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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2013

Registration No. 333-                

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   3751  

           26-1647258            

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

915 Disc Drive

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

831.274.6500

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Larry L. Enterline

Chief Executive Officer

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

915 Disc Drive

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

831.274.6500

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Stephen D. Cooke, Esq.

Justin T. Hughes, Esq.

Paul Hastings LLP

695 Town Center Drive

Seventeenth Floor

Costa Mesa, California 92656

714.668.6200

 

David Haugen, Esq.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

915 Disc Drive

Scotts Valley, California 95066

831.274.6500

 

Kevin P. Kennedy, Esq.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

2475 Hanover Street

Palo Alto, California 94304

650.251.5000

Jeffrey T. Hartlin, Esq.

Paul Hastings LLP

1117 S. California Avenue

Palo Alto, California 94304

650.320.1804

   

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box:   ¨

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer    ¨       Accelerated filer    ¨
Non-accelerated filer    x    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company    ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of securities to be registered    Proposed maximum aggregate
offering price (1)(2)
  

Amount of

registration fee

 

Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share

   $120,000,000    $16,368

 

 

 

(1)   Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(2)   Includes the aggregate offering price of additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase to cover overallotments, if any.
(3)   Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on an estimate of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.

 

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Neither we nor the selling stockholders may sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and neither we nor the selling stockholders are soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to completion, dated July 8, 2013

Prospectus

     shares

 

LOGO

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Common stock

This is an initial public offering of common stock by Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation. We are selling              shares of common stock. The selling stockholders identified in this prospectus are selling              shares of common stock. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling stockholders.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The estimated initial public offering price is between $     and $     per share.

We have applied to have our shares of common stock listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, subject to notice of issuance, under the symbol “FOXF.” We are an “emerging growth company” as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and, as such, will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements.

 

       Per share      Total  

Initial public offering price

   $                    $                    

Underwriting discounts and commissions

   $         $     

Proceeds to us, before expenses(1)

   $         $     

Proceeds to selling stockholders, before expenses

   $         $     

 

(1)   We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain FINRA-related expenses. See “Underwriting”.

Delivery of the shares of common stock is expected to be made on or about     , 2013. The selling stockholders identified in this prospectus have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase, on the same terms and conditions as set forth above, up to an additional      shares of our common stock. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by these selling stockholders if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock.

Investing in our common stock involves substantial risk. Please read “ Risk factors ” beginning on page 17.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

Baird

 

William Blair

 

Piper Jaffray

     , 2013


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Table of contents

 

Prospectus

  
     Page  

Prospectus summary

     1   

Risk factors

     17   

Special note regarding forward-looking statements

     39   

Use of proceeds

     41   

Dividend policy

     42   

Capitalization

     43   

Dilution

     45   

Selected consolidated financial data

     47   

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

     50   

Business

     78   

Management

     92   

Executive compensation

     101   

Certain relationships and related party transactions

     111   

Principal and selling stockholders

     117   

Description of capital stock

     119   

Shares eligible for future sale

     125   

Material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders

     128   

Underwriting

     132   

Legal matters

     138   

Experts

     138   

Additional information

     138   

Index to consolidated financial statements

     F-1   

 

 

Neither we, the selling stockholders, nor any of the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than as contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses we have prepared. We do not, and the selling stockholders and underwriters do not, take responsibility for, and provide no assurance as to, the reliability of any information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of the common stock.

 

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Prospectus summary

This summary highlights selected information that is presented in greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the sections titled “Risk factors,” “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before deciding whether to purchase shares of our common stock. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “FOX,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” in this prospectus refer to Fox Factory Holding Corp. and its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Fox Factory, Inc., on a consolidated basis, and this “offering” refers to the offering contemplated in this prospectus.

Our company

We are a designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance suspension products used primarily on mountain bikes, side-by-side vehicles, or Side-by-Sides, on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, and motorcycles. Through our products we enhance ride dynamics, which we define as the interplay between the rider, the vehicle and the terrain, by improving performance and control. Our brand is associated with high-performance and technologically advanced products, by which we generally mean products that provide users with improved control and a smoother ride while riding over rough terrain in varied environments. We believe that the performance of our products has been demonstrated by, and our brand benefits from, the success of professional athletes who use our products in elite competitive events, such as the Union Cycliste Internationale Mountain Bike World Cup and the X Games. We believe the exposure our products receive when used by successful professional athletes positively influences the purchasing habits of enthusiasts and other consumers seeking high-performance products. We believe that our strategic focus on the performance and racing segments in our markets influences many aspiring and enthusiast consumers who we believe seek to emulate the performance of professional and other elite athletes. We believe our products are generally sold at premium prices, which to us means manufacturer suggested retail sale prices that are generally in the upper quartile of their respective product categories.

We design our products for, and market our products to, some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, in our markets, and to consumers through the aftermarket channel. Many of our OEM customers, including Scott, Specialized and Trek in mountain bikes and BRP, Ford and Polaris in powered vehicles, are among the market leaders in their respective product categories, and help shape, as well as respond to, consumer trends in their respective categories. In addition, consumers select our products in the aftermarket channel where we market through a global network of dealers and distributors. We currently sell to more than 150 OEMs and distribute our products to more than 2,300 retail dealers and distributors worldwide. In 2012, 81% of our sales resulted from sales to OEM customers and 19% resulted from sales to dealers and distributors for resale in the aftermarket channel.

We have experienced strong sales and profit growth during the past few years. Our sales increased from approximately $45.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 to

 

 

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$54.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Over the same period, our net income increased from $2.6 million to $3.5 million, and our adjusted EBITDA increased from approximately $6.4 million to $8.8 million. Our sales increased from approximately $131.7 million in 2008 to $235.9 million in 2012. Over the same period, our net income increased from approximately $3.8 million to $14.2 million. Our Adjusted EBITDA increased from approximately $26.8 million in 2010 to $36.0 million in 2012. See “Summary consolidated financial data—Non-GAAP financial measures” for the definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation from net income to Adjusted EBITDA.

Market opportunity

We participate in the large global markets for mountain bikes and powered vehicles used by recreational and professional users. Today, our products for powered vehicles are used primarily on Side-by-Sides, on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, and motorcycles.

We focus on premium priced products within each of these categories, which we consider to be the high-end segment because of their higher retail sale prices, where we believe consumers have a preference for well-designed, performance-oriented equipment. We believe that suspension systems are critical to the performance of the mountain bikes and powered vehicles in the product categories in which we focus and that technical features, component performance, product design, durability, reliability and brand recognition strongly influence the purchasing decisions of consumers. Over the past decade, there have been significant technological advances in materials and features that have increased product functionality and performance, allowing our suspension products to be adapted for use in additional end-markets and in the mountain bike and powered vehicle categories.

We believe the high-end segments in which we participate are well positioned for growth due to several factors, including:

 

 

increasing average retail sales prices, which we believe are driven by differentiated and feature-rich products with advanced technologies;

 

 

continuing product cycle innovation, which we have observed often motivates consumers to upgrade and purchase new products for enhanced performance;

 

 

branded auto OEMs introducing on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, such as the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor; and

 

 

increased sales opportunities for high-end mountain bikes and powered vehicles in international markets.

As vehicles in our end-markets evolve and grow more capable, suspension products and components have become, and we believe will continue to become, increasingly more important for improved performance and control. Additionally, we believe there are opportunities to continue to leverage our technical know-how in suspension products to provide solutions beyond our current end-markets.

 

 

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Our competitive strengths

Broad offering of high-performance products across multiple consumer markets

Our suspension products enhance ride dynamics across multiple consumer markets. Through the use of adjustable suspension, position sensitive damping, multiple air spring technologies, lightweight and rigid materials, and other technologies and methods, our products improve the performance and control of the vehicles used by our consumers. We believe our reputation for high-performance products is reinforced by the successful finishes in world class competitive events by athletes incorporating our products in their vehicles, including the following examples in 2012:

 

 

three out of four Union Cycliste Internationale World Cup Mountain Bike Series titles;

 

 

World Off Road Championship Series Side x Side Production 1000 Class Championship;

 

 

American Motorcyclist Association, or AMA, Pro ATV Championship and first place finishes in 10 out of 10 races;

 

 

International Series of Champions Pro Open Championship for snowmobiles and first place finishes in 16 out of 16 races; and

 

 

two out of two overall Pro 2 Championships and first place finishes in 21 out of 29 Pro 2 races in the TORC and LOORRS off-road short course racing series.

Premium brand with strong consumer loyalty

We believe that we have developed a reputation for high-performance products and that we have established a premium brand, as our high-performance suspension products are generally sold at premium prices. Our logo is prominently displayed on our products used on mountain bikes and powered vehicles sold by our OEM customers, which helps further reinforce our brand image. To support our brand, we introduce new products that we believe feature innovative technologies designed to improve vehicle performance and enhance our brand loyalty with consumers. For instance, according to a 2012 independent survey conducted by Bike Germany Magazine, a leading European mountain bike magazine, FOX was voted as the best brand for suspension forks and 81.7% of FOX consumers surveyed stated that they would buy a FOX suspension fork again, and in a 2011 Audience Survey by Vital MTB, a popular mountain bike website: (i) of the 44.5% of survey respondents that stated they would buy a mountain bike suspension fork within 12 months, 41.0% of these respondents, the highest percentage of all brands included, stated that they would buy a FOX suspension fork; and (ii) of the 22.4% of survey respondents that stated they would buy a rear mountain bike shock within 12 months, 42.2% of these respondents, again the highest percentage of all brands included, stated that they would buy a FOX rear shock.

Track record of innovation and new product introductions

Innovation, including new product development, is a key component of our growth strategy. Due to our experience in suspension engineering and design in multiple markets and with a variety of

 

 

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vehicles, we are able to bring unique ride dynamics solutions to our customers, often developed for use in one market and ultimately deployed across multiple markets. For example, our success in the high-end ATV category led to the wide-spread adoption of our suspension technology in the Side-by-Side market, which became our second largest product category by sales in 2012. Our innovative product development and speed to market are supported by:

 

 

our racing culture, including on-site technical race support of professional athletes, which provides us with unique real-time insights as to the evolving ride dynamic needs of those participating in world-class events;

 

 

ongoing research and development through a team of more than 20 full-time engineers and numerous other technicians and employees who spend at least part of their time testing and using our products and helping develop engineering-based solutions to enhance our product offerings;

 

 

feedback from professional athletes, race teams, enthusiasts and other consumers seeking to improve the performance and control of their vehicles through our products;

 

 

strategic and collaborative relationships with OEM customers, which furthers our ability to extend technologies and applications across end-markets; and

 

 

our integrated manufacturing facilities and performance testing center, which allow us to quickly move from concept to product.

During 2012, we launched more than 20 new products and generated more than 70% of our sales from products introduced by us during the last three years, such as the:

 

 

Podium RC3, which provides external adjustment that allows the shock to easily be tuned for different rider skill, terrain, and racing type without having to be disassembled;

 

 

Float X Evol, which allows the rider to tune the spring characteristics of the shock via an air pump without having to remove the shock;

 

 

ECS Shock, which has an external cooling system that significantly lowers shock temperatures, allowing powered vehicles to operate at higher speeds for extended periods without sacrificing driver control, particularly in extreme environments; and

 

 

Float iCD, which provides riders the ability to adjust modes for different skills, terrains and activity levels on mountain bikes, resulting in increased utilization of the modes and an overall more efficient ride dynamics experience.

Strategic brand for OEMs, dealers and distributors

Through our strategic relationships, we are often sought out by our OEM customers and work closely with them to develop and design new products and product enhancements. We believe our collaborative approach and product development processes strengthen our relationships with our OEM customers. We believe consumers value our branded suspension products when selecting high-performance mountain bikes and powered vehicles, and as a result, OEMs purchase and incorporate our products in their mountain bikes and powered vehicles in order to increase the sales of their premium priced products. In addition, we believe the inclusion of our

 

 

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products on high-end mountain bikes and powered vehicles reinforces our premium brand image, which helps to drive our sales in the aftermarket channel where dealers and distributors sell our products to consumers.

Experienced management team

We have an experienced senior management team led by Larry L. Enterline, our Chief Executive Officer. Collectively, our eight member senior management team has an average tenure at FOX of approximately eight years per person. In addition, many members of our management team and many of our employees are avid users of our products, which further extends their knowledge of, and expertise in, our products and end-markets. We are able to attract and retain highly-trained and specialized employees who enhance our company culture and serve as strong brand advocates.

Our strategy

Our goal is to expand our leadership position as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance products designed to enhance ride dynamics. We intend to focus on the following key strategies in pursuit of this goal:

Continue to develop new and innovative products in current end-markets

We intend to continue to develop and introduce new and innovative products in our current end-markets to improve ride dynamics for our consumers. For example, our patented position sensitive damping systems provide terrain optimized ride characteristics across many of our product lines. We believe that high-performance and control are important to a large portion of our consumer base and that our frequent introduction of products with innovative and improved technologies increases both OEM and aftermarket demand as consumers seek out components for their vehicles that can deliver these characteristics. We also believe evolving market trends, such as changing mountain bike wheel sizes and increasing adoption rates of Side-by-Side vehicles, should increase demand for vehicles in our end-markets, which, in turn, should increase demand for our suspension products.

Leverage technology and brand to expand into new categories and end-markets

We believe that we have developed a reputation as a leader in ride dynamics, and that our reputation combined with our ability to improve the performance of vehicles by incorporating high-performance suspension products, results in us often being approached by OEM product development teams, athletes and others looking to improve the performance of their vehicles, including in end-markets in which we have not previously offered products We believe that our ride dynamics technologies have applications in end-markets in which we do not currently participate in a meaningful way, and we intend to selectively develop products for and forge relationships with customers in additional markets. These markets may include military, recreational vehicles (RVs), on-road motorcycles, commercial trucks and “performance street” cars. We also intend to evaluate selective potential acquisition opportunities for high-performance products and technologies that we believe will help us extend our ride dynamics platform.

 

 

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Increase our aftermarket penetration

We currently have a broad aftermarket distribution network of more than 2,300 retail dealers and distributors worldwide. We intend to further penetrate the aftermarket channel by selectively adding dealers and distributors in certain geographic markets, increasing our internal sales force and strategically expanding aftermarket-specific products and services to existing vehicle platforms.

Accelerate international growth

While a significant percentage of our current sales are to OEMs and dealers and distributors located outside the United States, we believe international expansion represents a significant opportunity for us and we intend to selectively increase infrastructure investments and focus on identified geographic regions. We believe that rising consumer discretionary income in a number of developing markets and increasing consumer preferences for premium, high-performance mountain bikes and powered vehicles, should contribute to increasing demand for our products. We intend to leverage our brand recognition to capitalize on these trends by increasing our sales to both OEMs and dealers and distributors globally, particularly in markets where we perceive significant opportunities. Our areas of greatest interest include Asia-Pacific (including China, South Korea and Australia) and South America (particularly Brazil, Argentina and Chile).

Improve operating and supply chain efficiencies

We intend to improve operating margins in the medium term by enhancing our design and production processes to increase efficiencies, reducing new product time to market and lowering production costs. Specifically, we have begun the process of moving a majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to Taiwan and intend to complete this process in 2015. We believe this transition to Taiwan, once completed, will shorten production lead times to our mountain bike OEM customers, improve supply chain efficiencies and reduce manufacturing costs.

Risks related to our business

Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted in the section titled “Risk factors,” which you should read carefully before making a decision to invest in our common stock. Some of these risks include:

 

 

we may not be able to continue to enhance existing products and develop and market new products that respond to consumer needs and preferences and achieve market acceptance;

 

 

we face intense competition across all product lines and may be unable to effectively compete against our competitors, which would harm our business and operating results;

 

 

our suspension products, and the products into which they are incorporated, are discretionary purchases and may be adversely impacted by changes in the economy and economic conditions that impact consumer spending;

 

 

if we are unable to maintain our premium brand image, our business may suffer;

 

 

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our dependence on the demand for high-end mountain bikes and their suspension components to maintain and foster sales;

 

 

our dependence upon the expansion of the market for powered vehicles that require high-performance suspension systems to continue our growth in this product category;

 

 

a disruption in our operations or manufacturing facilities, including any disruption in connection with the transition of a majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to Taiwan, would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations;

 

 

we depend on the continuing efforts of our senior management and skilled engineers, and our business may be severely disrupted and adversely impacted if we lose their services;

 

 

we depend on a relatively small number of customers for a substantial portion of our sales; and

 

 

the trading price of our common stock may be volatile, a market for our securities may not develop or be maintained and our stock price may decline.

Our history

Robert C. Fox, Jr. began developing suspension products in 1974 when, having participated in motocross racing, he sought to create a racing suspension shock that performed better than existing coil spring shocks. Working in a friend’s garage, Mr. Fox created the “Fox AirShox.” The product was successful, and went into production in 1975. The next year, in 1976, Fox AirShox were used by the rider who won the AMA 500cc National Motocross Championship.

Sales of Fox AirShox grew rapidly and, in 1978, our operating subsidiary, Fox Factory, Inc., was incorporated in California. From 1978 to 1983, FOX suspension users won numerous major races including 500cc Grand Prix races (motocross), Baja 1000 races (off-road), AMA SuperBike races (motorcycle road racing), and the Indianapolis 500 race (auto racing), generating greater market awareness of the FOX brand among enthusiasts.

As FOX grew, we applied many of the same core suspension technologies developed for motocross racing to other categories. For example, in 1987 we started selling high-performance suspension products for snowmobiles. By 1991, we began supplying the mountain bike industry with rear shocks and we entered the ATV and other off-road vehicle markets in the mid-1990s. Starting in 2001, we began offering front fork suspension products for mountain bikes.

Fox Factory Holding Corp., the registrant of this offering, is the holding company of Fox Factory, Inc. Fox Factory Holding Corp. was incorporated in Delaware on December 28, 2007 by Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, or our Sponsor. Our Sponsor purchased a controlling interest in us on January 4, 2008.

For clarification, we are not affiliated with Fox Head, Inc., or Fox Head, an action sports apparel company, although we have entered into an agreement with Fox Head clarifying the parties’ respective use of ”Fox” tradenames and service marks.

 

 

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Our Sponsor

Our Sponsor, Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, acquires and manages a diversified group of leading middle-market businesses headquartered in North America. Our Sponsor’s parent, Compass Diversified Holdings, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “CODI.” As of March 31, 2013, in addition to us, our Sponsor owned a controlling interest in the following businesses: (i) Compass AC Holdings, Inc., or Advanced Circuits, a provider of prototype, quick-turn and volume production rigid printed circuit boards; (ii) American Furniture Manufacturing, Inc., a leading domestic manufacturer of upholstered furniture for the promotional segment of the marketplace; (iii) Arnold Magnetic Technologies Holdings Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of engineered magnetic solutions for a wide range of specialty applications and end-markets; (iv) CamelBak Products, LLC, a designer and manufacturer of personal hydration products for outdoor, recreation and military use; (v) The ERGO Baby Carrier, Inc., a premier designer, marketer and distributor of baby wearing products, a premium line of stroller travel systems and related accessories; (vi) Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium home and gun safes in North America; and (vii) Anodyne Medical Device, Inc., rebranded as Tridien, a leading designer and manufacturer of powered and non-powered medical therapeutic support surfaces and patient positioning devices serving the acute care, long-term care and home health care markets.

Our Sponsor is a selling stockholder in this offering, and upon completion of this offering, is expected to own approximately     % of our outstanding common stock.

Recapitalization

In June 2012, we engaged in a recapitalization involving our debt, stock options and various share purchases. In connection with our recapitalization, we entered into an amendment to our credit facility with our Sponsor, which we refer to as our Existing Credit Facility, which, among other changes, provided for a $60.0 million term loan and increased the revolver commitment under that facility by $2.0 million to a total commitment of $30.0 million. Borrowings under our Existing Credit Facility in large part enabled us to fund a $67.0 million cash dividend to our stockholders as part of the recapitalization. The recapitalization also included other transactions, including various transactions involving our stock options and purchases and sales of shares of our stock among us, our sponsor and certain of our executives and directors. Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we intend to use the net proceeds that we will receive from this offering to repay our then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility and enter into a new credit facility with a third party lender, which we refer to as the New Credit Facility. The consummation of this offering is conditioned on the closing of the New Credit Facility. To the extent the net proceeds from this offering are insufficient to allow us to fully repay the indebtedness then outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility, we intend to use borrowings under our New Credit Facility to pay any remaining balance outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility. We intend to terminate the Existing Credit Facility upon the consummation of this offering. See “Use of proceeds,” “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and “Related party transactions—Recapitalization.”

 

 

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Corporate information

Our principal executive offices are located at 915 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, and our telephone number is (831) 274-6500. Our website address is www.ridefox.com. In addition, we maintain a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fox , a YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/foxracingshox1 , a Vimeo page at www.vimeo.com / foxracingshox and a Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/foxracingshox. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website, Facebook page, YouTube channel, Vimeo page or Twitter feed does not constitute part of this prospectus and inclusions of our website address, Facebook page address, YouTube channel address, Vimeo page address and Twitter feed address in this prospectus are inactive textual references only.

We have a number of registered marks, including, without limitation, FOX ® , FOX RACING SHOX ® and REDEFINE YOUR LIMITS ® in several jurisdictions, including the United States, and we have also applied to register a number of other marks in various jurisdictions. This prospectus includes trademarks and trade names of other companies. All trademarks and trade names appearing in this prospectus are the property of their respective holders. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other companies.

Emerging growth company status

We are an “emerging growth company,” as that term is defined in Section 2(A) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. For as long as we qualify as an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that do not qualify as emerging growth companies, including, without limitation, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations relating to executive compensation and exemptions from the requirements of holding advisory “say-on-pay,” “say-when-on-pay” and “golden parachute” executive compensation votes.

Under the JOBS Act, we will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of:

 

 

the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of $1 billion or more;

 

 

the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering;

 

 

the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt; or

 

 

the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act (i.e., the first day of the fiscal year after we have (i) more than $700 million in outstanding common equity held by our non-affiliates, measured each year on the last day of our second fiscal quarter, and (ii) been public for at least 12 months).

 

 

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The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can utilize the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. However, we are choosing to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for companies that are not emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

 

 

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The offering

 

Common stock offered by us

     shares

 

Common stock offered by the selling stockholders

     shares

 

Underwriters option to purchase additional shares

The underwriters have an option, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an additional      shares from the selling stockholders.

 

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering

     shares

 

Use of proceeds

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock that we are selling in this offering will be approximately $     million, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, assuming an initial public offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the initial public offering price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.

 

  We currently intend to use the net proceeds that we will receive from this offering to repay the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility. To the extent the net proceeds from this offering are insufficient to allow us to fully repay the indebtedness then outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility, we intend to use borrowings under our New Credit Facility to pay any remaining balance outstanding under the Existing Credit Facility. To the extent we receive net proceeds from this offering in excess of the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility, we intend to use such excess net proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes. See “Use of proceeds.”

 

Directed share program

The underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to approximately      shares of our common stock being offered for sale to certain of our business associates, officers, directors, employees and certain of their family members. We will offer these shares to the extent permitted under applicable regulations in the United States and in various countries. The number of shares available for sale to the general public in this offering will be reduced to the extent these persons purchase reserved shares. Any reserved shares not purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares.

 

 

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Concentration of ownership

Upon completion of this offering, our executive officers and directors, and their affiliates, will beneficially own, in the aggregate, approximately     % of our outstanding shares of common stock, and our Sponsor will own approximately     % of our outstanding shares of common stock.

 

Dividend policy

Currently, we do not anticipate paying cash dividends.

 

Proposed Nasdaq Global Select Market symbol

“FOXF”

The number of shares of common stock that will be outstanding after this offering is based on      shares outstanding as of March 31, 2013, and excludes:

 

 

54,062 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase common stock that were outstanding as of March 31, 2013, with a weighted average exercise price of $226.22 per share;

 

 

     shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase common stock granted after March 31, 2013, with a weighted average exercise price of $     per share; and

 

 

     shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2013 Omnibus Plan.

Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes:

 

 

a     -for-     split of our common stock, which will occur prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part;

 

 

the filing and effectiveness of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in Delaware and the adoption of our Amended and Restated Bylaws, each of which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and

 

 

no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase up to an additional      shares of common stock from the selling stockholders in this offering.

 

 

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Summary consolidated financial data

The following table sets forth our summary consolidated financial data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. We have derived the summary statements of income data for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2013 are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared on a basis consistent with our audited consolidated financial statements and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the financial information set forth in those statements.

The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period, and the results for any interim period may not necessarily be indicative of the results for the full year. The following summaries of our consolidated financial data for the periods presented should be read in conjunction with “Risk factors,” “Selected consolidated financial data,” “Capitalization,” “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

       For the years ended
December 31,
   

For the three months

ended March 31,

 
  

 

 

 
(in thousands, except per share data)    2010     2011     2012     2012     2013  

 

 

Sales

   $ 170,983      $ 197,739      $ 235,869      $ 45,671      $ 54,878   

Cost of sales(1)

     122,373        140,849        173,040        32,572        39,163   
  

 

 

 

Gross profit

     48,610        56,890        62,829        13,099        15,715   

Operating expenses:

          

Sales and marketing(1)

     10,293        11,748        12,570        3,177        3,284   

Research and development(1)

     7,321        9,750        9,727        2,376        2,355   

General and administrative(1)

     6,202        7,588        9,063        1,951        2,673   

Amortization of purchased intangibles

     5,217        5,217        5,315        1,304        1,341   
  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     29,033        34,303        36,675        8,808        9,653   
  

 

 

 

Income from operations

     19,577        22,587        26,154        4,291        6,062   

Other expense, net:

          

Interest expense

     (2,637     (1,982     (3,486     (233     (957

Other income (expense), net

     39        (13     (277     (46     34   
  

 

 

 

Total other expense, net

     (2,598     (1,995     (3,763     (279     (923
  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     16,979        20,592        22,391        4,012        5,139   

Provision for income taxes

     6,210        7,054        8,181        1,373        1,590   
  

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 10,769      $ 13,538      $ 14,210      $ 2,639      $ 3,549   
  

 

 

 

Earnings per share (actual and pro forma):

          

Basic

   $ 16.62      $ 20.92      $ 20.59      $ 4.04      $ 4.93   

Diluted

   $ 15.72      $ 19.45      $ 20.30      $ 3.76      $ 4.83   

Weighted average common shares used to compute net income per share (actual and pro forma):

          

Basic

     648        647        690        653        720   

Diluted

     685        696        700        701        735   

Supplemental pro forma net income per share (unaudited)(2)

          

Shares used to calculate supplemental pro forma net income per share (unaudited)

          

Dividends per share

   $      $      $ 92.99      $      $   

 

 

 

 

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(1)   Includes stock-based compensation (excluding tax effect) as follows:

 

       For the years ended
December 31,
     For the three months
ended March 31,
 
  

 

 

 

(in thousands)

   2010      2011      2012      2012      2013  

 

 

Cost of sales

   $       $       $       $       $   

Sales and marketing

     40         78         160         33         33   

Research and development

     12         12         29         3         17   

General and administrative

     472         940         1,959         267         652   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 524       $ 1,030       $ 2,148       $ 303       $ 702   
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)   Unaudited supplemental pro forma net income per share has been presented in accordance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1.B.3, or SAB 1.B.3. As outlined in SAB 1.B.3, the special dividend paid in June 2012 was in excess of the net income for the twelve-months ended March 31, 2013 of $15.1 million. Accordingly, under SAB 1.B.3, the company has included all shares, for which proceeds accrue to the company, issued under this offering in the shares used to calculate supplemental pro forma net income per share.

The following table presents our summary consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2013 and is presented:

 

 

on an actual basis; and

 

 

on a pro forma as adjusted basis: (i) reflecting the filing of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation immediately prior to the consummation of this offering; (ii) the sale of      shares of common stock by us in this offering at an estimated initial offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting assumed underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us; and (iii) the application of such proceeds to repay a majority of the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility concurrently with the closing of this offering.

 

As of March 31, 2013

(in thousands)

   Actual      Pro forma as
adjusted
(unaudited)
 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheet data(1):

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 136       $                

Inventory

     42,734      

Working capital

     23,786      

Property and equipment, net

     12,105      

Total assets

     147,429      

Total debt, including current portion

     52,850      

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 33,828       $                

 

 

 

(1)   A $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering price of $     per share would decrease total debt, including current portion, and would increase total stockholders’ equity by $     million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. A $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial offering price of $     per share would increase total debt, including current portion, and would decrease total stockholders’ equity by $     million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. An increase of 100,000 shares in the number of shares sold in this offering by us would decrease total debt, including current portion, and would increase total stockholders’ equity from this offering by $     million, assuming an initial public offering price of $     per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. A decrease of 100,000 shares in the number of shares sold in this offering by us would increase total debt, including current portion, and would decrease total stockholders’ equity from this offering by $     million, assuming an initial public offering price of $     per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

 

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Non-GAAP financial measures

Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income adjusted for interest expense, other income (expense), net, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and the management fee payable to an affiliate of our Sponsor (which fee will be discontinued upon completion of this offering). Below, we have provided a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other measure of financial performance calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

We include Adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus because we believe it allows investors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our core business.

Our use of Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool. Some of these limitations are:

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA does not include the impact of equity-based compensation;

 

 

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect capital expenditure requirements for such replacements;

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness;

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA does not include other income or expense such as gain or loss on the disposal of fixed assets, foreign currency transaction gain or loss and other miscellaneous items;

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect income tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us;

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the cash fees which we paid to our Sponsor; and

 

 

other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA measures differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.

In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we will incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by these expenses or any unusual or non-recurring items. When evaluating our performance, you should consider Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including our net income and other GAAP results.

 

 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net income, the most comparable GAAP measure, for each of the periods indicated:

 

       For the years ended December 31,      For the three months
ended March 31,
 
  

 

 

 
(in thousands)    2010     2011      2012      2012      2013  

 

 

Reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA

             

Net income

   $ 10,769      $ 13,538       $ 14,210       $ 2,639       $ 3,549   

Interest expense

     2,637        1,982         3,486         233         957   

Other (income) expense, net(1)

     (39     13         277         46         (34

Provision for income taxes

     6,210        7,054         8,181         1,373         1,590   

Depreciation and amortization

     6,150        6,598         7,204         1,713         1,885   

Stock-based compensation(2)

     524        1,030         2,148         303         702   

Management fee paid(3)

     500        500         500         125         125   
  

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 26,751      $ 30,715       $ 36,006       $ 6,432       $ 8,774   
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)   Other (income) expense, net includes gain or loss on the disposal of fixed assets, foreign currency transaction gain or loss, forgiveness of indebtedness under our loan with the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Watsonville, and other miscellaneous items.

 

(2)   Represents non-cash, stock-based compensation (before tax effect).

 

(3)   Represents management fees paid to an affiliate of our Sponsor pursuant to a management services agreement that will terminate on the consummation of this offering. Such fees are paid by us quarterly in arrears and other than paying any accrued but unpaid fees for the quarter during which this offering closes, no separate termination fee will be due under this agreement when it is terminated.

 

 

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Risk factors

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this prospectus, before making a decision to invest in our common stock. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment.

Risks related to our business

If we are unable to continue to enhance existing products and develop and market new products that respond to consumer needs and preferences and achieve market acceptance, we may experience a decrease in demand for our products, and our business and financial results could suffer.

Our growth strategy involves the continuous development of innovative high-performance products. For instance, during 2012, we generated more than 70% of our sales from products that we introduced during the last three years. We may not be able to compete as effectively with our competitors, and ultimately satisfy the needs and preferences of our customers and the end users of our products, unless we can continue to enhance existing products and develop new, innovative products in the global markets in which we compete. In addition, we must continuously compete not only for end users who purchase our products through the dealers and distributors who are our customers, but also for the OEMs which incorporate our products into their mountain bikes and powered vehicles. These OEMs regularly evaluate our products against those of our competitors to determine if they are allowing the OEMs to achieve higher sales and market share on a cost-effective basis. Should one or more of our OEM customers determine that they could achieve overall better financial results by incorporating a competitors’ new or existing product, they would likely do so, which could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Product development requires significant financial, technological and other resources. While we expended approximately $7.3 million, $9.8 million and $9.7 million for our research and development efforts in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, there can be no assurance that this level of investment in research and development will be sufficient in the future to maintain our competitive advantage in product innovation, which could cause our business, financial condition or results of operations to suffer.

