expected date of filing of such Registration Statement. The Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) below, include in such Piggyback Takedown, as applicable, all Registrable Securities and all Other Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein on or before the date that is three (3) Business Days prior to the expected date of commencement of marketing efforts or the filing of the Registration Statement, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company may determine not to proceed with any Piggyback Takedown upon written notice to the Holders of Registrable Securities requesting to include their Registrable Securities or Other Registrable Securityholders requesting to include their Other Registrable Securities in such Piggyback Takedown.

(b) Priority on Piggyback Takedowns .

(i) If a Piggyback Takedown is an underwritten primary registration on behalf of the Company, and the managing underwriters for a Piggyback Takedown advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to the Company, the Company shall include in such Piggyback Takedown the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (B) second, securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown by Holders exercising piggyback registration rights in accordance with this Agreement or by Other Registrable

 

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Securityholders in accordance with the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation), and (C) third, other securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation).

(ii) If a Piggyback Takedown is an underwritten registration on behalf of one or more Requesting Holders, and the managing underwriters for a Piggyback Takedown advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to the Company, the Company shall include in such Piggyback Takedown the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities requested to be included by the Requesting Holders and Other Registrable Securityholders who are Requesting Holders (as such term is defined in the Other Registration Agreements) in accordance with the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (B) second, securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown by Holders exercising piggyback registration rights in accordance with this Agreement or by Other Registrable Securityholders in accordance with Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation), (C) third, the securities the Company proposes to sell, and (D) fourth, other securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder assuming conversion of all such securities into Class A Shares in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation).

(c) Selection of Underwriters . Except as otherwise provided in any agreement between the Company and Requesting Holders, the Company will have the sole right to select the investment banker(s) and manager(s) for any Piggyback Takedown.

5. Registration Procedures .

(a) Obligations of the Company . Whenever registration of Registrable Securities has been requested pursuant to Section 3 or Section 4 hereof, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration and sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof and the following provisions shall apply in connection therewith:

(i) No Holder shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement as of the time of its initial effectiveness or at any time thereafter, and no Holder shall be entitled to use the Prospectus for resales of Registrable

 

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Securities at any time, unless such Holder has become an “Electing Holder” by returning a duly completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company by the deadline for response set forth therein (or the Holder has delivered a Notice and Questionnaire after the deadline for response and the Company has named such Holder as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement) and has provided any other information reasonably requested in writing by the Company.

(ii) Each Electing Holder agrees to notify the Company as promptly as practicable of any inaccuracy or change in information previously furnished by such Electing Holder to the Company or of the occurrence of any event in either case as a result of which any Prospectus relating to such registration contains or would contain an untrue statement of a material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities or omits to state any material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and promptly to furnish to the Company (i) any additional information required to correct and update any previously furnished information or required so that such Prospectus shall not contain, with respect to such Electing Holder or the disposition of such Registrable Securities, an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (ii) any other information regarding such Electing Holder and the distribution of such Registrable Securities as may be required to be disclosed in any Registration Statement under applicable law, pursuant to SEC comments or as the Company may request from time to time in writing.

(b) Additional Obligations of the Company . The Company shall:

(i) before filing a Registration Statement or a Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, at the Company’s expense, furnish to the Electing Holders upon written request from such Electing Holder whose securities are covered by the Registration Statement, copies of all such documents, other than documents that are incorporated by reference and that are publicly available through the SEC’s EDGAR system, proposed to be filed, and provide Counsel to such Holders a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such documents;

(ii) notify each Electing Holder of Registrable Securities whose securities are covered by the Registration Statement of the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement and prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable under the Securities Act for a period ending on the date on which all Registrable Securities have been sold under the Registration Statement applicable to such Shelf Registration or have otherwise ceased to be Registrable Securities and notify each Electing Holder of the filing and effectiveness of such amendments and supplements, and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement;

 

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(iii) furnish to each Electing Holder selling Registrable Securities without charge, such number of copies of the applicable Registration Statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, each Prospectus prepared in connection with such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus, final Prospectus, and any other Prospectus (including any Prospectus filed under Rule 424, Rule 430A or Rule 430B promulgated under the Securities Act and any “issuer free writing prospectus” as such term is defined under Rule 433 promulgated under the Securities Act)), all exhibits and other documents filed therewith and such other documents as such seller may reasonably request including in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder, and upon request, a copy of any and all transmittal letters or other correspondence to or received from, the SEC or any other governmental authority relating to such offer;

(iv) prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use commercially reasonable efforts to: (A) register or qualify, or obtain exemption from registration or qualification for, such Registrable Securities under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as any seller reasonably requests, (B) keep such registration, qualification or exemption in effect for so long as such Registration Statement remains in effect and (C) do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Electing Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such Electing Holder; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be required to (x) qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subsection, (y) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction);

(v) notify each Electing Holder selling Registrable Securities at any time when a Prospectus relating to the applicable Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act:

(A) as promptly as practicable upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, such Registration Statement, or the Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement, or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus relating thereto not misleading or otherwise requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement, Prospectus, Free Writing Prospectus or document, and, at the request of any such Electing Holder and subject to the Company’s ability to declare Delay Periods pursuant to Section 3(c), the Company shall promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, furnish a reasonable number of copies of such supplement or amendment to each such seller of such Registrable Securities, and file such supplement or amendment with the SEC so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus as so amended or supplemented shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,

 

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(B) as promptly as practicable after the Company becomes aware of any request by the SEC or any Federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or related Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus covering Registrable Securities or for additional information relating thereto,

(C) as promptly as practicable after the Company becomes aware of the issuance or threatened issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending or threatening to suspend the effectiveness of a Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities or

(D) as promptly as practicable after the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any Registrable Security for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose;

(vi) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange or automated interdealer quotation system, if any, on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed or quoted, or, if none, on such securities exchange or automated interdealer quotation system reasonably selected by the Company;

(vii) provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable Securities from and after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement;

(viii) provide Counsel to the Holders a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon any Registration Statement and any Prospectus supplements;

(ix) in the event of the issuance or threatened issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related Prospectus or suspending the qualification of any Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction, use commercially reasonable efforts promptly to (A) prevent the issuance of any such stop order, and in the event of such issuance, to obtain the withdrawal of such order and (B) obtain, at the earliest practicable date, the withdrawal of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus or suspending qualification of any Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction;

(x) if requested by any participating Electing Holder promptly include in a Prospectus supplement or amendment such information as the Holder may reasonably request, including in order to permit the intended method of distribution of such securities, and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or such amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has received such request;

(xi) in the case of certificated Registrable Securities, cooperate with the participating Holders of Registrable Securities and the managing underwriters to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (not bearing any legends) representing Registrable Securities sold pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement;

 

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(xii) cause the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities, as may be reasonably necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company to enable the seller or sellers of Registrable Securities to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(xiii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form and reasonably satisfactory to the Company and perform its obligations thereunder and take such other commercially reasonable actions as are required in order to expedite or facilitate each disposition of Registrable Securities included in such Holder Underwritten Offering (including causing appropriate officers to attend and participate in “road shows” and other informational meetings organize by the underwriters), and causing counsel to the Company to deliver customary legal opinions in connection with any such underwriting agreements;

(xiv) provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities not later than the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement;

(xv) make available at reasonable times for inspection by any seller of Registrable Securities, any managing underwriter participating in any disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, Counsel to the Holders and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the selling Holder or any managing underwriters (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Records ”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ officers, directors and employees, and the independent public accountants of the Company, to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration Statement. Records that the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential and which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors (and the Inspectors shall confirm their agreement in writing in advance to the Company if the Company shall so request) unless (A) the disclosure of such Records is necessary, in the Inspector’s judgment and with the concurrence of counsel to the Company, to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the Registration Statement, (B) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom or (C) the information in such Records was known to the Inspectors on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure by the Company or has been made generally available to the public. Each seller of Registrable Securities agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction or by any other person, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at the Company’s expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential;

(xvi) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a “comfort” letter or letters, dated as of such date or

 

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dates as the Counsel to the Holders or the managing underwriters reasonably requests, from the Company’s independent public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “comfort” letters as Counsel to the Holders or any managing underwriter reasonably requests;

(xvii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, furnish, at the request of any managing underwriter for such offering an opinion with respect to legal matters and a negative assurance letter with respect to disclosure matters, dated as of each closing date of such offering of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such registration, addressed to the underwriters, covering such matters with respect to the registration in respect of which such opinion and letter are being delivered as the underwriters, may reasonably request and are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters;

(xviii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter and its counsel (including any “qualified independent underwriter,” if applicable) that is (A) required or requested by FINRA in order to obtain written confirmation from FINRA that FINRA does not object to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements (or any deemed underwriting terms and arrangements) relating to the resale of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, including, without limitation, information provided to FINRA through its COBRADesk system or (B) required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA;

(xix) if requested by the managing underwriters, if any, or by any Holder of Registrable Securities being sold in a Holder Underwritten Offering, promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement such information as the managing underwriters, if any, or such Holders indicate relates to them or that they reasonably request be included therein;

(xx) within the deadlines specified by the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, make all required filings of all Prospectuses and Free Writing Prospectuses with the SEC; and

(xxi) within the deadlines specified by the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, make all required filing fee payments in respect of any Registration Statement or Prospectus used under this Agreement (and any offering covered thereby).

(c) Seller Requirements . In connection with any offering under any Registration Statement under this Agreement, each Electing Holder (i) shall promptly furnish to the Company in writing such information with respect to such Holder and the intended method of disposition of its Registrable Securities as the Company may reasonably request or as may be required by law or regulations for use in connection with any related Registration Statement or Prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto) and all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder not contain a material misstatement of fact or necessary to cause such Registration Statement or Prospectus (or

 

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amendment or supplement thereto) not to omit a material fact with respect to such Holder necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) shall comply with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and all applicable state securities laws and comply with all applicable regulations in connection with the registration and the disposition of the Registrable Securities; and (iii) shall not use any Free Writing Prospectus without the prior written consent of the Company. If any Electing Holder of Registrable Securities fails to provide such information required to be included in such Registration Statement by applicable securities laws or otherwise necessary or desirable in connection with the disposition of such Registrable Securities in a timely manner after written request therefor, the Company may exclude such Electing Holder’s Registrable Securities from a registration under Sections 3 or 4 hereof.

6. Registration Expenses . (a) Whether or not any Registration Statement is filed or becomes effective, the Company shall pay all costs, fees and expenses arising from or incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including the sale of the Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, (i) SEC, stock exchanges, FINRA (including, without limitation, fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection with FINRA registration), and other registration and filing fees (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with complying with any securities or “Blue Sky” laws, including, without limitation, fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection therewith, (iii) printing expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Securities and of printing prospectuses if the printing of prospectuses is requested by the Holders), (iv) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (v) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and any other legal fees, charges or expenses (vi) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public accountants of the Company and any other accounting fees, charges or expenses (including expenses of any “cold comfort” letters required in connection with this Agreement or as an incident to registration) and all other persons retained by the Company in connection with such Registration Statement, (vii) reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Counsel to the Holders in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement called for by Section 3(a) and in connection with any Piggyback Takedown or any Holder Underwritten Offering, (viii) with respect to Registrable Securities that are listed on a national securities exchange, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of such Registrable Securities, and (ix) all other costs, fees and expenses incident to the Company’s performance or compliance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fees and expenses of any persons retained by any Holder, other than one counsel for all such Holders, will be payable by such Holder and the Company will have no obligation to pay any such amounts. The Holders shall be responsible for any commissions and transfer taxes relating to the sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement.

7. Indemnification; Contribution .

(a) Indemnification by the Company . The Company shall, without limitation as to time, indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Holder, the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each of them, each Person who controls each such Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each such controlling person, to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgment, costs and expenses, or any action or proceeding

 

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in respect thereof (including any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action, whether or not the indemnified party is a party to any proceeding) (collectively, “ Losses ”), as incurred, arising out of or based upon (w) any untrue, or allegedly untrue, statement of a material fact contained in any Disclosure Package, any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or (x) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading under the circumstances in which they were made, except insofar as the same are based upon and consistent with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use in such Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto. The Company shall also provide customary indemnities to any underwriters of, or other broker-dealers participating in the distribution of, the Registrable Securities, their officers, directors and employees and each Person who controls such underwriters or other broker-dealers (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders of Registrable Securities.

(b) Indemnification by Holders . In connection with any offering in which a Holder is participating, such Holder agrees to indemnify, severally and not jointly with the other Holders and to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the Holders, (i) the Company, its partners, directors, officers, agents, trustees and employees, (ii) each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, directors, officers, agents, trustees or employees of such controlling Persons, (iii) any other Holder, the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each of them, (iv) each Person who controls any such other Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each such controlling Person, from and against all Losses arising out of or based upon (x) any untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact contained in the any Disclosure Package, any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (y) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading under the circumstances in which they were made, to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue or allegedly untrue statement or omission or alleged omission is based upon and is consistent with information relating to such Holder so furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder to the Company expressly for use in such Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or amendment or supplement thereto. No Holder shall be held liable for any damages in excess of the total amount of proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder (net of all underwriters’ discounts and commissions) under the Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto as to which such offering relates.

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . If any Person shall be entitled to indemnity or contribution hereunder (an “ Indemnified Party ”), such Indemnified Party shall give prompt notice to the party from which such indemnity is sought (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) after the receipt by the Indemnified Party of any written notice of any claim or commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing

 

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with respect to which such Indemnified Party seeks indemnification or contribution pursuant hereto; provided, however, that the delay or failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligation or liability except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party has been materially prejudiced by such delay or failure. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right, exercisable by giving written notice to an Indemnified Party promptly after the receipt of notice from such Indemnified Party of such claim or proceeding, to assume, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, the defense of any such claim or proceeding, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; provided, however, that (i) an Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such claim or proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless: (1) the Indemnifying Party agrees to pay such fees and expenses; (2) the Indemnifying Party fails promptly to assume the defense of such claim or proceeding or fails to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; or (3) the named parties to any proceeding (including impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it that are in addition to or are inconsistent with those available to the Indemnifying Party or that a conflict of interest is likely to exist among such Indemnified Party and any other indemnified parties (in which case the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Party); and (ii) subject to clause (3) above, the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one such claim or proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related claims or proceedings in the same jurisdiction, arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one firm of attorneys (together with appropriate local counsel) at any time for all of the indemnified parties. No Indemnifying Party shall be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the consent of such Indemnified Party, effect entry of any judgment or into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party of a release, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation for which such Indemnified Party would be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(d) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is applicable in accordance with its terms but is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnified Party in respect of any Losses, then each applicable Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Losses, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and such Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and Indemnified Party, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been taken by, or relates to information supplied by, such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent any such action, statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of any Losses shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees,

 

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charges or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 7(d). Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7(d), an Indemnifying Party that is a Holder shall not be required to contribute any amount which is in excess of the amount by which the total proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder (net of all underwriters’ discounts and commissions) exceeds the amount of any damages that such Indemnifying Party has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7(d) was determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

8. Rule 144 Information . With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC which may at any time permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, after such time as a registration statement relating to the Registrable Securities has been declared effective under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, the Company covenants and agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to:

a. Make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times after the earlier of (i) such time as a registration statement relating to the Class A Shares, has been declared effective under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or (ii) the date that the Company becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, for so long as the Company remains subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, all to the extent required from time to time to enable a Holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemption provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. If at any time the Company is not subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, it will make available other information as required by, and so long as necessary to permit sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to, Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

b. Use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder (at any time it is subject to such reporting requirements).

c. Furnish to any Holder forthwith upon request a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the first registration statement filed by the Company for an offering of its securities to the general public), and of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act), a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and

 

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such other reports and documents of the Company and other information as such Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing such Holder to sell any such securities without registration.

9. Participation in Underwritten Offering/Sale of Registrable Securities . No Person may participate in any underwritten offering hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements in customary form entered into pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements; provided, that the Holders included in any underwritten registration shall make only those representations and warranties to the Company or the underwriters as are customary for similar transactions and such other representations and warranties that the underwriters may reasonably request that are agreed by any such Holder.

10. Subsequent Registration Rights . From and after the date of this Agreement, and except with respect to the Other Registration Agreements, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Holders beneficially owning not less than a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would allow such holder or prospective holder to include such securities in the Shelf Registration Statement unless, under the terms of such agreement, such holder or prospective holder may include such securities in any such Shelf Registration Statement only to the extent that the inclusion of its securities will not reduce the amount of Registrable Securities of the Holders that are included on such Shelf Registration Statement.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Termination . This Agreement and the obligations of the Company and the Holders hereunder (other than with respect to Section 7) shall terminate on the first date on which no Registrable Securities remain outstanding, or when Registrable Securities otherwise cease to be Registrable Securities.

(b) Notices . All notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been effectively given (i) when personally delivered to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent by confirmed facsimile to the party to be notified at the number set forth below; (iii) when sent by email to the party to be notified at the email address set forth below; (iv) three (3) Business Days after deposit in the United States mail postage prepaid by certified or registered mail return receipt requested and addressed to the party to be notified as set forth below; or (v) one (1) Business Day after deposit with a national overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be notified as set forth below with next-business-day delivery guaranteed, in each case as follows:

In the case of the Company, to:

William Lyon Homes

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Matthew R. Zaist

Facsimile: (949) 252-2527

e-mail: matt.zaist@lyonhomes.com

 

20


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

Irell & Manella LLP

840 Newport Center Drive, Suite 400

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Richard Sherman

Telephone: (949) 760-0991

Facsimile: (949) 760-5200

e-mail: rsherman@irell.com

In the case of the Holders:

If to any Holder, at its address as it appears in the Notice and Questionnaire of such Holder delivered to the Company or, prior to the delivery of a Notice and Questionnaire, at the Holder’s address as it appears in the records of the Company.

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

[                                                 ]

Any party may by notice given in accordance with this Section 12(b) designate another address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

(c) Separability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof which shall remain in full force and effect.

(d) Successors and Assigns: Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement shall inure, as hereinafter provided, to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of each of the parties, including each Holder of any Registrable Securities, who executes a Joinder in the form attached as Annex B hereto, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, applicable law and any applicable agreement. If any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Registrable Securities, in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to and benefit from all of the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities, such person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof.

 

21


(e) Specific Performance . The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) irreparable damages would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached and (b) remedies at law would not be adequate to compensate the non-breaching party. Accordingly, the Company agrees that each Holder of Registrable Securities shall have the right to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce its rights hereunder, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing in its favor including any other remedy to which they are entitled, at law or in equity, including without limitation money damages. The right to equitable relief, including an injunction or specific performance, shall not be limited by any other provision of this Agreement. In any action or proceeding against it seeking an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the Company hereby (i) waives and agrees not to assert any defense that an adequate remedy exists at law or that a Holder of Registrable Securities would not be irreparably harmed and (ii) waives and agrees not to seek any requirement for the posting of any bond or other security in connection with any such action or proceeding.

(f) Entire Agreement . This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties and shall supersede any and all previous contracts, arrangements or understandings between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(g) Amendments and Waivers . This Agreement may be amended with the consent of the Company and the Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained a written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act of the Holders of at least a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, provided however, that any modification, alteration, waiver or change that has a disproportionate and adverse effect on any right of any Holder under this Agreement shall not be effective against such Holder without the prior written consent of such Holder.