Product improvements and new product introductions require significant planning, design, development and testing at the technological, product and manufacturing process levels, and we may experience unanticipated delays in our introduction of product improvements or new products. Our competitors’ new products may beat our products to market, be more effective and/or less expensive than our products, obtain better market acceptance or render our products obsolete. Any new products that we develop may not receive market acceptance or otherwise generate any meaningful sales or profits for us relative to our expectations. In addition, one of our competitors could develop an unforeseen and entirely new product or technology that renders our products less desirable or obsolete, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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We face intense competition in all product lines, including from some competitors that may have greater financial and marketing resources. Failure to compete effectively against competitors would negatively impact our business and operating results.

The suspension industry is highly competitive. We compete with a number of other manufacturers that produce and sell suspension products to OEMs and aftermarket dealers and distributors, including OEMs that produce their own line of suspension products for their own use. Our continued success depends on our ability to continue to compete effectively against our competitors, some of which have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have. Also, several of our competitors offer broader product lines to OEMs, which they may sell in connection with suspension products as part of a package offering. In the future, our competitors may be able to maintain and grow brand strength and market share more effectively or quickly than we do by anticipating the course of market developments more accurately than we do, developing products that are superior to our products, creating manufacturing or distribution capabilities that are superior to ours, producing similar products at a lower cost than we can or adapting more quickly than we do to new technologies or evolving regulatory, industry or customer requirements, among other possibilities. In addition, we may encounter increased competition if our current competitors broaden their product offerings by beginning to produce additional types of suspension products or through competitor consolidations. We could also face competition from well-capitalized entrants into the high-performance suspension product market, as well as aggressive pricing tactics by other manufacturers trying to gain market share. As a result, our products may not be able to compete successfully with our competitors’ products, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our business is sensitive to economic conditions that impact consumer spending. Our suspension products, and the mountain bikes and powered vehicles into which they are incorporated, are discretionary purchases and may be adversely impacted by changes in the economy.

Our business depends substantially on global economic and market conditions. In particular, we believe that currently a significant majority of the end users of our products live in the United States and countries in Europe. These areas are either in the process of recovering from recession or, in some cases, are still struggling with recession, disruption in banking and/or financial systems, economic weakness and uncertainty. In addition, our products are recreational in nature and are generally discretionary purchases by consumers. Consumers are usually more willing to make discretionary purchases during periods of favorable general economic conditions and high consumer confidence. Discretionary spending may also be affected by many other factors, including interest rates, the availability of consumer credit, taxes and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. During periods of unfavorable economic conditions, or periods when other negative market factors exist, consumer discretionary spending is typically reduced, which in turn could reduce our product sales and have a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

There could also be a number of secondary effects resulting from an economic downturn, such as insolvency of our suppliers resulting in product delays, an inability of our OEM and distributor and dealer customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products, customers delaying payment to us for the purchase of our products due to financial hardship or an increase in bad debt expense. Any of these effects could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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If we are unable to maintain our premium brand image, our business may suffer.

Our products are selected by both OEMs and dealers and distributors in part because of the premium brand reputation we hold with them and our end users. Therefore, our success depends on our ability to maintain and build our brand image. We have focused on building our brand through producing products that we believe are innovative, high in performance and highly reliable. In addition, our brand benefits from our strong relationships with our OEM customers and dealers and distributors and through marketing programs aimed at mountain bike and powered vehicle enthusiasts in various media and other channels. For example, we sponsor a number of professional athletes and professional race teams. In order to continue to enhance our brand image, we will need to maintain our position in the suspension products industry and continue to provide high quality products and services. Also, we will need to continue to invest in sponsorships, marketing and public relations.

There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to maintain or enhance the strength of our brand in the future. Our brand could be adversely impacted by, among other things:

 

 

failure to develop new products that are innovative, high-performance and reliable;

 

 

internal product quality control issues;

 

 

product quality issues on the mountain bikes and powered vehicles on which our products are installed;

 

 

product recalls;

 

 

high profile component failures (such as a component failure during a race on a mountain bike ridden by an athlete that we sponsor);

 

 

negative publicity regarding our sponsored athletes;

 

 

high profile injury or death to one of our sponsored athletes;

 

 

inconsistent uses of our brand and our other intellectual property assets, as well as failure to protect our intellectual property; and

 

 

changes in consumer trends and perceptions.

Any adverse impact on our brand could in turn negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

A significant portion of our sales are highly dependent on the demand for high-end mountain bikes and their suspension components and a material decline in the demand for these bikes or their suspension components could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

During 2012, approximately 67% of our sales were generated from the sale of suspension products for high-end mountain bikes. Part of our success has been attributable to the growth in the high-end mountain bike industry, including increases in average retail sales prices, as better-performing product designs and technologies have been incorporated into these products. If the popularity of high-end or premium priced mountain bikes does not increase or declines, the number of mountain bike enthusiasts seeking such mountain bikes or premium priced suspension products for their mountain bikes does not increase or declines, or the average price point of

 

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these bikes declines, we may fail to achieve future growth or our sales could decrease, and our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected. In addition, if current mountain bike enthusiasts stop purchasing our products due to changes in preferences, we may fail to achieve future growth or our sales could be decreased, and our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected.

Our growth in the powered vehicle category is dependent upon our continued ability to expand our product sales into powered vehicles that require high-performance suspension and the continued expansion of the market for these powered vehicles.

Our growth in the powered vehicle category is in part attributable to the expansion of the market for powered vehicles that require high-performance suspension products. Such market growth includes the creation of new classes of vehicles that need our products, such as Side-by-Sides, and our ability to create products for these vehicles. In the event these markets stopped expanding or contracted, or we were unsuccessful in creating new products for these markets or other competitors successfully enter into these markets, we may fail to achieve future growth or our sales could decrease, and our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected.

A disruption in the operations of our manufacturing facilities, including any disruption in connection with moving a majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to Taiwan, could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

During 2012, the sale of mountain bike suspension products accounted for approximately 67% of our sales. We recently began to transfer a majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to Taiwan. We contemplate that this transition will continue through 2015, at which time we anticipate that virtually all of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products will be completed in Taiwan. During our transition process, we will incur some duplication of facilities, equipment and personnel, the amount of which could vary materially from our projections. Also, the transition process could cause manufacturing problems and give rise to execution risks, including disruptions to employees, negative impact on employee morale and retention, delays in recognizing efficiencies or increased costs of manufacturing, and adverse impacts on our product quality and delivery times. In addition, we could encounter unforeseen difficulties resulting from the distance and time zone differences between our main operations in California and our new Taiwan manufacturing facility. Should any of these problems occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected.

Equipment failures, delays in deliveries or catastrophic loss at any of our facilities could lead to production or service disruptions, curtailments or shutdowns. In the event of a stoppage in production or a slowdown in production due to high employee turnover or a labor dispute at any of our facilities, even if only temporary, or if we experience delays as a result of events that are beyond our control, delivery times to our customers could be severely affected. If there was a manufacturing disruption in any of our manufacturing facilities, we might be unable to meet product delivery requirements and our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected, even if the disruption was covered in whole or in part by our business interruption insurance. Any significant delay in deliveries to our customers could lead to increased returns or cancellations, expose us to damage claims from our customers or damage our brand and, in turn, negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Our business depends substantially on the continuing efforts of our senior management, and our business may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.

We are heavily dependent upon the contributions, talent and leadership of our senior management team, particularly our Chief Executive Officer, Larry L. Enterline. We do not have a “key person” life insurance policy on Mr. Enterline or any other key employees. We believe that the top eight members of our senior management team are key to establishing our focus and executing our corporate strategies as they have extensive knowledge of our systems and processes. Given our senior management team’s knowledge of the suspension products industry and the limited number of direct competitors in the industry, we believe that it could be difficult to find replacements should any of the members of our senior management team leave. Our inability to find suitable replacements for any of the members of our senior management team could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We depend on skilled engineers to develop and create our products, and the failure to attract and retain such individuals could adversely affect our business.

We rely on skilled and well-trained engineers for the design and production of our products, as well as in our research and development functions. Competition for such individuals is intense, particularly in Silicon Valley near where our headquarters are located. Our inability to attract or retain qualified employees in our design, production or research and development functions or elsewhere in our company could result in diminished quality of our product and delinquent production schedules, impede our ability to develop new products and harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We may not be able to sustain our past growth or successfully implement our growth strategy, which may have a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We grew our sales from approximately $171.0 million in 2010 to approximately $235.9 million in 2012. This growth rate may be unsustainable. Our future growth will depend upon various factors, including the strength of our brand image, our ability to continue to produce innovative suspension products, consumer acceptance of our products, competitive conditions in the marketplace, the growth in emerging markets for products requiring high-end suspension products and, in general, the continued growth of the high-end mountain bike and powered vehicle markets into which we sell our products. Our beliefs regarding the future growth of markets for high-end suspension products are based largely on qualitative judgments and limited sources and may not be reliable. If we are unable to sustain our past growth or successfully implement our growth strategy, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected.

The professional athletes and race teams who use our products are an important aspect of our brand image. The loss of the support of professional athletes for our products or the inability to attract new professional athletes may harm our business.

If our products are not used by current or future professional athletes and race teams, our brand could lose value and our sales could decline. While our sponsorship agreements typically restrict our sponsored athletes and race teams from promoting, endorsing or using competitors’ products that compete directly within our product categories during the term of the sponsorship agreements, we do not typically have long-term contracts with any of the athletes or race teams whom we sponsor.

 

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If we are unable to maintain our current relationships with these professional athletes and race teams, if these professional athletes and race teams are no longer popular, if our sponsored athletes and race teams fail to have success or if we are unable to continue to attract the endorsement of new professional athletes and race teams in the future, the value of our brand and our sales could decline.

We depend on our relationships with dealers and distributors and their ability to sell and service our products. Any disruption in these relationships could harm our sales.

We sell our aftermarket products to dealers and distributors, and we depend on their willingness and ability to market and sell our products to consumers and provide customer and product service as needed. We also rely on our dealers and distributors to be knowledgeable about our products and their features. If we are not able to educate our dealers and distributors so that they may effectively sell our products as part of a positive buying experience, or if they fail to implement effective retail sales initiatives, focus selling efforts on our competitors’ products, reduce the quantity of our products that they sell or reduce their operations due to financial difficulties or otherwise, our brand and business could suffer.

We do not control our dealers or distributors and many of our contracts allow these entities to offer our competitors’ products. Our competitors may incentivize our dealers and distributors to favor their products. In addition, we do not have long-term contracts with a majority of our dealers and distributors, and our dealers and distributors are not obligated to purchase specified amounts of our products. In fact, the majority of our dealers and distributors buy from us on a purchase order basis. Consequently, with little or no notice, many of these dealers and distributors may terminate their relationships with us or materially reduce their purchases of our products. If we were to lose one or more of our dealers or distributors, we would need to obtain a new dealer or distributor to cover the particular location or product line, which may not be possible on favorable terms or at all. Alternatively, we could use our own sales force to replace such a dealer or distributor, but expanding our sales force into new locations takes a significant amount of time and resources and may not be successful. Further, many of our international distribution contracts contain exclusivity arrangements, which may prevent us from replacing or supplementing our current distributors under certain circumstances.

We are a supplier in the high-end mountain bike and powered vehicles markets, and our business is dependent in large part on the orders we receive from our OEM customers and from their success.

As a supplier to OEM customers, we are dependent in large part on the success of the business of our OEM customers. Model year changes by our OEM customers may adversely impact our sales or cause our sales to vary from quarter to quarter. In addition, losses in market share individually or a decline in the overall market of our OEM customers or the discontinuance by our OEM customers of their products which incorporate our products could negatively impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. For example, if our mountain bike producing OEM customers reduce production of their high-end mountain bikes, their orders to us for our products would in turn be reduced, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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A relatively small number of customers account for a substantial portion of our sales. The loss of all or a substantial portion of our sales to any of these customers or the loss of market share by these customers could have a material adverse impact on us and our results of operations.

Sales attributable to our 10 largest OEM customers, which can vary from year to year, collectively accounted for approximately 54%, 53% and 56% of our sales in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. The loss of all or a substantial portion of our sales to any of these OEM customers or the loss of market share by these customers could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Although we refer to the branded mountain bike OEMs that use our products throughout this document as “our customers,” “our OEM customers” or “our mountain bike OEM customers,” branded mountain bike OEMs often use contract manufacturers to manufacture and assemble their bikes. As a result, even though we typically negotiate price and volume requirements directly with our mountain bike OEM customers, it is the contract manufacturers that usually place the purchase orders with us and are responsible for paying us (rather than the branded mountain bike OEMs). Giant is an OEM and contract manufacturer used by certain of our mountain bike OEM customers. Sales to Giant accounted for approximately 16%, 12% and 13% of our sales in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. In the event Giant were to experience manufacturing or other problems, or were to fail to pay us, it could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations could result in decreased gross margins.

Foreign currency fluctuations could in the future have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We sell our products inside and outside of the United States in U.S. Dollars. As the majority of our expenses are also in U.S. Dollars, we are somewhat insulated from currency fluctuations. However, some of the OEMs purchasing products from us sell their products in Europe and other foreign markets using the Euro and other foreign currencies. As a result, as the U.S. Dollar appreciates against these foreign currencies, our products will become relatively more expensive for these OEMs. Accordingly, competitive products that our OEM customers can purchase in other currencies may become more attractive and we could lose sales as these OEMs seek to replace our products with cheaper alternatives. In addition, should the U.S. Dollar depreciate significantly, this could have the effect of decreasing our gross margins and adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. Furthermore, as we transfer a majority of our manufacturing operations for our mountain bike products to Taiwan, we anticipate that a growing percentage of our expenses will be denominated in the New Taiwan Dollar. Should the New Taiwan Dollar appreciate against the U.S. Dollar, this could have the effect of decreasing our gross margins.

Our sales could be adversely impacted by the disruption or cessation of sales by other bike component manufacturers or if other mountain bike component manufacturers enter into the suspension market.

Most of the mountain bikes incorporating our suspension products also utilize products and components manufactured by other mountain bike component manufacturers. If such component manufacturers were to cease selling their products and components on a stand-alone basis, their sales are disrupted, or their competitive market position or reputation is diminished, customers could migrate to competitors that sell both suspension and other complementary mountain bike products which we do not sell. Moreover, such mountain bike component

 

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manufacturers could begin manufacturing mountain bike suspension products or bundle their bike components with suspension products manufactured by competitors. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our sales could decrease and our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer.

We have been and may become subject to intellectual property disputes that could cause us to incur significant costs or pay significant damages or that could prohibit us from selling our products.

As we develop new products or attempt to utilize our brands in connection with new products, we seek to avoid infringing the valid patents and other intellectual property rights of our competitors. However, from time to time, third parties have alleged, or may allege in the future, that our products and/or trademarks infringe upon their proprietary rights. We will evaluate any such claims and, where appropriate, may obtain or seek to obtain licenses or other business arrangements. To date, there have been no significant interruptions in our business as a result of any claims of infringement, and we do not hold patent infringement insurance. Any claim, regardless of its merit, could be expensive, time consuming to defend and distract management from our business. Moreover, if our products or brands are found to infringe third-party intellectual property rights, we may be unable to obtain a license to use such technology or associated intellectual property rights on acceptable terms. A court determination that our brands, products or manufacturing processes infringe the intellectual property rights of others could result in significant liability and/or require us to make material changes to our products and/or manufacturing processes or preclude our ability to use certain brands. In most circumstances, we are not indemnified for our use of a licensor’s intellectual property, if such intellectual property is found to be infringing. Any of the foregoing results could cause us to, and we could incur substantial costs to, redesign our products or defend legal actions and such costs could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

If we are unable to enforce our intellectual property rights, our reputation and sales could be adversely affected.

Intellectual property is an important component of our business. As of March 31, 2013, we had 37 patents and had approximately 82 patents pending on file in the U.S. and European Patent offices. Additionally, we have registered or have applied for trademarks and service marks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and a number of foreign countries, including the marks FOX ® , FOX RACING SHOX ® and REDEFINE YOUR LIMITS ® , to be utilized with certain goods and services. When appropriate, we may from time to time assert our rights against those who infringe on our patents, trademarks and trade dress. We may not, however, be successful in enforcing our patents or asserting trademark, trade name or trade dress protection with respect to our brand names and our product designs, and third parties may seek to oppose or challenge our patents or trademark registrations. Further, these legal efforts may not be successful in reducing sales of suspension products by those infringing. In addition, our pending patent applications may not result in the issuance of patents, and even issued patents may be contested, circumvented or invalidated and may not provide us with proprietary protection or competitive advantages. If our efforts to protect our intellectual property are unsuccessful, or if a third party misappropriates our rights, this may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, intellectual property protection may be unavailable or limited in some foreign countries where laws or law enforcement practices may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States, and it may be more difficult for us to successfully challenge

 

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the use of our proprietary rights by other parties in these countries. Furthermore, other competitors may be able to successfully produce products which imitate certain of our products without infringing upon any of our patents, trademarks or trade dress. The failure to prevent or limit infringements and imitations, could have a permanent negative impact on the pricing of our products or reduce our product sales and product margins, even if we are ultimately successful in limiting the distribution of a product that infringes our rights, which in turn may affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

While we enter into non-disclosure agreements with employees, OEMs, distributors and others to protect our confidential information and trade secrets, we may be unable to prevent such parties from breaching these agreements with us and using our intellectual property in an unauthorized manner. If our efforts to protect our intellectual property are unsuccessful, or if a third party misappropriates our rights this may adversely affect our business. Defending our intellectual property rights can be very expensive and time consuming, and there is no assurance that we will be successful.

Our international operations are exposed to risks associated with conducting business globally.

As a result of our international presence, we are exposed to increased risks inherent in conducting business outside of the United States. In addition to foreign currency risks, these risks include:

 

 

increased difficulty in protecting our intellectual property rights and trade secrets;

 

 

changes in tax laws and the interpretation of those laws;

 

 

exposure to local economic conditions;

 

 

unexpected government action or changes in legal or regulatory requirements;

 

 

geopolitical regional conflicts, terrorist activity, political unrest, civil strife, acts of war and other political uncertainty;

 

 

changes in tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other similar restrictions on sales;

 

 

the effects of any anti-American sentiments on our brands or sales of our products;

 

 

increased difficulty in ensuring compliance by employees, agents and contractors with our policies as well as with the laws of multiple jurisdictions, including but not limited to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, local international environmental, health and safety laws, and increasingly complex regulations relating to the conduct of international commerce;

 

 

increased difficulty in controlling and monitoring foreign operations from the United States, including increased difficulty in identifying and recruiting qualified personnel for our foreign operations; and

 

 

increased difficulty in staffing and managing foreign operations or international sales.

An adverse change in any of these conditions could have a negative effect upon our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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If we inaccurately forecast demand for our products, we may manufacture insufficient or excess quantities or our manufacturing costs could increase, which could adversely affect our business.

We plan our manufacturing capacity based upon the forecasted demand for our products. In the OEM channel, our forecasts are based in large part on the number of our product specifications on new mountain bikes and powered vehicles and on projections from our OEM customers. In the aftermarket channel, our forecasts are based partially on discussions with our dealers and distributors as well as our own assessment of markets. For example, due to increased demand for our products beyond what was forecasted, our 2012 production exceeded our budgeted production, which resulted in increased expedited freight costs. In addition, if we incorrectly forecast demand we may incur capacity issues in our manufacturing plant and supply chain, increased material costs, increased freight costs and additional overtime, all of which in turn adversely impact our cost of sales and our gross margin. The current continuing economic weakness and uncertainty in the United States, Europe and other countries has made, and may continue to make, accurate forecasting particularly challenging.

In the future, if actual demand for our products exceeds forecasted demand, the margins on our incremental sales in excess of anticipated sales may be lower due to temporary higher costs, which could result in a decrease in our overall margins. While we generally manufacture our products upon receipt of customer orders, if actual demand is less than the forecasted demand for our products and we have already manufactured the products or committed to purchase materials in support of forecasted demand, we could be forced to hold excess inventories. In short, either excess or insufficient production due to inaccurate forecasting could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Product recalls, and significant product repair and/or replacement due to product warranty costs and claims have had, and in the future could have, a material adverse impact on our business.

Unless otherwise required by law, we generally provide a limited warranty for our products for a one or two year period beginning on: (i) in the case of OEM sales, the date the mountain bike or powered vehicle is purchased from an authorized OEM where our product is incorporated as original equipment on the purchased mountain bike or powered vehicle; or (ii) in the case of aftermarket sales, the date the product is originally purchased from an authorized dealer. From time to time, our customers may negotiate for longer or different warranty coverage. In the ordinary course of business, we incur warranty costs and reserve against such costs in our financial statements. However, there is risk that we could experience higher than expected warranty costs or become aware of an underperforming product. For example, during calendar year 2012, we experienced warranty costs in connection with certain dampers contained in our suspension products that went beyond the normal warranty amounts for which we have typically reserved, causing us to increase our reserves by approximately $1.8 million. We also experienced other related costs in 2012 estimated to be approximately $1.0 million. Future unforeseen product warranty issues could be expensive and could adversely affect our brand image, relationships with our sponsored athletes and race teams and have a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Some of our competitors’ products have been subject to recalls, and in the future, we may be required to or voluntarily participate in recalls involving our products or components if any prove to be defective. In addition to the direct costs of any claim or product recall, any such claim or recall could adversely affect our brand image and have a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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An adverse determination in any material product liability claim against us could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

The use of our products by consumers, often under extreme conditions, exposes us to risks associated with product liability claims. If our products are defective or used incorrectly by our customers, bodily injury, property damage or other injury, including death, may result and could give rise to product liability claims against us, which could adversely affect our brand image or reputation. We have encountered product liability claims in the past and carry product liability insurance to help protect us against the costs of such claims, although our insurance may not be sufficient to cover all losses. Any losses that we may suffer from any liability claims, and the effect that any product liability litigation may have upon the reputation and marketability of our products, may have a negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our New Credit Facility will place operating restrictions on us and create default risks.

We intend to enter into our New Credit Facility with third party lenders concurrently with the closing of this offering. The New Credit Facility will contain covenants that place restrictions on our operating activities. These covenants, among other things, will limit our ability to:

 

 

pay dividends and make distributions or redeem our stock;

 

 

incur additional indebtedness or permit additional encumbrances on our assets; and

 

 

make acquisitions or complete mergers or sales of assets, or engage in new businesses.

These restrictions may interfere with our ability to obtain financing or to engage in other business activities, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

If we are unable to comply with the covenants contained in our New Credit Facility, it could constitute an event of default and our lenders could declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable. If we are unable to repay or otherwise refinance these borrowings when due, our lenders could sell the collateral securing our credit facilities, which constitutes substantially all of our assets.

Our outstanding indebtedness under our secured credit facility bears interest at a variable rate, which makes us more vulnerable to increases in interest rates and could cause our interest expense to increase and decrease cash available for operations and other purposes.

As of March 31, 2013, we had $52.9 million of debt, bearing interest at a variable rate, outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility. Recent interest rates in the United States have been at historically low levels, and any increase in these rates would increase our interest expense and reduce our funds available for operations and other purposes. Although from time to time we may enter into agreements to hedge a portion of our interest rate exposure, these agreements may be costly and may not protect against all interest rate fluctuations. Accordingly, we may experience material increases in our interest expense as a result of increases in interest rate levels generally. Based on the $52.9 million of variable interest rate indebtedness that was outstanding as of March 31, 2013, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rate on our variable rate debt would have resulted in an approximately $0.5 million change to our interest expense for fiscal 2012. Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we intend to enter into our New Credit Facility, which is expected to consist of a $60.0 million

revolving line of credit, a $5.0 million sublimit for swingline loans and a $10.0 million sublimit for

 

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the issuance of letters of credit. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, we have the ability to increase the aggregate revolving loan commitments under the New Credit Facility by an aggregate amount of up to $50.0 million, subject to the agreement of any existing lenders and/or any additional lenders who are providing such increased commitments. Borrowings under the New Credit Facility will bear interest on a variable rate which will increase and decrease based upon changes in the underlying interest rate and/or our leverage ratio. Any such increases in the interest rate or increases of our borrowings under the New Credit Facility will increase our interest expense.

We may be adversely affected by negative publicity relating to our CEO’s participation as a witness in an SEC action unrelated to our company and the diversion of his attention while participating in such SEC action.

Between 2006 and April 2010, our CEO, Larry L. Enterline, acted as the Chief Executive Officer of COMSYS IT Partners, Inc., a public company. During his tenure at COMSYS, COMSYS was acquired by Manpower, Inc. The Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, has brought an action alleging that a long time personal friend of Mr. Enterline’s, Larry Schvacho, engaged in insider trading of COMSYS’s stock based on material non-public information he wrongfully misappropriated from Mr. Enterline about the transaction with Manpower in advance of that transaction being publicly announced in February 2010. The SEC’s civil suit against Mr. Schvacho was filed on July 24, 2012.

Mr. Enterline has not been named as a defendant in the SEC’s suit nor has he been accused of any wrongdoing by the SEC. Mr. Enterline has been identified as a witness in the SEC’s case against Mr. Schvacho and has been deposed in connection with that case. The deadline for completion of all discovery in the SEC’s case against Mr. Schvacho was May 15, 2013. The Court has established a timetable for the briefing of dispositive motions that might resolve the SEC’s claims against Mr. Schvacho without a trial. If no such motions are filed by July 15, 2013, counsel for the SEC and Mr. Schvacho are required to file papers that will prepare the case for trial. No trial date for the SEC’s action against Mr. Schvacho has yet been set. If and when the SEC’s case against Mr. Schvacho proceeds to trial, Mr. Enterline would likely be subpoenaed to give testimony at that trial. If this occurs, Mr. Enterline’s participation in the trial as a witness could be time consuming and could divert some of his attention and effort from our business. In addition, there could be adverse publicity associated with the trial of Mr. Schvacho that could draw public attention to Mr. Enterline. This adverse publicity could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to certain risks in our manufacturing and in the testing of our products.

As of March 31, 2013, we employed approximately 545 full-time employees worldwide, a large percentage of which work at our manufacturing facilities. Our business involves complex manufacturing processes that can be dangerous to our employees. Although we employ safety procedures in the design and operation of our facilities, there is a risk that an accident or death could occur in one of our facilities. Also, prior to the introduction of new products, our employees test the products under rigorous conditions, which involve the risk of injury or death. Any accident could result in manufacturing or product delays, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. The outcome of litigation is difficult to assess or quantify and the cost to defend litigation can be significant. As a result, the costs to defend any action or the potential liability resulting from any such accident or death or arising out of any other litigation, and any negative publicity associated therewith, could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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We are subject to extensive United States federal and state, foreign and international safety, environmental, employment practices and other government regulations that may require us to incur expenses or modify product offerings in order to maintain compliance with such regulation, which could have a negative effect on our business and results of operations.

We are subject to extensive laws and regulations relating to safety, environmental, employment practices, including wage and hour, wrongful termination and discrimination, and other laws and regulations promulgated by the United States federal and state governments, as well as foreign and international regulatory authorities. Complying with such laws and regulations, and defending against allegations of our failure to comply (including meritless allegations), can be expensive and time consuming. In addition, we are subject to risks of litigation by employees and others which might involve allegations of illegal, unfair or inconsistent employment practices, including wage and hour violations and employment discrimination, misclassification of independent contractors as employees, wrongful termination and other concerns. Although we believe that our products, policies and processes comply with applicable safety, environmental, employment and other standards and related regulations, future regulations may require additional safety standards that would require additional expenses and/or modification of product offerings in order to maintain such compliance. Failure to comply with applicable regulations could result in fines, increased expenses to modify our products and harm to our reputation, all of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Moreover, certain of our customer contracts require us to comply with the standards of voluntary standard-setting organizations, such as the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Failure to comply with the voluntary requirements of such organizations could result in the loss of certain customer contracts, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to environmental laws and regulation and potential exposure for environmental costs and liabilities.

Our operations, facilities and properties are subject to a variety of foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to health, safety and the protection of the environment. These environmental laws and regulations include those relating to the use, generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment and disposal of solid and hazardous materials and wastes, emissions to air, discharges to waters and the investigation and remediation of contamination. Many of these laws impose strict, retroactive, joint and several liability upon owners and operators of properties, including with respect to environmental matters that occurred prior to the time the party became an owner or operator. In addition, we may have liability with respect to third party sites to which we send waste for disposal. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations can result in significant fines, penalties, costs, liabilities or restrictions on operations that could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. From time to time, we have been involved in administrative or legal proceedings relating to environmental, health or safety matters and have in the past incurred expenditures relating to such matters.

We believe that our operations are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. However, additional environmental issues relating to presently known or unknown matters could give rise to currently unanticipated investigation, assessment or expenditures. Compliance with more stringent laws or regulations, as well as different interpretations of existing laws, more vigorous enforcement by regulators or unanticipated

 

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events, could require additional expenditures that may materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Federal, state, local, foreign and international laws and regulations relating to land-use, noise and air pollution may have a negative impact on our future sales and results of operations.

The products in our powered vehicles line are used in vehicles which are subject to numerous federal, state, local, foreign and international laws and regulations relating to noise and air-pollution. Powered vehicles, and even mountain bikes, have also become subject to laws and regulations prohibiting their use on certain lands and trails. For example, in San Mateo County, California, mountain bikes are not allowed on county trails, and ATV and Side-by-Side riding is not allowed in Zion National Park, among many other national and state parks. In addition, recreational snowmobiling has been restricted in some national parks and federal lands in Canada, the United States and other countries. If more of these laws and regulations are passed and the users of our products lose convenient locations to ride their mountain bikes and powered vehicles, our sales could decrease and our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer.

Fuel shortages, or high prices for fuel, could have a negative effect on the use of powered vehicles that use our products.

Gasoline or diesel fuel is required for the operation of the powered vehicles that use our products. There can be no assurance that the supply of these fuels will continue uninterrupted, that rationing will not be imposed or that the price of or tax on these petroleum products will not significantly increase in the future. Shortages of gasoline and diesel fuel and substantial increases in the price of fuel could have a material adverse effect on our powered vehicle product category in the future, which could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We do not control our suppliers or OEMs, or require them to comply with a formal code of conduct, and actions that they might take could harm our reputation and sales.

We do not control our suppliers or OEMs or their labor, environmental or other practices. A violation of labor, environmental or other laws by our suppliers or OEMs, or a failure of these parties to follow generally accepted ethical business practices, could create negative publicity and harm our reputation. In addition, we may be required to seek alternative suppliers or OEMs if these violations or failures were to occur. We do not inspect or audit compliance by our suppliers or OEMs with these laws or practices, and we do not require our suppliers or OEMs or licensees to comply with a formal code of conduct. Other consumer products companies have faced significant criticism for the actions of their suppliers and OEMs, and we could face such problems ourselves. Any of these events could reduce demand for our products, harm our ability to meet demand or harm our reputation, brand image, business, financial condition or results of operations.

We depend on a limited number of suppliers for our materials and component parts for some of our products, and the loss of any of these suppliers or an increase in cost of raw materials could harm our business.

We depend on a limited number of suppliers for certain components. If our current suppliers, in particular the minority of those which are “single-source” suppliers, are unable to timely fulfill orders, or if we are required to transition to other suppliers, we could experience significant

 

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production delays or disruption to our business. We define a single-source supplier as a supplier from which we purchase all of a particular raw material or input used in our manufacturing operations, although other suppliers are available from which to purchase the same raw material or input or an equivalent substitute. We do not maintain long term supply contracts with any of our suppliers and instead purchase these components on a purchase order basis. As a result, we cannot force any supplier to sell us the necessary components we use in creating our products and we could face significant supply disruptions should they refuse to do so. In connection with the transfer of a majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to Taiwan, we could experience difficulties locating new qualified suppliers geographically located closer to these facilities. Furthermore, such new suppliers could experience difficulties in providing us with some or all of the materials we require, which could result in disruptions in our manufacturing operations. If we experience difficulties with our suppliers or manufacturing delays caused by our suppliers, whether in connection with our manufacturing operations in the United States or in Taiwan, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted.

In addition, we purchase various raw materials in order to manufacture our products. The main commodity items purchased for production include aluminum, magnesium and steel. Historically, price fluctuations for these components and raw materials have not had a material impact on our business. In the future, however, if we experience material increases in the price of components or raw materials and are unable to pass on those increases to our customers, or there are shortages in the availability of such component parts or raw materials, it could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

In addition to our various single-source suppliers, we also rely on one “sole-source” supplier, Miyaki Corporation, or Miyaki. We define a sole-source supplier as a supplier of a raw material or input for which there is no other supplier of the same product or an equivalent substitute. Miyaki is the exclusive producer of the Kashima coating for our suspension component tubes. As part of our agreement with Miyaki, we have been granted the exclusive right to use the trademark “KASHIMACOAT” on products comprising the aluminum finished parts for suspension components (e.g., tubes) and on related sales and marketing material worldwide, subject to certain exclusions. Although we believe we could obtain other coatings of comparable utility from other sources if necessary, we could no longer obtain this specific Kashima coating or use the trademark “KASHIMACOAT” if Miyaki were to stop supplying us with this coating. The need to replace the Kashima coating could temporarily disrupt our business and harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The transition of a majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to Taiwan may negatively impact our brand image and consumer loyalty, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

As we transition the majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to Taiwan, no assurances can be given that consumers may not be adversely influenced by the fact that such products will no longer be manufactured in the United States or that consumers and OEM customers may not otherwise perceive that the quality of our products is lowered as a result of the fact that they will be manufactured overseas. Such perceptions could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Federal health care reform legislation could increase our expenses and adversely impact our results of operations.

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 were signed into law in the U.S. These health care reform laws require employers such as us to provide health insurance for all qualifying employees or pay penalties for not providing coverage. We are unable at this time to accurately predict the impact that these laws will have on our future health care benefit and insurance premium costs and also on our costs for temporary employees that we obtain through agencies. If these costs increase and we are unable to raise the prices we charge our customers to cover these increased expenses, such increases in costs could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We rely on increasingly complex information systems for management of our manufacturing, distribution, sales and other functions. If our information systems fail to perform these functions adequately or if we experience an interruption in our operations, our business could suffer.

All of our major operations, including manufacturing, distribution, sales and accounting, are dependent upon our complex information systems. Our information systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from, among other things:

 

 

earthquake, fire, flood, hurricane and other natural disasters;

 

 

power loss, computer systems failure, internet and telecommunications or data network failure; and

 

 

hackers, computer viruses, software bugs or glitches.

Any damage or significant disruption in the operation of such systems or the failure of our information systems to perform as expected could disrupt our operations, reduce our efficiency, delay our fulfillment of customer orders or require significant unanticipated expenditures to correct, and thereby have a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We may grow in the future through acquisitions. Growth by acquisitions involves risks and we may not be able to effectively integrate businesses we acquire or we may not be able to identify or consummate any future acquisitions on favorable terms, or at all.

Although we have not traditionally made acquisitions, we intend to selectively evaluate acquisitions in the future. Any acquisitions that we might make are subject to various risks and uncertainties and could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. These risks include the inability to integrate effectively the operations, products, technologies and personnel of the acquired companies (some of which may be spread out in different geographic regions), the inability to achieve anticipated cost savings or operating synergies, and the risk we may not be able to effectively manage our operations at an increased scale of operations resulting from such acquisitions. In the event we do complete acquisitions in the future, such acquisitions could affect our cash flows and net income as we expend funds, increase indebtedness and incur additional expenses in connection with pursuing acquisitions. We may also issue shares of our common stock or other securities from time to time as consideration for future acquisitions and investments. We may not be able to identify or consummate any future acquisitions on favorable terms, or at all.

 

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Our operating results are subject to quarterly variations in our sales, which could make our operating results difficult to predict and could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, substantial quarterly variations in our sales and net income. Our quarterly results of operations fluctuate, in some cases significantly, as a result of a variety of other factors, including, among other things:

 

 

the timing of new product releases or other significant announcements by us or our competitors;

 

 

new advertising initiatives;

 

 

fluctuations in raw materials and component costs; and

 

 

changes in our practices with respect to building inventory.

As a result of these quarterly fluctuations, comparisons of our operating results between different quarters within a single year are not necessarily meaningful and may not be accurate indicators of our future performance. Any quarterly fluctuations that we report in the future may differ from the expectations of market analysts and investors, which could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly. We also believe that the seasonal nature of our business may have been overshadowed over each of the past few years due to the rapid growth in sales we have experienced during the same period.

Our beliefs regarding the future growth of the high-performance suspension product market are supported by qualitative data and limited sources and may not be reliable. A reduction or lack of continued growth in the popularity of high-end mountain bikes or powered vehicles or in the number of consumers who are willing to pay premium prices for well-designed performance-oriented equipment in the markets in which we sell our products could adversely affect our product sales and profits, financial condition or results of operations.

We generate virtually all of our revenues from sales of high-performance suspension products. Our beliefs regarding the outlook of the high-performance suspension product market come from qualitative data and limited sources, which may not be reliable. If our beliefs regarding the opportunities in the market for our products are incorrect or the number of consumers who we believe are willing to pay premium prices for well-designed performance-oriented equipment in the markets in which we sell our products does not increase, or declines, we may fail to achieve future growth and our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected.

Risks related to this offering and ownership of our common stock

The trading price of our common stock may be volatile, and you might not be able to sell your shares at or above the initial public offering price.

Our common stock has no prior trading history. The trading price of our common stock could be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment in our common stock. Factors affecting the trading price of our common stock could include:

 

 

variations in our operating results or those of our competitors;

 

 

new product or other significant announcements by us or our competitors;

 

 

changes in our product mix;

 

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changes in consumer preferences;

 

 

fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

 

 

the gain or loss of significant customers;

 

 

recruitment or departure of key personnel;

 

 

changes in the estimates of our operating results or changes in recommendations by any securities analysts that elect to follow our common stock;

 

 

changes in general economic conditions as well as conditions affecting our industry in particular;

 

 

sales of our common stock by us, our significant stockholders or our directors or executive officers; and

 

 

the expiration of contractual lock-up agreements.

In addition, in recent years, the stock market has experienced significant price fluctuations. Fluctuations in the stock market generally or with respect to companies in our industry could cause the trading price of our common stock to fluctuate for reasons unrelated to our business, operating results or financial condition. Some companies that have had volatile market prices for their securities have had securities class actions filed against them. A suit filed against us, regardless of its merits or outcome, could cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert management’s attention.

A market for our securities may not develop or be maintained and our stock price may decline after this offering.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for shares of our common stock. An active public trading market for our common stock may not develop or, if it develops, may not be maintained, after this offering. Our company, the selling stockholders and the representatives of the underwriters will negotiate to determine the initial public offering price, and the initial public offering price does not necessarily reflect the price at which investors will be willing to buy and sell our shares following this offering. The initial public offering price may be higher than the trading price of our common stock following this offering. As a result, you could lose all or part of your investment.

Future sales of our shares, or the perception that such sales may occur, could cause our stock price to decline.

If our existing stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or are perceived by the public market as intending to sell, the trading price of our common stock could decline below the initial public offering price. Based on shares outstanding as of March 31, 2013, upon completion of this offering, we will have      shares of common stock outstanding after this offering. Of these shares,      shares of common stock will be freely tradable, without restriction, in the public market. Our executive officers, directors and the holders of substantially all of our shares of common stock have entered into contractual lock-up agreements with the underwriters pursuant to which they have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell or otherwise transfer any of their common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock for a period through the date 180 days after the date of the final prospectus for this offering.

 

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Upon the expiration of the contractual lock-up agreements pertaining to this offering, up to an additional      shares will be eligible for sale in the public market,      of which are held by directors, executive officers and other affiliates and will be subject to volume and manner of sale limitations under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Certain of our existing stockholders have demand and piggyback rights to require us to register with the SEC up to      shares of our common stock. See “Description of capital stock—Registration rights” for more information. If we register any of these shares of common stock, those stockholders would be able to sell those shares freely in the public market.

In addition, the shares that are either subject to outstanding options or that may be granted in the future under our equity incentive plans will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting agreements, the contractual lock-up agreements and Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act.

The following table shows when the      shares of our common stock that will be outstanding when this offering is complete, will be eligible for sale in the public market:

 

       Shares eligible for sale
Date available for sale into public market   

Number

of

shares

  

Percentage

of

outstanding

shares

 

On the date of this prospectus

     

At various times beginning 181 days or more after the date of this prospectus

     

 

After this offering, we intend to register the shares of our common stock that we have issued or may issue under our equity plans. Once we register these shares, they can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to any vesting or contractual lock-up agreements.

In addition, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering authorizes us to issue      shares of common stock, of which      shares will be outstanding after this offering.

If any of these additional shares described are sold, or if it is perceived that they will be sold, in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline. For additional information, see “Shares eligible for future sale.”

We are an “emerging growth company,” and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding advisory “say-on-pay” and “say-when-on-pay” votes on executive compensation and shareholder advisory votes on golden parachute compensation. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of $1 billion or more; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering;

 

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(iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the Exchange Act.

We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive to the extent we rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If securities and industry analysts do not commence and continue coverage of our company, the trading price for our stock would suffer. In the event we obtain securities or industry analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes unfavorable research about our business or our industry, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.

Our Sponsor and our directors and officers and insiders will continue to have substantial control over us after this offering and will be able to influence corporate matters.

Upon completion of this offering, Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, or our Sponsor, and the director affiliated with our Sponsor will beneficially own approximately     % of our outstanding common stock (or approximately     % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares from the selling stockholders in full), and our other directors and executive officers and their affiliates will beneficially own, in the aggregate, approximately     % of our outstanding common stock (or approximately     % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares from the selling stockholders in full). As a result, these stockholders will be able to exercise significant influence and, in the case of our Sponsor, control over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, and approval of any merger, consolidation, or sale of all, or substantially all, of our assets or other significant corporate transactions. In addition, our Sponsor will have input on all matters before our board of directors as our director Elias Sabo is affiliated with our Sponsor. Our Sponsor may also delay or prevent a change of control or otherwise discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us, even if such a change of control would benefit our other stockholders. So long as our Sponsor or any of its affiliates continue to indirectly own a significant amount of our outstanding common stock, even if such amount drops below 50%, they will continue to be able to significantly influence our decisions.

In addition, our Sponsor is in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that may compete directly or indirectly with us. Our Sponsor may also pursue acquisition opportunities that are complementary to our business and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. For information regarding the ownership of our outstanding stock by our Sponsor and our executive officers and directors and their affiliates, see “Principal and selling stockholders.”

 

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We will incur increased costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies, which could adversely affect our operating results.

As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company, including costs associated with public company reporting and corporate governance requirements. These requirements include eventual compliance with Section 404 and other provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules implemented by the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or Nasdaq. In addition, our management team will also have to adapt to the requirements of being a public company. We expect complying with these rules and regulations will substantially increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly.

The increased costs associated with operating as a public company will decrease our net income or increase our net loss, and may require us to reduce costs in other areas of our business or increase the prices of our products or services. Additionally, if these requirements divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

As a public company, we also expect that it may be more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our board of directors or as our executive officers.

If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will experience immediate dilution and additional dilution in the future.

If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will experience immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $     per share because the price that you pay will be substantially greater than the net tangible book value per share of the common stock that you acquire. This dilution is due in large part to the fact that our earlier investors paid substantially less than the initial public offering price when they purchased their shares of our common stock. In addition, you will experience additional dilution upon the exercise of options to purchase common stock under our equity incentive plans. See “Dilution.”

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company.

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, or our Charter Documents, as well as Delaware law, contain provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a change in our management or control over us that stockholders may consider favorable. Among other things, these provisions:

 

 

authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our board of directors to discourage a takeover attempt;

 

 

establish a classified board of directors, as a result of which the successors to the directors whose terms have expired will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following their election;

 

 

require that directors be removed from office only for cause;

 

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provide that vacancies on our board of directors, including newly created directorships, may be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;

 

 

from and after the date that our Sponsor and its affiliates no longer collectively beneficially own (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or the Trigger Date, prohibit stockholder action by written consent, requiring all actions to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders;

 

 

provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by our board of directors, our Chairperson of the board of directors, our Lead Director (if we do not have a Chairperson or the Chairperson is disabled), our Chief Executive Officer or our President (in the absence of a Chief Executive Officer) or, until the Trigger Date, our Sponsor;

 

 

from and after the Trigger Date, require supermajority stockholder voting for our stockholders to effect certain amendments to our Charter Documents; and

 

 

establish advance notice requirements for nominations for elections to our board of directors or for proposing other matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.

In addition, we will be subject to Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or DGCL, which generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any broad range of business combinations with a stockholder owning 15% or more of such corporation’s outstanding voting stock for a period of three years following the date on which such stockholder became an “interested” stockholder. In order for us to consummate a business combination with an interested stockholder within three years of the date on which the stockholder became interested, either (i) the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming interested must be approved by our board of directors prior to the date the stockholder became interested, (ii) the interested stockholder must own at least 85% of our outstanding voting stock at the time the transaction commences (excluding voting stock owned by directors who are also officers and certain employee stock plans) or (iii) the business combination must be approved by our board of directors and authorized by at least two-thirds of our stockholders (excluding the interested stockholder) at a special or annual meeting (not by written consent). This provision could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control, whether or not it is desired by or beneficial to our stockholders. Any delay or prevention of a change in control transaction or changes in our board of directors and management could deter potential acquirers or prevent the completion of a transaction in which our stockholders could receive a substantial premium over the then-current market price for their shares of our common stock. For more information regarding these and other provisions, see “Description of capital stock—Anti-takeover provisions.”

 

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Special note regarding forward-looking statements

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “likely,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 

 

our ability to develop new and innovative products in our current end-markets;

 

 

our ability to leverage our technologies and brand to expand into new categories and end-markets;

 

 

our ability to increase our aftermarket penetration;

 

 

our ability to accelerate international growth;

 

 

our ability to improve operating and supply chain efficiencies;

 

 

our future financial performance, including our sales, cost of sales, gross profit or gross margins, operating expenses, ability to generate positive cash flow and ability to maintain our profitability;

 

 

our ability to maintain our premium brand image and high-performance products;

 

 

our ability to maintain relationships with the professional athletes and race teams we sponsor;

 

 

our transition of the majority of our mountain bike manufacturing operations to Taiwan and our expectations related to such transition;

 

 

our ability to selectively add additional dealers and distributors in certain geographic markets;

 

 

the growth of the markets in which we compete, our expectations regarding consumer preferences and our ability to respond to changes in consumer preferences;

 

 

changes in demand for high-end suspension and ride dynamics products;

 

 

our ability to successfully identify, evaluate and manage potential acquisitions and to benefit from such acquisitions; and

 

 

future economic or market conditions.

We caution you that the forward-looking statements highlighted above do not encompass all of the forward-looking statements made in this prospectus.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors

 

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described in the section titled “Risk factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and challenging environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus. We cannot assure you that the results, events, and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events, or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this prospectus to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may make.

This prospectus also contains statistical data, estimates, and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications or other publicly available information, as well as other information based on our internal sources. Although we believe that the third-party sources referred to in this prospectus are reliable, neither we nor the underwriters have independently verified the information provided by these third parties. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any third-party information presented in this prospectus, their estimates in particular, as they relate to projections, involve numerous assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the section titled “Risk factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

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Use of proceeds

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock that we are selling in this offering will be approximately $     million, assuming an initial public offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.

Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $     per share would increase or decrease the net proceeds that we receive from this offering, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, by approximately $     million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same. Similarly, each increase or decrease of 100,000 shares of common stock sold in this offering by us would increase or decrease the net proceeds that we receive from this offering, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, by approximately $        million, assuming an initial public offering price of $    .

We intend to use the net proceeds that we will receive from this offering to repay a majority of the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility. To the extent that the net proceeds from this offering are insufficient to allow us to fully repay the indebtedness then outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility, we intend to use borrowings under our New Credit Facility to pay any remaining balance outstanding under the Existing Credit Facility. Assuming we receive $     of net proceeds from this offering and the amount of our indebtedness which is outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility at the consummation of this offering is the same as the outstanding indebtedness at March 31, 2013, then we would expect to borrow $         million from the revolver under our New Credit Facility in order to repay the full amount of the indebtedness of our Existing Credit Facility. Our Existing Credit Facility is with our Sponsor who will therefore receive all such repayments. We intend to terminate the Existing Credit Facility upon the consummation of this offering. As of March 31, 2013, $52.9 million of indebtedness was outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility and the interest rate on such outstanding balance was 5.8%. The outstanding balance under our Existing Credit Facility matures on June 18, 2018. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Liquidity and capital resources—Credit facility.” We have used borrowings under our Existing Credit Facility for working capital purposes, capital expenditures and to fund the cash dividend we paid in connection with our June 2012 recapitalization. To the extent we receive net proceeds from this offering in excess of the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility, we intend to use such excess net proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

 

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Dividend policy

In June 2012, in connection with our recapitalization, we paid a cash dividend to our stockholders equal to an aggregate of $67.0 million. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Recapitalization” for additional information. We did not declare or pay any dividends in the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 or during the three months ended March 31, 2013. Although we declared a cash dividend on our common stock in June 2012 in connection with our recapitalization, we intend to retain any future earnings upon completion of this offering and do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, our New Credit Facility will contain covenants limiting our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Credit facility.” Any future determination to declare cash dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable laws, and will depend on a number of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, general business conditions and any other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

 

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Capitalization

The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of March 31, 2013 and is presented:

 

 

on an actual basis; and

 

 

on a pro forma as adjusted basis, reflecting: (i) the filing of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation immediately prior to the consummation of this offering; (ii) the sale of                     shares of common stock by us in this offering at an assumed initial offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us; and (iii) the application of such proceeds to repay a majority of the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility concurrently with the closing of this offering.

The information in this table should be read in conjunction with “Use of proceeds,” “Selected consolidated financial data,” and “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

As of March 31, 2013

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

   Actual    

Pro forma as

adjusted(1)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 136      $     
  

 

 

 
  

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

   $ 49,850      $                

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, actual;      shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted

              

Common stock, $0.001 par value per share: 1,500,000 shares authorized, actual; 720,343 shares issued and outstanding, actual;     shares authorized,     shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted

     1     

Additional paid-in capital

     49,903     

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (6  

Accumulated deficit

     (16,070  
  

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     33,828     
  

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 83,678     
  

 

 

 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)   A $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering price of $     per share would decrease long-term debt, less current portion, and would increase additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total capitalization by $     million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. A $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial offering price of $     per share would increase long-term debt, less current portion, and would decrease additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total capitalization by $     million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. An increase of 100,000 shares in the number of shares sold in this offering by us would decrease long-term debt, less current portion, and would increase additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total capitalization from this offering by $     million, assuming an initial public offering price of $     per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. A decrease of 100,000 shares in the number of shares sold in this offering by us would increase long-term debt, less current portion, and would decrease additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total capitalization from this offering by $     million, assuming an initial public offering price of $     per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

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The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding following this offering is based on                      shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2013, and excludes:

 

 

54,062 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase common stock that were outstanding as of March 31, 2013, with a weighted average exercise price of $226.22 per share;

 

 

     shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase common stock granted after March 31, 2013, with a weighted average exercise price of $     per share; and

 

 

     shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2013 Omnibus Plan.

See “Executive compensation—Equity-based incentive plans.”

 

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Dilution

Our net tangible book value as of March 31, 2013, was $     million, or approximately $     per share of our common stock. Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets, reduced by the amount of our total liabilities, and divided by the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding.

Net tangible book value dilution per share to new investors represents the difference between the amount per share paid by new investors in this offering and the net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after completion of this offering. After giving effect to the pro forma adjustments described above in “Capitalization” and receipt of the net proceeds from our sale of shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and reflecting the application of the net proceeds to us from this offering to repay approximately $     million of the outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2013, would have been $     million, or $     per share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value of $     per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of $     per share to new investors in this offering, as illustrated in the following table:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

            $                

Net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2013

   $               

Increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors in this offering

     
  

 

 

    

Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering

     
     

 

 

 

Dilution per share to new investors in this offering

      $        
     

 

 

 

 

 

A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the range of the initial offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering by $     and increase or decrease dilution per share to new investors in this offering by $     , assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us.

An increase or decrease of 100,000 shares sold in this offering by us would increase or decrease our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering by $     , and increase or decrease dilution per share to new investors in this offering by $     , assuming an initial public offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the range of the initial offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us.

 

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The following table presents on a pro forma as adjusted basis as of March 31, 2013, after giving effect to the differences between the existing stockholders and the new investors in this offering with respect to the number of shares purchased from us, the total consideration paid and the average price paid per share. The table below assumes an initial public offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, and excludes estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

       Shares purchased      Total consideration      Average
price
per
share
 
       Number      Percent      Amount        Percent     

 

 

Existing stockholders

            %       $                  %       $        

New investors in this offering(1)

              

 

 

Totals

            %       $                  %       $        

 

 

 

(1)   Does not reflect shares purchased by new investors from the selling stockholders.

A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the total consideration paid by new investors in this offering and the total consideration paid by all stockholders by $     , assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same. An increase or decrease of 100,000 shares in the number of shares sold in this offering by us would increase or decrease the total consideration paid by new investors in this offering and the total consideration paid by all stockholders by $     , assuming an initial public offering price of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

Sales of shares of common stock by the selling stockholders in this offering will reduce the number of shares of common stock held by existing stockholders to     , or approximately     % of the total shares of common stock outstanding after our initial public offering, and will increase the number of shares held by new investors to     , or approximately     % of the total shares of common stock outstanding after our initial public offering.

If the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, our existing stockholders would own     % and new investors in this offering would own     % of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering.

The tables and calculations above assume no exercise of outstanding options. As of March 31, 2013, there were      shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of approximately $     per share. To the extent outstanding options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors purchasing common stock in this offering. See “Description of capital stock” and “Executive compensation—Equity-based incentive plans.”

 

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Selected consolidated financial data

The following selected consolidated statements of income data for each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011 and 2012, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated statements of income data for each of the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this prospectus. The selected consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2013, are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared on a basis consistent with our audited consolidated financial statements and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the financial information set forth in those statements.

The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period, and the results for any interim period may not necessarily be indicative of the results for the full year. You should read the selected consolidated financial and operating data for the periods presented in conjunction with “Risk factors,” “Capitalization,” “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

      For the years ended December 31,     For the three months
ended March 31,
 
 

 

 

 
(in thousands, except per
share data)
  2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2012     2013  

 

 

Sales

  $ 131,734      $ 121,519      $ 170,983      $ 197,739      $ 235,869      $ 45,671      $ 54,878   

Cost of sales(1)

    95,860        87,038        122,373        140,849        173,040        32,572        39,163   
 

 

 

 

Gross profit

    35,874        34,481        48,610        56,890        62,829        13,099        15,715   

Operating expenses:

             

Sales and marketing(1)

    8,667        8,269        10,293        11,748        12,570        3,177        3,284   

Research and development(1)

    4,804        5,545        7,321        9,750        9,727        2,376        2,355   

General and administrative(1)

    6,195        4,792        6,202        7,588        9,063        1,951        2,673   

Amortization of purchased intangibles

    5,500        5,217        5,217        5,217        5,315        1,304        1,341   
 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    25,166        23,823        29,033        34,303        36,675        8,808        9,653   
 

 

 

 

Income from operations

    10,708        10,658        19,577        22,587        26,154        4,291        6,062   

Other expense, net:

             

Interest expense

    (4,871     (3,089     (2,637     (1,982     (3,486     (233     (957

Other income (expense), net

    14        44        39        (13     (277     (46     34   
 

 

 

 

Total other expense, net

    (4,857     (3,045     (2,598     (1,995     (3,763     (279     (923
 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

    5,851        7,613        16,979        20,592        22,391        4,012        5,139   

 

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      For the years ended December 31,    

For the three months

ended March 31,

 
 

 

 

 
(in thousands, except per
share data)
  2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2012     2013  

 

 

Provision for income taxes

    2,015        2,585        6,210        7,054        8,181        1,373        1,590   
 

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 3,836      $ 5,028      $ 10,769      $ 13,538      $ 14,210      $ 2,639      $ 3,549   
 

 

 

 

Earnings per share (actual and pro forma):

             

Basic

  $ 5.94      $ 7.75      $ 16.62      $ 20.92      $ 20.59      $ 4.04      $ 4.93   

Diluted

  $ 5.77      $ 7.46      $ 15.72      $ 19.45      $ 20.30      $ 3.76      $ 4.83   

Weighted average common shares used to compute net income per share (actual and pro forma):

             

Basic

    646        649        648        647        690        653        720   

Diluted

    665        674        685        696        700        701        735   

Supplemental pro forma net income per share (unaudited)(2)

             

Shares used to calculate supplemental pro forma net income per share (unaudited)

             

Dividends per share

  $      $      $      $      $ 92.99      $      $   

 

 

 

(1)   Includes stock-based compensation (excluding tax effect) as follows:

 

      

For the years ended December 31,

     For the three months
ended March 31,
 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(in thousands)

   2008      2009      2010      2011      2012      2012      2013  

 

 

Cost of sales

   $       $       $       $       $       $       $   

Sales and marketing

     27         27         40         78         160         33         33   

Research and development

     12         12         12         12         29         3         17   

General and administrative

     264         385         472         940         1,959         267         652   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     304         425       $ 524       $ 1,030       $ 2,148       $ 303       $ 702   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)   Unaudited supplemental pro forma net income per share has been presented in accordance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1.B.3, or SAB 1.B.3. As outlined in SAB 1.B.3, the special dividend paid in June 2012 was in excess of the net income for the twelve-months ended March 31, 2013 of $15.1 million. Accordingly, under SAB 1.B.3, the company has included all shares, for which proceeds accrue to the company, issued under this offering in the shares used to calculate supplemental pro forma net income per share.

 

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Our consolidated balance sheet data is as follows:

 

       As of December 31,     As of March 31,  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2011      2012     2013  
(in thousands)                 (unaudited)  

 

 

Consolidated balance sheet data:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 114       $ 15       $ 136   

Inventory

     29,531         34,255        42,734   

Working capital

     23,108         25,142        23,786   

Property and equipment, net

     9,005         11,789        12,105   

Total assets

     129,956         142,120        147,429   

Total debt, including current portion

     15,293         59,250 (1)      52,850   

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 67,295       $ 29,584 (2)    $ 33,828   

 

 

 

(1)   In June 2012, we engaged in a recapitalization involving our debt, stock options and share purchases. In connection with the recapitalization, we amended our Existing Credit Facility. Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we intend to use the net proceeds that we receive from this offering to repay our then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility. To the extent the net proceeds from this offering are insufficient to allow us to fully repay the indebtedness then outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility, we intend to use borrowings under our New Credit Facility to pay any remaining balance outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility in full. We intend to terminate the Existing Credit Facility upon the consummation of this offering. See “Capitalization,” “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and “Related party transactions—Recapitalization.”
(2)   In June 2012, we paid a $67.0 million cash dividend as part of our recapitalization. See “Related party transactions—Recapitalization.”

 

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Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the section titled “Selected consolidated financial data” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. You should review the “Risk factors” and “Special note regarding forwarding-looking statements” sections of this prospectus for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Overview

We are a designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance suspension products used primarily on mountain bikes, side-by-side vehicles, or Side-by-Sides, on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, and motorcycles. We currently sell to over 150 OEMs and distribute our products to more than 2,300 retail dealers and distributors worldwide. In each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, approximately 78%, 80% and 81%, respectively, of our sales were attributable to sales made to our OEM customers. The remaining sales were to our aftermarket customers. Virtually all of our sales are from sales of our products; miscellaneous sources of revenue such as royalty income and service related repair work and the associated sale of components represented less than 1% of our sales in each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

We have determined that we operate in one reportable segment, which is the manufacturing, sale and service of ride dynamics products. Our products fall into the following two categories:

 

 

mountain bikes; and

 

 

powered vehicles, including Side-by-Sides, on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, and motorcycles.

A significant portion of our sales are dependent on the demand for high-end or premium priced mountain bikes and their suspension components. In each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, approximately 75%, 69% and 67%, respectively, of our sales were attributable to sales of suspension products for mountain bikes and approximately 25%, 31% and 33%, respectively, of our sales were attributable to sales of suspension products for powered vehicles.

Our domestic sales totaled $53.5 million, $65.8 million and $84.3 million, or 31%, 33% and 36% of our total sales in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Our international sales totaled $117.4 million, $132.0 million and $151.6 million, or 69%, 67% and 64% of our total sales in each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Sales attributable to countries outside the United States are based on shipment location. Our international sales, however, do not necessarily reflect the location of the end users of our products as many of our products are incorporated into mountain bikes that are assembled at international locations and then shipped back to the United States. We estimate, based on our internal projections, that approximately one-third of the end users of our products are located outside the United States.

 

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In January 2008, our Sponsor acquired a controlling equity interest in us. Our Sponsor acquires and manages a diversified group of leading middle-market businesses headquartered in North America. Our Sponsor’s parent, Compass Diversified Holdings, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “CODI.” In connection with our Sponsor’s acquisition of a controlling interest in us, we entered into the Existing Credit Facility with our Sponsor and a management services agreement, or the Management Services Agreement, with Compass Group Management LLC, or CGM, a Delaware limited liability company and the manager of Compass Diversified Holdings. As a subsidiary of a public company listed on the NYSE, we have implemented certain corporate governance practices and adhere to a variety of reporting requirements and accounting rules as they relate to Compass Diversified Holdings. Following the completion of this offering, however, we will be required to implement additional corporate governance practices and to adhere to additional reporting requirements and compliance with these and other obligations as a public company will require significant time and resources from management, require the hiring of additional personnel, and will increase our legal, insurance, and financial costs. Following the completion of this offering, the Management Services Agreement with CGM, under which we paid $0.5 million in management fees in each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, will be terminated. We pay such fees quarterly in arrears and other than paying any accrued but unpaid fees for the quarter during which this offering closes, no separate termination fee will be due under this agreement when it is terminated. We expect the elimination of such management fees following the completion of this offering to offset a portion of the additional significant legal, insurance and financial costs we will incur as a result of becoming a public company.

In June 2012, we engaged in a recapitalization involving our debt, stock options and various share purchases. In connection with our recapitalization, we entered into an amendment to our Existing Credit Facility with our Sponsor, which, among other changes, provided for a $60.0 million term loan and increased the revolver commitment under that facility by $2.0 million to a total commitment of $30.0 million. Borrowings under our Existing Credit Facility in large part enabled us to fund a $67.0 million cash dividend to our stockholders as part of the recapitalization. The recapitalization also included other transactions, including various transactions involving stock options and the purchase and sale of shares among us, our Sponsor and certain of our executives and directors. Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we intend to use the net proceeds that we will receive from this offering to repay the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility. To the extent the net proceeds from this offering are insufficient to allow us to fully repay the indebtedness then outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility, we intend to use borrowings under our New Credit Facility to pay any remaining balance outstanding under the Existing Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2013, the outstanding borrowings under our Existing Credit Facility were $52.9 million. The New Credit Facility is expected to consist of a $60.0 million revolving line of credit, including a $5.0 million sublimit swingline loans and a $10.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. In connection with the termination of the Existing Credit Facility, we expect to have a non-cash charge of approximately $1.6 million related to our unamortized loan origination costs. See “—Liquidity and capital resources” and “Related party transactions—Recapitalization.”

Opportunities, challenges and risks

We intend to focus on generating sales of our high-performance suspension products through OEMs and in the aftermarket channel. To do this, we intend to continue to develop and introduce new and innovative products in our current end-markets and we intend to selectively develop products for applications and end-markets in which we do not currently participate.

 

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Currently, virtually all of our sales are dependent on the demand for high-performance suspension products. While we have recently introduced a new non-suspension product (our adjustable seat post for mountain bikes), this product comprised less than 1% of our sales in 2012. We may not achieve the desired level of sales for this product or for other new products that we introduce in the future.

Our aftermarket distribution network currently consists of more than 2,300 retail dealers and distributors worldwide. To further penetrate the aftermarket channel, we intend to selectively add additional dealers and distributors in certain geographic markets, expand our internal sales force and strategically increase the number of aftermarket specific products and services which we offer for existing vehicle platforms. In addition, we believe international expansion represents a significant opportunity for us and we intend to selectively increase infrastructure investments and focus on identified geographic regions.

As a supplier to OEM customers, we are largely dependent on the success of the business of our OEM customers. Model year changes by our OEM customers may adversely impact our sales or cause our sales to vary from quarter to quarter. Losses in market share or a decline in the overall market of our OEM customers or the discontinuance by our OEM customers of their products which incorporate our products could negatively impact our business and our results of operations.

We have begun the process of transitioning a majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to our facility in Taiwan and we contemplate that this transition will continue through 2015. We anticipate that this transition, when completed, will enable us to shorten production lead times to our mountain bike OEM customers, improve supply chain efficiencies and reduce our manufacturing costs. We also believe that this transition, once completed, will improve operating margins in the medium to long term. However, in the short term during this transition process we expect to incur some duplication of facilities, equipment and personnel which will increase our costs and could vary materially from our projections. In addition, this transition process could also cause manufacturing problems and give rise to execution risks which could negatively impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

From time to time we have experienced, and may continue to experience, warranty costs and claims relating to our products. In the ordinary course of business we reserve against such costs and claims in our financial statements. There is a risk, however, that in the future we will experience higher than expected warranty costs and claims, as well as other related costs.