No waiver of any terms or conditions of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other breach of such terms and conditions or any other term or condition, nor shall any failure to enforce any provision hereof operate as a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof. No written waiver hereunder, unless it by its own terms explicitly provides to the contrary, shall be construed to effect a continuing waiver of the provisions being waived and no such waiver in any instance shall constitute a waiver in any other instance or for any other purpose or impair the right of the party against whom such waiver is claimed in all other instances or for all other purposes to require full compliance with such provision. The failure of any party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

(h) Publicity . No public release or announcement concerning the transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued by any party without the prior consent of the Company and any other party mentioned in such release or announcement, except to the extent that such issuing party is advised by counsel that such release or announcement is necessary or advisable under applicable law or the rules or regulations of any securities exchange, in which case the party required to make the release or announcement shall to the extent practicable provide the Company and any such other party with an opportunity to review and comment on such release or announcement in advance of its issuance.

 

22


(i) Expenses . Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, except as otherwise provided herein, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the execution of this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs or expenses, except as otherwise set forth herein.

(j) Interpretation .

(i) The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(ii) The meaning assigned to each term defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and the plural forms of such term and vice versa, and words denoting either gender shall include both genders as the context requires. Where a word or phrase is defined herein, each of its other grammatical forms shall have a corresponding meaning.

(iii) The terms “hereof”, “herein” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

(iv) When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference is to a Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

(v) The word “include”, “includes”, and “including” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the words “without limitation”, unless otherwise specified.

(vi) A reference to any party to this Agreement or any other agreement or document shall include such party’s predecessors, successors and permitted assigns.

(k) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to each other party.

(l) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

(m) Calculation of Time Periods . Except as otherwise indicated, all periods of time referred to herein shall include all Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; provided, however, that if the date to perform the act or give any notice with respect to this Agreement shall fall on a day other than a Business Day, such act or notice may be timely performed or given if performed or given on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

23


(n) Stock Splits, etc . The provisions of this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividends, splits, reverse splits, combinations recapitalizations and the like occurring after the date hereof.

(o) No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company shall not enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement and shall take all commercially reasonable efforts to amend any agreements existing as of the date hereof so that such agreements shall not be inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

(p) Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

(q) Jurisdiction . Any action or proceeding against any party hereto relating in any way to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought and enforced in any United States federal court or New York State Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, and each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to such person or entity at the address for such person or entity set forth in Section 11(b) hereof of this Agreement or such other address such person or entity shall notify the other in writing. The foregoing shall not limit the right of any person or entity to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any action or proceeding, or to obtain execution of any judgment, in any other jurisdiction.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any claim that a court located in the State of New York is not a convenient forum for any such action or proceeding.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable United States federal and state law, all immunity from jurisdiction, service of process, attachment (both before and after judgment) and execution to which he might otherwise be entitled in any action or proceeding relating in any way to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the courts of the State of New York, of the United States or of any other country or jurisdiction, and hereby waives any right he might otherwise have to raise or claim or cause to be pleaded any such immunity at or in respect of any such action or proceeding.

(r) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY, ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND ITS RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY

 

24


ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BY CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, OR ARISING OUT OF, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

(s) Further Assurances . Each of the parties shall execute such documents and perform such further acts as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out or to perform the provisions of this Agreement.

(t) Other Agreements . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of, or release from, any obligations any party hereto may have under, or any restrictions on the transfer of Registrable Securities or other securities of the Company imposed by, any other agreement.

[ Remainder of page intentionally left blank ]

 

25


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.

 

  WILLIAM LYON HOMES
  By:  

/s/ Matthew R. Zaist

  Name:  

Matthew R. Zaist

  Title:  

Executive Vice President

[Company Signature Page to Class B Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.

 

Lyon Shareholder 2012, LLC
a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

/s/ William Lyon

  William Lyon, Manager
By:  

/s/ William H. Lyon

  William H. Lyon, Manager
ADDRESS:

 

 

 

 

Attention:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
e-mail:

[Holder Signature Page to Class B Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement]


Annex A

Notice and Questionnaire

The undersigned beneficial holder of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class A Shares”) of William Lyon Homes (the “Company”) which are Registrable Securities understands that the Company intends to file or has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Registrable Securities, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), among the Company and the Holders named therein. A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Each beneficial holder of Registrable Securities (each a “beneficial owner”) is entitled to the benefits of the Registration Rights Agreement. In order to sell, or otherwise dispose of, any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, a beneficial owner of Registrable Securities generally will be required to be named as a selling securityholder in the related prospectus, deliver a prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities and be bound by those provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement applicable to such beneficial owner (including certain indemnification provisions as described below). Beneficial owners that do not complete this Notice and Questionnaire and deliver it to the Company as provided below will not be named as selling securityholders in the prospectus and, therefore, will not be permitted to sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities legal counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

NOTICE

The undersigned beneficial owner (the “Selling Securityholder”) of Registrable Securities hereby gives notice to the Company of its intention to sell or otherwise dispose of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item 3 (unless otherwise specified under such Item 3) pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement. The undersigned, by signing and returning this Notice and Questionnaire, understands that it will be bound by the terms and conditions of this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the undersigned has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Company’s directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), from and against certain losses arising in connection with statements concerning the undersigned that are made in the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus in reliance upon the information provided in this Notice and Questionnaire.

 

A-1


If the Selling Securityholder transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Securities listed in Item 3 below after the date on which such information is provided to the Company, the Selling Securityholder agrees to notify the transferee(s), assuming such transferee(s) are not unknown to the Selling Securityholder as a result of having acquired Registrable Securities pursuant to a sale after Registration of such Registrable Securities, at the time of the transfer of its rights and obligations under this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Please respond to every item, even if your response is “none.” If you need more space for any response, please attach additional sheets of paper. Please be sure to indicate your name and the number of the item being responded to on each such additional sheet of paper, and to sign each such additional sheet of paper before attaching it to this Questionnaire. Please note that you may be asked to answer additional questions depending on your responses to the following questions.

If you have any questions about the contents of this Questionnaire or as to who should complete this Questionnaire, please contact the Chief Financial Officer of the Company at telephone number: [ ].

The undersigned hereby provides the following information to the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate and complete:

 

1. Your Identity and Background as the Beneficial Owner of the Registrable Securities.

 

  (a) Your full legal name:

 

  (b) Your business address (including street address) (or residence if no business address), telephone number and facsimile number:

Address:

Telephone No.:

Fax No.:

 

  (c) Are you a broker-dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act?

 

  ¨ Yes.

 

  ¨ No.

 

A-2


  (d) If your response to Item 1(c) above is no, are you an “affiliate” of a broker-dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act?

 

  ¨ Yes.

 

  ¨ No.

For the purposes of this Item 1(d), an “affiliate” of a registered broker-dealer includes any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such broker-dealer, and does not include any individuals employed by such broker-dealer or its affiliates.

 

  (e) Full legal name of the person, if any, through which you hold the Registrable Securities (i.e., name of your broker or the DTC participant, if applicable, through which your Registrable Securities are held):

Name of Broker:

DTC No.:

Contact person:

Telephone No.:

 

2. Your Relationship with the Company.

 

  (a) Have you or any of your affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (owners of 5% or more of the equity securities of the undersigned) held any position or office or have you had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) within the past three years?

 

  ¨ Yes.

 

  ¨ No.

 

  (b) If your response to Item 2(a) above is yes, please state the nature and duration of your relationship with the Company:

 

3. Your Interest in the Registrable Securities.

 

  (a) State the type and amount of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by you:

 

  (b) Other than as set forth in your response to Item 3(a) above, do you beneficially own any other securities of the Company?

 

  ¨ Yes.

 

  ¨ No.

 

A-3


  (c) If your answer to Item 3(b) above is yes, state the type and the aggregate amount of such other securities of the Company beneficially owned by you:

Type:

Aggregate amount:

 

  (d) Did you acquire the securities listed in Item 3(a) above in the ordinary course of business?

 

  ¨ Yes.

 

  ¨ No.

 

  (e) At the time of your purchase of the securities listed in Item 3(a) above, did you have any agreements or understandings, direct or indirect, with any person to distribute the securities?

 

  ¨ Yes.

 

  ¨ No.

 

  (f) If your response to Item 3(e) above is yes, please describe such agreements or understandings:

 

4. Nature of your Beneficial Ownership.

 

  (a) Check if the beneficial owner set forth in your response to Item 1(a) is any of the below:

 

  (i) A reporting company under the Exchange Act. ¨

 

  (ii) A majority-owned subsidiary of a reporting company under the Exchange Act. ¨

 

  (iii) A registered investment fund under the 1940 Act. ¨

 

  (b) If the beneficial owner of the Registrable Securities set forth in your response to Item 1 (a) above is a limited partnership, state the names of the general partner(s) of such limited partnership.

 

A-4


  (c) Name your controlling shareholder(s) (the “Controlling Entity”).

 

  (i) (A) Full legal name of Controlling Entity(ies) who has/have sole or shared voting or dispositive power over the Registrable Securities:

(B) Business address (including street address) (or residence if no business address), telephone number and facsimile number of such person(s):

Address:

Telephone No.:

Fax No.:

 

5. Plan of Distribution.

Except as set forth below, the undersigned Selling Securityholder intends to distribute the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3) only as follows (if at all): All or any portion of such Registrable Securities may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned Selling Securityholder or, alternatively, through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. Such Registrable Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registrable Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, (ii) in the over-the-counter market, (iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, (iv) through the writing of options, whether such options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise, (v) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers, (vi) block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction, (vii) purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account, (viii) an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange, (ix) privately negotiated transactions, (x) short sales, (xi) sales pursuant to Rule 144, (xii) with broker-dealers who may agree with the selling securityholder to sell a specified number of shares at a stipulated price per share, (xiii) in an underwritten offering, (xiv) a combination of any such methods of sale and (xv) any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. In connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, the Selling Securityholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Registrable Securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling Securityholder may also sell Registrable Securities short and deliver Registrable Securities to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Registrable Securities.

State any exceptions here:

Note: In no event will such method(s) of distribution take the form of an underwritten offering of the Registrable Securities except in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

A-5


The undersigned acknowledges its obligation to comply with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation M thereunder (or any successor rules or regulations), in connection with any offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The undersigned agrees that neither it nor any person acting on its behalf will engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions.

The undersigned beneficial owner and selling securityholder hereby acknowledges its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless certain persons as set forth therein. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed under certain circumstances to indemnify the undersigned beneficial owner and selling securityholder against certain liabilities.

In accordance with the undersigned’s obligation under the Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law for inclusion in the Shelf Registration Statement, the undersigned agrees to promptly notify the Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Shelf Registration Statement remains effective.

All notices to the beneficial owner hereunder and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing to the undersigned at the address set forth in Item 1(b) of this Notice and Questionnaire.

By signing below, the undersigned acknowledges that it is the beneficial owner of the Registrable Securities set forth herein, represents that the information provided herein is accurate, consents to the disclosure of the information contained in this Notice and Questionnaire and the inclusion of such information in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

Once this Notice and Questionnaire is executed by the undersigned beneficial owner and received by the Company, the terms of this Notice and Questionnaire, and the representations and warranties contained herein, shall be binding on, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns of the Company and the undersigned beneficial owner. This Notice and Questionnaire shall be governed, adjudicated and enforced in accordance with terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

A-6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.

 

NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER:

 

(Please Print)
Signature:  

 

Date:  

 

PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED NOTICE AND

QUESTIONNAIRE TO WILLIAM LYON HOMES AS FOLLOWS:

William Lyon Homes

[ Insert contact information ]

This Notice and Questionnaire must be returned in the manner and within the time period set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement in order to include Registrable Securities in such Shelf Registration Statement.

 

A-7


Annex B

FORM OF JOINDER

THIS JOINDER is made on the day                      of             

BETWEEN

(1) [    ], a [    ] (the “New Party”);

AND

(2) WILLIAM LYON HOMES, (the “Company”); AND

(3) THOSE OTHER PERSONS WHO ARE PARTIES TO THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (as defined below).

WHEREAS a Class B Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement was entered into on [ ], 2012 by and among, inter alia, certain of Holders of Company securities (the “Other Holders”) and the Company (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), a copy of which the New Party hereby confirms that it has been supplied with and acknowledges the terms therein.

NOW IT IS AGREED as follows:

1. In this Joinder, unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions respectively defined or construed in the Registration Rights Agreement shall have the same meanings when used or referred to herein.

2. The New Party hereby accedes to and ratifies the Registration Rights Agreement and covenants and agrees with the Company and the Other Holders to be bound by the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement as a “Holder” and to duly and punctually perform and discharge all liabilities and obligations whatsoever from time to time to be performed or discharged by it under or by virtue of the Registration Rights Agreement in all respects as if named as a party therein.

3. The Company covenants and agrees that the New Party shall be entitled to all the benefits of the terms and conditions of the Registration Rights Agreement to the intent and effect that the New Party shall be deemed, with effect from the date on which the New Party executes this Joinder, to be a party to the Registration Rights Agreement as a “Holder.”

4. This Joinder shall hereafter be read and construed in conjunction and as one document with the Registration Rights Agreement and references in the Registration Rights Agreement to “the Agreement” or “this Agreement,” and references in all other instruments and documents executed thereunder or pursuant thereto to the Registration Rights Agreement, shall for all purposes refer to the Registration Rights Agreement incorporating and as supplemented by this Joinder.

 

B-1


5. THIS JOINDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THEREOF.

6. Any action or proceeding against any party hereto relating in any way to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought and enforced in any United States federal court or New York State Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, and each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to such person or entity at the address for such person or entity set forth in Section 11(b) of the Registration Rights Agreement or such other address such person or entity shall notify the other in writing. The foregoing shall not limit the right of any person or entity to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any action or proceeding, or to obtain execution of any judgment, in any other jurisdiction.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any claim that a court located in the State of New York is not a convenient forum for any such action or proceeding.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable United States federal and state law, all immunity from jurisdiction, service of process, attachment (both before and after judgment) and execution to which he might otherwise be entitled in any action or proceeding relating in any way to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby in the courts of the State of New York, of the United States or of any other country or jurisdiction, and hereby waives any right he might otherwise have to raise or claim or cause to be pleaded any such immunity at or in respect of any such action or proceeding.

7. Section 11(v) of the Registration Rights Agreement shall apply to this Joinder and shall be incorporated herein by reference.

8. The address of the undersigned for purposes of all notices under the Registration Rights Agreement is: [    ].

 

B-2


[NEW PARTY]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Signature Page to Class B Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement

Exhibit 10.8

WILLIAM LYON HOMES

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

AND CLASS C COMMON STOCK

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

February 25, 2012


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page  
1.  

Agreement to Sell and Purchase

     2   
  1.1.   

Authorization of Shares

     2   
  1.2.   

Subscription

     2   
2.  

Closing, Delivery and Payment

     2   
  2.1.   

Closing

     2   
  2.2.   

Delivery

     3   
  2.3.   

Registration Rights

     3   
3.  

Representations and Warranties of the Company

     3   
  3.1.   

Organization, Good Standing and Qualification

     3   
  3.2.   

Capitalization

     3   
  3.3.   

Authorization; Binding Obligations

     4   
  3.4.   

No Contravention

     5   
  3.5.   

Licenses

     5   
  3.6.   

Environmental

     5   
  3.7.   

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

     5   
  3.8.   

Solicitation Package and Plan Supplement

     5   
  3.9.   

Investment Company Act

     6   
  3.10.   

No Material Actions or Proceedings

     6   
  3.11.   

Governmental Authorization; Third Party Consents

     6   
4.  

Representations and Warranties of the Subscriber

     6   
  4.1.   

Requisite Power and Authority

     6   
  4.2.   

Investment Representations

     6   
5.  

Conditions to Closing

     7   

 

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              Page  
  5.1.   

Conditions to Obligations of the Subscriber at Closing

     7   
  5.2.   

Conditions to Obligations of the Company at Closing

     8   
  5.3.   

Conditions to Obligations of the Company and of the Subscriber at Closing

     8   
6.  

Covenants

     9   
  6.1.   

Reasonable Assurances

     9   
7.  

Miscellaneous

     9   
  7.1.   

Governing Law

     9   
  7.2.   

Survival

     9   
  7.3.   

Successors and Assigns

     10   
  7.4.   

Entire Agreement; Backstop Commitment Letter Not Superseded

     10   
  7.5.   

Severability

     10   
  7.6.   

Amendment

     10   
  7.7.   

Termination

     10   
  7.8.   

Remedies

     10   
  7.9.   

Delays or Omissions

     10   
  7.10.   

Notices

     11   
  7.11.   

Titles and Subtitles

     11   
  7.12.   

Counterparts

     11   
  7.13.   

Broker’s Fees

     11   
  7.14.   

Pronouns

     11   
  7.15.   

Taxes

     11   
  7.16.   

No Presumption

     11   
  7.17.   

Nature of Subscribers’ Obligations and Rights

     12   

 

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WILLIAM LYON HOMES

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND CLASS C COMMON STOCK

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

This C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S TOCK A ND C LASS C C OMMON S TOCK S UBSCRIPTION A GREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of February 25, 2012, by and between W ILLIAM L YON H OMES , a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”) and the undersigned subscriber (the “ Subscriber ”).

R ECITALS

Whereas , the Company, in order to reorganize its capital structure pursuant to a prepackaged joint plan of reorganization, contemplates engaging in an exchange offer of the Company’s outstanding senior notes, an issuance of new stock to the Company’s current equity holders, and a rights offering (the “ Rights Offering ”) pursuant to which this Agreement is being executed, each as more precisely described in the Disclosure Statement for the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al. and the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al., both dated as of November 17, 2011 and all schedules, exhibits and other documents attached thereto (collectively, the “ Solicitation Package ”, and such transactions constituting the “ Capital Restructuring ”) (capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Solicitation Package);

Whereas , in connection with the Capital Restructuring, the Company has authorized the issuance and sale of (i) 64,831,831 shares of its Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Convertible Preferred Shares ”) and (ii) 12,966,366 shares of its Class C Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class C Shares ” and, together with the Convertible Preferred Shares, the “ Offered Shares ”) pursuant to the Rights Offering in exchange for an aggregate cash purchase price of $60 million, and the Company has authorized the issuance of an additional 64,831,831 Class C Shares upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares and the issuance of 77,798,197 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share upon conversion of the Offered Shares (collectively, the “ Conversion Shares ” and, together with the Offered Shares, the “ Stock ”);

Whereas , the Backstop Investors and the Company have entered into a Backstop Commitment Letter dated as of November 4, 2011 (the “ Backstop Commitment Letter ”), pursuant to which the Backstop Investors have agreed to purchase any Offered Shares not otherwise purchased in connection with the Rights Offering; and

Whereas , Subscriber has received a subscription form (the “ Subscription Form ”) and desires to purchase up to the number of Offered Shares indicated as Subscriber’s committed number of shares on the Subscriber’s Subscription Form;

Whereas , in accordance with the procedures, terms and conditions set forth in the Subscription Form, the number of Offered Shares to be allocated to the Subscriber in the Rights Offering may be reduced, and the Bid Report Sheet to be sent by the Company to the Subscriber shall set forth the final number of Offered Shares to be purchased by Subscriber


(including, in the case of the Bid Report Sheet to a Backstop Investor, the number of Offered Shares to be sold to it pursuant to the terms of the Backstop Commitment Letter) (the “ Committed Shares ”);

Whereas , the Company desires to issue and sell to Subscriber the Committed Shares, and the Subscriber wishes to purchase the Committed Shares from the Company on the terms and conditions set forth in the Subscription Form and herein.