We intend to evaluate selective potential acquisition opportunities for high-performance products and technologies that we believe will help us extend our ride dynamics product platform. Any acquisitions that we might make are subject to various risks and uncertainties and could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

Basis of presentation

Sales are comprised of:

Sales from:

 

 

Product sales: consists of sales of products sold primarily to our OEM and aftermarket customers. We recognize revenue when products are shipped, title has transferred, collection

 

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of the receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, and the sales price to our customers is fixed or determinable;

 

 

Service sales: consists of sales of service related repair work and the associated sale of products. We recognize revenue when service products are shipped, title has transferred, collection of the receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, and the sales price to our customers is fixed or determinable;

 

 

Royalty income: consists of licensing fees and royalties earned by us from contractual relationships we have with third parties that allow them to use our intellectual property in return for fees. We recognize royalty income when collection of the receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, and generally upon the reporting of royalties by the licensee; and

 

 

Shipping and handling fees: we include shipping and handling fees billed to customers in sales.

Net of:

 

 

Sales returns allowances: consists of an estimate of our sales returns. This allowance is based upon estimates of the projected returns in future periods based on our experience with returns recorded in previous periods; and

 

 

Rebates: consists of incentives we provide to customers based on sales of eligible products.

We attribute our past growth in sales predominantly to increases in the number of units sold to our OEM customers in both our mountain bike and powered vehicle product categories. To a lesser degree, increases in our average sales prices have also contributed to our past sales growth, as we have introduced innovations to and improved the functionality of many of our products, which enabled us, in many cases, to increase our sale prices for such products.

Cost of sales

The cost of sales includes the cost of manufactured products (raw materials consumed, the cost to procure materials, labor costs, including wages, and employee benefits, and factory overhead to produce finished good products), including:

 

 

the cost to inspect and repair products;

 

 

shipping costs associated with inbound freight. These costs are capitalized as part of inventory and included in cost of sales as the inventory is sold;

 

 

royalty expenses, including payments to certain parties for our use of licensed technology incorporated into our products;

 

 

freight expense incurred for certain shipments to customers, excluding customers who pay for their own freight;

 

 

warranty costs associated with the repair or replacement of products under warranty; and

 

 

reductions in the cost of inventory to its net realizable value, if required, for estimated excess, obsolescence or impaired balances.

 

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Gross profit/gross margin

Our gross profit equals our sales minus cost of sales. Our gross margin measures our gross profit as a percentage of sales.

Our gross margins fluctuate based on product, customer and channel mix as certain of our products are sold at higher gross margins than others. Generally, we earn higher gross margins on our products sold to the aftermarket channel and we typically earn lower gross margins on the products we sell to OEMs. In the near term, we anticipate our gross margins will be generally in line with our historical results. We anticipate that the improvements we are pursuing from our cost initiatives, which are designed to improve our operating efficiencies, will be offset in the short term by duplicative costs we expect to incur as a result of our planned transition of a majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to our operations in Taiwan. In the medium to long term, we anticipate that this transition should benefit our gross margins.

Operating expenses

Our operating expenses consist of the following:

 

 

sales and marketing;

 

 

research and development;

 

 

general and administrative; and

 

 

amortization of purchased intangibles.

Our sales and marketing expenses include costs related to our sales, customer service and marketing personnel, including their wages, employee benefits and related stock-based compensation, and occupancy related expenses. Other significant sales and marketing expenses include race support and sponsorships of events and athletes, advertising and promotions related to trade shows, travel and entertainment, and promotional materials, products and our sales offices costs.

Our research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and personnel costs, including wages, employee benefits and related stock-based compensation for our engineering, research and development teams, occupancy related expenses, fees for third party consultants, service fees, and expenses for prototype tooling and materials, travel, and supplies. We expense research and development costs as incurred and such costs are included as research and development expenses on our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Our general and administrative expenses include costs related to our executive, finance, information technology, human resources and administrative personnel, including wages, employee benefits and related stock-based compensation expenses. We record professional and contract service expenses, occupancy related expenses associated with corporate locations and equipment, and legal expenses in general and administrative expenses. Currently we pay annual management fees of $0.5 million to CGM, which are paid quarterly in arrears and are included as part of general and administrative expenses. These fees will discontinue upon the closing of this offering. We expect the elimination of these management fees following the completion of this offering will offset a portion of the additional legal, insurance, and accounting costs we expect to incur related to compliance and other public company expenses.

 

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Our amortization of intangibles includes amortization over their respective useful lives of our purchased intangible assets, such as customer lists and our core technology. Our intangible assets, the substantial majority of which were established as a result of our Sponsor’s acquisition of us in 2008, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be fully recoverable. No impairments on intangible assets were identified in the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

In the near term, we anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase both in terms of absolute dollars and when expressed as a percentage of sales as we incur additional expenses, including those associated with becoming a public company. In the long term, we generally anticipate that our sales and marketing, and research and development expenses will increase in terms of absolute dollars, but we anticipate these expenses, excluding stock-based compensation expenses, should remain relatively constant when expressed as a percentage of our sales. We can give no assurance that these expectations will be realized.

Income from operations

We define income from operations as gross profit less our operating expenses. We use income from operations as an indicator of the profitability of our business and our ability to manage costs.

Other expense, net

Other expense, net consists of interest expense and other income (expense), net. Interest expense consists of interest charged to us under our credit facility. In connection with the closing of this offering, we intend to enter into our New Credit Facility. See “—Liquidity and capital resources.”

Other income (expense), net consists of miscellaneous income and (expenses), foreign currency transaction gains and losses, and losses recognized on the sale or disposal of certain assets.

In connection with the termination of the Existing Credit Facility at the closing of this offering, we expect to have a non-cash charge of approximately $1.6 million related to our unamortized loan origination costs.

Income taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and various other foreign jurisdictions in which we do business. Some of these foreign jurisdictions have higher statutory tax rates than those in the United States, and certain of our international earnings are also taxable in the United States. Accordingly, our effective tax rates will vary depending on the relative proportion of foreign to U.S. income and absorption of foreign tax credits, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in tax laws. In addition, we are subject to examination of our income tax returns by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our income tax liabilities and expense. Should actual events or results differ from our current expectations, charges or credits to our income tax liabilities and income tax expense may become necessary. Any such adjustments could have a significant impact on our results of operations.

Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, an uncertain income tax position will not be recognized unless it has a greater than 50% likelihood (i.e., more-likely-than-not) of

 

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being sustained and then, measured only to the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. We established liabilities for uncertain tax positions and deferred taxes associated with the deductibility of certain amortization and depreciation expenses. The liability for uncertain income tax positions represents the amount of tax we would be required to pay if certain tax deductions previously claimed on tax returns were not allowed upon examination by the taxing authorities. The liability for deferred taxes represents additional taxes that would be payable in future periods because of the potential non-deductibility of future amortization and depreciation expenses.

As of December 31, 2012, our balance sheet reflected a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $7.3 million. The unrecognized tax benefits are primarily due to the uncertainty of the deductibility of amortization and depreciation expenses which were incurred as a result of our Sponsor’s acquisition of us in 2008. In addition, as of December 31, 2012, our balance sheet reflected a related deferred tax liability of $15.2 million based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of certain assets, which represents the amount of tax we would be required to pay in the future based on the current enacted tax rates if the tax deductions associated with this amortization and depreciation were not claimed and allowed on our income tax returns. This deferred tax liability will decrease each year we expense the associated amortization and depreciation for accounting purposes. However, this reduction is not anticipated to be associated with actual cash payments. We expect to decrease our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and recognize a reduction in income tax expense (and an increase in net income) because of the expiration of statutes of limitations in the amount of approximately $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2013. However, reductions in the related deferred tax liability will over time be associated with offsetting increases to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits. We generally expect to recognize a reduction in income tax expense (and an increase in net income) through the expiration of statutes of limitations in the amount of approximately $1.4 to $1.5 million in each third quarter from 2014 through 2027 and approximately $0.1 to $0.3 million in each fourth quarter from 2014 through 2028. These annual reductions in our income tax expense will cease if it is determined upon examination of the tax authorities that the deductions are not valid and the liabilities for the uncertain income tax position and the associated deferred tax liability will have to be settled for cash. If we subsequently determine that we have met the more-likely-than-not threshold that these deductions will be sustained, the balance of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that would be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense, except for approximately $1.0 million, which would increase the deferred tax liability to the extent of taxes associated with tax amortization of intangibles with indeterminate lives, and the related unamortized deferred tax liabilities will be recognized as a one-time income tax benefit.

Income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. As of December 31, 2012, we did not have any valuation allowances recorded as we expect to fully utilize all of our deferred tax assets and we did not have any net operating loss or tax credit carry-forwards. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, we had effective tax rates of 36.6%, 34.3% and 36.5%, respectively. We anticipate that our effective tax rate in 2013 will be slightly less than our effective tax rate for 2012 and that in the medium term our effective

annual tax rates should be approximately 34% to 36%, however our actual effective annual tax

 

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rates will vary based on several factors, including the geographic mix of our sales, changes in future tax rates, and the treatment of the unrecognized tax benefits mentioned above.

Results of operations

The table below summarizes our results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013.

 

      Years Ended December 31,    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
 

 

 

 
(in thousands)   2010     2011     2012     2012     2013  

 

 

Sales

  $ 170,983      $ 197,739      $ 235,869      $ 45,671      $ 54,878   

Cost of sales

    122,373        140,849        173,040        32,572        39,163   
 

 

 

 

Gross profit

    48,610        56,890        62,829        13,099        15,715   

Operating expenses:

         

Sales and marketing

    10,293        11,748        12,570        3,177        3,284   

Research and development

    7,321        9,750        9,727        2,376        2,355   

General and administrative

    6,202        7,588        9,063        1,951        2,673   

Amortization of purchased intangibles

    5,217        5,217        5,315        1,304        1,341   
 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    29,033        34,303        36,675        8,808        9,653   
 

 

 

 

Income from operations

    19,577        22,587        26,154        4,291        6,062   

Other expense, net:

         

Interest expense

    (2,637     (1,982     (3,486     (233     (957

Other income (expense), net

    39        (13     (277     (46     34   
 

 

 

 

Total other expense, net

    (2,598     (1,995     (3,763     (279     (923
 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

    16,979        20,592        22,391        4,012        5,139   

Provision for income taxes

    6,210        7,054        8,181        1,373        1,590   
 

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 10,769      $ 13,538      $ 14,210      $ 2,639      $ 3,549   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The following table sets forth our gross profit as well as our operating and other income and expenses and other information for the periods presented, expressed as a percentage of total revenues.

 

       Years Ended December 31,     Three Months Ended
March 31,
  

 

 

     2010     2011     2012     2012     2013      

 

Sales

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0  

Cost of sales

     71.6        71.2        73.4        71.3        71.4     
  

 

 

Gross profit

     28.4        28.8        26.6        28.7        28.6     

Operating expenses:

            

Sales and marketing

     6.0        6.0        5.3        7.0        6.0     

Research and development

     4.3        4.9        4.1        5.2        4.3     

General and administrative

     3.6        3.8        3.8        4.3        4.9     

Amortization of purchased intangibles

     3.1        2.6        2.3        2.8        2.4     
  

 

 

Total operating expenses

     17.0        17.3        15.5        19.3        17.6     
  

 

 

Income from operations

     11.4        11.5        11.1        9.4        11.0     

Other expense, net:

            

Interest expense

     (1.5     (1.0     (1.6     (0.5     (1.7  

Other income (expense), net

     *        *        *        (0.1     0.1     
  

 

 

Total other expense, net

     (1.5     (1.0     (1.6     (0.6     (1.6  
  

 

 

Income before income taxes

     9.9        10.5        9.5        8.8        9.4     

Provision for income taxes

     3.6        3.6        3.5        3.0        2.9     
  

 

 

Net income

     6.3     6.9     6.0     5.8     6.5  
  

 

 

 

 

*   Represents less than 0.1%

Three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to three months ended March 31, 2012

Sales

Sales for the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased approximately $9.2 million, or 20.2%, compared to the same period in 2012. Sales of mountain bike and powered vehicle products increased 16.1% and 27.8%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the comparable prior year period. Sales growth was primarily driven by sales to OEMs which increased $7.7 million to $43.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $36.0 million for the same period in 2012. The increase in sales to OEMs was largely driven by increased specification, or spec, positions with our OEM customers. The remaining increase in sales totaling $1.5 million reflects increased sales to aftermarket customers in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The increase in sales to aftermarket customers is due to higher end user demand for our products.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales for the year three months ended March 31, 2013 increased approximately $6.6 million, or 20.2% compared to the same period in 2012. The increase in cost of sales was due to increased sales during the three months ended March 31, 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 our gross margin was 28.6% compared to 28.7% for the same period in 2012.

 

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Operating expenses

Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased approximately $0.8 million, or 9.6%, over the same period in 2012. When expressed as a percentage of sales, operating expenses declined to 17.6% of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 19.3% of sales in the same period in 2012.

Within operating expenses, our sales and marketing expenses increased in the three months ended March 31, 2013 by $0.1 million to $3.3 million from $3.2 million in the same period in 2012 primarily due to increases of personnel related expenditures for new hires of approximately $0.2 million, which was partially offset by a $0.1 million reduction in other marketing related expenses.

Our research and development expenses were essentially unchanged in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 as increases in personnel related expenses for additional employees of approximately $0.1 million were offset by a reduction of approximately $0.1 million in project and prototype expenses.

Our general and administrative expenses increased in the three months ended March 31, 2013 by $0.7 million to $2.7 million from $2.0 million in the same period in 2012. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $0.4 million in stock compensation expenses and an increase of $0.3 million in other non-personnel general and administrative expenses.

Amortization of purchased intangible assets increased slightly due to the acquisition of intellectual property.

Income from operations

Income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased approximately $1.8 million, or 41.3%, compared to income from operations in the same period in 2012. The increase in income from operations was primarily the result of our increase in gross profit of $2.6 million, partially offset by our increases in general and administrative and sales and marketing expenses in total of $0.8 million.

Other expense, net

Other expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased by approximately $0.6 million to $0.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $0.3 million in the same period in 2012. Within Other expense, net, interest expense increased in the three months ended March 31, 2013 by $0.7 million due primarily to increased average borrowings under our existing credit facility. Other income (expense), net for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was effectively unchanged from the same period in 2012.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased by approximately $0.2 million to $1.6 million compared to income tax expense of $1.4 million in the same period in 2012. Effective tax rates were 30.9% and 34.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was primarily caused by retroactive extension of the R&D tax credit as a result of a recent change in tax law.

 

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Net income

As a result of the factors discussed above, our net income increased $0.9 million, or 34.5%, to $3.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $2.6 million for the same period in 2012.

Year ended December 31, 2012 compared to year ended December 31, 2011

Sales

Sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased approximately $38.1 million, or 19.3%, compared to 2011. Sales of mountain bike and powered vehicle products increased 16.2% and 26.1%, respectively, in 2012 compared to 2011. Sales growth was primarily driven by sales to OEMs which increased $32.0 million to $189.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $157.9 million for the same period in 2011. The increase in sales to OEMs was largely driven by increased specification, or spec, positions with our OEM customers and, to a lesser degree, by increased sales on vehicle models where our products had previously been specified in prior years. The remaining increase in sales totaling $6.1 million reflects increased sales to aftermarket customers in the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 2011. The increase in sales to aftermarket customers is due to higher end user demand for our products.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased approximately $32.2 million, or 22.9% compared to 2011. The increase in cost of sales in absolute dollars was primarily due to increased sales during 2012 when compared to the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2012 our gross margin was 26.6% compared to 28.8% for the same period in 2011. Several factors contributed to the 2.2% decrease in gross margin in 2012, including an aggregate of $2.8 million in the year for higher warranty related costs for upgrades to our dampers contained in our suspension products, which costs included a $1.8 million increase in our warranty reserve to replace these dampers and approximately $1.0 million in other warranty related costs. In addition, due to increases in customer orders above the amounts forecasted, we incurred $1.7 million of incremental expedited in-bound freight costs related to products sold to customers. The other material factors contributing to the margin decrease in 2012 included increased overhead costs of approximately $0.9 million associated with consolidating our Watsonville operations and increased costs of approximately $1.1 million associated with expanding our operations in Taiwan.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased approximately $2.4 million, or 6.9%, over 2011. When expressed as a percentage of sales, operating expenses declined to 15.5% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 17.3% of sales in 2011.

Within operating expenses, our sales and marketing expenses increased in 2012 by $0.8 million to $12.6 million from $11.7 million in 2011 primarily due to increases of personnel related expenditures for new hires of approximately $0.6 million, and increased expenditures for marketing and business travel and supplies, equipment and services of approximately $0.2 million.

Our research and development expenses were essentially unchanged in 2012 compared to 2011 as increases in personnel related expenses for additional employees of approximately $0.2 million

 

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and additional expenses for projects and prototypes and other expenses of approximately $0.3 million were offset by a reduction of approximately $0.5 million in third party consulting fees.

Our general and administrative expenses increased in 2012 by $1.5 million to $9.1 million from $7.6 million in 2011, primarily due to increased levels of personnel related expenses of approximately $1.4 million, which was primarily due to stock compensation expenses of approximately $1.0 million. In addition, there were increases in general corporate overhead in 2012 of approximately $0.1 million.

Amortization of purchased intangible assets increased by $0.1 million due to the acquisition of intellectual property.

Income from operations

Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased approximately $3.6 million, or 15.8%, compared to income from operations in 2011. The increase in income from operations was primarily the result of our increased sales in 2012 compared to 2011, which was partially offset by the increases in cost of sales and operating expenses described above.

Other expense, net

Other expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased by approximately $1.8 million to $3.8 million in 2012 compared to $2.0 million of other expense, net in 2011. Within other income (expense), interest expense increased in 2012 by $1.5 million due primarily to increased average borrowings under our Existing Credit Facility. In addition, other expenses, net increased in 2012 by $0.3 million primarily due to a loss on the disposal of assets which were no longer needed.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased by approximately $1.1 million to $8.2 million compared to income tax expense of $7.1 million in 2011. Effective tax rates were 36.5% and 34.3% for 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rates for 2012 was primarily caused by the December 31, 2011 expiration of the ability to generate additional federal research and development credit. As of December 31, 2012, this credit had lapsed, although it has been subsequently extended.

Net income

As a result of the factors discussed above, our net income increased $0.7 million, or 5.2%, to $14.2 million in 2012 from $13.5 million for 2011.

Year ended December 31, 2011 compared to year ended December 31, 2010

Sales

Sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased approximately $26.8 million, or 15.6%, compared to 2010. Sales of mountain bike and powered vehicle products increased 6.2% and 43.7%, respectively, in 2011 compared to 2010. The increases in sales was primarily driven by sales to OEMs which increased $23.7 million to $157.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $134.2 million in 2010. The increase in sales to OEMs was largely driven by increased

 

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spec positions with our OEM customers and, to a lesser degree, by increased sales on vehicle models where our products had previously been specified in prior years. The remaining increase in sales totaling $3.1 million reflects increased sales to aftermarket customers in 2011 compared to the prior year. The increase in sales to aftermarket customers was due to higher end user demand for our products.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased approximately $18.5 million, or 15.1%, compared to the corresponding period in 2010. The increase in cost of sales in absolute dollars is primarily attributable to the increase in sales for the period. For the year ended December 31, 2011 our gross margin was 28.8% compared to 28.4% for 2010. The 0.4% increase in gross margin during the year ended December 31, 2011 was primarily attributable to efficiencies achieved in connection with the increased production volume during 2011. These gains were partially offset by an unfavorable product and customer mix compared to 2010, increased raw material commodity costs and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased approximately $5.3 million over the corresponding period in 2010. When expressed as a percentage of sales, operating expenses were 17.3% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 17.0% of sales in 2010.

Within operating expenses, our sales and marketing expenses increased in 2011 by $1.4 million to $11.7 million from $10.3 million in 2010 primarily due to increases of personnel related expenditures of approximately $0.6 million, which increases were primarily a result of the hiring of additional personnel. In addition, expenses for marketing and related travel increased by approximately $0.5 million and for supplies, equipment, services and other related expenses increased by approximately $0.3 million in 2011 compared to 2010.

Our research and development expenses increased in 2011 by $2.5 million to $9.8 million from $7.3 million in 2010. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily as a result of increased employee costs related to additional employees of approximately $1.2 million and increases in supplies, equipment and services costs of approximately $0.3 million, expenses for research and development related projects and prototypes of approximately $0.6 million and other related expenses of approximately $0.4 million in 2011 when compared to 2010.

Our general and administrative expenses increased in 2011 by $1.4 million to $7.6 million from $6.2 million in 2010. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased personnel related expenses of approximately $0.9 million, including $0.5 million of stock compensation expenses, and increases in other general and administrative expenses of approximately $0.5 million in 2011 when compared to 2010.

Amortization of purchased intangible assets remained the same in 2011 compared to 2010.

Income from operations

Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased approximately $3.0 million, or 15.4%, compared to income from operations in 2010, based principally on the increase in sales, offset in part by the increases in selling, general and administrative costs, as described above.

 

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Other expense, net

Other expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased by approximately $0.6 million to $2.0 million from $2.6 million in 2010. The decrease in other expense, net was due primarily to decreased interest expense in 2011 of $0.8 million compared to 2010 as result of less average borrowings outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility, which decrease was partially offset by an increase of other expenses of $0.2 million.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense for 2011 increased by approximate $0.9 million to $7.1 million compared to income tax expense of $6.2 million in 2010. Effective tax rates were 34.3% and 36.6% for 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decline in the effective tax rates for 2011 was primarily caused by a one-time adjustment in 2010 for a change in the effective tax rate applied to our deferred tax liabilities from 34% to 35%.

Net income

As a result of the factors discussed above net income increased $2.7 million, or 25.7%, to $13.5 million in 2011 from $10.8 million in 2010.

 

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Quarterly Results of Operations

The following tables set forth our unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of operations data and our unaudited statement of operations data as a percentage of total revenue for each of the five quarters in the period ended March 31, 2013. The unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of operation data were prepared on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of management, the quarterly financial information reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of this data. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period, and the results for any interim period may not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.

 

       Three Months Ended  
(in thousands, except per share data)    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
    Sep 30,
2012
    Dec 31,
2012
    Mar 31,
2013
 

 

 

Sales

   $ 45,671      $ 60,721      $ 72,864      $ 56,613      $ 54,878   

Cost of sales

     32,572        44,275        52,745        43,448        39,163   
  

 

 

 

Gross profit

     13,099        16,446        20,119        13,165        15,715   

Operating expenses:

          

Sales and marketing

     3,177        2,961        3,150        3,282        3,284   

Research and development

     2,376        2,393        2,427        2,531        2,355   

General and administrative

     1,951        2,895        2,223        1,994        2,673   

Amortization of purchased intangibles

     1,304        1,329        1,341        1,341        1,341   
  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     8,808        9,578        9,141        9,148        9,653   
  

 

 

 

Income from operations

     4,291        6,868        10,978        4,017        6,062   

Other expense, net:

          

Interest expense

     (233     (637     (1,424     (1,192     (957

Other income (expense), net

     (46     (255     14        10        34   
  

 

 

 

Total other expense, net

     (279     (892     (1,410     (1,182     (923
  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     4,012        5,976        9,568        2,835        5,139   

Provision for income taxes

     1,373        1,659        4,099        1,050        1,590   
  

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 2,639      $ 4,317      $ 5,469      $ 1,785      $ 3,549   
  

 

 

 

Earnings per share

          

Basic

   $ 4.04      $ 6.48      $ 7.60      $ 2.48      $ 4.93   

Diluted

   $ 3.76      $ 6.44      $ 7.54      $ 2.44      $ 4.83   

Weighted-average shares used to compute earnings per share:

          

Basic

     653        666        720        720        720   

Diluted

     701        670        725        731        735   

 

 

 

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       Three Months Ended
(as a percentage of revenue)    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
    Sep 30,
2012
    Dec 31,
2012
    Mar 31,
2013
     

 

Sales

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0  

Cost of sales

     71.3        72.9        72.4        76.7        71.4     
  

 

 

Gross profit

     28.7        27.1        27.6        23.3        28.6     

Operating expenses:

            

Sales and marketing

     7.0        4.9        4.3        5.8        6.0     

Research and development

     5.2        3.9        3.3        4.5        4.3     

General and administrative

     4.3        4.8        3.1        3.5        4.9     

Amortization of purchased intangibles

     2.9        2.2        1.8        2.4        2.4     
  

 

 

Total operating expenses

     19.3        15.8        12.5        16.2        17.6     
  

 

 

Income from operations

     9.4        11.3        15.1        7.1        11.0     

Other expense, net:

            

Interest expense

     (0.5     (1.0     (2.0     (2.1     (1.7  

Other income (expense), net

     (0.1     (0.4     0.0        0.0        0.1     
  

 

 

Total other expense, net

     (0.6     (1.5     (1.9     (2.1     (1.6  
  

 

 

Income before income taxes

     8.8        9.8        13.1        5.0        9.4     

Provision for income taxes

     3.0        2.7        5.6        1.8        2.9     
  

 

 

Net income

     5.8     7.1     7.5     3.2     6.5  
  

 

 

 

Liquidity and capital resources

Our primary cash needs are to support inventory purchases, working capital and capital expenditures. Historically, we have generally financed these needs with operating cash flows and borrowings under our Existing Credit Facility. These sources of liquidity may be impacted by fluctuations in various matters, including demand for our products, investments made by us in our plant and equipment and other capital expenditures, and expenditures on general infrastructure and intellectual technology. A summary of our operating, investing and financing activities are shown in the following table:

 

       Years ended December 31,     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  

 

 

 
(in thousands)    2010     2011     2012     2012     2013  

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 10,208      $ 21,038      $ 17,367      $ 5,734      $ 7,374   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,418     (3,056     (5,761     (1,454     (853

Net cash used in financing activities

     (7,614     (18,370     (11,705     (4,288     (6,400
  

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 176      $ (388   $ (99   $ (8   $ 121   
  

 

 

 

 

 

We expect that proceeds, cash on hand, cash flow from operations and availability under our New Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 18 months from the date of this prospectus.

 

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Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities primarily consists of net income, adjusted for certain non-cash items including provision for allowances for accounts receivable (including product returns and cash discounts), depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, amortization of loan costs and the effect of changes in working capital and other activities.

In the three months ended March 31, 2013, cash provided by operating activities was $7.4 million and consisted of net income of $3.5 million plus non-cash items totaling $2.6 million plus changes in operating assets and liabilities and other adjustments totaling $1.2 million. Non-cash items and other adjustments consisted primarily of depreciation and amortization of $1.9 million and stock-based compensation of $0.7 million. Cash provided in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of an increase in accounts payable of $8.2 million, a decrease in accounts receivable of $2.3 million, and a decrease in income taxes receivable and other assets of $1.5 million, partially offset by an increase in inventory of $8.5 million and a decrease in accrued expenses of $2.3 million.

In the three months ended March 31, 2012, cash provided by operating activities was $5.7 million and consisted of net income of $2.6 million plus non-cash items totaling $1.1 million plus changes in operating assets and liabilities and other adjustments totaling $1.9 million. Non-cash items and other adjustments consisted primarily of depreciation and amortization of $1.7 million and stock-based compensation of $0.3 million, partially offset by the excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options of $0.8 million and a deferred income tax benefit of $0.1 million. Cash provided in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of an increase in accounts payable of $5.6 million, a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.9 million, a decrease in income taxes receivable and other assets of $1.4 million, and an increase in deferred rent of $0.6 million, partially offset by an increase in inventory of $4.7 million, a decrease in accrued expenses of $2.7 million and an increase in other current assets of $0.2 million.

In 2012, cash provided by operating activities was $17.4 million and consisted of net income of $14.2 million plus non-cash items totaling $0.8 million plus changes in operating assets and liabilities and other adjustments totaling $2.4 million. Non-cash items and other adjustments consisted primarily of depreciation and amortization of $7.2 million, stock-based compensation of $2.1 million and loss on sale of assets of $0.3 million, partially offset by the excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options of $5.8 million and a deferred income tax benefit of $3.2 million. Cash used in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of an increase in accounts receivable of $7.0 million as a result of increased sales volume, an increase in other current assets of $0.5 million, and an increase in inventory of $4.7 million related to increased sales and components for new products, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $3.0 million, an increase in accrued expenses of $2.8 million, in each case primarily related to the increase in sales, and an increase in income taxes receivable and other assets of $8.2 million.

In 2011, cash provided by operating activities was $21.0 million and consisted of net income of $13.5 million plus non-cash items totaling $5.3 million plus changes in operating assets and liabilities and other adjustments totaling $2.2 million. Non-cash items and other adjustments consisted primarily of depreciation and amortization of $6.6 million and stock-based compensation of $1.0 million, partially offset by a deferred income tax benefit of $2.4 million. Cash used in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of increases in accounts receivable of $1.1 million, other current assets of $0.8 million and an increase in inventory of $1.5 million,

 

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partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $0.6 million, an increase in accrued expenses of $2.1 million and an increase in income taxes receivable and other assets of $2.7 million.

In 2010, cash provided by operating activities was $10.2 million and consisted of net income of $10.8 million plus non-cash items totaling $6.7 million minus changes in operating assets and liabilities and other adjustments totaling $7.3 million. Non-cash items and other adjustments consisted primarily of depreciation and amortization of $6.2 million and stock-based compensation of $0.5 million, partially offset by a deferred income tax benefit of $1.4 million. Cash used in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of an increase in accounts receivable of $2.0 million and inventory of $11.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in other current assets of $0.3 million and an increase in accounts payable of $3.9 million, an increase in accrued expenses of $2.0 million and an increase in income taxes receivable and other assets of $0.6 million.

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash used in investing activities primarily relates to purchases by us of property and equipment and investments in our manufacturing and general infrastructure.

In the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, cash used by investing activities was $1.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which consisted of purchases of property and equipment.

In 2010, 2011 and 2012, cash used in investing activities was $2.4 million, $3.1 million and $5.8 million, respectively. In 2012, cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment of $4.9 million, and an acquisition of an intangible asset consisting of patents related to bicycle suspension technology for $0.8 million. In 2010 and 2011, cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment. We estimate that our capital expenditures for 2013 will be approximately $4.0 million to $5.0 million, primarily related to investments in our manufacturing and general infrastructure and expenditures for our operations in Taiwan.

Net cash used in financing activities

In the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, net cash used by financing activities was $4.3 million and $6.4 million, respectively, which consisted primarily of payments to repay indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility. In the three months ended March 31, 2012, we had an excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options of $0.8 million.

Net cash used by financing activities was $11.7 million in 2012 compared to $18.4 million in 2011. The decrease in net cash used by financing activities was partially attributable to our recapitalization in 2012. In 2010, net cash used by financing activities was $7.6 million and was primarily related to payments of debt and the repurchase of common stock.

Credit facility

Our Existing Credit Facility consists of a term loan and a revolving facility of up to $30.0 million. As of March 31, 2013, the outstanding borrowings under our Existing Credit Facility were $52.9 million, compared to $59.3 million as of December 31, 2012. The total borrowings as of March 31, 2013 consisted of $5.1 million outstanding under the revolving line of credit and approximately $47.8 million under the term loan. As of March 31, 2013, we had $24.9 million available to borrow pursuant to the revolving portion of the Existing Credit Facility. Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we intend to use the net proceeds that we receive from this offering to repay the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility. To the

 

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extent that the net proceeds from this offering are insufficient to allow us to fully repay the indebtedness then outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility, we intend to use borrowings under our New Credit Facility to pay any remaining balance outstanding under the Existing Credit Facility. In connection with the termination of the Existing Credit Facility, we expect to incur a non-cash charge of approximately $1.6 million related to our unamortized loan origination costs.

Concurrently with the closing of this offering we intend to enter into the New Credit Facility with SunTrust Bank and the lenders identified therein. The consummation of this offering is conditioned on the closing of the New Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility is expected to consist of a $60.0 million revolving line of credit, including a $5.0 million sublimit for swingline loans, and a $10.0 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. The maximum amount we will be permitted to borrow under the revolving line of credit will be subject to certain borrowing limitations. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, we have the ability to increase the aggregate revolving loan commitments under the New Credit Facility by an aggregate amount of up to $50.0 million, subject to the agreement of any existing lenders and/or any additional lenders who are providing such increased commitments. When we enter into the New Credit Facility, we will borrow any amounts under the revolving line of credit to pay any remaining borrowings then outstanding under the Existing Credit Facility and the Existing Credit Facility will be terminated. Amounts borrowed under the New Credit Facility will bear interest at a rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%, or a note based on the prime rate offered by SunTrust Bank plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.50%.