A GREEMENT

Now, therefore , in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises, representations, warranties, and covenants hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

  1. A GREEMENT TO S ELL AND P URCHASE .

1.1. Authorization of Shares . On or prior to Closing (as defined in Section 2.1 below), the Company shall have authorized the issuance and sale to Subscriber of the Committed Shares upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Subscription Form and in this Agreement, and the Company shall have authorized the issuance of and reserved the Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock. The Stock, when issued, shall have the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “ Restated Charter ”).

1.2. Subscription . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Subscriber hereby irrevocably subscribes for the Committed Shares, payable as described in Section 2.2 hereof. The Subscriber acknowledges that the Stock will be subject to restrictions on transfer as set forth in this Agreement; and, in the event that the Rights Offering is oversubscribed, the amount bid by the Subscriber on the Subscription Form may be reduced in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Subscription Form. The number of Convertible Preferred Shares and Class C Shares in the Committed Shares shall be set such that the ratio of the Convertible Preferred Shares in the Committed Shares to Class C Shares in the Committed Shares shall be equal to the ratio of the total number of Convertible Preferred Shares being sold in the Rights Offering to the total number of Class C Shares being sold in the Rights Offering. The aggregate purchase price payable by the Subscriber for the Committed Shares shall be equal to the aggregate purchase price amount allocated to the Subscriber in the Bid Report Sheet. The purchase price of the Convertible Preferred Shares and the Class C Shares is $0.771226 per share.

 

  2. C LOSING , D ELIVERY AND P AYMENT .

2.1. Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Committed Shares (“ the Closing ”) shall take place immediately following the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent described in Section 5 at the offices of Irell & Manella LLP, 840 Newport Center Drive, Suite 400, Newport Beach, California 92660, or at such other time or place as the Company and the Subscriber may mutually agree.

 

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2.2. Delivery . Prior to or on the Bid Remittance Deadline (as defined in the Subscription Form), Subscriber shall pay to the Company the aggregate purchase price for the Committed Shares by wire transfer of immediately available funds in the amount set forth on the Bid Report Sheet. At the Closing, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Company will deliver to Subscriber certificates representing the number of Committed Shares to be sold to the Subscriber, each bearing an appropriate legend referring to the fact that the Committed Shares were sold in reliance upon an exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

2.3. Registration Rights . At or prior to the Closing, the Company shall enter into the Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .

 

  3. R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES OF THE C OMPANY .

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Subscriber as of the date of mutual execution of this Agreement:

3.1. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification . The Company and each of the Debtors listed on Plan Schedule 1 (each a “Subsidiary” and together the “Subsidiaries”) are entities duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of their respective organization. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have all requisite corporate or entity power and authority to own, lease and operate their respective properties and assets, and to carry on their respective businesses as presently conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets, to execute and deliver this Agreement, to issue and sell the Stock, to issue the Conversion Shares upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares, to consummate the Rights Offering, and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are duly qualified in, and are authorized to do business and are in good standing as a foreign corporation or entity in, all jurisdictions in which the nature of their respective activities and of their properties (both owned and leased) makes such qualification necessary, other than where the failure to be so qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Agreement, “Material Adverse Effect” shall mean a material adverse change in the assets, liabilities, business, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole (provided, however, that the Chapter 11 Cases and the events leading to the Chapter 11 Cases or resulting directly or indirectly therefrom, in and of themselves, shall not be deemed to give rise to a Material Adverse Effect).

3.2. Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company, immediately after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Plan, shall be as set forth in the Restated Charter, a copy of which has been provided to Subscriber.

 

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(b) All of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company, as of the Closing, will have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to, or were issued in compliance with, any preemptive or similar rights, including, but not limited to, those created by statute, the Company’s organizational documents or any agreements to which the Company was or is party or is bound.

(c) Other than the agreements between the Company and the subscribers in the Rights Offering (which are identical in form to this Agreement) or as described in the Subscription Form, the Solicitation Package or Plan Supplement, (i) there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights (including conversion rights, preemptive or similar rights, rights of first refusal, and registration rights), proxy or shareholder agreements, or agreements, arrangements or commitments of any kind for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any issued or unissued securities; (ii) there are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of the Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the Company; and (iii) there are no voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound with respect to the voting of any shares of the capital stock of the Company.

(d) The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the Stock are as stated in the Restated Charter. The Stock has been duly authorized and when issued, delivered and paid for in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Restated Charter, the Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and will be free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges, agreements, limitations on voting rights, charges or other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever (collectively, “ Liens ”), except as contemplated by the Restated Charter, and will not be subject to, or will have been issued in compliance with, any preemptive or similar rights; provided , however, that the Committed Shares may be subject to restrictions on transfer under state or federal securities laws as set forth herein or as otherwise required by such laws at the time a transfer is proposed.

(e) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties and compliance with the covenants of the Subscriber set forth in this Agreement, the Stock will not be issued in violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “S ecurities Act ”), or any other applicable laws (including state “blue sky” laws).

3.3. Authorization; Binding Obligations . All corporate action on the part of the Company, its officers, directors and shareholders necessary for the authorization of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, the performance of all obligations of the Company hereunder, in connection with the Rights Offering and in connection with the Registration Rights Agreement, and the authorization, sale, issuance and delivery of the Stock pursuant hereto have been taken or will be taken prior to Closing. This Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement have been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by Subscriber, will be valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights, and (b) general principles of equity that restrict the availability of equitable remedies.

 

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3.4. No Contravention . Except for the approvals required under the Chapter 11 Cases, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement by the Company, including the issuance and sale of shares of the Stock and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder, (i) do not contravene with or result in the breach of any provision of the Company’s organizational documents; (ii) except as set forth in Schedule 3.4 hereto, do not violate, conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or constitute an event of default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default), or give rise to any right of termination, acceleration or cancellation under, or the creation of any material Liens under, any agreement to which the Company is a party or by or to which the Company is, or the Stock are or may be, bound or subject; (iii) do not violate any law or order of any federal, state, local or foreign government or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of such government or political subdivision, or any self-regulated organization or other non-governmental regulatory authority or quasi-governmental authority, or any arbitrator, court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction (“ Governmental Authority ”) applicable to the Company or to the Stock; and (iv) do not result in the creation of any Lien upon the Stock.

3.5. Licenses . Except as set forth in the Solicitation Package or the Plan Supplement, and except as would have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries possess adequate licenses, certificates, authorities or permits issued by appropriate governmental agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business now operated by it and its Subsidiaries.

3.6. Environmental . Except as set forth in the Solicitation Package or the Plan Supplement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any statute, rule, regulation, decision or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, relating to the use, disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or relating to the protection or restoration of the environment or human exposure to hazardous or toxic substances (collectively, “ Environmental Laws ”), owns or operates any real property contaminated with any substance that is subject to any Environmental Laws, is liable for any off-site disposal or contamination pursuant to any Environmental Laws, or is subject to any pending claim or any pending investigation relating to any Environmental Laws, which violation, contamination, liability, claim or other matter would individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

3.7. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any applicable law, ordinance, statute, rule, regulation, decision or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, which violation would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

3.8. Solicitation Package and Plan Supplement . The Solicitation Package and the Plan Supplement(s) that are filed with the Bankruptcy court (including documents filed as exhibits or schedules), as of their respective dates or as of the Closing Date, do not, taken together, contain an untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

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3.9. Investment Company Act . The Company is not, and after receipt of payments in respect of the Purchased Amounts, will not be an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “ Investment Company Act ”) and will conduct its business in a manner designed to allow it to not become subject to the Investment Company Act.

3.10. No Material Actions or Proceedings . Except for the Chapter 11 Cases, and other than as set forth in the Solicitation Package or the Plan Supplement, there are no legal or governmental actions, suits or proceedings pending or threatened (i) against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) which has as the subject thereof property owned or leased by, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to environmental or discrimination matters, where in any case (A) there is a reasonable possibility that such action, suit or proceeding might be determined adversely to the Company or such Subsidiary and (B) any such action, suit or proceeding, if so determined adversely, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.11. Governmental Authorization ; Third Party Consents . Except for customary securities filings in connection with private placements, and filings and approvals in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases and the Plan, no consent, approval, authorization of, action by, notice to, or filing with any Governmental Authority or any other person, and no lapse of a waiting period, is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including the issuance and sale of shares of Stock; provided , however, that the Offered Shares may be subject to restrictions on transfer under state or federal securities laws as set forth herein or as otherwise required by such laws at the time a transfer is proposed.

 

  4. R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES OF THE S UBSCRIBER .

Subscriber hereby represents and warrants to the Company as of the date of mutual execution of this Agreement:

4.1. Requisite Power and Authority . All actions, corporate or otherwise, on the part of the Subscriber necessary for the authorization of this Agreement, the performance of all obligations of the Subscriber hereunder, and the purchase of the Stock pursuant hereto have been taken or will be taken prior to Closing. Assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Company, this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Subscriber and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Company, will be valid and binding obligations of the Subscriber, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights, and (b) general principles of equity that restrict the availability of equitable remedies.

4.2. Investment Representations . The Subscriber understands that none of the Stock has been registered under the Securities Act. The Subscriber also understands that the Committed Shares and other Stock are being offered and sold pursuant to an

 

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exemption from registration contained in the Securities Act based in part upon Subscriber’s representations contained in this Agreement. Subscriber hereby represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Subscriber Bears Economic Risk . Subscriber has substantial experience in evaluating and investing in private placement transactions of securities in companies similar to the Company so that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Company and has the capacity to protect its own interests. The Subscriber understands that it may be required to bear the economic risk of this investment indefinitely and may not transfer the Stock unless the Stock is registered pursuant to the Securities Act, or an exemption from registration is available. Subscriber also understands that there is no assurance that any exemption from registration under the Securities Act will be available and that, even if available, such exemption may not allow Subscriber to transfer all or any portion of the Committed Shares under the circumstances, in the amounts or at the times Subscriber might propose. The certificates representing the Stock will bear appropriate legends reflecting such limitations on transfer.

(b) Acquisition for Own Account . Subscriber is acquiring the Stock for Subscriber’s own account for investment only, and not with a view towards distribution.

(c) Accredited Investor . Subscriber represents that it is an accredited investor within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act.

(d) Residence . The office of Subscriber in which its investment decision was made is located at the address indicated for Subscriber on Subscriber’s signature page hereto.

(e) Company Information . Subscriber has received a copy of the Solicitation Package and the Plan Supplement.

 

  5. C ONDITIONS TO C LOSING .

5.1. Conditions to Obligations of the Subscriber at Closing . The Subscriber’s obligation to purchase the Committed Shares is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to Closing, of the following conditions.

(a) Representations and Warranties True; Performance of Obligations . The representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 3 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for representations and warranties qualified by materiality or material adverse effect, which shall be true and correct) at the date of Closing (other than representations and warranties made as of a specific date, which shall have been true and correct as of such date), and the Company shall have performed all obligations and conditions herein required to be performed or observed by it, and the Company shall have delivered to Rights Offering Agent a certificate executed by a senior executive officer of the Company on its behalf to the foregoing effect.

 

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(b) Filing of Restated Charter . The Restated Charter shall have been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, shall have become effective and shall continue to be in full force and effect.

(c) Stock Certificates . The Company shall have delivered to Subscriber validly executed share certificates representing the Committed Shares to be issued at Closing.

(d) Registration Rights . The Company shall have entered into and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

(e) Material Adverse Effect . No event or occurrence, individually or in the aggregate, shall have occurred which has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect.

5.2. Conditions to Obligations of the Company at Closing . The Company’s obligation to issue and sell the Offered Shares is subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to Closing, of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties True . The representations and warranties in Section 4 made by Subscriber shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for representations and warranties qualified by materiality or material adverse effect, which shall be true and correct) at the date of Closing (other than representations and warranties made as of a specific date, which shall have been true and correct as of such date).

(b) Performance of Obligations . Subscriber shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions herein required to be performed or complied with by Subscriber on or before Closing.

(c) Payment . Prior to or on the Bid Remittance Deadline (as defined in the Subscription Form) Subscriber shall have paid the entire purchase price for its Committed Shares as set forth on the Bid Report Sheet.

5.3. Conditions to Obligations of the Company and of the Subscriber at Closing . The Company’s obligation to issue and sell the Committed Shares, and Subscriber’s obligation to purchase the Committed Shares to which it is entitled, are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to Closing, of the following conditions:

(a) Closing of Other Subscription Transactions . Simultaneously with the Closing hereunder, the Company shall have received gross proceeds from the sale of Class C Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares totaling $60 million (which amount shall be calculated assuming that Subscriber has funded the purchase of the Committed Shares hereunder and shall include any proceeds received pursuant to the Backstop Commitment Letter).

(b) Closing of Other Capital Restructuring Transactions . The Capital Restructuring transactions (other than the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) shall have been consummated substantially simultaneously with the Closing.

 

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(c) Amendment of Senior Secured Loan Agreement . In connection with the Capital Restructuring, CA Lyon and the Prepetition Agent shall have entered into an amendment to the Prepetition Secured Loan Agreement in accordance with the terms set forth in the Colony Restructuring Term Sheet.

(d) Circle G Loan Agreement and Mountain Falls Loan Agreement . In connection with the Capital Restructuring, the treatment of the Circle G Loan Agreement, and the treatment of the Mountain Falls Loan Agreement, shall be reasonably acceptable to CA Lyon and the Ad Hoc Noteholders Group.

(e) Class B Common Stock Purchase Price . In connection with the Capital Restructuring, the Company shall have received the Class B Common Stock Purchase Price for the issuance and sale of the Class B Common Shares and the Warrants.

(f) Plan Confirmation . The Plan shall have been confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court within 60 days after the Petition Date (the “ Confirmation Deadline ”), unless the Confirmation Deadline is extended as contemplated by the Solicitation Package.

(g) No Legal Impediment . No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award that has the effect of making the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Capital Restructuring illegal, otherwise restraining or prohibiting consummation of such transactions or causing any of the transactions contemplated hereunder to be rescinded following completion thereof.

 

  6. C OVENANTS .

6.1. Reasonable Assurances . Each of the Company and the Subscriber will use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the conditions set forth in Section 5 to be satisfied, insofar as such matters are within the control of the Company or the Subscriber, as applicable.

 

  7. M ISCELLANEOUS .

7.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Delaware as such laws are applied to agreements between Delaware residents entered into and performed entirely in Delaware.

7.2. Survival . The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made herein shall survive for a period of eighteen months following the Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby, except that the representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1 , 3.2 and 3.3 shall survive for a period of three years.

 

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7.3. Successors and Assigns . Neither this Agreement nor any right, remedy, obligation or liability arising hereunder or by reason hereof shall be assignable by either the Company or the Subscriber without the prior written consent of the other party.

7.4. Entire Agreement; Backstop Commitment Letter Not Superseded . This Agreement, the exhibits and schedules hereto, and the other documents delivered pursuant hereto constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to the subjects hereof, and no party shall be liable or bound to any other in any manner by any representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, except as specifically set forth herein and therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Subscriber which is a Backstop Party (as defined in the Backstop Commitment Letter): this Agreement does not supersede or restate the Backstop Commitment Letter, which remains in full force and effect, nor does this Agreement in any way alter or affect the agreements and obligations of the parties to the Backstop Commitment Letter on the terms and conditions set forth therein, and (ii) each condition to the Backstop Commitment Letter is incorporated herein as a condition to the obligation of such Backstop Party (but not as a condition to the performance of any Subscriber that is not a Backstop Party) to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.5. Severability . In case any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

7.6. Amendment . This Agreement may be amended or modified only upon the written consent of the Company and the Subscriber.

7.7. Termination . This Agreement may be terminated by the applicable party if the conditions to such party’s performance in Section 5 are not satisfied or waived prior to or on the “Outside Date” as defined in the Restructuring Support Agreement dated as of November 4, 2011, by and among (i) the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, William Lyon Homes, Inc., a California corporation on behalf of themselves and certain subsidiaries and (ii) the “Consenting Noteholders” (as defined therein). However, no such termination shall limit any party’s rights with respect to any breach hereof that occurred prior to such termination, including enforcement of such party’s rights hereunder with respect to any events, actions or statements that occurred prior to such termination.

7.8. Remedies . The parties hereto understand and agree that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any violation of this Agreement. Accordingly, each party agrees that in the event of a breach of this Agreement, the non-breaching party shall be entitled to seek equitable relief, including injunction and specific performance. Such remedy shall be in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity.

7.9. Delays or Omissions . It is agreed that no delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party, upon any breach, default or noncompliance by another party under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach, default or noncompliance, or any acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach, default or

 

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noncompliance thereafter occurring. All remedies, either under this Agreement, the Restated Charter, by law, or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not exclusive.

7.10. Notices . All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed telex or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at the address as set forth on the signature page hereof and to the Subscriber at the address set forth on the signature page hereof, or at such other address as the Company or the Subscriber may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other party hereto.

7.11. Titles and Subtitles . The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.

7.12. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which, together, shall constitute one instrument.

7.13. Broker’s Fees . Each party hereto represents and warrants that, except as set forth in the Solicitation Package and Plan Supplement, no agent, broker, investment banker, person or firm acting on behalf, or under the authority, of such party hereto is or will be entitled to any broker’s or finder’s fee or any other commission directly or indirectly in connection with the transactions contemplated herein. Each party hereto further agrees to indemnify the other party for any claims, losses or expenses incurred by such other party as a result of the representation in this Section 7.13 being untrue.

7.14. Pronouns . All pronouns contained herein, and any variations thereof, shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine or neutral, singular or plural, as the identity of the parties hereto may require.

7.15. Taxes . For federal and state income tax purposes, the parties hereto agree to report the transactions contemplated hereby consistently with the characterization of such transactions as described in this Agreement.

7.16. No Presumption . Any rule of law and any legal decision that would require interpretation of any claimed ambiguities in this Agreement against the party that drafted it has no application and is expressly waived. If any claim is made by a party relating to any conflict, omission or ambiguity in the provisions of this Agreement, no presumption or burden of proof or persuasion will be implied because this Agreement was prepared by, or at the request of, any party or its counsel.

 

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7.17. Nature of Subscribers’ Obligations and Rights . The obligations of the Subscriber under this Agreement are several and not joint with respect to the obligations of any other subscriber in the Rights Offering, and no Subscriber shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other subscriber under any other similar agreement or with respect to any Offered Shares. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Subscriber pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Subscribers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Subscribers are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other similar agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Company has executed this C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S TOCK A ND C LASS C C OMMON S TOCK S UBSCRIPTION A GREEMENT as of the date set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

 

COMPANY:
WILLIAM LYON HOMES
Signature:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Address:  

 

 

 

[COMPANY SIGNATURE PAGE TO CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND CLASS C COMMON STOCK SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT]

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the undersigning Subscriber has executed this C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S TOCK A ND C LASS C C OMMON S TOCK S UBSCRIPTION A GREEMENT .

 

SUBSCRIBER (in an individual):    SUBSCRIBER (if an entity):
   [                    ]
Signature:    Signature:
Name:    Name:
   Title:
Address:    Address:

 

State/Country of Domicile or Formation:   

 

[SUBSCRIBER SIGNATURE PAGE TO CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND CLASS C COMMON STOCK SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT]

 

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EXHIBIT A

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND

CLASS C COMMON STOCK REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

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Exhibit 10.9

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND CLASS C COMMON STOCK

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND CLASS C COMMON STOCK REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of February 25, 2012 (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into among WILLIAM LYON HOMES, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and any parties purchasing Convertible Preferred Shares or Class C Shares (each as defined below) pursuant to the Subscription Agreement (as defined below) and such other persons as may become parties hereto from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in Section 1 .