The New Credit Facility will be secured, subject to permitted liens and other agreed upon exceptions, by a first-priority lien on and perfected security interest in substantially all of our and our subsidiary’s assets including accounts receivable and a pledge of the equity in our operating subsidiary. In addition, we expect the New Credit Facility will require that we satisfy a maximum total leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. We expect that the New Credit Facility will contain customary representations and warranties and customary events of default, as well as certain affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions on: indebtedness; liens; mergers, consolidations and acquisitions; sales of assets; engaging in business other than our current business and those reasonably related thereto; investments; dividends; redemptions and distributions; affiliate transactions; and other restrictions.

Contractual obligations and commitments

As of December 31, 2012, we had the following contractual obligations (in thousands):

 

            
Payments due by period    Total     Less than
1 year
     1-3 years      4-5 years      After
5 years
 

 

 

Current borrowings(1)

   $ 3,272 (2)    $ 3,272       $       $       $   

Long-term borrowings(1)

     73,674 (2)      3,375         12,735         12,015         45,549   

Operating lease obligations

     13,057        2,926         5,345         4,186         600   

Purchase obligations and other

     1,071        1,071                           
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 91,074      $ 10,644       $ 18,080       $ 16,201       $ 46,149   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 
(1)   Includes principal and interest.
(2)  

The current borrowings of $3.0 million and $56.3 million of the long-term borrowings in the above table were borrowed by us pursuant to our Existing Credit Facility. Concurrently with the closing of this offering we intend to use the net proceeds

 

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that we receive from this offering to repay our then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility. To the extent the net proceeds from this offering are insufficient to allow us to fully repay the indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility, we intend to use borrowings under our New Credit Facility to pay any remaining balance outstanding under our Existing Credit Facility. We intend to terminate the Existing Credit Facility upon the consummation of this offering. See “—Liquidity and capital resources—Credit facility” above.

Seasonality

Our business is somewhat seasonal. In each of the last three fiscal years, our quarterly sales have been the lowest in the first quarter and the highest during our third quarter of the year. For example, our sales in our first and third quarters of 2012 represented 19% and 31% of our total sales for the year, respectively. We believe this seasonality is due to the delivery of new products containing our suspension products related to the new mountain bike season for each year. We also believe that the seasonal nature of our business may have been overshadowed over each of the past few years due to the rapid growth in sales we have experienced during the same periods.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Inflation

Historically, inflation has not had a material effect on our results of operations. However, significant increases in inflation, particularly those related to wages and increases in the cost of raw materials could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Critical accounting policies and estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales, expenses and related disclosures. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results could differ from these estimates.

We believe that the assumptions and estimates associated with revenue recognition, our allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory, goodwill and intangible assets, warranty, income taxes and stock-based compensation have the greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements. Therefore, we consider these to be our critical accounting policies and estimates. For further information on all of our significant accounting policies, please see Note 1 of the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements.

We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the rules under the Securities Act, and we will utilize certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to public companies that are not emerging growth companies. For example, we will not have to provide an auditor’s attestation report on our internal controls in future annual reports on Form 10-K as otherwise required by Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can utilize the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption

 

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of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act. As a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies.

Revenue recognition

We recognize sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title has transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability of the receivable is probable. Provisions for discounts, rebates, sales incentives, returns, and other adjustments are provided for in the period the related sales are recorded based on management’s assessment of historical trends and projection of future results. Sales are recorded net of sales tax.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

We record a provision for doubtful accounts deemed not collectable based on historical experience and a detailed assessment of the collectability of our accounts receivable. In estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts, we consider, among other factors, the aging of the accounts receivable, historical write-offs, and the credit-worthiness of each customer. If circumstances change, such as higher-than-expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we estimate if the recoverability of the amounts due could be reduced by a material amount.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of standard cost (which generally approximates actual costs on a first-in first-out basis) or market. Cost includes raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Market value is based on current replacement cost for raw materials and on a net realizable value for finished goods. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value are made, if required, for estimated excess, obsolescence or impaired balances.

We regularly monitor inventory quantities on hand and on order and record write-downs for excess and obsolete inventories based on our estimate of the demand for our products, potential obsolescence of technology, product life cycles, and when pricing trends or forecasts indicate that the carrying value of inventory exceeds our estimated selling price. These factors are affected by market and economic conditions, technology changes, and new product introductions and require estimates that may include elements that are uncertain. Actual demand may differ from forecasted demand and may have a material effect on our gross margin. If inventory is written down, a new cost basis will be established that cannot be increased in future periods.

Goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Annually, we either make a qualitative assessment prior to proceeding to step one of the annual goodwill impairment test or perform a two-step impairment test. If we make a qualitative assessment and it determines that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we would perform step one of the annual goodwill impairment test

 

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and, if necessary, proceed to step two. Otherwise, no further evaluation is necessary. For the two-step impairment test, in the first step, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We determine the fair value of the reporting unit based on a weighting of income and market approaches. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Impairments, if any, are charged directly to earnings. We have a single reporting unit for purposes of assessing goodwill impairment. We completed our most recent annual impairment test in the second quarter of 2013. No impairment charges have been incurred to date.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

Trademarks are considered to be indefinite life intangibles, and are not amortized but are subject to testing for impairment annually.

Finite-lived intangible assets

We assess the impairment of identifiable finite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of certain finite-lived intangible assets, particularly customer relationships and core technology, would be measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to which the assets are assigned to the sum of the undiscounted estimated future cash flows the asset group is expected to generate. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of such impairment would be measured by the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value. Recoverability and impairment of other finite-lived intangible assets, particularly developed technology and patents, would be measured by the comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the sum of undiscounted estimated future product revenues offset by estimated future costs to dispose of the product to which the asset relates. No impairment charges have been incurred to date.

Warranty

Unless otherwise required by law, we generally provide limited warranties on our products for one to two years. We accrue estimated costs related to warranty activities as a component of cost of sales upon product shipment or when information becomes available indicating that an adjustment to the warranty reserves is appropriate. Management estimates are based upon historical and projected product failure rates and historical costs incurred in correcting product failures. The warranty reserve is assessed from time to time for adequacy and adjusted as necessary. Actual warranty expenses are charged against our estimated warranty liability when incurred. Factors that affect our liability include the number of units, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and the cost per claim. An increase in warranty claims or the related costs associated with satisfying these warranty obligations could increase our cost of sales and negatively affect our operating results.

Income taxes

We record our income tax expenses or benefits in each federal, state and foreign jurisdiction in which we operate using an asset and liability approach. This process requires that we compute the

 

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current tax expense or benefit and deferred tax expense or benefit, which result from changes in temporary differences between the accounting and tax treatment of assets and liabilities, including items such as accruals and allowances, which are recorded in different periods for financial statement and income tax return purposes. The income tax effects of these differences we identify are classified as current or long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Our judgments, assumptions, and estimates relative to the current provision for income taxes take into account enacted tax laws, our interpretation of enacted tax laws, and possible outcomes of current and future audits conducted by tax authorities. Changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of current and future tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income. Interest and penalties associated with income taxes are recorded as income tax expense in our consolidated statements of income.

We account for uncertain tax positions on a two-step approach to recognize and measure those positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The first step is to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. We adjust liabilities for our uncertain tax positions due to changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit, expiration of a statute of limitations for assessment of income tax, the refinement of estimates, or the realization of earnings or deductions that differ from our estimates. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact our tax provision in our consolidated statements of income in the period in which such determination is made.

We must also assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be realized from future taxable income and, based on this assessment establish a valuation allowance, if required. The determination of our valuation allowance involves assumptions, judgments, and estimates, including forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and the relative proportions of revenue and income before taxes in the various domestic and international jurisdictions in which we operate. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or change the valuation allowance in a period, we reflect the change with a corresponding increase or decrease of our income tax provision in our consolidated statements of income.

Stock-based compensation

Compensation expense related to stock-based compensation, including employee and non-employee director awards, is measured and recognized in the financial statements based on fair value. The fair value of the common stock underlying our stock options was determined by our board of directors. The valuations of our common stock were determined in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation. The assumptions we use in the valuation model are based on future expectations regarding our business, combined with management judgment. Under the fair value recognition provisions of this guidance, stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award.

 

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Determining the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date represents our board of directors’ best estimates; however, the estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The determination of the grant date fair value of options using an option pricing model is affected by our estimated common stock fair value as well as assumptions regarding a number of other complex and subjective variables. These variables include the fair value of our common stock, our expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the options, stock option exercise and cancellation behaviors, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends, which are estimated as follows:

Fair value of our common stock

Because our stock is not publicly traded, we must estimate the fair value of our common stock, as discussed in “Common Stock Valuations” below.

Expected term

The expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. The expected term was generally estimated using the simplified method allowed under SEC guidance. The simplified method calculates the expected term as the average of the time-to-vesting and the contractual life of the awards. We intend to continue to utilize the simplified method for all “regular” awards until we have established a reasonable period of representative trading history as a public company, at which time we will determine the expected term based on the historical option exercise behavior of our option holders, expectations about future option exercise behavior and post-vesting cancellation.

Volatility

As we have been a private company and do not have a trading history for our common stock, we estimated the expected stock price volatility by taking the average historic price volatility for industry peers that we selected based on daily price observations over a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock option grants. We selected the peer group of companies from publicly traded companies in the same or similar lines of business to us, with consideration given to the fact that these companies had longer operating lives and were larger when compared to us, typically both in terms of revenue and net worth. We also selected companies with similar growth rates to us. We did not rely on implied volatilities of traded options in these industry peers’ common stock because the volume of activity was relatively low. We intend to continue to consistently apply this process using the same or similar public companies until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of our own common stock share price becomes available, or unless circumstances change such that the identified companies are no longer similar to us, in which case more suitable companies whose share prices are publicly available would be utilized in the calculation. Higher volatility and longer expected lives would result in an increase to stock-based compensation expense determined at the date of grant.

Risk-free rate

The risk-free interest rate is based on the yields of zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities with maturities similar to the expected term of the options.

 

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Dividend yield

Although we paid a dividend as part of the recapitalization, we do not intend to pay cash dividends in the future, as such, expected dividends are zero.

The following table presents the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the periods presented:

 

For the years ended December 31,    2010     2011     2012       

 

 

Expected term (years)

     6.5        6.5        5.5-6.5       

Volatility

     43     25     36%   

Risk-free interest rate

     0.42     3.31-3.41     0.60-1.40%   

Dividend yield

                   —       

 

 

In addition to assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model, we must also estimate a forfeiture rate to calculate the stock-based compensation for our awards. To date, we have experienced and expect to continue to experience limited forfeitures for options granted. As a result, we have not historically applied a forfeiture rate.

Quarterly changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a significant impact on our stock-based compensation expense as the cumulative effect of adjusting the forfeiture rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed. If a revised forfeiture rate is higher than the previously estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in a decrease to the stock-based compensation expense recognized in the financial statements. If a revised forfeiture rate is lower than the previously estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in an increase to the stock-based compensation expense recognized in the financial statements.

We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions related to our stock-based compensation on a prospective basis. If any of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model change significantly, stock-based compensation for future awards may differ materially compared with stock-based compensation associated with the awards granted previously.

Common stock valuations

We are required to estimate the fair value of the common stock underlying our stock-based compensation awards when performing the fair value calculations with the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair values of the common stock underlying our stock-based compensation awards were determined by our board of directors, with input from management. Our board of directors has been and continues to be comprised of a majority of non-employee directors that we believe have the relevant experience and expertise to determine the fair value of our common stock on each respective grant date.

Given the absence of a public trading market of our common stock, and in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Guide, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation, our board of directors exercised reasonable judgment and considered numerous objective and subjective factors to determine the best estimate of the fair value of our common stock.

In order to determine the fair value of our common stock underlying option grants issued prior to this initial public offering, we considered objective and subjective factors to determine the best estimate of the fair value. Given the absence of an active market for our common stock, our board of directors estimates the fair value of our common stock at the time of each grant of

 

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stock-based awards. The valuations performed by our majority stockholder are completed for the purpose of their financial reporting, are validated annually by an independent investment banking firm, and reviewed quarterly by our majority stockholder and updated as necessary.

The following stock options were granted between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 to employees and members of our board of directors with the following fair value per share of our common stock for purposes of calculating stock-based compensation:

 

Option grant date   

Number of
shares
underlying
options

    

Exercise
price per
share

    

Common
stock fair
value per
share

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

February 10, 2012

     7,000         $340.91         $340.91   

February 27, 2012

     200         340.91         340.91   

June 15, 2012(1)

     33,082         239.33         239.33   

October 3, 2012

     7,000         287.86         287.86   

December 6, 2012

     500         287.86         287.86   

March 19, 2013

     200         352.52         352.52   

 

 

 

(1)   Includes options to purchase 26,883 shares issued in connection with our recapitalization in June 2012.

As of March 31, 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value of vested and unvested options was $     million and $     million, respectively, based on the estimated fair value for our common stock of $     per share, which is the midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus. As of December 31, 2012, we had $2.5 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of three years with $1.6 million expected to be recognized in 2013. In future periods, we expect our stock-based compensation expense to increase in dollar amount as a result of our existing stock-based compensation to be recognized as these options vest and as we issue additional stock-based awards to attract and retain employees.

Recent accounting pronouncements

Fair value measurement

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs,” or ASU 2011-04. ASU 2011-04 is intended to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS. The amendments in ASU 2011-04 explain how to measure fair value. They do not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Comprehensive income: Presentation

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” or ASU 2011-05, to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a

 

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single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-05 on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Comprehensive income: Reclassifications

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” or ASU 2013-02, to supersede and replace the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASU 2011-05, which were deferred indefinitely under ASU No. 2011-12, “Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05,” or ASU 2011-12, issued in December 2011. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 would require an entity to provide additional information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 will not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Goodwill impairment testing

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” or ASU 2011-08, which simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment and permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-08 on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Release of cumulative translation adjustment

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity,” or ASU 2013-05, which resolves diversity in practice regarding the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. The amendments in ASU 2013-05 are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 will not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

Interest rate sensitivity

We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of our business operations due to our ongoing investing and financing activities. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective

 

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of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. We have established policies and procedures governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage exposure to such risks and, at the completion of this offering, we will terminate our Existing Credit Facility and all outstanding borrowings thereunder will become amounts borrowed under the New Credit Facility. We generally do not hedge our interest rate exposure. We had $52.9 million of debt, bearing interest at a variable rate, outstanding under our credit facilities as of March 31, 2013. Based on the $52.9 million of variable interest rate indebtedness that was outstanding as of March 31, 2013, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rate on our interest rate variable debt would have resulted in an approximately $0.5 million change to our interest expense for fiscal 2012. We intend to use the net proceeds we receive from this offering to pay a majority of the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility which will reduce our outstanding indebtedness. After the closing of this offering we expect to borrow under our New Credit Facility in the future in order to finance our short term working capital and other needs. These borrowings will be subject to variable interest rates.

Exchange rate sensitivity

As of March 31, 2013, we were not exposed to significant foreign currency exchange rate risks that could have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Foreign currency fluctuations could in the future have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We sell our products inside and outside of the United States in U.S. Dollars. As the

majority of our expenses are also in U.S. Dollars, we are somewhat insulated from currency

fluctuations. We do not currently hedge our foreign currency exposure.

Credit and other risks

We are exposed to credit risk associated with cash equivalents, investments, and trade

receivables. We do not believe that our cash equivalents or investments present significant credit

risks because the counterparties to the instruments consist of major financial institutions and we

manage the notional amount of contracts entered into with any one counterparty. Our cash and

cash equivalents as of March 31, 2013 consisted principally of FDIC insured certificates of deposit

and cash balances in non-interest bearing checking accounts. Substantially all trade receivable

balances of our businesses are unsecured. The concentration of credit risk with respect to trade

receivables is concentrated by the number of significant customers that we have in our customer

base and a prolonged economic downturn could increase our exposure to credit risk on our trade

receivables. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and maintain an allowance

for potential credit losses.

We do not currently hedge our exposure to increases in the prices for our primary raw materials.

 

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Business

Overview

Our company

We are a designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance suspension products used primarily on mountain bikes, side-by-side vehicles, or Side-by-Sides, on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, and motorcycles. We believe our products offer innovative design, performance, durability and reliability. Through our products we enhance ride dynamics, which we define as the interplay between the rider, the vehicle and the terrain, by improving performance and control. Our brand is associated with high-performance and technologically advanced products, by which we generally mean products that provide users with improved control and a smoother ride while riding over rough terrain in varied environments. We believe that the performance of our products has been demonstrated by, and our brand benefits from, the success of professional athletes who use our products in elite competitive events, such as the Union Cycliste Internationale Mountain Bike World Cup and the X Games. We believe the exposure our products receive when used by successful professional athletes positively influences the purchasing habits of enthusiasts and other consumers seeking high-performance products. We believe that our strategic focus on the performance and racing segments in our markets influences many aspiring and enthusiast consumers who we believe seek to emulate the performance of professional and other elite athletes. We believe our products are generally sold at premium prices, which to us means manufacturer suggested retail sale prices that are generally in the upper quartile of their respective product categories.

We design our products for, and market our products to, some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, in our markets, and to consumers through the aftermarket channel. Many of our OEM customers, including Scott, Specialized and Trek in mountain bikes and BRP, Ford and Polaris in powered vehicles, are among the market leaders in their respective product categories, and help shape, as well as respond to, consumer trends in their respective categories. We believe that OEMs often prominently display and incorporate our products to improve the marketability and consumer demand for their high-performance models, which reinforces our brand image. In addition, consumers select our products in the aftermarket channel where we market through a global network of dealers and distributors.

We have experienced strong sales and profit growth over the past few years. Our sales increased from approximately $171.0 million in 2010 to $235.9 million in 2012. Over the same period, our net income increased from approximately $10.8 million to $14.2 million, and our Adjusted EBITDA increased from approximately $26.8 million to $36.0 million. See “Summary consolidated financial data—Non-GAAP financial measures” for the definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation from net income to Adjusted EBITDA.

Our history

Robert C. Fox, Jr. began developing suspension products in 1974 when, having participated in motocross racing, he sought to create a racing suspension shock that performed better than existing coil spring shocks. Working in a friend’s garage, Mr. Fox created the “Fox AirShox.” The product was successful, and went into production in 1975. The next year, in 1976, Fox AirShox were used by the rider who won the AMA 500cc National Motocross Championship.

 

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Sales of Fox AirShox grew rapidly and, in 1978, our operating subsidiary, Fox Factory, Inc., was incorporated in California. From 1978 to 1983, FOX suspension users won numerous major races including 500cc Grand Prix races (motocross), Baja 1000 races (off-road), AMA SuperBike races (motorcycle road racing), and the Indianapolis 500 race (auto racing), generating greater market awareness of the FOX brand among enthusiasts.

As FOX grew, we applied many of the same core suspension technologies developed for motocross racing to other categories. For example, in 1987 we started selling high-performance suspension products for snowmobiles. By 1991, we began supplying the mountain bike industry with rear shocks and we entered the ATV and other off-road vehicle markets in the mid-1990s. Starting in 2001, we began offering front fork suspension products for mountain bikes.

Fox Factory Holding Corp., the registrant of this offering, is the holding company of Fox Factory, Inc. Fox Factory Holding Corp. was incorporated in Delaware on December 28, 2007 by Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, or our Sponsor. Our Sponsor purchased a controlling interest in us on January 4, 2008.

For clarification, we are not affiliated with Fox Head, Inc., an action sports apparel company.

Market opportunity

We participate in the large global markets for mountain bikes and powered vehicles used by recreational and professional users. Today, our products for powered vehicles are used primarily on Side-by-Sides, on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, and motorcycles.

The markets in which we participate are diverse geographically and by product type. The following third party data sources provide unit volumes in selected geographies for the following markets in which we participate:

 

 

Suspended mountain bikes . Approximately 1,022,000 mountain bikes with front or full suspension systems were shipped from suppliers to U.S. bicycle shops and outdoor specialty retailers in 2012, according to the National Bicycle Dealer Association.

 

 

Side-by-Sides. Approximately 323,000 Side-by-Sides were sold in North America in 2012 according to Power Products Marketing.

 

 

ATVs. Approximately 278,000 ATVs in total were sold in the U.S. and Canada in 2012 according to PowersportsBusiness.com, the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council and Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council.

 

 

Snowmobiles. Approximately 145,000 snowmobiles were sold globally during the 2012-2013 snowmobile-selling season, according to the International Snowmobiling Manufacturers Association.

The following third party data sources provide unit volumes in selected geographies for portions of the motorcycle market, in which we currently participate to a lesser degree, but are in the process of expanding.

 

 

Off-highway motorcycles. Approximately 75,000 in total off-highway motorcycles were sold in the U.S. and Canada in 2012, according to PowersportsBusiness.com, the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council and Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council.

 

 

On-highway motorcycles. Approximately 318,000 on-highway motorcycles were sold in the U.S. in 2012, according to PowersportsBusiness.com.

 

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We focus on the premium priced products within each of these categories, which we consider to be the high-end segment because of their higher retail sale prices, where we believe consumers have a preference for well-designed, performance-oriented equipment. We believe that suspension systems are critical to the performance of the mountain bikes and powered vehicles in the product categories in which we focus and that technical features, component performance, product design, durability, reliability and brand recognition strongly influence the purchasing decisions of consumers. Over the past decade, there have been significant technological advances in materials and features that have increased product functionality and performance, allowing high-end suspension products to be adapted for use in additional end-markets and mountain bike and powered vehicle categories.

We believe the high-end segments in which we participate are well positioned for growth due to several factors, including:

 

 

increasing average retail sales prices, which we believe are driven by differentiated and feature-rich products with advanced technologies;

 

 

continuing product cycle innovation, which we have observed often motivates consumers to upgrade and purchase new products for enhanced performance;

 

 

branded auto OEMs introducing on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, such as the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor; and

 

 

increased sales opportunities for high-end mountain bikes and powered vehicles in international markets.

As vehicles in our end-markets evolve and grow more capable, suspension products and components have become, and we believe will continue to become, increasingly more important for improved performance and control. Additionally, we believe there are opportunities to continue to leverage our technical know-how in suspension products to provide solutions beyond our current end-markets.

Our competitive strengths

Broad offering of high-performance products across multiple consumer markets

Our suspension products enhance ride dynamics across multiple consumer markets. Through the use of adjustable suspension, position sensitive damping, multiple air spring technologies, lightweight and rigid materials, and other technologies and methods, our products improve the performance and control of the vehicles used by our consumers. We believe our reputation for high-performance products is reinforced by the successful finishes in world class competitive events by athletes incorporating our products in their vehicles, including the following examples in 2012:

 

 

three out of four Union Cycliste Internationale World Cup Mountain Bike Series titles;

 

 

World Off Road Championship Series Side x Side Production 1000 Class Championship;

 

 

American Motorcyclist Association, or AMA, Pro ATV Championship and first place finishes in 10 out of 10 races;

 

 

International Series of Champions Pro Open Championship for snowmobiles and first place finishes in 16 out of 16 races; and

 

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two out of two overall Pro 2 Championships and first place finishes in 21 out of 29 Pro 2 races in the TORC and LOORRS off-road short course racing series.

Premium brand with strong consumer loyalty

We believe that we have developed a reputation for high-performance products and that we have established a premium brand, as our high-performance suspension products are generally sold at premium prices. Our logo is prominently displayed on our products used on mountain bikes and powered vehicles sold by our OEM customers, which helps further reinforce our brand image. We believe that our brand has achieved strong loyalty from our consumers. To support our brand, we introduce new products that we believe feature innovative technologies designed to improve vehicle performance and enhance our brand loyalty with consumers. For instance, according to a 2012 independent survey conducted by Bike Germany Magazine, a leading European mountain bike magazine, FOX was voted as the best brand for suspension forks and 81.7% of FOX consumers surveyed stated that they would buy a FOX suspension fork again, and in a 2011 Audience Survey by Vital MTB, a popular mountain bike website: (i) of the 44.5% of survey respondents that stated they would buy a mountain bike suspension fork within 12 months, 41.0% of these respondents, the highest percentage of all brands included, stated that they would buy a FOX suspension fork; and (ii) of the 22.4% of survey respondents that stated they would buy a rear mountain bike shock within 12 months, 42.2% of these respondents, again the highest percentage of all brands included, stated that they would buy a FOX rear shock.

Track record of innovation and new product introductions

Innovation, including new product development, is a key component of our growth strategy. Due to our experience in suspension engineering and design in multiple markets and with a variety of vehicles, we are able to bring unique ride dynamics solutions to our customers, often developed for use in one market and ultimately deployed across multiple markets. For example, our success in the high-end ATV category led to the widespread adoption of our suspension technology in the Side-by-Side market, which became our second largest product category by sales in 2012. Our innovative product development and speed to market are supported by:

 

 

our racing culture, including on-site technical race support of professional athletes, which provides us with unique real-time insights as to the evolving ride dynamic needs of those participating in world-class events;

 

 

ongoing research and development through a team of more than 20 full-time engineers and numerous other technicians and employees who spend at least part of their time testing and using our products and helping develop engineering-based solutions to enhance our product offerings;

 

 

feedback from professional athletes, race teams, enthusiasts and other consumers who use our products;

 

 

strategic and collaborative relationships with OEM customers, which furthers our ability to extend technologies and applications across end-markets; and

 

 

our integrated manufacturing facilities and performance testing center, which allow us to quickly move from concept to product.

 

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During 2012, we launched more than 20 new products and generated more than 70% of our sales from products introduced by us during the last three years, such as the:

 

 

Podium RC3, which provides external adjustment that allows the shock to easily be tuned for different rider skill, terrain, and racing type without having to be disassembled;

 

 

Float X Evol, which allows the rider to tune the spring characteristics of the shock via an air pump without having to remove the shock;

 

 

ECS Shock, which has an external cooling system that significantly lowers shock temperatures, allowing powered vehicles to operate at higher speeds for extended periods without sacrificing driver control, particularly in extreme environments; and

 

 

Float iCD, which provides riders the ability to adjust modes for different skills, terrains and activity levels on mountain bikes, resulting in increased utilization of the modes and an overall more efficient ride dynamics experience.

Strategic brand for OEMs, dealers and distributors

Through our strategic relationships, we are often sought out by our OEM customers and work closely with them to develop and design new products and product enhancements. We believe our collaborative approach and product development processes strengthen our relationships with our OEM customers. We believe consumers value our branded suspension products when selecting high-performance mountain bikes and powered vehicles, and as a result, OEMs purchase and incorporate our products in their mountain bikes and powered vehicles in order to increase the sales of their premium priced products. In addition, we believe the inclusion of our products on high-end mountain bikes and powered vehicles reinforces our premium brand image which helps to drive our sales in the aftermarket channel where dealers and distributors sell our products to consumers.

Experienced management team

We have an experienced senior management team led by Larry L. Enterline, our Chief Executive Officer. Collectively, our eight member senior management team has an average tenure at FOX of approximately eight years per person. In addition, many members of our management team and many of our employees are avid users of our products, which further extends their knowledge of, and expertise in, our products and end-markets. We are able to attract and retain highly trained and specialized employees who enhance our company culture and serve as strong brand advocates.

Our strategy

Our goal is to expand our leadership position as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance products designed to enhance ride dynamics. We intend to focus on the following key strategies in pursuit of this goal:

Continue to develop new and innovative products in current end-markets

We intend to continue to develop and introduce new and innovative products in our current end-markets to improve ride dynamics for our consumers. For example, our patented position-sensitive damping systems provide terrain optimized ride characteristics across many of our product lines. We believe that high-performance and control are important to a large portion of our consumer base,

 

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and that our frequent introduction of products with innovative and improved technologies increases both OEM and aftermarket demand as consumers seek out products for their vehicles that can deliver these characteristics. We also believe evolving market trends, such as changing mountain bike wheel sizes and increasing adoption rates of Side-by-Side vehicles, should increase demand for vehicles in our end-markets, which, in turn, should increase demand for our suspension products.

Leverage technology and brand to expand into new categories and end-markets

We believe that we have a reputation as a leader in ride dynamics, and that our reputation combined with our ability to improve the performance of vehicles by incorporating high-performance suspension products, results in us often being approached by OEM product development teams, athletes and others looking to improve the performance of their vehicles, including in end-markets in which we have not previously offered products We believe that our ride dynamics technologies have applications in end-markets in which we do not currently participate in a meaningful way, and we intend to selectively develop products for and forge relationships with customers in additional markets. These markets may include military, recreational vehicles (RVs), on-road motorcycles, commercial trucks and “performance street” cars. We also intend to evaluate selective potential acquisition opportunities for high-performance products and technologies that we believe will help us extend our ride dynamics platform.

Increase our aftermarket penetration

We currently have a broad aftermarket distribution network of more than 2,300 retail dealers and distributors worldwide. We intend to further penetrate the aftermarket channel by selectively adding dealers and distributors in certain geographic markets, increasing our internal sales force and strategically expanding aftermarket-specific products and services to existing vehicle platforms.

Accelerate international growth

While a significant percentage of our current sales are to OEMs and dealers and distributors located outside the United States, we believe international expansion represents a significant opportunity for us and we intend to selectively increase infrastructure investments and focus on identified geographic regions. We believe that rising consumer discretionary income in a number of developing markets and increasing consumer preferences for premium, high-performance mountain bikes and powered vehicles, should contribute to increasing demand for our products. In addition, we believe increasing international viewership of racing and extreme sports and other outdoor events, such as the X Games, is contributing to growing international participation in activities where our products are used. We intend to leverage our brand recognition to capitalize on these trends by increasing our sales to both OEMs and dealers and distributors globally, particularly in markets where we perceive significant opportunities. Our areas of greatest interest include Asia-Pacific (including China, South Korea and Australia) and South America (particularly Brazil, Argentina and Chile).

Improve operating and supply chain efficiencies

We intend to improve operating margins in the medium term by enhancing our design and production processes to increase efficiencies, reducing new product time to market and lowering production costs. Specifically, we have begun the process of moving a majority of the manufacturing of our mountain bike products to Taiwan and intend to complete this process in

 

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2015. We believe this transition to Taiwan, once completed, will shorten production lead times to our mountain bike OEM customers, improve supply chain efficiencies and reduce manufacturing costs.

Our products

We design and manufacture high-performance suspension products that dissipate the energy and force generated by mountain bikes and powered vehicles while they are in motion. A suspension product allows wheels or skis (in the case of snowmobiles) to move up and down to absorb bumps and shocks while maintaining contact with the ground for better control. Our products use adjustable suspension, position sensitive damping, multiple air spring tehnologies, low weight and structural rigidity, all of which improve user control for greater performance.

We use high-grade materials in our products and have developed a number of sophisticated assembly machines to maintain quality across all product lines. Our suspension products are assembled according to precise specifications throughout the assembly process to create consistently high-performance levels and customer satisfaction.

Mountain bikes

In our mountain bike product category, we offer upper mid-end and high-end front fork and rear suspension products designed for cross-country, trail, all-mountain, free-ride and downhill riding. We also offer a ride-height adjustable seat post product, our D.O.S.S. remote adjustable seat post, which we introduced in 2012 to allow a rider to adjust his or her seat position for uphill, rolling trail or downhill riding without having to stop the mountain bike to adjust the seat. Our mountain bike products are sold in three series: (i) our Evolution series, designed for demanding, yet value-minded, enthusiasts; (ii) our Performance series, designed for experienced enthusiasts and expert riders; and (iii) our Factory series, which is designed for maximum performance at a professional level.

Powered vehicles

In our powered vehicle product category, we offer high-end suspension products for Side-by-Sides, on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, and motorcycles. Products for these vehicles are designed for trail riding, racing and performance. Our products have also been used on limited quantities of off-road military vehicles and other small-scale select military applications. Our products in the powered vehicle category range from two inch aluminum bolt-on shocks to our patented position sensitive internal bypass shocks.

 

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The following chart highlights select products from our two product categories:

LOGO

Product development

We are committed to the development and introduction of technologically advanced products that feature innovative designs and high-quality materials. We strive to maintain our product leadership through the introduction of new and innovative products and enhancements and refinements to our existing products. In 2012, we launched more than 20 new products, including our Float iCD fork and rear shock, 34 Factory FIT CTD fork, Dual Speed Compression module and our Bottom Out Cup position-sensitive damping module.

Research and development is at the core of our product innovation and market leadership strategy. We have a team of more than 20 full-time engineers focused on product development. We also employ numerous other technicians and employees who spend at least part of their time testing and using our products and helping develop engineering-based solutions to enhance our product offerings. In addition, a large number of our other employees, many of whom use our products in their recreational activities, contribute to our research and development and product innovation initiative. Their involvement in the development of new products ranges from participating in initial brainstorming sessions to ride testing products in development. Product development also includes collaborating with OEM customers across end-markets, field testing by professional athletes and sponsored race teams and working with enthusiasts and other users of our products. This feedback helps us to develop innovative products which meet our demanding standards as well as the evolving needs of professional and recreational end users and to quickly commercialize these products.

Our research and development activities are supported by state-of-the-art engineering software design tools, integrated manufacturing facilities and a performance testing center equipped to enhance product safety, durability and high-performance. Our testing center collects data and

 

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tests products prior to and after commercial introduction. Suspension products undergo a variety of rigorous performance and accelerated life tests before they are introduced into the market. The research and development portion of our total engineering costs totaled approximately $7.3 million, $9.8 million and $9.7 million in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property is an important aspect of our business. We rely upon a combination of patents, trademarks, trade names, licensing arrangements, trade secrets, know-how and proprietary technology in order to secure and protect our intellectual property rights.

Our in-house intellectual property department and in-house counsel diligently protect our new technologies with patents and trademarks and defend against patent infringement allegations. As of March 31, 2013, we owned 37 patents on proprietary technologies related to vehicle suspension and other products and had approximately 82 patent pending applications on file in the U.S. and European Patent Offices. Our principal intellectual property also includes our trademarks. We have more than 50 pending or registered trademarks in the U.S. and a number of international jurisdictions, including the marks FOX ® , FOX RACING SHOX ® and REDEFINE YOUR LIMITS ® . Although our intellectual property is important to our business operations and in the aggregate constitutes a valuable asset, we do not believe that any single patent, trademark or trade secret is critical to the success of our business as a whole. We cannot be certain that our patent applications will be issued or that any issued patents will provide us with any competitive advantages or will not be challenged by third parties.

In addition to the foregoing protections, we generally control access to and use of our proprietary and other confidential information through the use of internal and external controls, including contractual protections with employees, OEMs, distributors and others. Despite these protections, we may be unable to prevent third parties from using our intellectual property without our authorization, breaching any nondisclosure agreements with us, or independently developing products that are similar to ours, particularly in those countries where the laws do not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States.

Customers

Our OEM customers include market leaders in their respective categories, and help define, as well as respond to, consumer trends in their respective industries. These OEM customers include our products on a number of their high-performance models. We believe OEMs will often use our products to improve the marketability and demand of their own products, which, in turn, strengthens our brand image. In addition, consumers select our high-performance products in the aftermarket channel, where we market through a global network of dealers and distributors. We currently sell to more than 150 OEMs and distribute our products to more than 2,300 retail dealers and distributors worldwide. In 2012, 81% of our sales resulted from sales to OEM customers and 19% resulted from sales to dealers and distributors for resale in the aftermarket channel.

Sales attributable to our 10 largest OEM customers, which can vary from year-to-year, collectively accounted for approximately 53.2%, 51.6% and 51.1% of our sales in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Although we refer to the branded mountain bike OEMs that use our products throughout this document as “our customers,” “our OEM customers” or “our mountain bike OEM customers,”

 

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branded mountain bike OEMs often use contract manufacturers to manufacture and assemble their bikes. As a result, even though we typically negotiate price and volume requirements directly with our mountain bike OEM customers, it is the contract manufacturer that usually places the purchase order with us and is responsible for paying us (rather than the branded mountain bike OEMs). Giant is an OEM and a contract manufacturer used by certain of our mountain bike OEM customers. Sales to Giant accounted for approximately 16%, 12% and 13% of our sales in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. In the event Giant were to experience manufacturing or other problems, or were to fail to pay us, it could have a material adverse impact on our business and our results of operations.

Our domestic sales totaled $53.5 million, $65.8 million and $84.3 million, or 31%, 33% and 36% of our total sales in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Our international sales totaled $117.4 million, $132.0 million and $151.6 million or 69%, 67% and 64% of our total sales in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Sales attributable to countries outside the United States are based on shipment location. Our international sales, however, do not necessarily reflect the location of the end users of our products, as many of our products are incorporated into mountain bikes that are assembled at international locations and then shipped back to the United States. We estimate, based on our internal projections, that approximately one-third of the end users of our products are located outside the United States.

Mountain bikes

We sell our mountain bike suspension products to more than 150 domestic and international bike OEMs, including Scott, Specialized and Trek. We have long-standing relationships with many of the top mountain bike OEMs. After incorporating our products on their mountain bikes, OEMs typically sell their mountain bikes to independent dealers, which then sell directly to consumers.

In the aftermarket, we typically sell to dealers in the U.S. and through distributors internationally. Our dealers sell directly to aftermarket consumers. Our overseas distributors sell to independent dealers, which then sell directly to consumers.

Powered vehicles

We sell our suspension products for the powered vehicles industry to OEMs, including BRP, Ford and Polaris. We are also currently developing relationships with new OEMs, as the powered vehicles market continues to grow. After incorporating our products on their powered vehicles, OEMs typically sell their powered vehicles to independent dealers, which then sell directly to consumers.

In the aftermarket, we typically sell through dealers and distributors, both in the U.S. and internationally. Our dealers sell directly to aftermarket consumers. When we sell to our distributors, they sell to independent dealers, which then sell directly to consumers.

Our product offerings currently target high-performance suspension products for Side-by-Sides, on-road vehicles with off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, and motorcycles. Our products have also been used on limited quantities of off-road military vehicles and other small-scale select military applications.

Sales and marketing

As of March 31, 2013, we employed 36 specialized and dedicated sales professionals. Each sales person is fully committed to servicing either OEM or aftermarket customers within our product

 

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categories, which ensures that our customers are in contact with capable and knowledgeable sales persons to address their specific needs. We strongly believe that providing a high level of service to our end customers is essential to maintaining our reputational excellence in the marketplace. Our sales personnel receive training on the latest FOX products and technologies and attend trade shows to increase their market knowledge.

Our marketing strategy focuses on strengthening and promoting the FOX brand in the marketplace. We strategically focus our marketing efforts on enthusiasts seeking high-end suspension systems through promotions at destination riding locations and individual and team sponsorships. We believe that the performance of our products has been demonstrated by, and our brand benefits from, the success of professional athletes who use our products in elite competitive events, such as the Union Cycliste Internationale Mountain Bike World Cup and the X Games, which we believe positively influences the purchasing habits of enthusiasts and other consumers seeking high-performance products. We believe that our strategic focus on the performance and racing segments in our markets influences many aspiring and enthusiast consumers and enables our products to be sold at premium price points. For example, we sponsor a number of professional athletes and professional race teams. In order to continue to enhance our brand image, we will need to maintain our position in the suspension products industry and to continue to provide high quality products and services. Additionally, we have been able to develop long-term strategic relationships with leading OEMs. Our reputation for high-performance suspension products plays a critical role in our aftermarket sales to consumers.

In addition to our website and traditional marketing channels, such as print advertising and tradeshows, we maintain an active social media platform, including a Facebook page, YouTube channel, Vimeo page and Twitter feed to increase brand awareness, foster loyalty and build a community of users. As strategies and marketing plans are developed for our products, our internal marketing and communications group works to ensure brand cohesion and consistency.

Suppliers

The primary raw materials used in the production of our products are aluminum, magnesium and steel. We generally use multiple suppliers for our raw materials and believe that our raw materials are in adequate supply and available from many suppliers at competitive prices. Prices for our raw materials fluctuate from time to time, but historically, price fluctuations have not had a material impact on our business.

We work closely with our supply base, and depend upon certain suppliers to provide raw inputs, such as forgings, castings and molded polymers that have been optimized for weight, structural integrity, wear and cost. In certain circumstances, we depend upon a limited number of suppliers for such raw inputs. We typically have no firm contractual sourcing agreements with our suppliers other than purchase orders.

Miyaki is the exclusive producer of the Kashima coating for our suspension component tubes. As part of our agreement with Miyaki, which we entered into in 2009, or the Kashima Agreement, we have been granted the exclusive right to use the trademark “KASHIMACOAT” on products comprising the aluminum finished parts for suspension components (e.g., tubes) and on related sales and marketing material worldwide, subject to a minimum model year order and certain other exclusions. The Kashima Agreement does not contain minimum purchase obligations, except to the extent that Miyaki reasonably commits to purchase, or purchases, materials or tubes based on a run rate forecast in anticipation of a purchase order that we ultimately do not

 

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submit and such materials or tubes cannot be otherwise be used by Miyaki. The Kashima Agreement has an initial term of five (5) years and automatically renews for successive one year periods unless and until one party gives the other notice of non-renewal prior to the then applicable expiration date.

Employees

As of March 31, 2013, we had approximately 545 full-time employees in the United States, Europe and Taiwan. We also use part-time employees at our manufacturing facilities to help us meet seasonal demands. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. We have never experienced a material work stoppage or disruption to our business relating to employee matters. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

Facilities

The following sets forth our principal facilities as of March 31, 2013. All of our principal facilities are leased.

 

Location    Principal uses    Approximate
sq. footage
 

 

 

Scotts Valley, California

   Corporate headquarters, sales, research and development      51,236   

Scotts Valley, California

   Manufacturing      42,813   

Watsonville, California

   Manufacturing and service      86,000   

Watsonville, California

  

Distribution and warehousing

     12,947   

El Cajon, California

   Manufacturing, sales, service and research and development      30,152   

Taichung, Taiwan

   Manufacturing and sales      28,000   

 

 

Manufacturing and backlog

We manufacture and complete final assembly on our products. By controlling the manufacturing process of our products, we are able to maintain our strict quality standards, customize our machines and processes for the specific requirements of our products, and quickly respond to feedback we receive on our products in development and otherwise. Furthermore, manufacturing our own products enables us to adjust our labor and production inputs to meet seasonal demands and the customized requirements of some of our customers.

Although we currently manufacture most of our suspension products at our California facilities, we are in the process of transitioning the majority of our mountain bike products manufacturing operations to our new facility in Taichung, Taiwan over the next three years, with the final completion of the transition scheduled for 2015. In connection with our transition, we expect to utilize suppliers who are located closer to our facility in Taichung, Taiwan for a number of materials and components. We currently have limited manufacturing operations at our Taiwan facility, where we presently manufacture our adjustable seat post and other select mountain bike products. During the transition period, we intend to manufacture mountain bike suspension products at both our facility in Watsonville, California and in Taichung, Taiwan, thereby providing us with dual manufacturing facilities and reducing the risk of interruptions. In

 

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addition, during the transition period, we intend to train certain of our Taichung employees at our Watsonville facility as a way to help us maintain our quality controls. We believe that the orderly transition of the majority of our mountain bike manufacturing operations from California to our new facility in Taiwan should enable us to maintain our strict quality control standards, meet product demand requirements and relocate the majority of the manufacturing of our products for mountain bikes to a location that is geographically close to a number of our mountain bike OEMs, many of which are located in Taiwan. We estimate that our sales to mountain bike OEMs located in Taiwan represented approximately 47% of our total sales to mountain bike OEMs in the year ended December 31, 2012.

Once the transition of the majority of our mountain bike product manufacturing operations is complete, we anticipate converting the Watsonville facility primarily to the manufacturing of powered vehicle suspension products. We believe that this conversion process will help us to increase our manufacturing capacity for our powered vehicle products, which should help us to reduce our lead time to our powered vehicle OEMs.

Competition

The markets for suspension products are highly competitive. We compete with other companies that produce suspension products for sale to OEMs, dealers and distributors, as well as with OEMs that produce their own line of suspension products for their own use. Some of our competitors may have greater financial, research and development or marketing resources than we do. Competition in the high-end segment of the suspension products market revolves around technical features, performance, product design, innovation, reliability and durability, brand, time to market, customer service and reliable order execution, and we compete on such basis. While the pricing of competing products is always a factor, we believe the high-performance of our products helps justify our premium pricing. We compete with several large suspension providers and numerous small manufacturers that provide branded and unbranded products across all of our product lines. These competitors can be divided into the following categories:

Mountain bikes

Within the market for mountain bike suspension products, we compete with several companies that manufacture front and rear suspension products, including RockShox (a subsidiary of SRAM Corporation), X-Fusion Shox (a wholly-owned subsidiary of A-Pro), Manitou (a subsidiary of HB Performance Systems), SR Suntour, DT Swiss (a subsidiary of Vereinigte Drahtwerke AG) and Marzocchi (Tenneco).

Powered vehicles

Within the market for powered vehicle suspension products, we compete with several companies in different submarkets. We believe a significant competitor for suspension products in the snowmobile market is KYB (Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.). Other suppliers of suspension products for snowmobiles include Öhlins Racing AB, Walker Evans Racing, Works Performance Products, Inc. and Penske Racing Shocks / Custom Axis, Inc. In the ATV and Side-by-Side markets, outside of captive OEM suppliers, we compete with ZF Sachs (ZF Friedrichshafen AG) and Walker Evans Racing for OEM business and Elka Suspension Inc., Öhlins Racing AB, Works Performance Products and Penske Racing Shocks / Custom Axis, Inc. for aftermarket business. In the market for off-road and specialty vehicle suspension products, we believe our two biggest competitors are ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension GmbH (commonly known as Bilstein) and King Shock

 

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Technology, Inc. (commonly known as King Shock). Other competitors include Icon Vehicle Dynamics, Sway-A-Way, Pro Comp USA Suspension and Rancho (Tenneco).

Government regulation

Environmental

Our manufacturing operations, facilities and properties in the United States and Taiwan are subject to evolving foreign, international, federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing air emissions, wastewater discharge and the storage and handling of chemicals and hazardous substances. If we fail to comply with such laws and regulations, we could be subject to significant fines, penalties, costs, liabilities or restrictions on operations, which could negatively affect our financial condition.

We believe that our operations are in compliance, in all material respects, with applicable environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, and our compliance with such laws and regulations has not had, nor is it expected to have, a material impact on our earnings or competitive position. However, new requirements, more stringent application of existing requirements or the discovery of previously unknown environmental conditions could result in material environmental related expenditures in the future.

Employment

We are also subject to numerous foreign, federal, state and local government laws and regulations governing our relationships with our employees, including those relating to minimum wage, overtime, working conditions, hiring and firing, non-discrimination, work permits and employee benefits. We believe that our operations are conducted in compliance, in all material respects, with such laws and regulations.

Consumer safety

We are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the CPSC, and other federal, state and foreign regulatory bodies. Under CPSC regulations, a manufacturer of consumer goods is obligated to notify the CPSC, if, among other things, the manufacturer becomes aware that one of its products has a defect that could create a substantial risk of injury. If the manufacturer has not already undertaken to do so, the CPSC may require a manufacturer to recall a product, which may involve product repair, replacement or refund. We have never had any of our products recalled and are not aware of any current defects in our products that would require a recall.

Legal proceedings

From time to time we are involved in legal proceedings incidental to our business, in particular intellectual property related disputes, product liability claims, as well as other litigation of a non-material nature in the ordinary course of business. In connection with ASC 450, Contingencies , we have not accrued for material loss contingencies relating to any legal proceedings because we believe that, although unfavorable outcomes in proceedings may be possible, they are not considered by our management to be probable and reasonably estimable. We believe that the outcome of any such pending matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material impact on our business or financial condition.

 

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Management

Executive officers and directors

The following table provides the names, ages and positions of our executive officers and directors as of                  , 2013:

 

Name    Age    Position

 

Executive Officers :

     

Larry L. Enterline

   60    Chief Executive Officer and Director

Zvi Glasman

   49    Chief Financial Officer

John Boulton

   51    Senior Vice President, Global Operations

Mario Galasso

   47    Senior Vice President, Business Divisions

Non-Employee Directors:

     

Elias Sabo

   42    Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors

Robert C. Fox, Jr.

   74    Director

Joseph Hagin

   57    Director

Dudley Mendenhall

   58    Lead Independent Director

Carl Nichols

   58    Director

Ted Waitman

   63    Director

 

Executive officers

Larry L. Enterline has served as Chief Executive Officer and director of our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Fox Factory, Inc., or our Subsidiary, since March 2011. In anticipation of this offering, we engaged Mr. Enterline to serve directly as our Chief Executive Officer, in addition to his positions with our Subsidiary, in May 2013, and we appointed him directly to our board of directors in June 2013. Since April 2010, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Vulcan Holdings, Inc., his private investment holding and consulting services company. From January 2006 to April 2010, Mr. Enterline was Chief Executive Officer of COMSYS IT Partners, Inc., an IT staffing and solutions company. Since October 2005, Mr. Enterline has served on the board of directors of Concurrent Computer Corporation (NASDAQ: CCUR), a provider of software, hardware and professional services for the video market and the high-performance, real-time market. From April 2005 to September 2011, Mr. Enterline served on the board of directors of Raptor Networks Technology, Inc., now known as Mabwe Minerals Inc. (PINK: MBWE), which, at the time of Mr. Enterline’s membership on the board, was engaged in the data network switching industry. From 1989 to 2000, Mr. Enterline served in various management roles, including Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Service Organization, at Scientific-Atlanta, Inc., a Georgia-based manufacturer of cable television, telecommunications and broadband equipment. Mr. Enterline earned a BSEE in Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 1974, and an MBA from Cleveland State University in 1988. We believe that Mr. Enterline’s current position as our Chief

 

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Executive Officer and as Chief Executive Officer of our Subsidiary, service on other public company boards and leadership experience give him the qualifications and skills to serve as our director.

Zvi Glasman first joined us in January 2008 as Chief Financial Officer of our Subsidiary, initially as a consultant until his employment under the same title in September 2008. In anticipation of this offering, we engaged Mr. Glasman to serve directly as our Chief Financial Officer, in addition to his position with our Subsidiary, in May 2013. Prior to joining our Subsidiary, Mr. Glasman served as Chief Financial Officer of Motive Eyewear, Inc., an eyewear supplier, from 2005 until 2008. From 2003 to 2005, he was Chief Financial Officer at Marshall & Swift, a software company focused on providing valuation solutions to the insurance and real estate industries, and from 2001 to 2003, he served as Chief Financial Officer of RealTimeImage Inc. (RTI), an internet infrastructure company providing imaging products and services for the graphic arts and medical communities. Mr. Glasman is an inactive certified public accountant. He earned a BS in Finance from Pennsylvania State University in 1985.

John Boulton has served as Senior Vice President, Global Operations of our Subsidiary since February 2012. In anticipation of this offering, we engaged Mr. Boulton to serve directly as our Senior Vice President, Global Operations, in addition to his position with our Subsidiary, in June 2013 from January 2011 to February 2012, he served in a similar capacity with our Subsidiary. Prior to joining our Subsidiary, Mr. Boulton served as Vice President, Operations, of Utilimaster Corporation, a producer of walk-in vans and delivery trucks, from 2007 until 2010. From September 1985 to June 2004 he worked for General Electric Company in various management positions, most recently under the title Vice President of Operations for Fleet Services, GE Capital. Mr. Boulton earned a BSEE in Electrical Engineering from Reading College of Technology in 1983.

Mario Galasso has served as Senior Vice President, Business Divisions of our Subsidiary since January 2013. In anticipation of this offering, we engaged Mr. Galasso to serve directly as our Senior Vice President, Business Divisions, in addition to his position with our Subsidiary, in June 2013. From February 2003 to January 2013, Mr. Galasso held a number of positions with our Subsidiary including Vice President, Bicycle & Corporate Engineering and Corporate Senior Vice President from February 2012 to February 2013. Mr. Galasso earned a BSME in Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1988.

Non-employee directors

Elias Sabo has served as a director of our company since December 2007. Mr. Sabo served as our President from January 2008 until June 2013. Since 1998, Mr. Sabo has served as a founding partner at Compass Group Management LLC, the manager of Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE: CODI), our Sponsor’s parent, and other alternative asset vehicles. Prior to joining Compass Group, Mr. Sabo worked in the acquisition department of Colony Capital, LLC, a Los Angeles-based real estate private equity firm, from 1992 to 1996, and as a healthcare investment banker for CIBC World Markets (formerly Oppenheimer & Co.) from 1996 to 1998. Mr. Sabo also serves on the boards of directors of several private companies. Mr. Sabo earned a BS in Business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1992. Mr. Sabo brings to our board of directors business leadership experience, an extensive understanding of investment activities, and public company experience with respect to governance and risk management. His in-depth investment experience

with our Sponsor enables him to advise our board of directors on various strategic and business matters.

 

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Robert C. Fox, Jr. is the founder of our Subsidiary and has served as a director of our company since January 2008. He served as Chief Executive Officer of our Subsidiary from its inception in February 1978 until January 2008. From January 2008 to June 2009, he served as Chief Engineering Officer of our Subsidiary. Mr. Fox earned a BS in Physics from Santa Clara University in 1961, and an MBA from Santa Clara University in 1968. As the founder of our Subsidiary, Mr. Fox brings a deep understanding of our history, culture and technology to our board of directors, which enables him to advise our board of directors on all aspects of our business, while bringing historic knowledge and continuity to our board of directors.

Joseph Hagin joined us as a director of our Subsidiary in January 2009. In anticipation of this offering, he was appointed to serve directly as a member of our board of directors in June 2013. Mr. Hagin has served as senior partner at Command Consulting Group, an international security and intelligence consulting firm since January 2009. From September 2008 to August 2010, he was the Chairman of S Mobile Corporation, a technology company. Mr. Hagin served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for President George W. Bush from January 2001 until August 2008. Mr. Hagin earned a BA in Economics from Kenyon College in 1979. Mr. Hagin’s executive management experience and expertise brings a unique perspective to our board of directors and enables him to provide insight with respect to the management of our company.

Dudley Mendenhall joined us as a director of our Subsidiary in February 2012. In anticipation of this offering, he was appointed to serve directly as a member of our board of directors in June 2013. Mr. Mendenhall also serves as the Lead Independent Director on our board of directors. Since July 2012, Mr. Mendenhall has been an independent consultant providing financial advisory services. From January 2011 to July 2012, he was Vice President, Strategy, Planning and Operations in the office of Strategy and Technology at Hewlett-Packard Company. From March 2009 to August 2010, Mr. Mendenhall served as Chief Financial Officer of Solera Holdings, Inc., a provider of software and services to the automobile insurance claims processing industry. From September 2007 to March 2009, Mr. Mendenhall was Chief Financial Officer of Websense, Inc., a company providing integrated web, data and email security solutions. From April 2003 to September 2007, Mr. Mendenhall was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of K2, Inc., an international sporting equipment manufacturer. Mr. Mendenhall holds a BA in economics from Colorado College. Mr. Mendenhall’s experience as a chief financial officer at public companies, and background in finance and accounting, assists our board of directors with financial review and risk management obligations.

Carl Nichols joined us as a director of our Subsidiary in May 2008. In anticipation of this offering, he was appointed to serve directly as a member of our board of directors in June 2013. Since 2003, Mr. Nichols has served as Chief Executive Officer of david ID, LLC, a strategic brand consulting company. He also serves on the boards of directors of several private companies. Mr. Nichols has also served as a business council member of Solera Capital, LLC, an investment firm, since 2007. Mr. Nichols earned a BA in Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1978. Mr. Nichols’ experience with strategic consulting, serving on the boards of companies and advising the portfolio companies of Solera Capital, LLC give him the qualifications and skills to serve as our director.

Ted Waitman has served as a director of our company since June 2013. Since 1978, Mr. Waitman has held various leadership positions, including serving as President and Chief Executive Officer since 1996 and as a director since 2003, at CPM Holdings, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of process equipment for the animal feed and oilseed processing industries. From 2006 to 2008, he served as an independent director of Compass Diversified Holdings, our Sponsor’s parent.

 

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Mr. Waitman was also previously a director of the American Feed Industry Association and president of the Process Equipment Manufacturers’ Association. Mr. Waitman earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Evansville. Mr. Waitman’s various leadership positions and extensive management and operating experience qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.

Involvement in certain legal proceedings

Except as stated below, during the past 10 years, none of our current directors, nominees for directors or current executive officers has been involved in any legal proceeding identified in Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K, including, without limitation any: (i) involvement in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, (ii) conviction or is a named subject of a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or other minor offenses), (iii) involvement in any judicial or administrative proceeding (except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement or were subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated) that resulted in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities, commodities or business laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities or commodities laws, laws respecting financial institutions or insurance companies or laws respecting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity, (iv) involvement in any disciplinary sanction or order imposed by a stock, commodities or derivatives exchange or other self-regulatory organization, or (v) involvement in any proceeding adverse to our company. In February 2012, Mr. Boulton, our Senior Vice President, Global Operations, was charged with a misdemeanor offense related to driving under the influence and pled no contest. We believe that this matter does not adversely affect Mr. Boulton’s integrity or his fitness or ability to serve as an executive officer.

Code of business conduct and ethics

Prior to the completion of this offering, our board of directors will adopt a code of business conduct and ethics that will apply to all of our employees, officers and directors involved in the oversight of our day-to-day operations, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other executive and senior officers. Upon completion of this offering, the code of business conduct and ethics will be posted on our website. The code of business conduct and ethics can only be amended by the approval of a majority of our board of directors, including a majority of our independent directors. Any waiver to the code of business conduct and ethics for an executive officer or director may only be granted by our board of directors and must be timely disclosed as required by applicable law. We expect that any amendments to the code of business conduct and ethics, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on our website.

Board of directors

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors, which currently consists of seven members. The primary responsibilities of our board of directors are to provide oversight, strategic guidance, counseling and direction to our management.

In accordance with our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, immediately after the completion of this offering, our board of directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. Only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of our stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the

 

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remainder of their respective three-year terms. Our directors will be divided among the three classes as follows:

 

 

our class I directors will be Mr. Mendenhall and Mr. Hagin and their term will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2014;

 

 

our class II directors will be Mr. Nichols and Mr. Waitman and their term will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2015; and

 

 

our class III directors will be Messrs. Sabo, Enterline and Fox and their term will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2016.

At each annual meeting of stockholders after the initial classification, the successors to the directors whose term will then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election. In addition, the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of our board of directors. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This classification of our board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of our management or a change in control.

Director independence

Under the rules and listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or the Nasdaq Listing Rules, a majority of the members of our board of directors must satisfy the Nasdaq Listing Rules criteria for “independence.” No director qualifies as independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules unless our board of directors affirmatively determines that the director does not have a relationship with us that would impair independence (directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with us). Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Hagin, Mendenhall, Nichols and Waitman are independent directors as defined under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Mr. Enterline is not independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules as a result of his position as our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sabo is not independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules as a result of his relationship with our Sponsor and Mr. Fox is not independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules as a result of the fact that we rent our Watsonville, California manufacturing and office facilities from Mr. Fox. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Our Sponsor” and “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Real property leases” below for additional information.

Governance guidelines

Our board of directors has adopted a set of governance guidelines, the Governance Guidelines, to assist our board of directors and its committees in performing their duties and serving the best interests of our company and our stockholders. The Governance Guidelines cover topics including, but not limited to, director selection and qualification, director responsibilities and operation of our board of directors, director access to management and independent advisors, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, succession planning, recoupment of performance-based compensation and the annual evaluations of our board of directors.

 

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Committees of the board of directors

Our board of directors will, effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, establish an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. The composition and responsibilities of each of the committees of our board of directors are described below. Members will serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors.

Audit committee

Our audit committee is comprised of Messrs. Hagin, Mendenhall and Nichols, with Mr. Mendenhall serving as Chairman of the committee. Each member of the audit committee must be independent as defined under the applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules and financially literate under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the audit committee is “independent” and “financially literate” under the Nasdaq Listing Rules and the SEC and that Mr. Mendenhall is an “audit committee financial expert” under the rules of the SEC. The responsibilities of the audit committee are included in its written charter. The functions of this committee include, among others:

 

 

appointing, retaining, terminating, determining compensation for, and overseeing the independent registered public accounting firm;

 

 

reviewing the scope of the audit by the independent registered public accounting firm;

 

 

inquiring into the effectiveness of our accounting and internal control functions;

 

 

assisting our board of directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, our adherence to policies regarding ethics and business practices and our enterprise risk-management practices;

 

 

approving, or pre-approving, all audit and all permissible non-audit services, other than de minimis non-audit services, to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm; and

 

 

obtaining and reviewing a report by the independent registered public accounting firm, at least annually, that describes our internal control procedures, any material issues with such procedures, and any steps taken to deal with such issues.

Compensation committee

Our compensation committee is comprised of Messrs. Mendenhall, Nichols and Waitman, with Mr. Waitman serving as Chairman of the committee. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the committee is “independent” under the Nasdaq Listing Rules and all applicable laws. Each of the members of this committee is also a “nonemployee director” as that term is defined under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and an “outside director” as that term is defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.162-27(3). The responsibilities of the compensation committee are included in its written charter. The functions of this committee include, among others:

 

 

determining, or recommending to our board of directors for determination, the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and our other executive officers and reviewing and approving or

 

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recommending to our board of directors for approval performance goals relevant to such compensation;

 

 

evaluating and recommending the type and amount of compensation to be paid or awarded to the members of our board of directors;

 

 

approving, periodically evaluating and proposing amendments to long-term incentive plans;

 

 

evaluating and recommending to our board of directors new equity incentive plans, compensation plans and similar programs advisable for us, as well as recommending to our board of directors the modification or termination existing plans and programs; and

 

 

establishing or recommending policies with respect to compensation arrangements, including recoupment policies.

The compensation committee may delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to grant rights in, or options to purchase, shares of our common stock to eligible employees who are not executive officers, subject to certain limitations.

Nominating and corporate governance committee

Our nominating and corporate governance committee is comprised of Messrs. Hagin, Mendenhall and Waitman, with Mr. Hagin serving as Chairman of the committee. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the committee is “independent” under the Nasdaq Listing Rules and all applicable laws. The responsibilities of the nominating and corporate governance committee are included in its written charter. The functions of this committee include, among others:

 

 

interviewing, evaluating and recommending to our board of directors candidates for election as our directors, including nominations by stockholders;

 

 

responsibility for matters relating to nomination of directors;

 

 

maintaining formal criteria for selecting director nominees who will best serve the interests of our company and our stockholders;

 

 

considering and assessing the independence of members of our board of directors;

 

 

evaluating director performance on our board of directors and applicable committees of our board of directors and determining whether continued service on our board of directors is appropriate;

 

 

evaluating the adequacy of our corporate governance practices and policies;

 

 

reviewing and approving all related party transactions;

 

 

developing and periodically reviewing and recommending to our board of directors appropriate revisions to our corporate governance framework, including our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated Bylaws and Governance Guidelines;

 

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monitoring compliance with our Governance Guidelines;

 

 

reviewing the composition of each committee annually and presenting recommendations for committee membership for our board of directors to consider; and

 

 

reviewing and discussing with the CEO and reporting to our board of directors plans for executive officer development and corporate succession plans for the CEO and other executive officers.

Executive officers

Our executive officers are elected by, and serve at the discretion of, our board of directors. There are no familial relationships between our directors and executive officers.

Compensation committee interlocks and insider participation

Prior to establishing our compensation committee, the compensation committee of Fox Factory, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, made decisions relating to the compensation of our executive officers since all of our executive officers (or, in the case of Mr. Enterline, his wholly-owned consulting services corporation) had a consulting agreement, employment agreement or offer letter directly with Fox Factory, Inc. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of a board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee.

Non-employee director compensation

The following table presents the total compensation for each person who served as a non-employee member of our board of directors during 2012. Other than as set forth in the table and described more fully below, in 2012 we did not pay any compensation to, reimburse any expense of, or grant any equity awards or non-equity awards to any of the non-employee members of our board of directors.

In 2012, the standard fee arrangements for our non-employee directors (other than those serving on our board of directors on behalf of our Sponsor) included an annual cash retainer of $20,000, payable quarterly, for service as a director of Fox Factory, Inc. In addition, each non-employee director generally received options to purchase shares of our common stock upon his or her election or appointment to the board of directors of Fox Factory, Inc. Historically, the number of shares of our common stock subject to the options has varied from year to year and the options have generally vested in a single installment on the one-year anniversary of the grant date.

In connection with this offering, we intend to approve and implement a compensation program for our non-employee directors that consists of annual retainer fees and long-term equity awards.

The following table sets forth information for the year ended December 31, 2012 regarding the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to persons who served as our directors during 2012 who are not named executive officers. Each of Messrs. Sabo, Maciariello, Bottiglieri and Massoud served on our board of directors on behalf of our Sponsor and received no compensation for his services as a director in 2012. We pay CGM management fees pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, as described below under “Certain relationships and related party

 

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transactions—Management Services Agreement.” Mr. Fox, the founder of Fox Factory, Inc., also received no compensation for his services as a director in 2012.

 

Name   

Fees earned

or paid in

cash ($)

   

Option

awards(1)

    

All other

compensation

    Total  

 

 

Elias Sabo

            —                      

Robert C. Fox, Jr.