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company, in order to reorganize its capital structure pursuant to a prepackaged joint plan of reorganization, is engaging in an exchange offer of the Company’s outstanding senior notes, an issuance of new stock to the Company’s current equity holders, and a rights offering (the “ Rights Offering ”) pursuant to which this Agreement is being executed, each as more precisely described in the Disclosure Statement for the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al. and the Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization for William Lyon Homes, et al., both dated as of November 17, 2011 and all schedules, exhibits and other documents attached thereto (such transactions collectively referred to as the “ Capital Restructuring ”);

WHEREAS, in connection with the Rights Offering and pursuant to a Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Subscription Agreement (“ Subscription Agreement ”), the Company has authorized the issuance and sale to the Holders of (i) 64,831,831 shares of its Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Convertible Preferred Shares ”) and (ii) 16,110,366 shares of its Class C Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class C Shares ” and, together with the Convertible Preferred Shares, the “ Offered Shares ”), and the Company has authorized the issuance of additional shares, including the issuance of an additional 64,831,831 Class C Shares upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares and the issuance of 80,942,197 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class A Shares ”, and collectively with the Offered Shares, the “ Shares ”) upon conversion of the Offered Shares;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, the Company is entering into this Agreement to grant to the Holders certain rights to cause the Company to register the Shares being issued pursuant to the Subscription Agreement (including Shares issuable upon conversion of such Shares), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

 

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

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, and unless the context requires a different meaning, the following terms have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction.

Automatic Shelf Registration Statement ” means an “automatic shelf registration statement” as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, without regard to whether such right is currently exercisable, is exercisable only after the passage of time or is exercisable only upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The terms “ beneficially owns ” and beneficially owned ” have a corresponding meaning.

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors of the Company (or any duly authorized committee thereof).

Business Day ” means any day (other than a day which is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of New York) on which banks are open for business in the State of New York.

Capital Restructuring ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction.

Capital Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock issued by such person, including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such person.

Certificate of Incorporation ” shall mean the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

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Class A Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain registration rights agreement or those certain registration rights agreements, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the holders identified therein with respect to registration rights of certain holders of Class A Shares, as set forth therein, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Class B Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain registration rights agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the holders identified therein with respect to registration rights of certain holders of Class B Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share, as set forth therein, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Class A Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Class C Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the introduction.

control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means, unless otherwise noted, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Convertible Preferred Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Counsel to the Holders ” means, with respect to any Piggyback Takedown or any Holder Underwritten Offering, one (1) counsel selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown or Holder Underwritten Offering.

Delay Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(c).

Disclosure Package ” means the following, collectively, with respect to any offering of Registrable Securities, (i) the preliminary Prospectus, in the form provided to the Holders for delivery to purchasers of Registrable Securities, (ii) each Free Writing Prospectus, in the form provided to the Holders for delivery to purchasers of Registrable Securities and (iii) all other information, in each case, that is deemed, under Rule 159 promulgated under the Securities Act, to have been conveyed to purchasers of securities at the time of sale of such securities (including, without limitation, a contract of sale).

Electing Holder ” means a Holder of Registrable Securities who has provided the Company with a Notice and Questionnaire.

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

 

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FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Free Writing Prospectus ” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Hedging Counterparty ” means a broker-dealer registered under Section 15(b) of the Exchange Act or an Affiliate thereof.

Hedging Transaction ” means any transaction involving a security linked to the Registrable Securities or any security that would be deemed to be a “derivative security” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(c) promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the Registrable Securities or transaction (even if not a security) which would (were it a security) be considered such a derivative security, or which transfers some or all of the economic risk of ownership of the Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, any forward contract, equity swap, put or call, put or call equivalent position, collar, non-recourse loan, sale of an exchangeable security or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, the following transactions shall be deemed to be Hedging Transactions:

(i) transactions by a Holder in which a Hedging Counterparty engages in short sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus and may use Registrable Securities to close out its short position;

(ii) transactions pursuant to which a Holder engages in a short sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus and delivers Registrable Securities to close out its short position;

(iii) transactions by a Holder in which the Holder delivers, in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act, Registrable Securities to the Hedging Counterparty who will then publicly resell or otherwise transfer such Registrable Securities pursuant to a Prospectus or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act; and

(iv) a loan or pledge of Registrable Securities to a Hedging Counterparty who may then become a selling stockholder and sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities, in each case, in a public transaction pursuant to a Prospectus.

Holder ” (collectively, the “ Holders ”) means each Person identified as a Holder on the signature pages hereto who is the record or beneficial owner of Registrable Securities, together with such Person’s respective successors and permitted assigns or an additional purchaser of Registrable Securities, in either case who executes a Joinder to this Agreement in the form of Annex B hereto for so long as it holds any Registrable Securities and each of its successors and assigns and direct and indirect transferees who beneficially own Registrable Securities.

Holder Underwritten Offering ” means an underwritten offering takedown to be conducted by one or more Electing Holders in accordance with Section 3(d).

 

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Indemnified Party ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).

Indemnifying Party ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(a).

Notice and Questionnaire ” means a written notice delivered to the Company in the form attached as Annex A hereto.

Offered Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Other Registrable Securities ” means, collectively, the Registrable Securities, as such term is defined in the Other Registration Agreements, and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any Registrable Securities as defined herein.

Other Registrable Securityholders ” means Persons party to the Other Registration Agreements, which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any Holders hereunder.

Other Registration Agreements ” means, collectively, the Class A Notes Registration Rights Agreement and the Class B Registration Rights Agreement.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, firm, incorporated or unincorporated association, or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

Plan ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Piggyback Takedown ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Prospectus ” means the prospectus related to any Registration Statement (whether preliminary or final or any prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, a prospectus or prospectus supplement that discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance on Rule 415, 424, 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act, as amended or supplemented by any amendment or prospectus supplement), including post-effective amendments, and all materials incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Registrable Securities ” means (i) the Shares issued to the Holders pursuant to the Rights Offering, (ii) any additional Class A Shares, Class C Shares or Convertible Preferred Shares issued or distributed by way of a dividend, stock split or other distribution in respect of such Shares and (iii) any and all securities issued or issuable upon conversion of any Shares held by the Holders. As to any particular Registrable Securities, once issued, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Securities shall have been declared effective under the Securities Act by the SEC and

 

5


such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of pursuant to such effective Registration Statement, (ii) they shall have been distributed pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and are no longer “restricted securities”, (iii) they shall have ceased to be outstanding, or (iv) the entire amount of the Registrable Securities held by any Holder may be sold by such Holder in a single sale without, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company, any limitation as to volume or manner of sale requirements pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and the Company removes any restrictive legend borne by the Registrable Securities.

Registration ” means registration under the Securities Act of an offering of Registrable Securities.

Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act that covers resales of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the related Prospectus, all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement. The term “Registration Statement” shall also include any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) to register additional securities in connection with any offering.

Requesting Holders ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Rights Offering ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

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

Selling Expenses ” means underwriting fees, discounts, selling commissions, underwriter expenses and stock transfer taxes relating to the registration and sale of a Holder’s Registrable Securities and, subject to Section 6, the fees and expenses of Holder’s own counsel.

Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Shelf Registration ” means a registration of securities pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the SEC in accordance with and pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.

Subscription Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

underwriter ” means the underwriter, placement agent or other similar intermediary participating in an underwritten offering.

 

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underwritten offering ” of securities means a public offering of securities registered under the Securities Act in which an underwriter, placement agent or other similar intermediary participates in the distribution of such securities.

2. General; Securities Subject to this Agreement .

(a) Grant of Rights . The Company hereby grants registration rights with respect to the Registrable Securities to the Holders upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Transfer of Registration Rights . Any Registrable Securities that are pledged or made the subject of a Hedging Transaction, which Registrable Securities are not ultimately disposed of by the Holder pursuant to such pledge or Hedging Transaction shall be deemed to remain “Registrable Securities,” notwithstanding the release of such pledge or the completion of such Hedging Transaction.

3. Shelf Registrations .

(a) Filings . For so long as there are Registrable Securities outstanding, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that from and after one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of initial issuance of any Registrable Securities the Company shall at all times have and maintain an effective Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration covering the resale of all of the Registrable Securities requested to be included by the Electing Holders, on a delayed or continuous basis (the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”), which Shelf Registration Statement may also provide for the sale by other holders with registration rights granted in connection with the Capital Restructuring of other securities of the Company. In furtherance of such obligation, the Company shall use best efforts to file on or prior to one hundred and twenty (120) days after the initial issuance of any Registrable Securities an initial Shelf Registration Statement. The Company shall give written notice of the filing of any Shelf Registration Statement at least fifteen (15) days prior to filing such Shelf Registration Statement to all Holders of Registrable Securities and shall include in such Shelf Registration Statement all Registrable Securities of Electing Holders. The Company shall use best efforts to cause the initial Shelf Registration Statement to become effective on or prior to one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of initial issuance of any Registrable Securities and shall maintain the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the terms hereof.

(b) Additional Electing Holders . From and after the date that the Shelf Registration Statement is initially effective, as promptly as is practicable after receipt of a proper Notice and Questionnaire, and in any event within (x) ten (10) Business Days after the date such Notice and Questionnaire is received by the Company or (y) if a Notice and Questionnaire is so received during a Delay Period, five (5) Business Days after the expiration of such Delay Period, the Company shall take all necessary action to cause the Electing Holder to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus in such a manner as to permit such Holder to deliver such Prospectus in connection with sales of such Registrable

 

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Securities to the purchasers thereof in accordance with applicable law, which action may include: (i) if required by applicable law, filing with the SEC a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement; (ii) preparing and, if required by applicable law, filing a supplement or supplements to the related Prospectus or a supplement or amendment to any document incorporated therein by reference; (iii) filing any other required document; or (iv) with respect to a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement that is not automatically effective, causing such post-effective amendment to be declared or to otherwise become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is practicable; provided that the Company may delay such filing until the date that is twenty (20) Business Days after any prior such filing, and if such Notice and Questionnaire is delivered during a Delay Period, the Company shall so inform the Holder delivering such Notice and Questionnaire and shall take the actions set forth above upon expiration of the Delay Period in accordance with Section 3(c). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to name any Holder as a selling securityholder in any Shelf Registration Statement or related Prospectus until such Holder has returned a duly completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company.

(c) Delay Periods . Upon written notice to the Holders of Registrable Securities, (x) the Company shall be entitled to suspend, for a period of time, the use of any Registration Statement or Prospectus if the Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation with counsel, that the Registration Statement or any Prospectus may contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements in the Registration Statement or Prospectus not misleading and (y) the Company shall not be required to amend or supplement the Registration Statement, any related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference if the Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation with counsel, that such amendment would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on any proposal or plan of the Company to effect a merger, acquisition, disposition, financing, reorganization, recapitalization or similar transaction, in each case that is material to the Company (in case of each clause (x) and (y), a “ Delay Period ”); provided that (A) the duration of all Delay Periods may not exceed ninety (90) days in the aggregate in any 12-month period and (B) the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to amend the Registration Statement and/or Prospectus to correct such untrue statement or omission as soon as reasonably practicable.

(d) Holder Underwritten Offering .

(i) One or more Electing Holders holding at least 25% of a class of then outstanding Registrable Securities may request that the Company effect an underwritten takedown under the Shelf Registration Statement of Registrable Securities held by such Electing Holder or Electing Holders in an amount equal to at least 25% of such class of then outstanding Registrable Securities (or, if less than such amount, all of their remaining Registrable Securities) (each, a “ Holder Underwritten Offering ”). Within five (5) business days of receipt of such request, the Company shall notify all other Holders and Other Registrable Securityholders of such request and shall (except as

 

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provided in clause (iii) below) include in such Holder Underwritten Offering all Registrable Securities and Other Registrable Securities requested to be included therein by Holders or Other Registrable Securityholders who respond within five (5) Business Days of the Company’s notification described above (such Holders who are not Electing Holders shall participate in the Holder Underwritten Offering only if they also become Electing Holders, and such Other Registrable Securityholders shall participate in the Holder Underwritten Offering only if they also become “Electing Holders” as such term is defined in the registration rights agreement with the Company in respect the Other Registrable Securities).

(ii) For any Holder Underwritten Offering, the managing underwriter or underwriters shall be selected by Electing Holders participating in such offering holding a majority of the Registrable Securities to be disposed of pursuant to such offering and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company.

(iii) If the managing underwriter or underwriters for the Holder Underwritten Offering advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such underwritten offering takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to Electing Holders representing a majority of Registrable Securities included in the Holder Underwritten Offering, the Company shall include in such Holder Underwritten Offering the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities requested to be included by the Electing Holders and the Other Registrable Securityholders, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder), (B) second, the securities requested to be included in such Holder Underwritten Offering by holders exercising piggyback registration rights other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Other Registration Agreements (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder), (C) third, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (D) fourth, other securities requesting to be included in such Holder Underwritten Offering (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder).

(iv) The company shall not be required to effect a Holder Underwritten Offering: (A) more than once in any twelve (12) month period or (B) if it shall have already made three (3) Holder Underwritten Offerings pursuant to this Agreement.

4. Piggyback Takedowns .

(a) Right to Piggyback . If the Company proposes to undertake the marketing of a registered underwritten offering of its Capital Stock for its own account (other than a Registration Statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or a Registration Statement connection with a rights offering) or for the account of any other stockholder or stockholders of the Company not party hereto (the “ Requesting Holders ”), the Company shall give prompt written notice of its intention to effect such offering (a

 

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Piggyback Takedown ”) to all Holders of Registrable Securities and Other Registrable Securityholders. In the case of a Piggyback Takedown that is an offering under a Shelf Registration, such notice shall be given not less than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the expected date of commencement of marketing efforts for such Piggyback Takedown. In the case of a Piggyback Takedown that is an offering under a Registration Statement that is not a Shelf Registration, such notice shall be given not less than thirty (30) Business Days prior to the expected date of filing of such Registration Statement. The Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) below, include in such Piggyback Takedown, as applicable, all Registrable Securities and all Other Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein on or before the date that is three (3) Business Days prior to the expected date of commencement of marketing efforts or the filing of the Registration Statement, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company may determine not to proceed with any Piggyback Takedown upon written notice to the Holders of Registrable Securities requesting to include their Registrable Securities or Other Registrable Securityholders requesting to include their Other Registrable Securities in such Piggyback Takedown.

(b) Priority on Piggyback Takedowns .

(i) If a Piggyback Takedown is an underwritten primary registration on behalf of the Company, and the managing underwriters for a Piggyback Takedown advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to the Company, the Company shall include in such Piggyback Takedown the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (B) second, securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown by Holders exercising piggyback registration rights in accordance with this Agreement or by Other Registrable Securityholders in accordance with the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder), and (C) third, other securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder).

(ii) If a Piggyback Takedown is an underwritten registration on behalf of one or more Requesting Holders, and the managing underwriters for a Piggyback Takedown advise the Company that in their reasonable opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown exceeds the number which can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price range acceptable to the Company, the Company shall include in such Piggyback Takedown the number which can be so sold in the following order of priority: (A) first, the securities requested to be included by the Requesting Holders and Other Registrable Securityholders who are Requesting Holders (as such term is defined in the Other Registration Agreements) in

 

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accordance with the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (B) second, securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown by Holders exercising piggyback registration rights in accordance with this Agreement or by Other Registrable Securityholders in accordance with Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder), (C) third, the securities the Company proposes to sell, and (D) fourth, other securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Takedown other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Other Registration Agreements, if applicable (pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of securities requested to be included therein by each such holder).

(c) Selection of Underwriters . Except as otherwise provided in any agreement between the Company and Requesting Holders, the Company will have the sole right to select the investment banker(s) and manager(s) for any Piggyback Takedown.

5. Registration Procedures .

(a) Obligations of the Company . Whenever registration of Registrable Securities has been requested pursuant to Section 3 or Section 4 hereof, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration and sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof and the following provisions shall apply in connection therewith:

(i) No Holder shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement as of the time of its initial effectiveness or at any time thereafter, and no Holder shall be entitled to use the Prospectus for resales of Registrable Securities at any time, unless such Holder has become an “Electing Holder” by returning a duly completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company by the deadline for response set forth therein (or the Holder has delivered a Notice and Questionnaire after the deadline for response and the Company has named such Holder as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement) and has provided any other information reasonably requested in writing by the Company.

(ii) Each Electing Holder agrees to notify the Company as promptly as practicable of any inaccuracy or change in information previously furnished by such Electing Holder to the Company or of the occurrence of any event in either case as a result of which any Prospectus relating to such registration contains or would contain an untrue statement of a material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities or omits to state any material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and promptly to furnish to the Company (i) any additional information required to correct and update any previously furnished information or required so that such Prospectus shall not contain, with respect to such Electing Holder or the disposition of such Registrable Securities, an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or

 

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necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (ii) any other information regarding such Electing Holder and the distribution of such Registrable Securities as may be required to be disclosed in any Registration Statement under applicable law, pursuant to SEC comments or as the Company may request from time to time in writing.