            —                      

Patrick A. Maciariello(2)

            —                      

James J. Bottiglieri(3)

            —                      

I. Joseph Massoud(4)

            —                      

Dudley Mendenhall

   $ 20,000 (5)(6)    $ 19,031(7)              $ 39,031   

Carl Nichols

     20,000 (6)      —             13,020 (8)      33,020   

Joseph Hagin

     20,000 (6)      19,031(7)                39,031   

 

 
(1)   Options exercisable for the following number of shares of our common stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2012: Mr. Mendenhall—100 shares; Mr. Nichols—140 shares and Mr. Hagin—100 shares.

 

(2)   Mr. Maciariello resigned from our board of directors on April 11, 2013.

 

(3)   Mr. Bottiglieri resigned from our board of directors on February 27, 2012.

 

(4)   Mr. Massoud resigned from our board of directors on November 30, 2012.

 

(5)   Mr. Mendenhall’s service as a director of Fox Factory, Inc. commenced on February 27, 2012. His compensation was not pro-rated even though he did not serve on the board of directors of Fox Factory, Inc. during all of 2012.

 

(6)   The director joined our board of directors on June 13, 2013. During 2012, the director served on the board of directors of Fox Factory, Inc. and received $20,000 as an annual retainer for such service.

 

(7)   The director was granted an option to purchase 100 shares of our common stock on February 27, 2012 with an exercise price of $340.91 per share as consideration for service as a director of Fox Factory, Inc. In June 2012, in connection with our recapitalization, this option was subsequently cancelled and the director was granted a new option to purchase 100 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $239.33 per share. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Recapitalization—Cancellation and issuance of director options” below. The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of both the cancelled and new option awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 10 to our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. These amounts do not reflect the actual economic value that will be realized by the director upon the vesting of the stock options, the exercise of the stock options or the sale of the common stock underlying such stock options.

 

(8)   Represents amounts paid to Mr. Nichols in June 2012 in connection with the recapitalization transaction to compensate him for the loss in value of his outstanding stock options. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Recapitalization—Cancellation and issuance of director options” below.

 

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Executive compensation

Summary compensation table for 2012

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation paid to our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012:

 

Name and principal position    Salary      Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation(2)
    

Option

awards(3)

    All other
compensation
    Total  

 

 

Larry L. Enterline(1)

   $ 700,000       $ 750,000       $ 1,316,193 (4)    $ 30,000 (5)    $ 2,796,193   

Chief Executive Officer

            

John Boulton

   $ 246,539       $ 140,000       $ 275,072 (6)           $ 661,611   

Senior Vice President,
Global Operations

            

Zvi Glasman

   $ 253,923       $ 150,000       $ 189,499 (7)           $ 593,422   

Chief Financial Officer

            

 

 

 

(1)   In 2012, Mr. Enterline served as Chief Executive Officer of Fox Factory, Inc. pursuant to the terms of a Services and Secondment Agreement, as amended, or the Enterline Services Agreement, by and among us, Fox Factory, Inc. and Vulcan Holdings, Inc., Mr. Enterline’s wholly-owned consulting services corporation, or Vulcan. All amounts listed in the Summary Compensation Table for Mr. Enterline were paid to Vulcan as provided in the Enterline Services Agreement. See “Narrative disclosure to summary compensation table—2012 employment agreements and arrangements” below for additional information on the terms of this arrangement.

 

(2)   Amounts in this column represent cash performance bonuses earned for fiscal 2012 by the respective named executive officer pursuant to, in the case of Mr. Enterline, the Enterline Services Agreement and, in the case of Messrs. Boulton and Glasman, our offer letter or employment agreement, respectively, with the named executive officer. Cash performance bonuses were awarded to our named executive officers based on the achievement of specified company performance metrics and the achievement of individual performance goals. In addition, in June 2013 we paid to Mr. Enterline pursuant to the Enterline Services Agreement a bonus of $500,000 based on his superior performance and the overall strong performance of our company over the two-year period ended March 31, 2013. See “Narrative disclosure to summary compensation table—2012 employment agreements and arrangements” below for additional information.

 

(3)   The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the option awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 10 of the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements. These amounts do not reflect the actual economic value that will be realized by the named executive officer upon the vesting of the stock options, the exercise of the stock options or the sale of the common stock underlying such stock options.

 

(4)   Consists of: (i) the aggregate grant date fair value of the new options to purchase 12,749 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $239.33 per share granted to Vulcan; and (ii) the additional compensation expense, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, incurred by us with respect to options to purchase an aggregate of 8,932 shares of our common stock that were subject to accelerated vesting, in each case, in connection with our recapitalization effected on June 15, 2012. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Recapitalization—Exercise of options and new option grants” below for additional information.

 

(5)   Consists of $30,000 for miscellaneous general and administrative costs paid to Vulcan. See “Narrative disclosure to summary compensation table—2012 employment agreements and arrangements” below for additional information on the terms of this arrangement.

 

(6)   Consists of of: (i) the aggregate grant date fair value of an option to purchase 1,500 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $287.86 per share granted to Mr. Boulton on October 3, 2012; (ii) the aggregate grant date fair value of a new option to purchase 1,415 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $239.33 per share granted to Mr. Boulton in connection with our recapitalization effected on June 15, 2012; and (iii) the additional compensation expense, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, incurred by us with respect to options to purchase an aggregate of 900 shares of our common stock that were subject to accelerated vesting in connection with our recapitalization effected on June 15, 2012. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Recapitalization—Exercise of options and new option grants” below for additional information.

 

(7)   Consists of: (i) the aggregate grant date fair value of the new option to purchase 2,287 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $239.33 per share granted to Mr. Glasman; and (ii) the additional compensation expense, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, incurred by us with respect to options to purchase an aggregate of 2,147 shares of our common stock that were subject to accelerated vesting, in each case in connection with our recapitalization effected on June 15, 2012. See “Certain relationships and related party transactions—Recapitalization—Exercise of options and new option grants” below for additional information.

 

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Narrative disclosure to summary compensation table for 2012

2012 employment agreements and arrangements

During 2012, Mr. Enterline served as the Chief Executive Officer of Fox Factory, Inc. pursuant to a Services and Secondment Agreement, as amended, or the Enterline Services Agreement, by and among us, Fox Factory, Inc. and Vulcan Holdings, Inc., Mr. Enterline’s wholly-owned consulting services company, or Vulcan. Under the Enterline Services Agreement, we agreed to pay Vulcan an annual fee of $700,000, an annual incentive fee equal to the sum of (1) an escalating percentage of up to 100% of $500,000 and (2) an escalating percentage of up to 100% of $250,000, with each escalating percentage based on our company-wide EBITDA as compared to a target EBITDA for the year as provided for in the agreement. The amount listed under the column “Non-equity incentive plan compensation” in the Summary compensation table above represents the cash bonus amount that Vulcan received in 2012 based on the achievement of such targets. In addition, the agreement provided that we will pay a fee of up to $1.0 million if, our board of directors determines, in its reasonable discretion, that certain performance measures have been achieved. In June 2013, we paid to Mr. Enterline a $500,000 bonus in satisfaction of this obligation in light of his performance and the overall strong performance of the company. We also agreed to pay Vulcan $2,500 per month for general and administrative costs, as well as to reimburse Vulcan for reasonable, ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred by Mr. Enterline in connection with providing services to us under the Enterline Services Agreement.

During 2012, Mr. Boulton served as the Senior Vice President, Global Operations, of Fox Factory, Inc. pursuant to an offer letter with Fox Factory, Inc. Mr. Boulton’s annual base salary in 2012 was initially $240,000, which was increased to $250,000 in May 2012. In 2012, Mr. Boulton was eligible to receive an annual cash bonus equal to 20% to 60% of his annual base salary based on our achievement of certain EBITDA targets on a company-wide basis as provided for in the agreement and Mr. Boulton’s achievement of individual performance measures. The amount listed under the column “Non-equity incentive plan compensation” in the Summary compensation table for 2012 represents the cash bonus amount that Mr. Boulton received in 2012 based on the achievement of such targets and performance measures.

During 2012, Mr. Glasman served as the Chief Financial Officer of Fox Factory, Inc. pursuant to an employment agreement with Fox Factory, Inc. Mr. Glasman’s annual base salary in 2012 was initially $250,000, which was increased to $256,000 in May 2012. In 2012, Mr. Glasman was eligible to receive an annual cash bonus based on our achievement of certain EBITDA targets as provided for in the agreement on a company-wide basis and Mr. Glasman’s achievement of individual performance measures. The amount listed under the column “Non-equity incentive plan compensation” in the Summary compensation table for 2012 represents the cash bonus amount that Mr. Glasman received in 2012 based on the achievement of such targets and performance measures.

New Employment Agreements

In July 2013, Fox Factory Holding Corp. signed new Employment Agreements with each of our named executive officers. These new Employment Agreements will become effective upon the closing of our public offering, at which time our Services and Secondment Agreement under which Mr. Enterline currently provides CEO services to us will terminate and the Employment Agreements between Fox Factory, Inc. and Messrs. Boulton and Glasman will terminate (other

 

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than the right to receive pro-rated bonuses for 2013). The new Employment Agreements provide for base salaries, incentive compensation benefits, and, in certain circumstances, severance benefits.

The new Employment Agreements with each of Mr. Enterline, Mr. Boulton, and Mr. Glasman provide for an initial base salary of $750,000, $250,000, and $295,000, respectively. Mr. Enterline is eligible for a performance bonus of $250,000 to $750,000 based on our achievement of certain EBITDA targets as provided for in his new Employment Agreement. Mr. Boulton and Mr. Glasman are eligible to receive bonuses equal to 14% to 42% and 25% to 75%, respectively, of their annual base salaries based on our achievement of certain EBITDA targets as provided for in their new Employment Agreements. Mr. Boulton is also eligible to receive a bonus equal to 6% to 18% of his annual base salary based on his achievement of individual performance measures. In addition to base salary and performance bonuses, the new Employment Agreements provide for paid time off and the ability to participate in our employee benefit plans on the same terms as other similarly situated executive officers (as detailed below).

As described below, the new Employment Agreements also provide the named executive officers with certain payments and benefits upon certain terminations of employment. Under the new Employment Agreements, in order to receive certain severance benefits, each named executive officer is required to execute a general release in favor of our company. Furthermore, the new Employment Agreements prohibit the named executive officers from soliciting our employees for two years following cessation of employment.

Under the terms of the new Employment Agreements, in the event that a named executive officer resigns without “Good Reason” (as defined below), or his employment terminates due to mutual agreement, death, disability (as defined in the new Employment Agreements), or for “Cause” (as defined below), such executive is entitled to receive the following payments and compensation: (i) accrued and unpaid annual base salary for services rendered prior to the date of termination or resignation and (ii) reimbursement of any un-reimbursed business expenses as of the date of termination or resignation. In addition, in the event of an executive’s cessation of employment due to his death or disability, such executive is also entitled to receive a pro rata payment of the executive’s performance bonus (which the executive would have earned under his new Employment Agreement if employed for the entire fiscal year in which termination occurs, and payable during the year the applicable audited financial statements become available).

In the event a named executive officer’s employment is terminated for any reason other than death, disability, or for “Cause,” or if a named executive officer resigns for “Good Reason,” such executive officer is entitled, provided he executes a release in our favor, to receive the following payments and compensation: (i) accrued and unpaid annual base salary for services rendered prior to the date of termination or resignation; (ii) reimbursement of any un-reimbursed business expenses as of the date of termination or resignation; (iii) (a) severance payable over time in an amount equal to the named executive’s annual base salary as of the date of termination, unless the executive’s base salary was reduced in such a way as to trigger a “Good Reason” resignation, in which case the severance amount will be equal to the executive’s annual base salary prior to such reduction, provided that such severance amount is greater than the executive’s base salary at termination and is payable in twelve substantially equal payments following execution of a

release, or (b) if we terminate Mr. Enterline or Mr. Glasman without Cause within 12 months

 

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after a change in control, or Mr. Enterline or Mr. Glasman resign for Good Reason within 12 months after a change of control, severance payable over time in an amount equal to two times (in the case of Mr. Enterline) or 1.5 times (in the case of Mr. Glasman) such executive’s annual base salary, payable in 24 (in the case of Mr. Enterline) or 18 (in the case of Mr. Glasman) equal monthly payments following execution of a release; (iv) a pro rata payment of the executive’s performance bonus (which the executive would have earned under his new Employment Agreement if employed for the entire fiscal year in which termination occurs, and payable during the year the applicable audited financial statements become available); and (v) continued company sharing in the cost of health care insurance during the period executive receives severance.

For purposes of the new Employment Agreements, termination for “Cause” means with respect to a named executive, one or more of the following: (i) willful or grossly negligent violation of any law which causes material injury to the business of our company (or any subsidiary) or entry of a plea of nolo contendere (or similar plea) to a charge of such an offense; (ii) conduct causing us or any of our subsidiaries significant public disgrace or disrepute; (iii) any act or omission aiding or abetting a competitor, supplier, or customer of our company or any of its subsidiaries to the material disadvantage or detriment of us and our subsidiaries; (iv) the executive’s willful violation of fiduciary duties to our company or any subsidiary, including the duty of loyalty and the corporate opportunity doctrine; (v) commission of, or the act of fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or embezzlement, or the executive’s commission of any felony offense; (vi) material breach of the executive’s representations, warranties, or covenants under his new Employment Agreement or any other agreement between the parties hereto that, if curable and unrelated to a breach of his confidentiality obligations, remains uncured for 15 days following written notice thereof from us to executive; and (vii) refusal or failure to comply with our reasonable orders or directives (including refusal or failure to perform, other than as a result of death or disability, material assigned duties or responsibilities that are consistent with normal business practices and his new Employment Agreement) or our (or our subsidiaries’) material and reasonable rules, regulations, policies, procedures or practices that are not inconsistent with the terms of his new Employment Agreement or applicable law, which continues uncured for 15 days following written notice thereof from us to the executive.

A resignation by a named executive officer will be deemed a resignation for “Good Reason” if the executive provides written notice to the company of the specific circumstances alleged to constitute Good Reason within 90 days after any one or more of the following events: (i) a reduction in executive’s base salary below the amount as of the date of his new Employment Agreement (other than a substantially similar reduction applicable to all executives); (ii) our requiring, without the executive’s consent, that the executive relocate the executive’s principal place of business outside a 30-mile radius from the location where the executive is employed as of the effective date of his new Employment Agreement or such other location as consented to by the executive; (iii) material breach by us of his new Employment Agreement; or (iv) without the executive’s consent, a material reduction in the executive’s duties or responsibilities. Where curable, we will have 30 days to cure such circumstances upon the receipt of notice from the executive.

 

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Perquisites, health, welfare and retirement plans and benefits

Health and welfare benefits

Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in all of our employee benefit plans, including our medical, dental, vision, group life and disability insurance plans, in each case on the same basis as other employees.

401(k) plan

We maintain a tax-qualified retirement plan, our 401(k) plan, which provides all regular employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. Under our 401(k) plan, participants may elect to defer a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis and have it contributed to the plan subject to applicable annual limits set forth in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. Pre-tax contributions are allocated to each participant’s individual account and are then invested in select investment alternatives according to the participants’ directions. Our 401(k) plan allows for matching contributions to be made by us. As a tax-qualified retirement plan, contributions to our 401(k) plan and earnings on those contributions are not taxable to the employees until distributed and all contributions are deductible by us when made.

Perquisites and personal benefits

We do not provide perquisites or personal benefits to our named executive officers. We do, however, pay certain premiums for term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment for all of our employees, including all of our named executive officers, other than Mr. Enterline prior to      2013 since, prior to such time, he was a consultant and not an employee.

Pension benefits and non-qualified deferred compensation

None of our named executive officers participate in or have account balances in qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans sponsored by us.

Outstanding equity-based awards at fiscal year-end 2012

The following table presents certain information concerning outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2012:

 

Name    Option awards  
  

Number of securities
underlying
unexercised options

(#) exercisable

   

Number of securities
underlying
unexercised options

(#) unexercisable

    

Option exercise

price per share

    

Option

expiration

date

 

 

 

Larry L. Enterline(1)

     —  (2)      12,749       $ 239.33         6/15/2022   

John Boulton

     —  (3)      2,700         241.53         3/1/2021   
     —  (4)      1,415         239.33         6/15/2022   
     —  (5)      1,500         287.86         10/3/2022   

Zvi Glasman

     —  (6)      2,287         239.33         6/15/2022   

 

 

 

(1)   Options were granted to Vulcan.

 

(2)   The option was granted pursuant to the 2008 Plan and will vest in a single installment on June 15, 2013, the one year anniversary of the grant date of the award, subject to full acceleration of vesting upon the occurrence of a change of control of our company or the death or permanent and total disability of Mr. Enterline.

 

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(3)   The option was granted pursuant to the 2008 Plan and was originally exercisable for a total of 4,500 shares of our common stock. As granted, this option vests as to 1/5 of the total number of shares covered by the option on the first anniversary of the grant date of March 1, 2011 and vests as to 1/5 of the shares each anniversary thereafter until fully vested, subject to full acceleration of vesting upon the occurrence of a change of control of our company or the death or permanent and total disability of Mr. Boulton. In connection with our recapitalization in June 2012, vesting of options exercisable for 1/5 of the total number of shares was accelerated and options as to 2/5 of the total number of shares were exercised.

 

(4)   The option was granted pursuant to the 2008 Plan and vests as to 1/3 of the shares on March 1, 2014 and vests as to 1/3 of the shares each anniversary thereafter until fully vested, subject to full acceleration of vesting upon the occurrence of a change of control of our company or the death or permanent and total disability of Mr. Boulton.

 

(5)   The option was granted pursuant to the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan and vests as to 1/5 of the shares on the first anniversary of the grant date of October 3, 2012 and vests as to 1/5 of the shares each anniversary thereafter until fully vested, subject to full acceleration of vesting upon the occurrence of a change of control of our company or the death or permanent and total disability of Mr. Boulton.

 

(6)   The option was granted pursuant to the 2008 Plan and vests as to 1/2 of the shares on the first anniversary of the grant date of June 15, 2012, with the remainder vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date, subject to full acceleration of vesting upon the occurrence of a change of control of our company or the death or permanent and total disability of Mr. Glasman.

Equity-based incentive plans

2008 Stock Option Plan

Our board of directors adopted our 2008 Stock Option Plan, or the 2008 Plan, on January 4, 2008, and the 2008 Plan was approved by our stockholders in January 2008. The 2008 Plan was subsequently amended in November 2008 to increase the total number of shares issuable under the 2008 Plan by 53,444 shares of our common stock. The 2008 Plan will be terminated upon the effective date of the 2013 Omnibus Plan (as defined under “—2013 Omnibus Plan” below). The purpose of the 2008 Plan was to enable us to attract and retain the best available talent and to encourage the highest level of performance. Employees and directors of our company and our subsidiaries are eligible to receive option grants under the 2008 Plan. The 2008 Plan is currently administered by our compensation committee. Prior to the establishment of our compensation committee in July 2013, the 2008 Plan was administered by our board of directors based on recommendations of the compensation committee of Fox Factory, Inc.

Stock subject to the 2008 Plan .    The maximum aggregate number of shares that can be issued under the 2008 Plan is 125,000 shares of our common stock. As of March 31, 2013, 78,483 shares of our common stock had been issued under the 2008 Plan and options to purchase an additional 46,222 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2008 Plan.

Stock options .    Our compensation committee is authorized to grant incentive and/or non-statutory stock options under the 2008 Plan. The exercise price of all stock options granted under the 2008 Plan must equal at least 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant (except for greater than 10% owners, as provided below). Incentive stock options granted under the 2008 Plan must be exercised within 10 years from the date of grant, and the period for exercising any non-statutory stock options is set by our compensation committee; provided, however, that an incentive stock option held by a participant who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock or of the stock of our parents or subsidiaries, may not have a term in excess of five years and must have an exercise price of at least 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. The option price is payable only in cash, except if our company undergoes a change of control, in which case the option price may be satisfied through shares obtained through exercise of the option in connection with the change of control. Subject to the provisions of the 2008 Plan, our compensation committee determines the remaining terms of the options (e.g., vesting and the

 

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period following a participant’s termination of service during which the participant may exercise his or her option, provided that in no event may an option be exercised later than the expiration of its term).

Plan termination.     Upon the completion of this offering, the 2008 Plan will be terminated and no shares of our common stock will remain available for future issuance under the 2008 Plan. However, the 2008 Plan will continue to govern the terms and conditions of awards originally granted under the 2008 Plan. Shares originally reserved for issuance under the 2008 Plan but which are not issued or subject to outstanding grants on the effective date of the 2013 Omnibus Plan, and shares subject to outstanding options under the 2008 Plan on the effective date of the 2013 Omnibus Plan that are subsequently forfeited or terminated for any reason before being exercised, and shares subject to vesting restrictions under the 2008 Plan that are subsequently forfeited will again become available for awards under the 2013 Omnibus Plan on or after the date the 2013 Omnibus Plan becomes effective.

2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan

Our board of directors adopted our 2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan, or the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan, on May 6, 2008. The 2008 Non-Statutory Plan was subsequently amended in December 2012 to increase the total number of shares issuable under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan by 30,000 shares of our common stock. The 2008 Non-Statutory Plan will be terminated upon the effective date of the 2013 Omnibus Plan. The purpose of the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan was to enable us to attract and retain the best available talent and to encourage the highest level of performance. Employees and directors of our company and our subsidiaries are eligible to receive option grants under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan. The 2008 Non-Statutory Plan is currently administered by our compensation committee. Prior to the establishment of our compensation committee in July 2013, the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan was administered by our board of directors based on recommendations of the compensation committee of Fox Factory, Inc.

Stock subject to the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan .    The maximum aggregate number of shares that can be issued under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan is 40,900 shares of our common stock. As of March 31, 2013, 2,540 shares of our common stock had been issued under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan and options to purchase an additional 7,840 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan.

Stock options.     Our compensation committee is authorized to grant non-statutory stock options under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan. The period for exercising any options granted under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan is set by our compensation committee. The option price is payable only in cash, except if our company undergoes a change of control, in which case the option price may be satisfied through shares obtained through exercise of the option in connection with the change of control. Subject to the provisions of the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan, our compensation committee determines the remaining terms of the options (e.g., vesting and the period following a participant’s termination of service during which the participant may exercise his or her option, provided that in no event may an option be exercised later than the expiration of its term).

Plan termination.     Upon the completion of this offering, the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan will be terminated and no shares of our common stock will remain available for future issuance under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan. However, the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan will continue to govern the terms and conditions of awards originally granted under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan. Shares originally reserved for issuance under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan but which are not issued or

 

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subject to outstanding grants on the effective date of the 2013 Omnibus Plan, and shares subject to outstanding options under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan on the effective date of the 2013 Omnibus Plan that are subsequently forfeited or terminated for any reason before being exercised, and shares subject to vesting restrictions under the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan that are subsequently forfeited will again become available for awards under the 2013 Omnibus Plan on or after the date the 2013 Omnibus Plan becomes effective.

2013 Omnibus Plan

In July 2013, our board of directors and stockholders adopted the 2013 Omnibus Plan, which will become effective on the closing of this offering, and which will serve as the successor to our 2008 Plan and 2008 Non-Statutory Plan. The 2013 Omnibus Plan will be the sole plan under which we make equity-based awards to our employees, directors and consultants upon the closing of this offering. However, the 2008 Plan and the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan will continue to govern the terms and conditions of awards originally granted under the 2008 Plan and the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan, respectively.

Effective upon the closing of this offering, we expect to grant to Messrs. Enterline, Glasman, and Galasso, each an executive officer, awards of restricted stock units representing             ,             and              underlying shares of common stock, respectively. The awards are expected to vest in four equal annual increments of 25% each, commencing with the one year anniversary date of the grant date.

Share reserve .    We have reserved      shares of our common stock for issuance under the 2013 Omnibus Plan, plus an additional number of shares equal to any shares that are subject to outstanding awards under the 2008 Plan and the 2008 Non-Statutory Plan and which either cease for any reason to be subject to such awards or are forfeited, cancelled or repurchased at their original issue price. In addition, the following shares of our common stock will again be available for grant or issuance under the 2013 Omnibus Plan:

 

 

shares subject to awards granted under the 2013 Omnibus Plan that are subsequently forfeited or cancelled;

 

 

shares subject to awards granted under the 2013 Omnibus Plan that otherwise terminate without shares being issued; and

 

 

shares surrendered, cancelled or exchanged for cash (but not shares surrendered to pay the exercise price or withholding taxes associated with the award).

Term.     We anticipate that the 2013 Omnibus Plan will terminate 10 years from the date our board of directors approves the plan, unless it is terminated earlier by our board of directors.

Award forms and limitations.     We anticipate that the 2013 Omnibus Plan will authorize the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock, performance-based compensation and other stock-based awards. For stock options that are intended to qualify as incentive stock options, or ISOs, under Section 422 of the Code, the maximum number of shares subject to ISO awards will be     . The maximum will be      shares for each of the following award types granted to any one person within any fiscal year of ours: (i) the shares subject to ISOs, (ii) the shares subject to stock options and stock appreciation rights, (iii) the shares subject to performance-based compensation awards, (iv) restricted stock, restricted stock units and unrestricted stock, and (v) all other stock-based awards.

 

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Eligibility.     Only our and our affiliates’ employees, consultants and board members are eligible to receive awards under the 2013 Omnibus Plan, although awards may be made to employees and consultants to whom an offer of employment has been or is being extended. Our compensation committee determines who will receive awards, and all of their terms and conditions.

Administration.     The 2013 Omnibus Plan will be administered by our compensation committee, all of the members of which will be non-employee directors under applicable federal securities laws and outside directors as defined under applicable federal tax laws. Our compensation committee will have the authority to construe and interpret the 2013 Omnibus Plan, grant awards and make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the plan. Awards under the 2013 Omnibus Plan may be made subject to “performance factors” and other terms in order to qualify as performance based compensation for the purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.

Stock options.     The 2013 Omnibus Plan will provide for the grant of ISOs only to our employees. All options other than ISOs may be granted to our employees, directors, consultants, independent contractors and advisors. The exercise price of each stock option must be at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of ISOs granted to 10% or more stockholders must be at least equal to 110% of that value. Our compensation committee may provide for options to be exercised only as they vest or to be immediately exercisable with any shares issued on exercise being subject to our right of repurchase that lapses as the shares vest. In general, options will vest over a four-year period. The maximum term of options granted the 2013 Omnibus Plan is 10 years (five years in the case of ISOs granted to 10% or more stockholders).

Stock appreciation rights.     Stock appreciation rights provide for a payment, or payments, in cash or shares of our common stock, to the holder based upon the difference between the fair market value of our common stock on the date of exercise and the stated exercise price that must be at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Stock appreciation rights may vest based on time or achievement of performance conditions.

Restricted stock.     A restricted stock award is an offer by us to issue or to sell shares of our common stock subject to restrictions. The price (if any) of a restricted stock award will be determined by our compensation committee. Unless otherwise determined by our compensation committee at the time of award, vesting will cease on the date the participant no longer provides services to us and unvested shares will be forfeited to or repurchased by us.

Restricted stock units.     A restricted stock unit is an award that covers a number of shares of our common stock that may be settled upon vesting in cash, by the issuance of the underlying shares or a combination of both. These awards are subject to forfeiture prior to settlement because of termination of employment or failure to achieve certain performance conditions.

Unrestricted stock.     An unrestricted stock award is an award of shares of our common stock that is issued without forfeiture restrictions.

Performance-based compensation.     An award of performance-based compensation is an award that covers a number of shares of our common stock (or a designated cash value) that may be settled upon achievement of the pre-established performance conditions in cash or by issuance of the underlying shares. These awards are subject to forfeiture prior to settlement because of termination of employment or failure to achieve the performance conditions. We will have the flexibility, but not the obligation, to structure these awards in a manner that is intended to exempt them from the deduction limitations set forth in Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

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Other stock-based awards.     Stock-based awards, such as dividend equivalent rights and other awards denominated or payable in shares of our common stock, may be granted as additional compensation for services or performance.

Additional provisions.     Awards granted under the 2013 Omnibus Plan may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or as determined by our compensation committee. Unless otherwise restricted by our compensation committee, awards that are non-ISOs or stock appreciation rights may be exercised during the lifetime of the optionee only by the optionee, the optionee’s guardian or legal representative, or a family member of the optionee who has acquired the non-ISOs or stock appreciation rights by a permitted transfer. Awards that are ISOs may be exercised during the lifetime of the optionee only by the optionee or the optionee’s guardian or legal representative.

If we experience a change of control transaction, and unless an award provides otherwise: outstanding awards, including any vesting provisions, may be assumed or substituted by the successor company, and outstanding awards that are not assumed or substituted will become fully vested and non-forfeitable, exercisable in the case of options and stock appreciation rights, and satisfied at target levels in the case of performance-based awards. Unless an award provides otherwise, if an award is assumed or substituted by the successor company in connection with a change of control transaction and the holder’s employment or service to us is terminated without cause or the holder terminates his or her employment or service to us for good reason, in each case within 12 months of such change of control transaction, all assumed or substituted awards held by such holder will become fully vested and non-forfeitable. All awards will be equitably adjusted in the case of stock splits, recapitalizations and similar transactions.

 

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Certain relationships and related party transactions

In addition to the director and executive officer compensation arrangements discussed above under “Executive compensation,” the following is a summary of material provisions of transactions occurring since January 1, 2011, of which we have been a party and in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000 and in which any of our directors, executive officers, beneficial holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, or entities affiliated with them, have had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Our Sponsor

Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, our Sponsor, is a selling stockholder in this offering. Our Sponsor is managed by CGM. CGM also provides services to us as described in “—Management Services Agreement” below. In addition, one of our directors, Elias Sabo, owns a portion and is the sole manager of CGM.

Management Services Agreement

Under a Management Services Agreement between Fox Factory, Inc. and CGM, CGM performs executive, financial and managerial oversight services for us. During each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, CGM received a management fee of $0.5 million paid quarterly in arrears, plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the provision of services to us. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we paid CGM a management fee of $125,000. The Management Services Agreement provides our Sponsor with customary exculpation and indemnification protections. In connection with this offering, we will terminate the Management Services Agreement and will pay CGM any accrued but unpaid management fees. The exculpation and indemnification provisions will survive the termination.

Existing Credit Facility

Our Sponsor provides us with our Existing Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2013, our outstanding borrowings from our Sponsor were $52.9 million. For a description of the Existing Credit Facility, see “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Liquidity and capital resources—Credit facility.” Currently with the closing of this offering, we intend to use the net proceeds we receive from this offering to repay a majority of the then outstanding indebtedness under our Existing Credit Facility. We also intend to enter into our New Credit Facility and to terminate the Existing Credit Facility upon the consummation of this offering.

Recapitalization

On June 15, 2012, we engaged in a recapitalization involving our debt, outstanding stock and stock options. As discussed below, the recapitalization involved (1) borrowing additional funds from our Sponsor, (2) paying dividends to our stockholders, (3) the acceleration of the vesting of certain options, (4) the net exercise of stock options by certain officers and directors, (5) the granting of new options to certain employees, officers and directors, (6) the cancellation and re-issuance of options to two of our directors, (7) the purchase of shares of our common stock by our Sponsor from certain of our employees, officers and directors, and (8) the purchase of shares of our common stock by certain of our employees, officers and directors from us. All purchases of

 

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common stock (other than purchases under pre-existing options) and grants of new options occurred at the same price per share.

Credit facility and dividends

In connection with our recapitalization, we entered into an amendment to our Existing Credit Facility with our Sponsor. Among other changes, the amendment provided for a $60.0 million term loan and increased the revolver commitment by $2.0 million to $30.0 million. Borrowings under our Existing Credit Facility in large part enabled us to fund a $67.0 million cash dividend to our stockholders in June 2012, approximately $62.3 million of which was issued to the following directors, executive officers and beneficial holders of more than 5% of our voting stock in the following respective amounts: our Sponsor, $50.7 million; Robert C. Fox, Jr., $9.3 million; Mario Galasso, $1.1 million; Zvi Glasman, $0.8 million; John Boulton, $0.03 million; Larry L. Enterline, $0.3 million; Carl Nichols, $0.04 million; and Joseph Hagin, $0.03 million.