(b) Additional Obligations of the Company . The Company shall:

(i) before filing a Registration Statement or a Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, at the Company’s expense, furnish to the Electing Holders upon written request from such Electing Holder whose securities are covered by the Registration Statement, copies of all such documents, other than documents that are incorporated by reference and that are publicly available through the SEC ‘s EDGAR system, proposed to be filed, and provide Counsel to such Holders a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such documents;

(ii) notify each Electing Holder of Registrable Securities whose securities are covered by the Registration Statement of the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement and prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable under the Securities Act for a period ending on the date on which all Registrable Securities have been sold under the Registration Statement applicable to such Shelf Registration or have otherwise ceased to be Registrable Securities and notify each Electing Holder of the filing and effectiveness of such amendments and supplements, and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement;

(iii) furnish to each Electing Holder selling Registrable Securities without charge, such number of copies of the applicable Registration Statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, each Prospectus prepared in connection with such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus, final Prospectus, and any other Prospectus (including any Prospectus filed under Rule 424, Rule 430A or Rule 430B promulgated under the Securities Act and any “issuer free writing prospectus” as such term is defined under Rule 433 promulgated under the Securities Act)), all exhibits and other documents filed therewith and such other documents as such seller may reasonably request including in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder, and upon request, a copy of any and all transmittal letters or other correspondence to or received from, the SEC or any other governmental authority relating to such offer;

(iv) prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use commercially reasonable efforts to: (A) register or qualify, or obtain exemption from registration or qualification for, such Registrable Securities under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as any seller reasonably requests,

 

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(B) keep such registration, qualification or exemption in effect for so long as such Registration Statement remains in effect and (C) do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Electing Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such Electing Holder; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be required to (x) qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subsection, (y) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction);

(v) notify each Electing Holder selling Registrable Securities at any time when a Prospectus relating to the applicable Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act:

(A) as promptly as practicable upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, such Registration Statement, or the Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement, or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus relating thereto not misleading or otherwise requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement, Prospectus, Free Writing Prospectus or document, and, at the request of any such Electing Holder and subject to the Company’s ability to declare Delay Periods pursuant to Section 3(c), the Company shall promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, furnish a reasonable number of copies of such supplement or amendment to each such seller of such Registrable Securities, and file such supplement or amendment with the SEC so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus as so amended or supplemented shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,

(B) as promptly as practicable after the Company becomes aware of any request by the SEC or any Federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or related Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus covering Registrable Securities or for additional information relating thereto,

(C) as promptly as practicable after the Company becomes aware of the issuance or threatened issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending or threatening to suspend the effectiveness of a Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities or

(D) as promptly as practicable after the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the

 

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qualification or exemption from qualification of any Registrable Security for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose;

(vi) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange or automated interdealer quotation system, if any, on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed or quoted, or, if none, on such securities exchange or automated interdealer quotation system reasonably selected by the Company;

(vii) provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable Securities from and after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement;

(viii) provide Counsel to the Holders a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon any Registration Statement and any Prospectus supplements;

(ix) in the event of the issuance or threatened issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related Prospectus or suspending the qualification of any Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction, use commercially reasonable efforts promptly to (A) prevent the issuance of any such stop order, and in the event of such issuance, to obtain the withdrawal of such order and (B) obtain, at the earliest practicable date, the withdrawal of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus or suspending qualification of any Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction;

(x) if requested by any participating Electing Holder promptly include in a Prospectus supplement or amendment such information as the Holder may reasonably request, including in order to permit the intended method of distribution of such securities, and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or such amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has received such request;

(xi) in the case of certificated Registrable Securities, cooperate with the participating Holders of Registrable Securities and the managing underwriters to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (not bearing any legends) representing Registrable Securities sold pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement;

(xii) cause the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities, as may be reasonably necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company to enable the seller or sellers of Registrable Securities to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

 

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(xiii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form and reasonably satisfactory to the Company and perform its obligations thereunder and take such other commercially reasonable actions as are required in order to expedite or facilitate each disposition of Registrable Securities included in such Holder Underwritten Offering (including causing appropriate officers to attend and participate in “road shows” and other informational meetings organize by the underwriters), and causing counsel to the Company to deliver customary legal opinions in connection with any such underwriting agreements;

(xiv) provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities not later than the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement;

(xv) make available at reasonable times for inspection by any seller of Registrable Securities, any managing underwriter participating in any disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, Counsel to the Holders and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the selling Holder or any managing underwriters (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Records ”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ officers, directors and employees, and the independent public accountants of the Company, to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration Statement. Records that the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential and which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors (and the Inspectors shall confirm their agreement in writing in advance to the Company if the Company shall so request) unless (A) the disclosure of such Records is necessary, in the Inspector’s judgment and with the concurrence of counsel to the Company, to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the Registration Statement, (B) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom or (C) the information in such Records was known to the Inspectors on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure by the Company or has been made generally available to the public. Each seller of Registrable Securities agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction or by any other person, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at the Company’s expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential;

(xvi) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a “comfort” letter or letters, dated as of such date or dates as the Counsel to the Holders or the managing underwriters reasonably requests, from the Company’s independent public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “comfort” letters as Counsel to the Holders or any managing underwriter reasonably requests;

(xvii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, furnish, at the request of any managing underwriter for such offering an opinion with

 

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respect to legal matters and a negative assurance letter with respect to disclosure matters, dated as of each closing date of such offering of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such registration, addressed to the underwriters, covering such matters with respect to the registration in respect of which such opinion and letter are being delivered as the underwriters, may reasonably request and are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters;

(xviii) in the case of a Holder Underwritten Offering, use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter and its counsel (including any “qualified independent underwriter,” if applicable) that is (A) required or requested by FINRA in order to obtain written confirmation from FINRA that FINRA does not object to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements (or any deemed underwriting terms and arrangements) relating to the resale of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, including, without limitation, information provided to FINRA through its COBRADesk system or (B) required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA;

(xix) if requested by the managing underwriters, if any, or by any Holder of Registrable Securities being sold in a Holder Underwritten Offering, promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement such information as the managing underwriters, if any, or such Holders indicate relates to them or that they reasonably request be included therein;

(xx) within the deadlines specified by the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, make all required filings of all Prospectuses and Free Writing Prospectuses with the SEC; and

(xxi) within the deadlines specified by the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, make all required filing fee payments in respect of any Registration Statement or Prospectus used under this Agreement (and any offering covered thereby).

(c) Seller Requirements . In connection with any offering under any Registration Statement under this Agreement, each Electing Holder (i) shall promptly furnish to the Company in writing such information with respect to such Holder and the intended method of disposition of its Registrable Securities as the Company may reasonably request or as may be required by law or regulations for use in connection with any related Registration Statement or Prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto) and all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder not contain a material misstatement of fact or necessary to cause such Registration Statement or Prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto) not to omit a material fact with respect to such Holder necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) shall comply with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and all applicable state securities laws and comply with all applicable regulations in connection with the registration and the disposition of the

 

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Registrable Securities; and (iii) shall not use any Free Writing Prospectus without the prior written consent of the Company. If any Electing Holder of Registrable Securities fails to provide such information required to be included in such Registration Statement by applicable securities laws or otherwise necessary or desirable in connection with the disposition of such Registrable Securities in a timely manner after written request therefor, the Company may exclude such Electing Holder’s Registrable Securities from a registration under Sections 3 or 4 hereof.

6. Registration Expenses . (a) Whether or not any Registration Statement is filed or becomes effective, the Company shall pay all costs, fees and expenses arising from or incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including the sale of the Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, (i) SEC, stock exchanges, FINRA (including, without limitation, fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection with FINRA registration), and other registration and filing fees (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with complying with any securities or “Blue Sky” laws, including, without limitation, fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection therewith, (iii) printing expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Securities and of printing prospectuses if the printing of prospectuses is requested by the Holders), (iv) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (v) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and any other legal fees, charges or expenses (vi) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public accountants of the Company and any other accounting fees, charges or expenses (including expenses of any “cold comfort” letters required in connection with this Agreement or as an incident to registration) and all other persons retained by the Company in connection with such Registration Statement, (vii) reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Counsel to the Holders in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement called for by Section 3(a) and in connection with any Piggyback Takedown or any Holder Underwritten Offering, (viii) with respect to Registrable Securities that are listed on a national securities exchange, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of such Registrable Securities, and (ix) all other costs, fees and expenses incident to the Company’s performance or compliance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fees and expenses of any persons retained by any Holder, other than one counsel for all such Holders, will be payable by such Holder and the Company will have no obligation to pay any such amounts. The Holders shall be responsible for any commissions and transfer taxes relating to the sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement.

7. Indemnification; Contribution .

(a) Indemnification by the Company . The Company shall, without limitation as to time, indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Holder, the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each of them, each Person who controls each such Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each such controlling person, to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgment,

 

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costs and expenses, or any action or proceeding in respect thereof (including any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action, whether or not the indemnified party is a party to any proceeding) (collectively, “ Losses ”), as incurred, arising out of or based upon (w) any untrue, or allegedly untrue, statement of a material fact contained in any Disclosure Package, any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or (x) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading under the circumstances in which they were made, except insofar as the same are based upon and consistent with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use in such Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto. The Company shall also provide customary indemnities to any underwriters of, or other broker-dealers participating in the distribution of, the Registrable Securities, their officers, directors and employees and each Person who controls such underwriters or other broker-dealers (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders of Registrable Securities.

(b) Indemnification by Holders . In connection with any offering in which a Holder is participating, such Holder agrees to indemnify, severally and not jointly with the other Holders and to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the Holders, (i) the Company, its partners, directors, officers, agents, trustees and employees, (ii) each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, directors, officers, agents, trustees or employees of such controlling Persons, (iii) any other Holder, the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each of them, (iv) each Person who controls any such other Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the partners, officers, directors, agents, trustees and employees of each such controlling Person, from and against all Losses arising out of or based upon (x) any untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact contained in the any Disclosure Package, any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (y) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading under the circumstances in which they were made, to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue or allegedly untrue statement or omission or alleged omission is based upon and is consistent with information relating to such Holder so furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder to the Company expressly for use in such Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or amendment or supplement thereto. No Holder shall be held liable for any damages in excess of the total amount of proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder (net of all underwriters’ discounts and commissions) under the Disclosure Package, Registration Statement, Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto as to which such offering relates.

 

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(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . If any Person shall be entitled to indemnity or contribution hereunder (an “ Indemnified Party ”), such Indemnified Party shall give prompt notice to the party from which such indemnity is sought (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) after the receipt by the Indemnified Party of any written notice of any claim or commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing with respect to which such Indemnified Party seeks indemnification or contribution pursuant hereto; provided, however, that the delay or failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligation or liability except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party has been materially prejudiced by such delay or failure. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right, exercisable by giving written notice to an Indemnified Party promptly after the receipt of notice from such Indemnified Party of such claim or proceeding, to assume, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, the defense of any such claim or proceeding, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; provided, however, that (i) an Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such claim or proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless: (1) the Indemnifying Party agrees to pay such fees and expenses; (2) the Indemnifying Party fails promptly to assume the defense of such claim or proceeding or fails to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; or (3) the named parties to any proceeding (including impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it that are in addition to or are inconsistent with those available to the Indemnifying Party or that a conflict of interest is likely to exist among such Indemnified Party and any other indemnified parties (in which case the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Party); and (ii) subject to clause (3) above, the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one such claim or proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related claims or proceedings in the same jurisdiction, arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one firm of attorneys (together with appropriate local counsel) at any time for all of the indemnified parties. No Indemnifying Party shall be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the consent of such Indemnified Party, effect entry of any judgment or into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party of a release, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation for which such Indemnified Party would be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(d) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is applicable in accordance with its terms but is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnified Party in respect of any Losses, then each applicable Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Losses, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party, on the

 

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one hand, and such Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and Indemnified Party, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been taken by, or relates to information supplied by, such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent any such action, statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of any Losses shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees, charges or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 7(d). Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7(d), an Indemnifying Party that is a Holder shall not be required to contribute any amount which is in excess of the amount by which the total proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder (net of all underwriters’ discounts and commissions) exceeds the amount of any damages that such Indemnifying Party has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7(d) was determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

8. Rule 144 Information . With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC which may at any time permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, after such time as a registration statement relating to the Registrable Securities has been declared effective under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, the Company covenants and agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to:

a. Make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times after the earlier of (i) such time as a registration statement relating to the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, has been declared effective under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or (ii) the date that the Company becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, for so long as the Company remains subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, all to the extent required from time to time to enable a Holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemption provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. If at any time the Company is not subject to the reporting requirements of

 

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the Exchange Act, it will make available other information as required by, and so long as necessary to permit sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to, Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

b. Use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder (at any time it is subject to such reporting requirements).

c. Furnish to any Holder forthwith upon request a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the first registration statement filed by the Company for an offering of its securities to the general public), and of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act), a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such other reports and documents of the Company and other information as such Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing such Holder to sell any such securities without registration.

9. Participation in Underwritten Offering/Sale of Registrable Securities . No Person may participate in any underwritten offering hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements in customary form entered into pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements; provided, that the Holders included in any underwritten registration shall make only those representations and warranties to the Company or the underwriters as are customary for similar transactions and such other representations and warranties that the underwriters may reasonably request that are agreed by any such Holder.

10. Subsequent Registration Rights . From and after the date of this Agreement, and except with respect to the Other Registration Agreements, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Holders beneficially owning not less than a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would allow such holder or prospective holder to include such securities in the Shelf Registration Statement unless, under the terms of such agreement, such holder or prospective holder may include such securities in any such Shelf Registration Statement only to the extent that the inclusion of its securities will not reduce the amount of Registrable Securities of the Holders that are included on such Shelf Registration Statement.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Termination . This Agreement and the obligations of the Company and the Holders hereunder (other than with respect to Section 7) shall terminate on the first date on which no Registrable Securities remain outstanding, or when Registrable Securities otherwise cease to be Registrable Securities.

 

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(b) Notices . All notices, requests, waivers and other communications made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been effectively given (i) when personally delivered to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent by confirmed facsimile to the party to be notified at the number set forth below; (iii) when sent by email to the party to be notified at the email address set forth below; (iv) three (3) Business Days after deposit in the United States mail postage prepaid by certified or registered mail return receipt requested and addressed to the party to be notified as set forth below; or (v) one (1) Business Day after deposit with a national overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be notified as set forth below with next-business-day delivery guaranteed, in each case as follows:

In the case of the Company, to:

William Lyon Homes

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Matthew R. Zaist

Facsimile: (949) 252-2527

e-mail: matt.zaist@lyonhomes.com

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

Irell & Manella LLP

840 Newport Center Drive, Suite 400

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Richard Sherman

Telephone: (949) 760-0991

Facsimile: (949) 760-5200

e-mail: rsherman@irell.com

In the case of the Holders:

If to any Holder, at its address as it appears in the Notice and Questionnaire of such Holder delivered to the Company or, prior to the delivery of a Notice and Questionnaire, at the Holder’s address as it appears in the records of the Company.

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

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP

601 South Figueroa Street, 30th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Attention: Neil J. Wertlieb

Telephone: (213) 892-4410

 

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Facsimile: (213) 892-4710

e-mail: nwertlieb@milbank.com

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

200 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10166-0193

Attention: Matthew K. Kelsey

Telephone: (212) 351-2615

Facsimile: (212) 351-6351

e-mail: mkelsey@gibsondunn.com

Any party may by notice given in accordance with this Section 12(b) designate another address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

(c) Separability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof which shall remain in full force and effect.

(d) Successors and Assigns: Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement shall inure, as hereinafter provided, to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of each of the parties, including each Holder of any Registrable Securities, who executes a Joinder in the form attached as Annex B hereto, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, applicable law and any applicable agreement. If any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Registrable Securities, in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to and benefit from all of the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities, such person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof.

(e) Specific Performance . The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) irreparable damages would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached and (b) remedies at law would not be adequate to compensate the non-breaching party. Accordingly, the Company agrees that each Holder of Registrable Securities shall have the right to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce its rights hereunder, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing in its favor including any other remedy to which they are entitled, at law or in equity, including without limitation money damages. The right to equitable relief, including an injunction or specific performance, shall not be limited by any other provision of this Agreement. In any action or proceeding against it seeking an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to enforce the provisions of this Agreement,

 

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the Company hereby (i) waives and agrees not to assert any defense that an adequate remedy exists at law or that a Holder of Registrable Securities would not be irreparably harmed and (ii) waives and agrees not to seek any requirement for the posting of any bond or other security in connection with any such action or proceeding.

(f) Entire Agreement . This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties and shall supersede any and all previous contracts, arrangements or understandings between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(g) Amendments and Waivers . This Agreement may be amended with the consent of the Company and the Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained a written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act of the Holders of at least a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, provided however, that any modification, alteration, waiver or change that has a disproportionate and adverse effect on any right of any Holder under this Agreement shall not be effective against such Holder without the prior written consent of such Holder.

No waiver of any terms or conditions of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other breach of such terms and conditions or any other term or condition, nor shall any failure to enforce any provision hereof operate as a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof. No written waiver hereunder, unless it by its own terms explicitly provides to the contrary, shall be construed to effect a continuing waiver of the provisions being waived and no such waiver in any instance shall constitute a waiver in any other instance or for any other purpose or impair the right of the party against whom such waiver is claimed in all other instances or for all other purposes to require full compliance with such provision. The failure of any party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

(h) Publicity . No public release or announcement concerning the transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued by any party without the prior consent of the Company and any other party mentioned in such release or announcement, except to the extent that such issuing party is advised by counsel that such release or announcement is necessary or advisable under applicable law or the rules or regulations of any securities exchange, in which case the party required to make the release or announcement shall to the extent practicable provide the Company and any such other party with an opportunity to review and comment on such release or announcement in advance of its issuance.

(i) Expenses . Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, except as otherwise provided herein, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the execution of this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs or expenses, except as otherwise set forth herein.

 

24


(j) Interpretation .

(i) The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(ii) The meaning assigned to each term defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and the plural forms of such term and vice versa, and words denoting either gender shall include both genders as the context requires. Where a word or phrase is defined herein, each of its other grammatical forms shall have a corresponding meaning.

(iii) The terms “hereof’, “herein” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

(iv) When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference is to a Section, paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

(v) The word “include”, “includes”, and “including” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the words “without limitation”, unless otherwise specified.

(vi) A reference to any party to this Agreement or any other agreement or document shall include such party’s predecessors, successors and permitted assigns.

(l) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to each other party.

(n) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

(p) Calculation of Time Periods . Except as otherwise indicated, all periods of time referred to herein shall include all Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; provided, however, that if the date to perform the act or give any notice with respect to this Agreement shall fall on a day other than a Business Day, such act or notice may be timely performed or given if performed or given on the next succeeding Business Day.

(r) Stock Splits, etc . The provisions of this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividends, splits, reverse splits, combinations recapitalizations and the like occurring after the date hereof.

 

25


(s) No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company shall not enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement and shall take all commercially reasonable efforts to amend any agreements existing as of the date hereof so that such agreements shall not be inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

(t) Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

(u) Jurisdiction . Any action or proceeding against any party hereto relating in any way to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought and enforced in any United States federal court or New York State Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, and each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to such person or entity at the address for such person or entity set forth in Section 11(b) hereof of this Agreement or such other address such person or entity shall notify the other in writing. The foregoing shall not limit the right of any person or entity to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any action or proceeding, or to obtain execution of any judgment, in any other jurisdiction.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any claim that a court located in the State of New York is not a convenient forum for any such action or proceeding.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable United States federal and state law, all immunity from jurisdiction, service of process, attachment (both before and after judgment) and execution to which he might otherwise be entitled in any action or proceeding relating in any way to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the courts of the State of New York, of the United States or of any other country or jurisdiction, and hereby waives any right he might otherwise have to raise or claim or cause to be pleaded any such immunity at or in respect of any such action or proceeding.

(v) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY, ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND ITS RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BY CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, OR ARISING OUT OF, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

26


(w) Further Assurances . Each of the parties shall execute such documents and perform such further acts as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out or to perform the provisions of this Agreement.

(x) Other Agreements . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of, or release from, any obligations any party hereto may have under, or any restrictions on the transfer of Registrable Securities or other securities of the Company imposed by, any other agreement.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

27


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.

 

WILLIAM LYON HOMES

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

[Company Signature Page to Convertible Preferred Stock

and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.

 

[                                                                                        ]
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

ADDRESS:  

 

 

 

 

Attention:  
Telephone:  
Facsimile:  
e-mail:  

[Holder Signature Page to Convertible Preferred Stock

and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement]


Annex A

Notice and Questionnaire

The undersigned beneficial holder of Convertible Preferred Shares (the “Convertible Preferred Shares”) of William Lyon Homes (the “Company”) and/or Class C Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Class C Shares”) (including any Class C Shares or Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Class A Shares”) issuable upon the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares) which are Registrable Securities understands that the Company intends to file or has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Registrable Securities, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), among the Company and the Holders named therein. A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Each beneficial holder of Registrable Securities (each a “beneficial owner”) is entitled to the benefits of the Registration Rights Agreement. In order to sell, or otherwise dispose of, any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, a beneficial owner of Registrable Securities generally will be required to be named as a selling securityholder in the related prospectus, deliver a prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities and be bound by those provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement applicable to such beneficial owner (including certain indemnification provisions as described below). Beneficial owners that do not complete this Notice and Questionnaire and deliver it to the Company as provided below will not be named as selling securityholders in the prospectus and, therefore, will not be permitted to sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities legal counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

NOTICE

The undersigned beneficial owner (the “Selling Securityholder”) of Registrable Securities hereby gives notice to the Company of its intention to sell or otherwise dispose of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item 3 (unless otherwise specified under such Item 3) pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement. The undersigned, by signing and returning this Notice and Questionnaire, understands that it will be bound by the terms and conditions of this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

A-1


Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the undersigned has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Company’s directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), from and against certain losses arising in connection with statements concerning the undersigned that are made in the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus in reliance upon the information provided in this Notice and Questionnaire.

If the Selling Securityholder transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Securities listed in Item 3 below after the date on which such information is provided to the Company, the Selling Securityholder agrees to notify the transferee(s), assuming such transferee(s) are not unknown to the Selling Securityholder as a result of having acquired Registrable Securities pursuant to a sale after Registration of such Registrable Securities, at the time of the transfer of its rights and obligations under this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Please respond to every item, even if your response is “none.” If you need more space for any response, please attach additional sheets of paper. Please be sure to indicate your name and the number of the item being responded to on each such additional sheet of paper, and to sign each such additional sheet of paper before attaching it to this Questionnaire. Please note that you may be asked to answer additional questions depending on your responses to the following questions.

If you have any questions about the contents of this Questionnaire or as to who should complete this Questionnaire, please contact the Chief Financial Officer of the Company at telephone number: [ ].

The undersigned hereby provides the following information to the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate and complete:

 

1. Your Identity and Background as the Beneficial Owner of the Registrable Securities.

 

  (a) Your full legal name:

 

  (b) Your business address (including street address) (or residence if no business address), telephone number and facsimile number:

Address:

Telephone No.:

Fax No.:

 

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  (c) Are you a broker-dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act?

¨   Yes.

¨   No.

 

  (d) If your response to Item 1(c) above is no, are you an “affiliate” of a broker-dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act?

¨   Yes.

¨   No.

For the purposes of this Item 1(d), an “affiliate” of a registered broker-dealer includes any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such broker-dealer, and does not include any individuals employed by such broker-dealer or its affiliates.

 

  (e) Full legal name of the person, if any, through which you hold the Registrable Securities (i.e., name of your broker or the DTC participant, if applicable, through which your Registrable Securities are held):

Name of Broker:

DTC No.:

Contact person:

Telephone No.:

 

2. Your Relationship with the Company.

 

  (a) Have you or any of your affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (owners of 5% or more of the equity securities of the undersigned) held any position or office or have you had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) within the past three years?

¨   Yes.

¨   No.

 

A-3


  (b) If your response to Item 2(a) above is yes, please state the nature and duration of your relationship with the Company:

 

3. Your Interest in the Registrable Securities.

 

  (a) State the type and amount of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by you:

 

  (b) Other than as set forth in your response to Item 3(a) above, do you beneficially own any other securities of the Company?

¨   Yes.

¨   No.

 

  (c) If your answer to Item 3(b) above is yes, state the type and the aggregate amount of such other securities of the Company beneficially owned by you:

Type:

Aggregate amount:

 

  (d) Did you acquire the securities listed in Item 3(a) above in the ordinary course of business?

¨   Yes.

¨   No.

 

  (e) At the time of your purchase of the securities listed in Item 3(a) above, did you have any agreements or understandings, direct or indirect, with any person to distribute the securities?

¨   Yes.

¨   No.

 

A-4


  (f) If your response to Item 3(e) above is yes, please describe such agreements or understandings:

 

4. Nature of your Beneficial Ownership.

 

  (a) Check if the beneficial owner set forth in your response to Item 1(a) is any of the below:

 

  (i) A reporting company under the Exchange Act.   ¨

 

  (ii) A majority-owned subsidiary of a reporting company under the Exchange Act.   ¨

 

  (iii) A registered investment fund under the 1940 Act.   ¨

 

  (b) If the beneficial owner of the Registrable Securities set forth in your response to Item 1 (a) above is a limited partnership, state the names of the general partner(s) of such limited partnership.

 

  (c) Name your controlling shareholder(s) (the “Controlling Entity”).

 

  (i) (A) Full legal name of Controlling Entity(ies) who has/have sole or shared voting or dispositive power over the Registrable Securities:

(B) Business address (including street address) (or residence if no business address), telephone number and facsimile number of such person(s):

Address:

Telephone No.:

Fax No.:

 

5. Plan of Distribution.

Except as set forth below, the undersigned Selling Securityholder intends to distribute the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3) only as follows (if at all): All or any portion of such Registrable Securities may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned Selling Securityholder or, alternatively, through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. Such Registrable Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registrable Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, (ii) in the over-the-counter market, (iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, (iv) through the writing of options, whether such options are listed on an options

 

A-5


exchange or otherwise, (v) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers, (vi) block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction, (vii) purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account, (viii) an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange, (ix) privately negotiated transactions, (x) short sales, (xi) sales pursuant to Rule 144, (xii) with broker-dealers who may agree with the selling securityholder to sell a specified number of shares at a stipulated price per share, (xiii) in an underwritten offering, (xiv) a combination of any such methods of sale and (xv) any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. In connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, the Selling Securityholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Registrable Securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling Securityholder may also sell Registrable Securities short and deliver Registrable Securities to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Registrable Securities.

State any exceptions here:

Note: In no event will such method(s) of distribution take the form of an underwritten offering of the Registrable Securities except in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

The undersigned acknowledges its obligation to comply with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation M thereunder (or any successor rules or regulations), in connection with any offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The undersigned agrees that neither it nor any person acting on its behalf will engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions.

The undersigned beneficial owner and selling securityholder hereby acknowledges its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless certain persons as set forth therein. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed under certain circumstances to indemnify the undersigned beneficial owner and selling securityholder against certain liabilities.

In accordance with the undersigned’s obligation under the Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law for inclusion in the Shelf Registration Statement, the undersigned agrees to promptly notify the Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Shelf Registration Statement remains effective.

All notices to the beneficial owner hereunder and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing to the undersigned at the address set forth in Item 1(b) of this Notice and Questionnaire.

 

A-6


By signing below, the undersigned acknowledges that it is the beneficial owner of the Registrable Securities set forth herein, represents that the information provided herein is accurate, consents to the disclosure of the information contained in this Notice and Questionnaire and the inclusion of such information in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

Once this Notice and Questionnaire is executed by the undersigned beneficial owner and received by the Company, the terms of this Notice and Questionnaire, and the representations and warranties contained herein, shall be binding on, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns of the Company and the undersigned beneficial owner. This Notice and Questionnaire shall be governed, adjudicated and enforced in accordance with terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

A-7


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.

 

NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER:

 

(Please Print)
Signature:  

 

Date:  

 

PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED NOTICE AND QUESTIONNAIRE TO WILLIAM LYON HOMES AS FOLLOWS:

William Lyon Homes

[ Insert contact information ]

This Notice and Questionnaire must be returned in the manner and within the time period set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement in order to include Registrable Securities in such Shelf Registration Statement.

 

A-8


Annex B

FORM OF JOINDER

THIS JOINDER is made on the day of

BETWEEN

(1) [    ], a [    ] (the “New Party”);

AND

(2) WILLIAM LYON HOMES, (the “Company”); AND

(3) THOSE OTHER PERSONS WHO ARE PARTIES TO THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (as defined below).

WHEREAS a Convertible Preferred Stock and Class C Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement was entered into on [    ], 2012 by and among, inter alia, certain of Holders of Company securities (the “Other Holders”) and the Company (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), a copy of which the New Party hereby confirms that it has been supplied with and acknowledges the terms therein.

NOW IT IS AGREED as follows:

1. In this Joinder, unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions respectively defined or construed in the Registration Rights Agreement shall have the same meanings when used or referred to herein.

2. The New Party hereby accedes to and ratifies the Registration Rights Agreement and covenants and agrees with the Company and the Other Holders to be bound by the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement as a “Holder” and to duly and punctually perform and discharge all liabilities and obligations whatsoever from time to time to be performed or discharged by it under or by virtue of the Registration Rights Agreement in all respects as if named as a party therein.

3. The Company covenants and agrees that the New Party shall be entitled to all the benefits of the terms and conditions of the Registration Rights Agreement to the intent and effect that the New Party shall be deemed, with effect from the date on which the New Party executes this Joinder, to be a party to the Registration Rights Agreement as a “Holder.”

4. This Joinder shall hereafter be read and construed in conjunction and as one document with the Registration Rights Agreement and references in the Registration Rights Agreement to “the Agreement” or “this Agreement,” and references in all other

 

B-1


instruments and documents executed thereunder or pursuant thereto to the Registration Rights Agreement, shall for all purposes refer to the Registration Rights Agreement incorporating and as supplemented by this Joinder.

5. THIS JOINDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THEREOF.

6. Any action or proceeding against any party hereto relating in any way to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought and enforced in any United States federal court or New York State Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, and each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to such person or entity at the address for such person or entity set forth in Section 11(b) of the Registration Rights Agreement or such other address such person or entity shall notify the other in writing. The foregoing shall not limit the right of any person or entity to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any action or proceeding, or to obtain execution of any judgment, in any other jurisdiction.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court located in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York. Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any claim that a court located in the State of New York is not a convenient forum for any such action or proceeding.

Each party, on behalf of itself and its respective successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable United States federal and state law, all immunity from jurisdiction, service of process, attachment (both before and after judgment) and execution to which he might otherwise be entitled in any action or proceeding relating in any way to this Joinder or the transactions contemplated hereby in the courts of the State of New York, of the United States or of any other country or jurisdiction, and hereby waives any right he might otherwise have to raise or claim or cause to be pleaded any such immunity at or in respect of any such action or proceeding.

7. Section 11(v) of the Registration Rights Agreement shall apply to this Joinder and shall be incorporated herein by reference.

8. The address of the undersigned for purposes of all notices under the Registration Rights Agreement is: [                    ].

 

B-2


[NEW PARTY]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

B-3

Exhibit 10.10

 

LOGO

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made effective as of February 25, 2012 (the “Effective Date”) by and among William Lyon Homes, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), William Lyon Homes, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), and General William Lyon, an individual (“Executive”), with respect to the following facts and circumstances:

RECITALS

A. Executive currently holds the positions of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Executive also holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parent.

B. The Company, Parent and Executive have agreed to enter into this Employment Agreement pursuant to which Executive shall continue to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

C. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

EMPLOYMENT AND TERM

1.1 Employment . The Company agrees to continue to engage Executive in the capacity as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Executive hereby accepts such engagement by the Company upon the terms and conditions specified below.

1.2 Term . The term of Executive’s employment by the Company shall commence on the Effective Date and terminate and expire on December 31, 2014. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of Article 6. The term of Executive’s employment hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the “Term.”


ARTICLE 2

DUTIES OF EMPLOYEE

2.1 Duties . During the Term, Executive shall serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. In such capacity, Executive shall have the duties, functions, responsibilities, and authority customarily appertaining to that position, subject to the control and supervision of the Parent’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors” or “Board”), and such other executive duties consistent with the foregoing as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors. Executive shall perform the services contemplated herein faithfully, diligently, to the best of his ability and in the best interests of the Company. Executive shall, at all times perform such services in compliance with, and to the extent of his authority, shall to the best of his ability cause the Company to be in compliance with, any and all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company of which Executive is aware. Executive may rely on the advice of the Company’s outside lawyers in connection with such matters. Executive may also rely on the advice of financial advisors and other professional advisors and consultants in discharging Executive’s duties hereunder. Executive shall, at all times during the Term, in all material respects adhere to and obey any and all written internal rules and regulations governing the conduct of the Company’s employees, as established or modified from time to time; provided, however, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and any such rules or regulations, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.

2.2 Location of Services . Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Company’s headquarters at 4490 Von Karman Avenue, Newport Beach, California, or any such location as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. Executive understands he will be required to travel to the Company’s various operations as part of his employment.

2.3 Exclusive Service . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Executive shall devote his entire business time, attention, energies, skills, learning and best efforts to the business of the Company. Executive may participate in social, civic, charitable, religious, business, educational or professional associations so long as such participation does not materially interfere with the duties and obligations of Executive hereunder. Subject to the Company’s Conflict of Interest Executive Officer and Key Executive Supplement, this Section 2.3 shall not be construed to prevent Executive from making passive outside investments or from participating in the business of, or making investments in, Lyon Management Group, Inc. and/or Lyon Capital Ventures, LLC and their affiliates so long as such investments and activities do not require material time of Executive or otherwise interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder.

ARTICLE 3

COMPENSATION

3.1 Salary . In consideration for Executive’s services hereunder, the Company shall pay Executive an annual salary, effective as of February 25, 2012 at the rate of not less than $1,000,000 per year during the Term, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule from time to time (less any deductions required for Social Security,

 

- 2 -


state, federal and local withholding taxes, and any other authorized or mandated similar withholdings). The annual salary shall be reviewed by the Compensation Committee of the Board no less frequently than annually and may be increased (but not decreased) at the discretion of the Board. If Executive’s annual salary is increased, the increased amount shall not be reduced for the remainder of the Term.

3.2 Bonus . Executive shall be entitled to earn a cash bonus for the Company’s 2012 fiscal year during the Term equal to up to 50% of Executive’s annual salary for such fiscal year as determined by the Compensation Committee (as defined below) of the Board as follows: 75% of any bonus earned shall be paid no later than February 28, 2013, and the remaining 25% of such bonus shall be paid in 2014 but no later than February 28, 2014. Executive shall be entitled to earn cash bonuses for the 2013 and 2014 fiscal years during the Term under the senior executive bonus program established by a three-member compensation committee of the Board consisting of two independent directors and one director appointed by the holders of the Class A Common Stock of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”), and shall participate at a level commensurate with his position as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as follows: (i) for the 2013 fiscal year, 75% of any bonus earned for a fiscal year shall be paid no later than February 28, 2014, and the remaining 25% of such bonus shall be paid in 2015 but no later than February 28, 2015; and (ii) for the 2014 fiscal year, Executive’s annual bonus shall be paid in full no later than February 28, 2015.

ARTICLE 4

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

4.1 Vacation . In accordance with the general policies of the Company applicable to other senior executives, as such policies may change from time to time, Executive shall be entitled to not less than four (4) weeks of vacation each calendar year, without reduction in compensation. Except as otherwise limited by the general policies of the Company, as such policies may change from time to time, any accrued vacation that is unused during the Term may be carried forward to and used in subsequent years.

4.2 Company Executive Benefits . Executive shall receive all group insurance and pension plan benefits and any other benefits on the same basis as they are available generally to senior management of the Company under the Company personnel policies in effect from time to time. Executive shall also be entitled to a monthly automobile allowance of $400, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule from time to time.

4.3 Indemnification . Executive shall have the benefit of indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law pursuant to the Company’s indemnification policy, which indemnification shall continue after the termination of this Agreement for such period as may be necessary to continue to indemnify Executive for his acts during the Term. In addition, the Company shall cause Executive to be covered by the current policies of directors and officers liability insurance covering directors and officers of the Company, copies of which have been provided to Executive, in accordance with their terms, to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any director or officer of the Company. The

 

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Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the current policies of directors and officers liability insurance covering directors and officers of the Company to be maintained throughout the Term and for such period thereafter as may be necessary to continue to cover acts of Executive during the Term (provided that the Company may substitute therefor, or allow to be substituted therefor, policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured in any material respect). In the event of any merger or other acquisition of the Company, the Company shall no later than immediately prior to consummation of such transaction purchase the longest applicable “tail” coverage available under the directors and officers liability insurance in effect at the time of such merger or acquisition.

ARTICLE 5

REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES

5.1 Reimbursement . Executive shall be reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable ordinary and necessary expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties or otherwise in furtherance of the business of the Company in accordance with the policies of the Company in effect from time to time. Executive shall keep accurate and complete records of all such expenses, including but not limited to, proof of payment and purpose. Executive shall account fully for all such expenses to the Company.

ARTICLE 6

TERMINATION

6.1 Termination for Cause . The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment by giving written notice of such termination to Executive, without further obligation or liability to Executive, if Executive is (i) convicted of, or pleads guilty to, a felony or a crime involving acts of moral turpitude, (ii) commits an act of fraud, misrepresentation, embezzlement or other acts of material or willful misconduct against the Company that would make the continuance of his employment by the Company materially detrimental to the Company, as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion, or (iii) is grossly negligent in the performance of his duties to the Company and such negligent performance is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by the Company, each such event constituting termination for cause (“Cause”).

6.2 Termination by Executive for Good Reason . Executive may terminate his employment under this Agreement on thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company for good reason (“Good Reason”). For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean and be limited to (a) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company (including without limitation any termination or constructive termination of Executive by the Company in breach of the Agreement, or any material reduction in (i) the compensation provided in Article 3 of this Agreement, or (ii) the title, positions, responsibilities, authority or duties of Executive) as provided in Article 2 of this Agreement, and the failure of the Company to remedy such breach within ten (10) days after written notice, (b) the Company or Parent, except by reason of business loss or business failure, ceases to acquire or develop land,

 

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suffers material changes in its lines of business, or directly or indirectly engages or invests in new business activities (outside of its current lines of business, including the design, construction or sale of single family homes) that directly compete with Lyon Management Group, Inc. and/or Lyon Capital Ventures, LLC and their affiliates in the geographic areas in which they do business, (c) any relocation of Executive’s or the Company’s principal place of business outside of Orange County (without Executive’s consent), or (d) a Change of Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a Change of Control shall mean:

 

  (i) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent or the Company at a discount (each a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless following such Business Combination, all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of (A) the then-outstanding stock of the Parent or the Company, as applicable or (B) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Parent or the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company); provided, however, the consummation of an initial public offering of common stock of Parent pursuant to a registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall not constitute a “Change of Control”; or

 

  (ii) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing definition of a “Change of Control,” the acquisition of more than 50% of the voting securities of the Company or the Parent (or any successor) by (A) holders of the Company’s currently outstanding senior notes in a consensual transaction proposed or approved by the Company or (B) the Lyon Group shall not constitute a “Change of Control.”

6.3 Effectiveness on Notice . Any termination under this Section 6 shall be effective upon receipt of written notice by Executive or the Company, as the case may be, of such termination or upon such other later date as may be provided herein or specified by the Company or Executive in such written notice (the “Termination Date”).

6.4 Effect of Termination .

6.4.1 Payment of Salary and Expenses upon Termination for Cause . If this Agreement is terminated for Cause or if this Agreement is terminated by Executive for any reason other than Good Reason or for no reason whatsoever, all benefits provided to

 

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Executive by the Company hereunder shall thereupon cease and the Company shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive within thirty (30) days of the Termination Date all accrued but unpaid salary and vacation benefits. In addition, promptly upon submission by Executive of his unpaid expenses incurred prior to the Termination Date and owing to Executive pursuant to Article 5, reimbursement for such expenses shall be made in accordance with Article 8 below. If the Agreement is terminated for Cause or by the Executive for any reason other than Good Reason or for no reason whatsoever, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any payments other than as specified in this Section 6.4.1.

6.4.2 Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason . Subject to Section 6.4.2(d) below, if (i) the Company terminates the employment of Executive without Cause or (ii) Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason no later than 90 days after the last event comprising or contributing to Good Reason and during the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits described in Sections 6.4.2(a), (b) and (c) at the dates specified therein:

 

  (a) Within ten (10) days after the Termination Date (provided that in the event that such ten-day period begins in one taxable year and ends in the subsequent taxable year for the Executive, payment shall be made in the subsequent taxable year on or prior to the end of the ten-day period), the Company shall pay to Executive a lump-sum payment equal to (i) the amount of Executive’s annual salary hereunder for the greater of the remainder of the Term from the Termination Date or eighteen (18) months, plus (ii) any deferred bonuses earned by Executive but not paid by the Company as of the Termination Date, less any required deductions for Social Security, state, federal and local withholding taxes, and any other authorized or mandated similar withholdings, including benefit deductions.

 

  (b) By the date which is sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, the Company shall pay to Executive the entire amount of the bonus (with no deferral and as determined under Section 3.2 above) that Executive would have been entitled to receive for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs as if Executive had not terminated his employment with the Company.

 

  (c)

In the event Executive timely makes an election under Sections 601 through 607 of Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (commonly known as COBRA) to qualify to continue to receive health benefits coverage for Executive and his dependents under the same plan(s) or arrangement(s) under which Executive was covered immediately before his termination of employment, as such plan(s) or arrangement(s) provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries thereafter may change or be amended from time to time, for until the earlier of (i) the later of (A) the date that is six (6) months after the Termination Date or (B) the expiration of the Term, or (ii) the date Executive becomes covered under any other group health

 

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  plan or group disability plan (as the case may be) not maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all payments made by Executive for such COBRA benefits; provided, however, that if such other group health plan excludes any pre-existing condition that Executive or Executive’s dependents may have when coverage under such group health plan would otherwise begin, the Company shall continue to reimburse Executive for COBRA payments with respect to such pre-existing condition until the earlier of (A) the date that such exclusion under such other group health plan lapses or expires or (B) the period described in clause (i) of this Section 6.4.2(c).

 

  (d) Executive shall not be entitled to receive the payments described in Section 6.4.2 unless Executive delivers a comprehensive release to the Company, on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Company.

6.4.3 Termination for Death or Disability . If Executive dies or becomes disabled during the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits described in Sections 6.4.3(a) and (b) at the dates specified therein:

 

  (a) Within ten (10) days after the Termination Date (provided that in the event that such ten-day period begins in one taxable year and ends in the subsequent taxable year for the Executive, payment shall be made in the subsequent taxable year on or prior to the end of the ten-day period), the Company shall pay to Executive, at such times as such compensation would have been payable but for such Executive’s death or disability, amounts equal in the aggregate to (i) the amount of annual salary payable to Executive from the Termination Date through December 31, 2014 plus (ii) any deferred bonuses earned by Executive but not paid by the Company as of the Termination Date, less any required deductions for Social Security, state, federal and local withholding taxes, and any other authorized or mandated similar withholdings, including benefit deductions.

 

  (b)

In the event Executive timely makes an election under Sections 601 through 607 of Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (commonly known as COBRA) to qualify to continue to receive health benefits coverage for Executive and his dependents under the same plan(s) or arrangement(s) under which Executive was covered immediately before his termination of employment, as such plan(s) or arrangement(s) provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries thereafter may change or be amended from time to time, for until the earlier of (i) the later of (A) the date that is six (6) months after the Termination Date or (B) the expiration of the Term, or (ii) the date Executive becomes covered under any other group health plan or group disability plan (as the case may be) not maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, the Company shall reimburse

 

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  Executive for all payments made by Executive for such COBRA benefits; provided, however, that if such other group health plan excludes any pre-existing condition that Executive or Executive’s dependents may have when coverage under such group health plan would otherwise begin, the Company shall continue to reimburse Executive for COBRA payments with respect to such pre-existing condition until the earlier of (A) the date that such exclusion under such other group health plan lapses or expires or (B) the period described in clause (i) of this Section 6.4.3(b).

6.4.4 Definition of “Disabled” . For the purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall be considered to be “Disabled” if the Executive is physically or mentally disabled (except due to substance or alcohol abuse) from the performance of a major portion of his duties for a continuous period of 120 days or greater, which determination shall be made in the reasonable exercise of the Company’s judgment, provided, however, if Executive’s disability is the result of a serious health condition as defined by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), Executive’s employment shall not be terminated due to such disability at any time during or after any period of FMLA-qualified leave except as permitted by FMLA. If there should be a dispute between the Company and Executive as to Executive’s physical or mental disability for purposes of this Agreement, the question shall be settled by the opinion of an impartial reputable physician or psychiatrist designated by the Executive in his reasonable discretion.

6.5 No-Exclusivity of Rights . Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or its subsidiaries and for which Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may have under any other contract or agreement with the Company or its subsidiaries at or subsequent to the Termination Date (“Other Benefits”), which Other Benefits shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice, program, contract or agreement, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

ARTICLE 7.

ARBITRATION

7.1 General . Any controversy, dispute, or claim between the parties to this Agreement, including any claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to the formation, interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, before a single arbitrator, in accordance with this Article 7 and the then applicable JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures (“JAMS Rules”). Judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any state or federal court having jurisdiction thereof. Such arbitration shall be administered by JAMS. Arbitration shall be the exclusive remedy for determining any such dispute, regardless of its nature. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may in an appropriate matter apply to a court for provisional relief, including a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction, on the ground that the award to which the applicant may be entitled in arbitration may be rendered ineffectual without provisional relief. Unless mutually agreed by the parties otherwise, any arbitration shall take place in Orange County, California.

 

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7.2 Selection of Arbitrator . In the event the parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be selected in accordance the JAMS Rules.

7.3 Applicability of Arbitration; Remedial Authority . This agreement to resolve any disputes by binding arbitration shall extend to claims against any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of each party, and, when acting within such capacity, any officer, director, stockholder, employee or agent of each party, or of any of the above, and shall apply as well to claims arising out of state and federal statutes and local ordinances as well as to claims arising under the common law. In the event of a dispute subject to this paragraph, the parties shall be entitled to reasonable discovery subject to the discretion of the arbitrator. The remedial authority of the arbitrator (which shall include the right to grant injunctive or other equitable relief) shall be the same as, but no greater than, would be the remedial power of a court having jurisdiction over the parties and their dispute. The arbitrator shall, upon an appropriate motion, dismiss any claim without an evidentiary hearing if the party bringing the motion establishes that he or it would be entitled to summary judgment if the matter had been pursued in court litigation. In the event of a conflict between the JAMS Rules and these procedures, the provisions of these procedures shall govern.

7.4 Fees and Costs . Any filing or administrative fees shall be borne initially by the party requesting arbitration. The Company shall be responsible for the costs and fees of the arbitration, unless Executive wishes to contribute (up to 50%) of the costs and fees of the arbitration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the prevailing party in such arbitration, as determined by the arbitrator, and in any enforcement or other court proceedings, shall be entitled, to the extent permitted by law, to reimbursement from the other party for all of the prevailing party’s costs (including but not limited to the arbitrator’s compensation), expenses, and attorneys’ fees.

7.5 Award Final and Binding . The arbitrator shall render an award and written opinion, and the award shall be final and binding upon the parties. If any of the provisions of this paragraph, or of this Agreement, are determined to be unlawful or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be reformed to the extent necessary to carry out its provisions to the greatest extent possible and to insure that the resolution of all conflicts between the parties, including those arising out of statutory claims, shall be resolved by neutral, binding arbitration. If a court should find that the arbitration provisions of this Agreement are not absolutely binding, then the parties intend any arbitration decision and award to be fully admissible in evidence in any subsequent action, given great weight by any finder of fact, and treated as determinative to the maximum extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 8

CODE SECTION 409A

8.1 General . The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the

 

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regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.

 

8.2 Separation From Service . A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”

8.3 Reimbursements . With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, provided that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Internal Revenue Code Section 105(b) solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.

8.4 Payment Date . Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within ten (10) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be determined by the Company.

ARTICLE 9

RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

9.1 Agreement To Maintain Confidential Information . Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity, for the benefit of the Company and Parent, all Confidential Information (as defined below), which Executive may acquire, learn, obtain or develop, or which Executive has acquired, learned, obtained or developed, during Executive’s employment by the Company, Parent and/or their respective affiliates. Further, Executive will not, during the Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, use, communicate or divulge any Confidential Information, except as provided herein. Executive makes the same commitments with respect to the secret, confidential or proprietary information, or other information with respect to which the Company, Parent or any of their subsidiaries owes a duty of confidentiality. For purposes hereof, “Confidential Information” includes information of the Company, Parent and/or their respective affiliates relating to profits, results of operations, financial condition, projections, members, accounting methods, practices and procedures, personnel, customers and/or clients. Confidential Information will

 

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be considered and kept as the private, proprietary and confidential information of the Company, Parent and their respective affiliates except within the Company, Parent and their respective affiliates as required to perform services, and may not be divulged (A) without the express written authorization of the Company or Parent, as applicable, or (B) unless required by law or ordered by a court or in connection with governmental investigation or by any rules and regulations to which Investor is subject. The obligation of confidentiality described in this Agreement will not be deemed to restrict Executive from using or disclosing any of the Confidential Information that is or becomes publicly known or within the public domain without the breach of this Agreement by Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, competition by Executive following termination of his employment with the Company and Parent shall not be deemed to constitute breach of this provision.

9.2 Agreement Not to Solicit or Hire Employees . Executive agrees that, during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the Termination Date of employment for any reason, the Executive will not, and will not assist any other individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, estate, trust or any other entity or organization to, hire, solicit or recruit the employment or services of (whether as an employee, officer or director) any individual who, at the time of such hiring, solicitation or recruitment or at any time during the six (6) months preceding the date thereof, was an executive employee or officer of the Company, Parent and/or any of their respective affiliates.

ARTICLE 10

MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Amendments . The provisions of this Agreement may not be waived, altered, amended or repealed in whole or in part except by the signed written consent of the parties sought to be bound by such waiver, alteration, amendment or repeal.

10.2 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the total and complete agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements heretofore made, and there are no other representations, understandings or agreements.

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

10.4 Severability . Each term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement shall be viewed as separate and distinct, and in the event that any such term, covenant, condition or provision shall be deemed by an arbitrator or a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the court or arbitrator finding such invalidity or unenforceability shall modify or reform this Agreement to give as much effect as possible to the terms and provisions of this Agreement. Any term or provision which cannot be so modified or reformed shall be deleted and the remaining terms and provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

 

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10.5 Waiver or Delay . The failure or delay on the part of the Company, or Executive to exercise any right or remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall not operate as a waiver thereof, except as set forth in Section 6.4.2 hereof with respect to the time limitation on Executive’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason. A waiver, to be effective, must be in writing and signed by the party making the waiver, except as set forth in Section 6.4.2 hereof with respect to the time limitation on Executive’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason. A written waiver of default shall not operate as a waiver of any other default or of the same type of default on a future occasion.

10.6 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties to it and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns, except as otherwise provided herein. The Company 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 the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. “Company” means the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

10.7 No Assignment or Transfer by Executive . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, benefits, obligations or duties hereunder may be assigned or transferred by Executive. Any purported assignment or transfer by Executive shall be void.

10.8 Necessary Acts . Each party to this Agreement shall perform any further acts and execute and deliver any additional agreements, assignments or documents that may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions or to effectuate the purpose of this Agreement.

10.9 Governing Law . This Agreement and all subsequent agreements between the parties shall be governed by and interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

10.10 Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, sent by facsimile transmission or sent by certified, registered or express or overnight mail, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed given when so delivered personally or sent by facsimile transmission (with written confirmation received) or, if mailed, four (4) days after the date of mailing or the next day after overnight mail, and properly addressed to the party at the address set forth as follows or any other address that any party may designate by written notice to the other parties:

 

To Executive:   

General William Lyon

William Lyon Homes, Inc.

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, California 92660

 

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Telephone : (949) 833-2421

Facsimile: (949) 252-2525

To the Company

and Parent:

  

William Lyon Homes, Inc.

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, California 92660

Attn: Maureen Singer, Corporate Human Resources

Telephone: (949) 476-5440

Facsimile: (949) 252-2552

10.11 Headings and Captions . The headings and captions used herein are solely for the purpose of reference only and are not to be considered as construing or interpreting the provisions of this Agreement.

10.12 Construction . All terms and definitions contained herein shall be construed in such a manner that shall give effect to the fullest extent possible to the express or implied intent of the parties hereby.

10.13 Counsel . Executive has been advised by the Company that he should consider seeking the advice of counsel in connection with the execution of this Agreement and Executive has had an opportunity to do so. Executive has read and understands this Agreement, and has sought the advice of counsel to the extent he has determined appropriate.

10.14 Withholding of Compensation . Executive hereby agrees that the Company may deduct and withhold from the compensation or other amounts payable to Executive hereunder or otherwise in connection with Executive’s employment any amounts required to be deducted and withheld by the Company under the provisions of any applicable Federal, state and local statute, law, regulation, ordinance or order and any benefit deductions.

10.15 Effect of Delay . Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6.2, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement; provided, however, that with respect to the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6.2, the Executive shall have waived such right if Executive fails to assert such right within the time period set forth in Section 6.4.2.

[ Signature page to follow ]

 

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

 

“COMPANY”  
WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Matthew R. Zaist

 

Matthew R. Zaist

 

Executive Vice President

By:  

/s/ Colin T. Severn

 

Colin T. Severn

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

“PARENT”  
WILLIAM LYON HOMES  
By:  

/s/ Matthew R. Zaist

 

Matthew R. Zaist

 

Executive Vice President

By:  

/s/ Colin T. Severn

 

Colin T. Severn

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

“EMPLOYEE”  

/s/ General William Lyon

General William Lyon  

 

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Exhibit 10.11

 

LOGO

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made effective as of February 25, 2012 (the “Effective Date”) by and among William Lyon Homes, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), William Lyon Homes, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), and William H. Lyon, an individual (“Executive”), with respect to the following facts and circumstances:

RECITALS

A. Executive currently holds the positions of President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.

B. The Company, Parent and Executive have agreed to enter into this Employment Agreement pursuant to which Executive shall continue to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.

C. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

EMPLOYMENT AND TERM

1.1 Employment . The Company agrees to continue to engage Executive in the capacity as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and Executive hereby accepts such engagement by the Company upon the terms and conditions specified below.

1.2 Term . The term of Executive’s employment by the Company shall commence on the Effective Date and terminate and expire on December 31, 2014. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of Article 6. The term of Executive’s employment hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the “Term.”


ARTICLE 2

DUTIES OF EMPLOYEE

2.1 Duties . During the Term, Executive shall serve as President and Chief Operating Officer. In such capacity, Executive shall have the duties, functions, responsibilities, and authority customarily appertaining to that position, subject to the control and supervision of the Parent’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors” or “Board”), and such other executive duties consistent with the foregoing as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors. Executive shall perform the services contemplated herein faithfully, diligently, to the best of his ability and in the best interests of the Company. Executive shall, at all times perform such services in compliance with, and to the extent of his authority, shall to the best of his ability cause the Company to be in compliance with, any and all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company of which Executive is aware. Executive may rely on the advice of the Company’s outside lawyers in connection with such matters. Executive may also rely on the advice of financial advisors and other professional advisors and consultants in discharging Executive’s duties hereunder. Executive shall, at all times during the Term, in all material respects adhere to and obey any and all written internal rules and regulations governing the conduct of the Company’s employees, as established or modified from time to time; provided, however, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and any such rules or regulations, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.

2.2 Location of Services . Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Company’s headquarters at 4490 Von Karman Avenue, Newport Beach, California, or any such location as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. Executive understands he will be required to travel to the Company’s various operations as part of his employment.

2.3 Exclusive Service . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Executive shall devote his entire business time, attention, energies, skills, learning and best efforts to the business of the Company. Executive may participate in social, civic, charitable, religious, business, educational or professional associations so long as such participation does not materially interfere with the duties and obligations of Executive hereunder. Subject to the Company’s Conflict of Interest Executive Officer and Key Executive Supplement, this Section 2.3 shall not be construed to prevent Executive from making passive outside investments or from participating in the business of, or making investments in, Lyon Management Group, Inc. and/or Lyon Capital Ventures, LLC and their affiliates so long as such investments and activities do not require material time of Executive or otherwise interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder.

ARTICLE 3

COMPENSATION

3.1 Salary . In consideration for Executive’s services hereunder, the Company shall pay Executive an annual salary, effective as of February 15, 2012 at the rate of not less than $500,000 per year during the Term, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule from time to time (less any deductions required for Social Security, state,

 

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federal and local withholding taxes, and any other authorized or mandated similar withholdings). The annual salary shall be reviewed by the Compensation Committee of the Board no less frequently than annually and may be increased (but not decreased) at the discretion of the Board. If Executive’s annual salary is increased, the increased amount shall not be reduced for the remainder of the Term.

3.2 Bonus . Executive shall be entitled to earn a cash bonus for the Company’s 2012 fiscal year during the Term equal to up to 50% of Executive’s annual salary for such fiscal year as determined by the Compensation Committee (as defined below) of the Board as follows: 75% of any bonus earned shall be paid no later than February 28, 2013, and the remaining 25% of such bonus shall be paid in 2014 but no later than February 28, 2014. Executive shall be entitled to earn cash bonuses for the 2013 and 2014 fiscal years during the Term under the senior executive bonus program established by a three-member compensation committee of the Board consisting of two independent directors and one director appointed by the holders of the Class A Common Stock of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”), and shall participate at a level commensurate with his position as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, as follows: (i) for the 2013 fiscal year, 75% of any bonus earned for a fiscal year shall be paid no later than February 28, 2014, and the remaining 25% of such bonus shall be paid in 2015 but no later than February 28, 2015; and (ii) for the 2014 fiscal year, Executive’s annual bonus shall be paid in full no later than February 28, 2015.

ARTICLE 4

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

4.1 Vacation . In accordance with the general policies of the Company applicable to other senior executives, as such policies may change from time to time, Executive shall be entitled to not less than four (4) weeks of vacation each calendar year, without reduction in compensation. Except as otherwise limited by the general policies of the Company, as such policies may change from time to time, any accrued vacation that is unused during the Term may be carried forward to and used in subsequent years.

4.2 Company Executive Benefits . Executive shall receive all group insurance and pension plan benefits and any other benefits on the same basis as they are available generally to senior management of the Company under the Company personnel policies in effect from time to time. Executive shall also be entitled to a monthly automobile allowance of $400, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule from time to time.

4.3 Indemnification . Executive shall have the benefit of indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law pursuant to the Company’s indemnification policy, which indemnification shall continue after the termination of this Agreement for such period as may be necessary to continue to indemnify Executive for his acts during the Term. In addition, the Company shall cause Executive to be covered by the current policies of directors and officers liability insurance covering directors and officers of the Company, copies of which have been provided to Executive, in accordance with their terms, to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any director or officer of the Company. The

 

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Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the current policies of directors and officers liability insurance covering directors and officers of the Company to be maintained throughout the Term and for such period thereafter as may be necessary to continue to cover acts of Executive during the Term (provided that the Company may substitute therefor, or allow to be substituted therefor, policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured in any material respect). In the event of any merger or other acquisition of the Company, the Company shall no later than immediately prior to consummation of such transaction purchase the longest applicable “tail” coverage available under the directors and officers liability insurance in effect at the time of such merger or acquisition.

ARTICLE 5

REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES

5.1 Reimbursement . Executive shall be reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable ordinary and necessary expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties or otherwise in furtherance of the business of the Company in accordance with the policies of the Company in effect from time to time. Executive shall keep accurate and complete records of all such expenses, including but not limited to, proof of payment and purpose. Executive shall account fully for all such expenses to the Company.

ARTICLE 6

TERMINATION

6.1 Termination for Cause . The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment by giving written notice of such termination to Executive, without further obligation or liability to Executive, if Executive is (i) convicted of, or pleads guilty to, a felony or a crime involving acts of moral turpitude, (ii) commits an act of fraud, misrepresentation, embezzlement or other acts of material or willful misconduct against the Company that would make the continuance of his employment by the Company materially detrimental to the Company, as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion, or (iii) is grossly negligent in the performance of his duties to the Company and such negligent performance is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by the Company, each such event constituting termination for cause (“Cause”).

6.2 Termination by Executive for Good Reason . Executive may terminate his employment under this Agreement on thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company for good reason (“Good Reason”). For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean and be limited to (a) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company (including without limitation any termination or constructive termination of Executive by the Company in breach of the Agreement, or any material reduction in (i) the compensation provided in Article 3 of this Agreement, or (ii) the title, positions, responsibilities, authority or duties of Executive) as provided in Article 2 of this Agreement, and the failure of the Company to remedy such breach within ten (10) days after written notice, (b) the Company or Parent, except by reason of business loss or business failure, ceases to acquire or develop land,

 

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suffers material changes in its lines of business, or directly or indirectly engages or invests in new business activities (outside of its current lines of business, including the design, construction or sale of single family homes) that directly compete with Lyon Management Group, Inc. and/or Lyon Capital Ventures, LLC and their affiliates in the geographic areas in which they do business, (c) any relocation of Executive’s or the Company’s principal place of business outside of Orange County (without Executive’s consent), or (d) a Change of Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a Change of Control shall mean:

 

  (i) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent or the Company at a discount (each a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless following such Business Combination, all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of (A) the then-outstanding stock of the Parent or the Company, as applicable or (B) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Parent or the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including without limitation a corporation that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company); provided, however, the consummation of an initial public offering of common stock of Parent pursuant to a registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall not constitute a “Change of Control”; or

 

  (ii) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing definition of a “Change of Control,” the acquisition of more than 50% of the voting securities of the Company or the Parent (or any successor) by (A) holders of the Company’s currently outstanding senior notes in a consensual transaction proposed or approved by the Company or (B) the Lyon Group shall not constitute a “Change of Control.”

6.3 Effectiveness on Notice . Any termination under this Section 6 shall be effective upon receipt of written notice by Executive or the Company, as the case may be, of such termination or upon such other later date as may be provided herein or specified by the Company or Executive in such written notice (the “Termination Date”).

6.4 Effect of Termination .

6.4.1 Payment of Salary and Expenses upon Termination for Cause . If this Agreement is terminated for Cause or if this Agreement is terminated by Executive for any reason other than Good Reason or for no reason whatsoever, all benefits provided to

 

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Executive by the Company hereunder shall thereupon cease and the Company shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive within thirty (30) days of the Termination Date all accrued but unpaid salary and vacation benefits. In addition, promptly upon submission by Executive of his unpaid expenses incurred prior to the Termination Date and owing to Executive pursuant to Article 5, reimbursement for such expenses shall be made in accordance with Article 8 below. If the Agreement is terminated for Cause or by the Executive for any reason other than Good Reason or for no reason whatsoever, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any payments other than as specified in this Section 6.4.1.

6.4.2 Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason . Subject to Section 6.4.2(d) below, if (i) the Company terminates the employment of Executive without Cause or (ii) Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason no later than 90 days after the last event comprising or contributing to Good Reason and during the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits described in Sections 6.4.2(a), (b) and (c) at the dates specified therein:

 

  (a) Within ten (10) days after the Termination Date (provided that in the event that such ten-day period begins in one taxable year and ends in the subsequent taxable year for the Executive, payment shall be made in the subsequent taxable year on or prior to the end of the ten-day period), the Company shall pay to Executive a lump-sum payment equal to (i) the amount of Executive’s annual salary hereunder for the greater of the remainder of the Term from the Termination Date or eighteen (18) months, plus (ii) any deferred bonuses earned by Executive but not paid by the Company as of the Termination Date, less any required deductions for Social Security, state, federal and local withholding taxes, and any other authorized or mandated similar withholdings, including benefit deductions.

 

  (b) By the date which is sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, the Company shall pay to Executive the entire amount of the bonus (with no deferral and as determined under Section 3.2 above) that Executive would have been entitled to receive for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs as if Executive had not terminated his employment with the Company.

 

  (c)

In the event Executive timely makes an election under Sections 601 through 607 of Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (commonly known as COBRA) to qualify to continue to receive health benefits coverage for Executive and his dependents under the same plan(s) or arrangement(s) under which Executive was covered immediately before his termination of employment, as such plan(s) or arrangement(s) provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries thereafter may change or be amended from time to time, for until the earlier of (i) the later of (A) the date that is six (6) months after the Termination Date or (B) the expiration of the Term, or (ii) the date Executive becomes covered under any other group health

 

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  plan or group disability plan (as the case may be) not maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all payments made by Executive for such COBRA benefits; provided, however, that if such other group health plan excludes any pre-existing condition that Executive or Executive’s dependents may have when coverage under such group health plan would otherwise begin, the Company shall continue to reimburse Executive for COBRA payments with respect to such pre-existing condition until the earlier of (A) the date that such exclusion under such other group health plan lapses or expires or (B) the period described in clause (i) of this Section 6.4.2(c).

 

  (d) Executive shall not be entitled to receive the payments described in Section 6.4.2 unless Executive delivers a comprehensive release to the Company, on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Company.

6.4.3 Termination for Death or Disability . If Executive dies or becomes disabled during the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits described in Sections 6.4.3(a) and (b) at the dates specified therein:

 

  (a) Within ten (10) days after the Termination Date (provided that in the event that such ten-day period begins in one taxable year and ends in the subsequent taxable year for the Executive, payment shall be made in the subsequent taxable year on or prior to the end of the ten-day period), the Company shall pay to Executive, at such times as such compensation would have been payable but for such Executive’s death or disability, amounts equal in the aggregate to (i) the amount of annual salary payable to Executive from the Termination Date through December 31, 2014 plus (ii) any deferred bonuses earned by Executive but not paid by the Company as of the Termination Date, less any required deductions for Social Security, state, federal and local withholding taxes, and any other authorized or mandated similar withholdings, including benefit deductions.

 

  (b)

In the event Executive timely makes an election under Sections 601 through 607 of Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (commonly known as COBRA) to qualify to continue to receive health benefits coverage for Executive and his dependents under the same plan(s) or arrangement(s) under which Executive was covered immediately before his termination of employment, as such plan(s) or arrangement(s) provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries thereafter may change or be amended from time to time, for until the earlier of (i) the later of (A) the date that is six (6) months after the Termination Date or (B) the expiration of the Term, or (ii) the date Executive becomes covered under any other group health plan or group disability plan (as the case may be) not maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, the Company shall reimburse

 

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  Executive for all payments made by Executive for such COBRA benefits; provided, however, that if such other group health plan excludes any pre-existing condition that Executive or Executive’s dependents may have when coverage under such group health plan would otherwise begin, the Company shall continue to reimburse Executive for COBRA payments with respect to such pre-existing condition until the earlier of (A) the date that such exclusion under such other group health plan lapses or expires or (B) the period described in clause (i) of this Section 6.4.3(b).

6.4.4 Definition of “Disabled” . For the purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall be considered to be “Disabled” if the Executive is physically or mentally disabled (except due to substance or alcohol abuse) from the performance of a major portion of his duties for a continuous period of 120 days or greater, which determination shall be made in the reasonable exercise of the Company’s judgment, provided, however, if Executive’s disability is the result of a serious health condition as defined by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), Executive’s employment shall not be terminated due to such disability at any time during or after any period of FMLA-qualified leave except as permitted by FMLA. If there should be a dispute between the Company and Executive as to Executive’s physical or mental disability for purposes of this Agreement, the question shall be settled by the opinion of an impartial reputable physician or psychiatrist designated by the Executive in his reasonable discretion.

6.5 No-Exclusivity of Rights . Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or its subsidiaries and for which Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may have under any other contract or agreement with the Company or its subsidiaries at or subsequent to the Termination Date (“Other Benefits”), which Other Benefits shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice, program, contract or agreement, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

ARTICLE 7.

ARBITRATION

7.1 General . Any controversy, dispute, or claim between the parties to this Agreement, including any claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to the formation, interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, before a single arbitrator, in accordance with this Article 7 and the then applicable JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures (“JAMS Rules”). Judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any state or federal court having jurisdiction thereof. Such arbitration shall be administered by JAMS. Arbitration shall be the exclusive remedy for determining any such dispute, regardless of its nature. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may in an appropriate matter apply to a court for provisional relief, including a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction, on the ground that the award to which the applicant may be entitled in arbitration may be rendered ineffectual without provisional relief. Unless mutually agreed by the parties otherwise, any arbitration shall take place in Orange County, California.

 

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7.2 Selection of Arbitrator . In the event the parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be selected in accordance the JAMS Rules.

7.3 Applicability of Arbitration; Remedial Authority . This agreement to resolve any disputes by binding arbitration shall extend to claims against any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of each party, and, when acting within such capacity, any officer, director, stockholder, employee or agent of each party, or of any of the above, and shall apply as well to claims arising out of state and federal statutes and local ordinances as well as to claims arising under the common law. In the event of a dispute subject to this paragraph, the parties shall be entitled to reasonable discovery subject to the discretion of the arbitrator. The remedial authority of the arbitrator (which shall include the right to grant injunctive or other equitable relief) shall be the same as, but no greater than, would be the remedial power of a court having jurisdiction over the parties and their dispute. The arbitrator shall, upon an appropriate motion, dismiss any claim without an evidentiary hearing if the party bringing the motion establishes that he or it would be entitled to summary judgment if the matter had been pursued in court litigation. In the event of a conflict between the JAMS Rules and these procedures, the provisions of these procedures shall govern.

7.4 Fees and Costs . Any filing or administrative fees shall be borne initially by the party requesting arbitration. The Company shall be responsible for the costs and fees of the arbitration, unless Executive wishes to contribute (up to 50%) of the costs and fees of the arbitration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the prevailing party in such arbitration, as determined by the arbitrator, and in any enforcement or other court proceedings, shall be entitled, to the extent permitted by law, to reimbursement from the other party for all of the prevailing party’s costs (including but not limited to the arbitrator’s compensation), expenses, and attorneys’ fees.

7.5 Award Final and Binding . The arbitrator shall render an award and written opinion, and the award shall be final and binding upon the parties. If any of the provisions of this paragraph, or of this Agreement, are determined to be unlawful or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be reformed to the extent necessary to carry out its provisions to the greatest extent possible and to insure that the resolution of all conflicts between the parties, including those arising out of statutory claims, shall be resolved by neutral, binding arbitration. If a court should find that the arbitration provisions of this Agreement are not absolutely binding, then the parties intend any arbitration decision and award to be fully admissible in evidence in any subsequent action, given great weight by any finder of fact, and treated as determinative to the maximum extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 8

CODE SECTION 409A

8.1 General . The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the

 

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regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.

8.2 Separation From Service . A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”

8.3 Reimbursements . With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, provided that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Internal Revenue Code Section 105(b) solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.

8.4 Payment Date . Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within ten (10) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be determined by the Company.

ARTICLE 9

RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

9.1 Agreement To Maintain Confidential Information . Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity, for the benefit of the Company and Parent, all Confidential Information (as defined below), which Executive may acquire, learn, obtain or develop, or which Executive has acquired, learned, obtained or developed, during Executive’s employment by the Company, Parent and/or their respective affiliates. Further, Executive will not, during the Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, use, communicate or divulge any Confidential Information, except as provided herein. Executive makes the same commitments with respect to the secret, confidential or proprietary information, or other information with respect to which the Company, Parent or any of their subsidiaries owes a duty of confidentiality. For purposes hereof, “Confidential Information” includes information of the Company, Parent and/or their respective affiliates relating to profits, results of operations, financial condition, projections, members, accounting methods,

 

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practices and procedures, personnel, customers and/or clients. Confidential Information will be considered and kept as the private, proprietary and confidential information of the Company, Parent and their respective affiliates except within the Company, Parent and their respective affiliates as required to perform services, and may not be divulged (A) without the express written authorization of the Company or Parent, as applicable, or (B) unless required by law or ordered by a court or in connection with governmental investigation or by any rules and regulations to which Investor is subject. The obligation of confidentiality described in this Agreement will not be deemed to restrict Executive from using or disclosing any of the Confidential Information that is or becomes publicly known or within the public domain without the breach of this Agreement by Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, competition by Executive following termination of his employment with the Company and Parent shall not be deemed to constitute breach of this provision.

9.2 Agreement Not to Solicit or Hire Employees . Executive agrees that, during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the Termination Date of employment for any reason, the Executive will not, and will not assist any other individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, estate, trust or any other entity or organization to, hire, solicit or recruit the employment or services of (whether as an employee, officer or director) any individual who, at the time of such hiring, solicitation or recruitment or at any time during the six (6) months preceding the date thereof, was an executive employee or officer of the Company, Parent and/or any of their respective affiliates.

ARTICLE 10

MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Amendments . The provisions of this Agreement may not be waived, altered, amended or repealed in whole or in part except by the signed written consent of the parties sought to be bound by such waiver, alteration, amendment or repeal.

10.2 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the total and complete agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements heretofore made, and there are no other representations, understandings or agreements.

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

10.4 Severability . Each term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement shall be viewed as separate and distinct, and in the event that any such term, covenant, condition or provision shall be deemed by an arbitrator or a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the court or arbitrator finding such invalidity or unenforceability shall modify or reform this Agreement to give as much effect as possible to the terms and provisions of this Agreement. Any term or provision which cannot be so modified or reformed shall be deleted and the remaining terms and provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

 

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10.5 Waiver or Delay . The failure or delay on the part of the Company, or Executive to exercise any right or remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall not operate as a waiver thereof, except as set forth in section 6.4.2 hereof with respect to the time limitation on Executive’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason. A waiver, to be effective, must be in writing and signed by the party making the waiver, except as set forth in section 6.4.2 hereof with respect to the time limitation on Executive’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason. A written waiver of default shall not operate as a waiver of any other default or of the same type of default on a future occasion.

10.6 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties to it and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns, except as otherwise provided herein. The Company 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 the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. “Company” means the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

10.7 No Assignment or Transfer by Executive . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, benefits, obligations or duties hereunder may be assigned or transferred by Executive. Any purported assignment or transfer by Executive shall be void.

10.8 Necessary Acts . Each party to this Agreement shall perform any further acts and execute and deliver any additional agreements, assignments or documents that may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions or to effectuate the purpose of this Agreement.

10.9 Governing Law . This Agreement and all subsequent agreements between the parties shall be governed by and interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

10.10 Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, sent by facsimile transmission or sent by certified, registered or express or overnight mail, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed given when so delivered personally or sent by facsimile transmission (with written confirmation received) or, if mailed, four (4) days after the date of mailing or the next day after overnight mail, and properly addressed to the party at the address set forth as follows or any other address that any party may designate by written notice to the other parties:

 

To Executive:   

William H. Lyon

William Lyon Homes, Inc.

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, California 92660

   Telephone: [(949                     ]
   Facsimile: [(949)                     ]

 

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To the Parent and Company:   

William Lyon Homes, Inc.

4490 Von Karman Avenue

Newport Beach, California 92660

Attn: Maureen Singer, Corporate Human Resources

  

Telephone: (949) 476-5440

Facsimile: (949) 252-2552

10.11 Headings and Captions . The headings and captions used herein are solely for the purpose of reference only and are not to be considered as construing or interpreting the provisions of this Agreement.

10.12 Construction . All terms and definitions contained herein shall be construed in such a manner that shall give effect to the fullest extent possible to the express or implied intent of the parties hereby.

10.13 Counsel . Executive has been advised by the Company that he should consider seeking the advice of counsel in connection with the execution of this Agreement and Executive has had an opportunity to do so. Executive has read and understands this Agreement, and has sought the advice of counsel to the extent he has determined appropriate.

10.14 Withholding of Compensation . Executive hereby agrees that the Company may deduct and withhold from the compensation or other amounts payable to Executive hereunder or otherwise in connection with Executive’s employment any amounts required to be deducted and withheld by the Company under the provisions of any applicable Federal, state and local statute, law, regulation, ordinance or order and any benefit deductions.

10.15 Effect of Delay . Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6.2, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement; provided, however, that with respect to the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6.2, the Executive shall have waived such right if Executive fails to assert such right within the time period set forth in Section 6.4.2.

[ Signature page to follow ]

 

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

 

“COMPANY”  
WILLIAM LYON HOMES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Matthew R. Zaist

 

Matthew R. Zaist

 

Executive Vice President

By:  

/s/ Colin T. Severn

 

Colin T. Severn

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

“PARENT”
WILLIAM LYON HOMES  
By:  

/s/ Matthew R. Zaist

 

Matthew R. Zaist

 

Executive Vice President

By:  

/s/ Colin T. Severn

 

Colin T. Severn

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

“EMPLOYEE”

/s/ William H. Lyon

William H. Lyon  

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

 

Contact:   

Matthew R. Zaist

Executive Vice President

William Lyon Homes

(949) 833-3600

     

William Lyon Homes Emerges from Pre-packaged Chapter 11 Reorganization with a Significantly Stronger Balance Sheet

Irvine, CA – Feb. 27, 2012 – William Lyon Homes, which develops new home communities in California, Arizona and Nevada, today announced that it emerged from its voluntary pre- packaged chapter 11 reorganization with the effectiveness of its plan of reorganization having occurred on February 25 th . The U.S. Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Company’s pre-packaged plan of reorganization on February 10 th , just 53 days after its plan and related petitions were filed.

“The successful completion of the Company’s recapitalization is a major accomplishment which will help William Lyon Homes to remain a leader in the homebuilding industry for years to come,” said Chief Executive Officer General William Lyon.

The Company has now received a capital infusion of $85 million and reduced both the principal amount of its debt and its cash pay interest expense, significantly strengthening its balance sheet. Principal debt was reduced by approximately $180 million, resulting in a 37% reduction in overall debt. Annual cash interest was reduced by approximately 45% or nearly $25 million.

“Now that this process is complete we can refocus on executing on our business objectives. The Company was able to continue making acquisitions throughout the recapitalization process, and with our new capital structure, we look forward to bringing these and other highly desirable projects to market. The support of our many stakeholders throughout this process has been a true testament to the reputation of William Lyon Homes and the legacy of my father,” Chief Operating Officer and President William H. Lyon stated.

“Today marks the beginning of the next phase in William Lyon Homes’ long history,” said Executive Vice President

Matthew R. Zaist. “We are extremely appreciative of the support of all of our customers, trade and business partners, and employees. William Lyon Homes will continue to be the premier developer of residential communities in the Southwest for many years to come.”


About William Lyon Homes

William Lyon Homes is primarily engaged in the design, construction and sale of new single-family detached and attached homes in California, Arizona and Nevada. Its corporate headquarters is located in Newport Beach, California. For more information about William Lyon Homes and its new home developments, please visit its website at www.lyonhomes.com .

Certain statements in this release not containing historical information may constitute forward- looking statements. Such statements include statements to the effect that the Company will (a) as a result of the completion of its recapitalization, remain an industry leader for years to come, (b) bring acquisitions and other desirable projects to market, and (c) continue to be a premier regional developer of residential communities. These and other forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding future events which may not prove to be accurate. Factors that may impact the accuracy of such forward-looking statements include, among others, competition from other residential community developers, the availability of attractive acquisitions and other projects, changes in the Company’s strategic direction and regional concentration, changes in the Company’s liquidity, capital resources, and actual future needs for capital, changes in general economic conditions and in the markets in which the Company competes, the outbreak, continuation or escalation of war or other hostilities, including terrorism, involving the United States, changes in mortgage and other interest rates, changes in prices of homebuilding materials, weather, the occurrence of events such as landslides, soil subsidence and earthquakes that are uninsurable, not economically insurable or not subject to effective indemnification agreements, the availability of labor and homebuilding materials, changes in governmental laws and regulations, the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals and the opening of projects, and the availability and cost of land for future development, as well as the other factors discussed in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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