Exercise of options and new option grants

At the time of our recapitalization, we accelerated the vesting of certain options and certain of our option holders exercised outstanding options on a net exercise basis (by paying their exercise price and applicable tax withholdings by receiving fewer shares upon exercise). Our participating directors and executive officers received an aggregate of 22,029 shares of our common stock upon exercise, with an aggregate value of approximately $7.3 million, as follows: Mario Galasso (7,140 shares); Zvi Glasman (8,572 shares); John Boulton (486 shares); Larry L. Enterline (4,827 shares); Carl Nichols (578 shares) and Joseph Hagin (426 shares). We also granted new options to certain of our employees, officers and directors at such time. Our participating directors and executive officers received options to purchase an aggregate of 18,927 shares of our common stock, with an exercise price of $239.33 per share, as follows: Mario Galasso (2,276 shares); Zvi Glasman (2,287 shares); John Boulton (1,415 shares); Larry L. Enterline (12,749 shares); Joseph Hagin (100 shares) and Dudley Mendenhall (100 shares).

Cancellation and issuance of director options

As part of our recapitalization, to reflect the reduced value of our common stock caused by our cash dividend, we cancelled 100 outstanding options held by each of our directors, Joseph Hagin and Dudley Mendenhall, each with an exercise price of $340.91 per share, and issued them the same number of replacement options, each at an exercise price of $239.33 per share. In addition, Carl Nichols, one of our directors, was paid a cash bonus of $13,020 to compensate him for the loss in value on his outstanding options.

Purchases and sales of common stock

In connection with our recapitalization, our Sponsor purchased shares of our common stock from our employees, officers and directors. Our participating directors and executive officers sold an aggregate of 11,576 shares of our common stock to our Sponsor at a sales price of $330.96 per share, as follows: Mario Galasso (7,140 shares); Zvi Glasman (2,308 shares); John Boulton (486 shares); Larry L. Enterline (1,390 shares); Carl Nichols (145 shares) and Joseph Hagin (107 shares). In addition, we sold an aggregate of 5,350 and 364 shares of our common stock to our executive officers Mario Galasso and John Boulton, respectively, at a purchase price of $330.96 per share. In December 2012, our Sponsor purchased an aggregate of an additional 194 and 232 shares of our

 

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common stock from our executive officers Mario Galasso and Zvi Glasman, respectively, at a purchase price of $287.86 per share, to cover additional taxes owed by such executive officers in connection with our recapitalization.

Stockholders’ agreement

In connection with our Sponsor’s acquisition of a majority interest in us in January 2008, we entered into a stockholders’ agreement with our Sponsor and certain other stockholders, including executive officers, which was most recently amended in May 2013. The stockholders’ agreement contains provisions relating to (i) restrictions on transfer of shares, which generally prohibited stockholders from transferring shares of our common stock, other than in connection with a tag along right, a drag along transaction, our exercise of a call right following the resignation of an officer or director on less than 90 days’ notice to us, or otherwise in limited circumstances such as to affiliates or for estate planning purposes, (ii) tag along rights in connection with certain sales of shares by our Sponsor, (iii) drag along rights in favor of our Sponsor in connection with any sale of at least a majority of the shares held by our Sponsor, (iv) preemptive rights, and (v) prohibitions on certain stockholders (other than our Sponsor and other institutional owners) from competing with our company, or soliciting our customers or employees, while such persons are stockholders of our company until one year after the final disposition of such person’s shares. The stockholders’ agreement will be terminated upon the closing of this offering.

Registration rights agreement

We have entered into a registration rights agreement with our Sponsor and certain other stockholders, which was most recently amended and restated in May 2013. The registration rights agreement provides our stockholders and their permitted transferees with certain demand registration rights in respect of the shares of our common stock held by them. In addition, in the event that we register additional shares of our common stock for sale to the public following the consummation of this offering, we will be required to give notice of such registration to our Sponsor and the other stockholders party to the agreement of our intention to effect such a registration, and, subject to certain limitations, our Sponsor and such holders will have piggyback registration rights providing them with the right to require us to include shares of our common stock held by them in such registration. We will be required to bear the registration expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, associated with any registration of shares described above. In addition, under the registration rights agreement, all expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, incurred in connection with registration, filings or qualifications pursuant to this offering (but excluding the fees and disbursements of counsel for the selling stockholders) will be borne by us.

For a more complete description of our registration rights agreement, see “Description of capital stock—Registration rights”.

Real property leases

Under a triple net lease dated July 1, 2003, we rent our Watsonville, California manufacturing and office facilities from Robert C. Fox, Jr., the founder of Fox Factory, Inc. and a minority stockholder of our company. Under this lease we paid Mr. Fox $1.1 million each year during the

 

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years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The lease ends on June 30, 2018, and is subject to annual adjustments for cost-of-living based upon the Consumer Price Index.

Under a sublease dated January 1, 2012 and sublease Addendum dated June 28, 2013, we sublease approximately 3,665 square feet of space on the first floor of the building of our headquarters, 915 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, California, to Robert C. Fox, Jr. These premises are permitted to be used for research and development and office space. Under this sublease, Mr. Fox pays rent in the amount of $5,000 per month, subject to pro ration in the event Mr. Fox occupies subleased premises for less than a month.

Loan

In June 2012, Fox Factory, Inc. provided a one-time loan to John Boulton for personal reasons in the amount of $150,000. Mr. Boulton received a bonus from us in the amount of $251,095 in April 2013 in recognition of his outstanding service to our company, the after-tax net proceeds of which were used to repay the loan in full ($150,000 of such payment represented the outstanding principal amount under the loan and $380 of such payment represented interest accrued on such principal amount). This loan is no longer outstanding.

Vendor relationship

During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, Staffmark Holdings, Inc., or Staffmark, provided temporary staffing services to our company in the amounts of $6.5 million and $7.1 million, respectively. Our Sponsor owned a majority of Staffmark from 2000 until October 2011, when it sold its interest in Staffmark.

Information sharing and cooperation agreement

In connection with this offering, we intend to enter into an Information Sharing and Cooperation Agreement, or the Information Agreement, with Compass Diversified Holdings, on behalf of itself and our Sponsor. Under the Information Agreement, the parties will agree to share certain information with each other, refrain from changing their respective fiscal year without the consent of the other party, refrain from making or adopting certain changes to their accounting estimates or accounting policies and principles and consult and cooperate with each other as to the timing of certain SEC filings, earnings releases, press releases and other public disclosures. Subject to its terms, under the Information Agreement we also agreed to select the same registered public accounting firm as our Sponsor; maintain appropriate disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting; prepare and deliver to our Sponsor certain financial information and reports, including reports to be filed with the SEC. The majority of our obligations in the Information Agreement terminate at such time as our Sponsor is no longer required to consolidate our results of operations and financial position while our remaining obligations terminate at such time as our Sponsor is no longer required to account for its investment in us under the equity method of accounting.

Limitation of liability and indemnification of officers and directors

Prior to the completion of this offering, we expect to adopt an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and which will contain provisions that limit the liability of our directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Consequently, our directors

 

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will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors, except liability for the following:

 

 

any breach of their duty of loyalty to our company or our stockholders;

 

 

any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

 

unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the DGCL; or

 

 

any transaction from which they derived an improper personal benefit.

Any amendment to, or repeal of, these provisions will not eliminate or reduce the effect of these provisions in respect of any act, omission or claim that occurred or arose prior to that amendment or repeal. If the DGCL is amended to provide for further limitations on the personal liability of directors of corporations, then the personal liability of our directors will be further limited to the greatest extent permitted by the DGCL.

In addition, prior to the completion of this offering, we expect to adopt amended and restated bylaws, which will provide that we will indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any person who is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was one of our directors or officers or is or was serving at our request as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws will provide that we may indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by law any person who is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was one of our employees or agents or is or was serving at our request as an employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise. Our amended and restated bylaws will also provide that we must advance expenses incurred by or on behalf of a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of any action or proceeding, subject to very limited exceptions.

Further, prior to the completion of this offering, we expect to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers and selected advisors that may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the DGCL. These indemnification agreements will require us, among other things, to indemnify our directors and executive officers and such advisors against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service. These indemnification agreements will also require us to advance all expenses incurred by such individuals in investigating or defending any such action, suit, or proceeding. We believe that these agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and executive officers and as our advisors.

The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions that will be included in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated Bylaws, and in indemnification agreements that we enter into with our directors and executive officers may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors and executive officers for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and executive officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Further, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and executive officers as required by these indemnification provisions. At present, we are not aware of any pending

 

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litigation or proceeding involving any person who is or was one of our directors, officers, employees or other agents or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, for which indemnification is sought, and we are not aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification.

We will obtain prior to the closing of this offering insurance under which, subject to the limitations of the insurance policies, coverage is provided to our directors and executive officers against loss arising from claims made by reason of breach of fiduciary duty or other wrongful acts as a director or executive officer, including claims relating to public securities matters, and to us with respect to payments that may be made by us to these directors and executive officers pursuant to our indemnification obligations or otherwise as a matter of law.

Certain of our non-employee directors may, through their relationships with their employers, be insured and/or indemnified against certain liabilities incurred in their capacity as members of our board of directors.

The underwriting agreement provides for indemnification by the underwriters of us and our officers, directors and employees for certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act or otherwise.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling our company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Directed share program

The underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to approximately      shares of our common stock being offered to certain of our business associates, officers, directors, employees and certain of their family members, as part of a directed share program. The directed share program will not limit the ability of our directors, officers and their family members, or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, to purchase more than $120,000 in value of our common stock. We do not currently know the extent to which these related persons will participate in our directed share program, if at all, or the extent to which they will purchase more than $120,000 in value of our common stock.

Policies and procedures for related party transactions

Our board of directors will adopt a written related person transaction policy to be effective upon completion of this offering to set forth the policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification of related person transactions. This policy will cover, with certain exceptions set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, any transaction, arrangement, or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships in which we were or are to be a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including, without limitation, purchases of goods or services by or from the related person or entities in which the related person has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness, and employment by us of a related person. As provided by our nominating and corporate governance committee charter to be effective upon completion of this offering, our nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for reviewing and approving in advance any related party transaction. Prior to the creation of our nominating and corporate governance committee, our full board of directors will review related party transactions.

 

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Principal and selling stockholders

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 31, 2013, and the beneficial ownership of our common stock as adjusted to reflect the sale of common stock in this offering, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, for:

 

 

each of our named executive officers;

 

 

each of our directors;

 

 

all of our current directors and executive officers as a group;

 

 

each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of our voting securities; and

 

 

each selling stockholder.

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. We have deemed shares of our common stock subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2013 to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the option for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person but have not treated them as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

We have based percentage ownership of our common stock before this offering on      shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2013. Percentage ownership of our common stock after this offering assumes the sale of              shares of common stock will be sold by us in this offering.

 

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Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o Fox Factory Holding Corp., 915 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares that they beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable.

 

Beneficial owner name   Shares beneficially
owned before this
offering
    Shares being offered   Shares beneficially
owned after this
offering
  Number     %     Excluding
exercise of
over-
allotment
  Including
exercise of
over-
allotment
  Excluding
exercise of
over-
allotment
  Including
exercise of
over-
allotment
          Number   %   Number   %

 

Greater than 5% stockholders:

               

Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC(1)

    546,297        75.8            

Named executive officers and directors:

               

Larry L. Enterline(2)

    3,437        *               

John Boulton

    364        *               

Zvi Glasman(3)

    8,031        1.1            

Robert C. Fox, Jr.

    100,000        13.9            

Joseph Hagin(4)

    419        *               

Dudley Mendenhall(5)

    100        *               

Carl Nichols(6)

    573        *               

Elias Sabo

                         

Ted Waitman

                         

All current executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons)(7)

    124,582        17.3            

Other selling stockholders:

               

Madison Capital Funding Co-Investment Fund LP(8)

    13,000        1.8            

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*   Denotes beneficial ownership of less than 1%.

 

(1)   Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC’s address is Sixty One Wilton Road, Second Floor, Westport, CT 06880.

 

(2)   Consists solely of shares held by Vulcan Holdings, Inc. Mr. Enterline is the Chief Executive Officer and owns all of the capital stock of Vulcan Holdings, Inc. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of our company.

 

(3)   Consists of 6,032 shares of our common stock held directly by Mr. Glasman and 2,000 shares of our common stock held by the Zvi & Marlise Glasman Family Trust, of which Mr. Glasman is a trustee. Mr. Glasman is the Chief Financial Officer of our company.

 

(4)   Consists of 319 shares of our common stock held directly by Mr. Hagin and options to purchase 100 shares of our common stock that are exercisable in whole or in part within 60 days of March 31, 2013. Mr. Hagin serves on our board of directors.

 

(5)   Consists of 100 shares of our common stock that are exercisable by Mr. Mendenhall in whole or in part within 60 days of March 31, 2013. Mr. Mendenhall serves on our board of directors.

 

(6)   Consists of 433 shares of our common stock held directly by Mr. Nichols and options to purchase 140 shares of our common stock that are exercisable in whole or in part within 60 days of March 31, 2013. Mr. Nichols serves on our board of directors.

 

(7)   Consists of shares included under “Executive officers and directors,” and 11,657 shares of our common stock held by one of our other executive officers.

 

(8)   Madison Capital Funding Co-Investment Fund LP is managed by its general partner, MCF Co-Investment GP LP. MCF Co- Investment GP LP is controlled by its general partner, MCF Co-Investment GP LLC, an entity wholly-owned by Madison Capital Funding LLC. Trevor Clark, K. Thomas Klimmeck, Devon Russell, Hugh Wade and Christopher Williams are Senior Managing Directors of Madison Capital Funding LLC and members of the Executive Committee of Madison Capital Funding LLC and have voting and dispositive power over shares of our common stock. Madison Capital Funding Co-Investment Fund LP’s address is 30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3700, Chicago, IL 60606.

 

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Description of capital stock

General

The following description summarizes the most important terms of our capital stock, as they will be in effect upon the closing of this offering. We expect to adopt an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, or our Charter Documents which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and this description summarizes the provisions that will be included in such documents. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. For a complete description of the matters set forth in this “Description of capital stock,” you should refer to our Charter Documents and Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and to the applicable provisions of Delaware law. Immediately following the closing of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of      shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, and      shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share.

As of March 31, 2013, there were      shares of our common stock outstanding, held by 20 stockholders of record, and no shares of our preferred stock outstanding. Our board of directors is authorized, without stockholder approval except as required by the listing standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market to issue additional shares of our capital stock.

Common stock

Dividend rights

Subject to preferences that may apply to any shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of funds legally available if our board of directors, in its discretion, determines to issue dividends and then only at the times and in the amounts that our board of directors may determine.

Voting rights

Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. We have not provided for cumulative voting for the election of directors in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation establishes a classified board of directors that is divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. Only the directors in one class will be subject to election at each annual meeting of our stockholders, with the directors in the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms.

No preemptive or similar rights

Our common stock is not entitled to preemptive rights, and is not subject to conversion, redemption or sinking fund provisions.

Right to receive liquidation distributions

If we become subject to a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders would be distributable ratably among the holders of our

 

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common stock and any participating preferred stock outstanding at that time, subject to prior satisfaction of all outstanding debt and liabilities and the preferential rights of and the payment of liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding shares of preferred stock.

Preferred stock

Following this offering, our board of directors will be authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences, and rights of the shares of each series and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors can also increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in our control of our company and might adversely affect the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. We have no current plan to issue any shares of preferred stock.

Options

As of March 31, 2013, we had outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 54,062 shares of our common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $226.22, pursuant to our 2008 Plan and 2008 Non-Statutory Plan.

Registration rights

After the completion of this offering, our Sponsor and certain other of our stockholders (and their permitted transferees) that are party to our Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 12, 2013, or the Rights Agreement, will be entitled to rights regarding the registration of their unregistered shares of our common stock under the Securities Act.

Under the Rights Agreement, we have agreed that all expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, incurred in connection with registrations, filings or qualifications effected pursuant to the Rights Agreement (but excluding the fees and disbursements of counsel to the holders of registration rights) will be borne by us. We are also obligated to indemnify the holders of registration rights and any underwriter, and the holders of registration rights are required to indemnify us, for certain liabilities in connection with offerings conducted under the Rights Agreement.

Piggyback registration rights

Pursuant to the terms of the Rights Agreement, if, subject to certain exceptions, we propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act, either for our own account or for the account of other stockholders, we are required to give prompt written notice of such registration to our stockholders who are a party to the Rights Agreement. Upon the written request of such

 

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stockholders, we will, subject to certain limitations, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be registered under the Securities Act all registrable securities that our stockholders have requested to be registered. The underwriters of any underwritten offering will have the right to limit, due to marketing reasons, the number of shares registered to the amount that the underwriters determine in their sole discretion will not jeopardize the success of the offering.

Registration rights

Stockholders who are a party to the Rights Agreement can request that we register all or a portion of their registrable securities. As soon as practicable after receiving such request, we will effect such registration unless: (1) such registration of registrable securities on Form S-3 (or if Form S-3 is not permitted for such registration, then pursuant to Form S-1) would become effective prior to 90 days following the effective date of a registration initiated by us, subject to certain exceptions; (2) such stockholders propose to sell shares of our common stock or other securities at an aggregate price to the public (before deduction of any underwriters’ discounts or commissions) of less than $10.0 million with respect to a Form S-3 registration or $30.0 million with respect to a Form S-1 registration; (3) such registration is to remain effective for a period exceeding 180 days from the effective date thereof; or (4) within the 12 month period preceding the date of such request, we have already effected two registrations for our stockholders under the Rights Agreement.

Additionally, we will have the right to delay the filing of or suspend the use of a registration statement under certain circumstances when we are in possession of material non-public information.

Expiration of registration rights

The registration rights expire as to a holder in May 2018 or earlier if a holder no longer holds “registrable securities” as defined in the Rights Agreement.

Anti-takeover provisions

The provisions of Delaware law, our Charter Documents, as will take effect immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and which are summarized below, may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or discouraging another person from acquiring control of our company. These provisions are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of our company to first negotiate with our board of directors. However, these provisions could have the effect of delaying, discouraging or preventing attempts to acquire us, which could deprive our stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

Delaware law

We are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, Section 203 prohibits a public Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes mergers, asset sales, or other transactions resulting in

 

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a financial benefit to the stockholder. An “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years did own, 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock. These provisions may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaw provisions

Our Charter Documents, as will take effect immediately prior to the completion of this offering, include a number of provisions that could deter hostile takeovers or delay or prevent changes relating to the control of our board of directors or management team, including the following:

 

 

Board of directors vacancies.     Our Charter Documents authorize only our board of directors to fill vacant directorships, including newly created seats. In addition, the number of directors constituting our board of directors will be permitted to be set only by a resolution adopted by a majority vote of our entire board of directors. These provisions would prevent a stockholder from increasing the size of our board of directors and then gaining control of our board of directors by filling the resulting vacancies with its own nominees. This makes it more difficult to change the composition of our board of directors and promotes continuity of management.

 

 

Classified board.     Our Charter Documents provide that our board of directors is classified into three classes of directors. A third party may be discouraged from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us as it is more difficult and time consuming for stockholders to replace a majority of the directors on a classified board of directors. See “Management—Board of directors.”

 

 

Stockholder action; special meeting of stockholders .    Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that our stockholders may take action by written consent, but only until the date that our Sponsor and its affiliates no longer collectively beneficially own (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of our capital stock, or the Trigger Date. From and after the Trigger Date, our stockholders may not take action by written consent and may only take action at annual or special meetings of our stockholders. In addition, our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by our board of directors, our Chairperson of the board of directors, our Lead Director (if we do not have a Chairperson or the Chairperson is disabled), our Chief Executive Officer or our President (in the absence of a Chief Executive Officer) or, until the Trigger Date, our Sponsor, thus prohibiting a stockholder from calling a special meeting (other than, prior to the Trigger Date, the Sponsor). These provisions could delay the ability of our stockholders (other than, prior to the Trigger Date, our Sponsor) to force consideration of a proposal or take action, including the removal of directors.

 

 

Advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations.     Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provides advance notice procedures for stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws also specify certain requirements regarding the form and content of a stockholder’s notice. These provisions might preclude our stockholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of

 

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stockholders if the proper procedures are not followed . We expect that these provisions may also discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company.

 

 

No cumulative voting.     The DGCL provides that stockholders may cumulate votes in the election of directors if the corporation’s certificate of incorporation allows for such mechanism. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation does not permit cumulative voting.

 

 

Directors removed only for cause.     Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that stockholders may remove directors only for cause.

 

 

Issuance of undesignated preferred stock.     Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to      shares of undesignated preferred stock with rights and preferences, including voting rights, designated from time to time by our board of directors. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock would enable our board of directors to render more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, or other means.

 

 

Amendment of Charter Document provisions .    Until the Trigger Date, any amendment or repeal of the above provisions in our Charter Documents, with the exception of the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock and designate any rights, powers and preferences thereto, will require approval by holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. From and after the Trigger Date, any amendment or repeal of the above provisions in our Charter Documents, with the exception of the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock and designate any rights, powers and preferences thereto, will require approval by holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

Choice of forum

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, with certain limited exceptions, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of our company owed to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our Charter Documents, (iv) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our Charter Documents, or (v) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock is deemed to have received notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions. The enforceability of similar choice of forum provisions in other companies’ charters has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that a court could find these types of provisions to be inapplicable or unenforceable.

 

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Transfer agent and registrar

Upon the completion of this offering, the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock will be Computershare Trust Company, N.A. The transfer agent and registrar’s address is 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.

Listing

We have applied for the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “FOXF.”

 

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Shares eligible for future sale

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock, and we cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of shares of our common stock or the availability of shares of our common stock for sale will have on the market price of our common stock prevailing from time to time. Future sales of our common stock in the public market, or the availability of such shares for sale in the public market, could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time. As described below, only a limited number of shares will be available for sale shortly after this offering due to contractual and legal restrictions on resale. Nevertheless, sales of our common stock in the public market after such restrictions lapse, or the perception that those sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price at such time and our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

Upon the completion of this offering, based on the number of shares of our capital stock outstanding as of March 31, 2013, we will have a total of      shares of our common stock outstanding, assuming no exercise of options. Of these outstanding shares, all of the      shares of common stock sold in this offering will be freely tradable, except that any shares purchased in this offering by our affiliates, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, would only be able to be sold in compliance with the Rule 144 limitations described below.

The remaining outstanding shares of our common stock will be deemed “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if they are registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act, which rules are summarized below. Subject to the lock-up agreements described below and the provisions of Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act, these shares will be available for sale in the public market as follows:

 

 

beginning on the date of this prospectus, the      shares of common stock sold in this offering will be immediately available for sale in the public market;

 

 

beginning 181 days after the date of this prospectus,     additional shares of common stock will become eligible for sale in the public market, of which      shares will be held by affiliates and subject to the volume and other restrictions of Rule 144, as described below; and

 

 

the remainder of the shares of common stock will be eligible for sale in the public market from time to time thereafter, subject in some cases to the volume and other restrictions of Rule 144, as described below.

Lock-up agreements

We, the selling stockholders, our executive officers, directors, and holders of substantially all of our common stock and securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, have agreed or will agree that, subject to certain exceptions, for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus, we and they will not, without the prior written consent of Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and William Blair & Company, L.L.C., dispose of or hedge any shares or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our capital stock. Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. may, in their discretion, and with our consent, release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time.

 

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Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144 of the Securities Act, as currently in effect, once we have been subject to the public company reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, a person who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates for purposes of the Securities Act at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, is entitled to sell such shares without complying with the manner of sale, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144, subject to compliance with the public information requirements of Rule 144. If such a person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, then that person would be entitled to sell those shares without complying with any of the requirements of Rule 144.

In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are entitled to sell upon expiration of the lock-up agreements described above, within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

 

 

1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately      shares as of immediately after this offering; or

 

 

the average weekly trading volume of our common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to that sale.

Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

Rule 701

Rule 701 of the Securities Act, as currently in effect, generally allows a stockholder who purchased shares of our common stock pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of our company during the immediately preceding 90 days to sell these shares in reliance upon Rule 144, but without being required to comply with the public information, holding period, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. Rule 701 also permits affiliates of our company to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares, however, are required by such rule to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling those shares pursuant to Rule 701.

As of March 31, 2013, options to purchase a total of 54,062 shares of common stock pursuant to our 2008 Plan and 2008 Non-Statutory Plan were outstanding, of which options to purchase 10,260 shares were exercisable, and no options were outstanding or exercisable under the 2013 Omnibus Plan.

Registration statement on Form S-8

As promptly as possible after the completion of this offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all of the shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2008 Plan, 2008 Non-Statutory Plan and our 2013 Omnibus Plan. The registration statement on Form S-8 is expected to become effective

 

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immediately upon filing, and shares covered by the registration statement will then become eligible for sale in the public market, subject to the Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates, vesting restrictions and any applicable lock-up agreements and market standoff agreements. See the section titled “Executive compensation—Equity-based incentive plans” for a description of our equity incentive plans.

Registration rights

Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, the holders of up to      shares of our common stock, or their permitted transferees, will be entitled to certain rights with respect to the registration of the offer and sale of those shares under the Securities Act. If the offer and sale of these shares is registered, the shares will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, except for shares purchased by affiliates, and a large number of shares may be sold into the public market. Any sales of securities by these stockholders could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock. See the section titled “Description of capital stock—Registration rights” for a description of these registration rights.

 

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Material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders

This section summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder. For purposes of this section, a “non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of our common stock (other than a partnership) that is not for U.S. federal income tax purposes any of the following:

 

 

An individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

 

A corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;

 

 

An estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

 

A trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

This section does not consider the specific facts and circumstances that may be relevant to a particular non-U.S. holder, nor does it address any estate or gift tax consequences or the treatment of a non-U.S. holder under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws (including if you are a United States expatriate, “controlled foreign corporation,” “passive foreign investment company” or a partnership or other pass-through entity for United States federal income tax purposes). Except where noted, this section deals only with common stock that is held as a capital asset. This section is based on the tax laws of the United States, including the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, existing and proposed regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis, which may result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those summarized below.

If a partnership (or any other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our common stock, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the common stock should consult its tax advisor with regard to the United States federal income tax treatment of an investment in the common stock.

You should consult a tax advisor regarding the United States federal tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of common stock in your particular circumstances, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any state, local or foreign tax jurisdiction.

 

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Distributions on common stock

If we make cash or other property distributions on shares of our common stock, such distributions generally will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital and will first be applied against and reduce a holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common stock, but not below zero. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a non-U.S. holder’s tax basis in its shares will be treated as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the common stock and will be treated as described under “Gain on disposition of common stock” below.

Except as described below, if you are a non-U.S. holder of common stock, dividends paid to you are subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or at a lower rate if you are eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate. Even if you are eligible for a lower treaty rate, we will generally be required to withhold at a 30% rate (rather than the lower treaty rate) on dividend payments to you, unless you have furnished us with:

 

 

a valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or other applicable form upon which you certify, under penalties of perjury, your status as a non-United States person and your entitlement to the lower treaty rate with respect to such payments, or

 

 

in the case of payments made to certain foreign intermediaries, other documentary evidence establishing your entitlement to the lower treaty rate in accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations. Special certification and other requirements apply to certain non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather than corporations or individuals.

If you are eligible for a reduced rate of United States withholding tax under a tax treaty, you may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of that rate by filing a refund claim with the United States Internal Revenue Service.

If dividends paid to you are “effectively connected” with your conduct of a trade or business within the United States, and, if required by a tax treaty, the dividends are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained in the United States, we generally are not required to withhold tax from the dividends, provided that you have furnished to us a valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI or other applicable form upon which you represent, under penalties of perjury, that:

 

 

you are a non-United States person, and

 

 

the dividends are effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business within the United States and are includible in your gross income.

“Effectively connected” dividends are taxed at rates applicable to United States citizens, resident aliens and domestic United States corporations.

If you are a corporate non-U.S. holder, “effectively connected” dividends that you receive may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or at a lower rate if you are eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate.

 

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Gain on disposition of common stock

Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and withholding tax relating to foreign accounts below, if you are a non-U.S. holder, you generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain that you recognize on a disposition of our common stock unless:

 

 

the gain is “effectively connected” with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and the gain is attributable to a permanent establishment that you maintain in the United States, if that is required by an applicable income tax treaty as a condition for subjecting you to United States taxation on a net income basis,

 

 

you are an individual, you hold the common stock as a capital asset, you are present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions exist, or

 

 

we are or have been a United States real property holding corporation for federal income tax purposes and you held, directly or indirectly, at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of disposition, more than 5% of the common stock and you are not eligible for any treaty exemption.

An individual non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point immediately above will be subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated United States federal income tax rates. An individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point immediately above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by United States source capital losses, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States. If you are a corporate non-U.S. holder, “effectively connected” gains that you recognize may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or at a lower rate if you are eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate.

We have not been, are not and do not anticipate becoming a United States real property holding corporation for United States federal income tax purposes.

Additional withholding tax relating to foreign accounts

A 30% United States federal withholding tax may apply to any dividends paid after December 31, 2013, and the gross proceeds from a disposition of our common stock occurring after December 31, 2016, in each case paid to (i) a “foreign financial institution” (as specifically defined in the legislation), whether such foreign financial institution is the beneficial owner or an intermediary, unless such foreign financial institution agrees to verify, report and disclose its United States “account” holders (as specifically defined in the legislation) and meets certain other specified requirements or (ii) a non-financial foreign entity, whether such non-financial foreign entity is the beneficial owner or an intermediary, unless such entity provides a certification that the beneficial owner of the payment does not have any substantial United States owners or provides the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each such substantial United States owner and certain other specified requirements are met. In certain cases, the relevant foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity may qualify for an exemption from, or be deemed to be in compliance with, these rules. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding this legislation and whether it may be relevant to your ownership and disposition of our common stock.

 

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Backup withholding and information reporting

We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of distributions on our common stock paid to such holder and the amount of tax withheld, if any, with respect to those distributions. These information reporting requirements apply even if no withholding was required. This information also may be made available under a specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.

Backup withholding may apply to distribution payments to a non-U.S. holder of our common stock and information reporting and backup withholding may apply to the payments of the proceeds of a sale of our common stock within the U.S. or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, unless the non-U.S. holder furnishes to us or our paying agent the required certification as to its non-U.S. status, such as by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8ECI, or certain other requirements are met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding may apply if either we have or our paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a U.S. person that is not an exempt recipient.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.

 

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Underwriting

We and the selling stockholders are offering the shares of common stock described in this prospectus through a number of underwriters. Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, William Blair & Company, L.L.C. and Piper Jaffray & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers of this offering and as representatives of the underwriters. We and the selling stockholders have entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, including the closing of the New Credit Facility, we and the selling stockholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of shares of common stock listed next to its name in the following table:

 

Name    Number of
shares

 

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated

  

William Blair & Company, L.L.C.

  

Piper Jaffray & Co.

  
  
  

 

Total

  
  

 

 

The underwriters are committed to purchase all of the common shares offered by us and the selling stockholders if they purchase any shares. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may also be increased or this offering may be terminated.

The underwriters propose to offer the common shares directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $     per share. Any such dealers may resell shares to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to $     per share from the initial public offering price. After the initial public offering of the shares, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriters.

The underwriters have an option to buy up to      additional shares of common stock from the selling stockholders to cover sales of shares by the underwriters which exceed the number of shares specified in the table above. The underwriters have 30 days from the date of this prospectus to exercise this over-allotment option. If any shares are purchased with this over-allotment option, the underwriters will purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as shown in the table above. If any additional shares of common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as those on which the shares are being offered.

In connection with the offering of shares of our common stock described in this prospectus, a selling stockholder may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale at the initial public offering price up to approximately     shares of our common stock being offered for sale to certain of our business

 

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associates, officers, directors, employees and certain of their family members. We will offer these shares to the extent permitted under applicable regulations in the United States. The sales will be made by Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated through a directed share program. The number of shares of common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent that such persons purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered hereby. We have agreed to indemnify Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated in connection with the directed share program, including for the failure of any participant to pay for its shares. Other than the underwriting discount described on the front cover of this prospectus, the underwriters will not be entitled to any commission with respect to shares of common stock sold pursuant to the directed share program. To the extent such shares are purchased by any of our existing stockholders who have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters, then such shares will be subject to the restrictions contained in such agreements.

The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per share of common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per share of common stock. The underwriting fee is $     per share. The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.

 

      Per share     Total  
    Without
option
exercise
   

With
full
option

exercise

    Without
option
exercise
    With
full
option
exercise
 

 

 

Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by us

  $                   $                   $                   $                

Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by the selling stockholder

  $       

$

 

  

  $        $     

 

 

We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding the underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $     , which will be paid by us. We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for expenses related to clearing of this offering with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) in an amount up to $    . Such reimbursement is deemed to be underwriting compensation by FINRA.

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

We have agreed that we will not (i) offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any

 

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offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers all or a portion of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of any shares of common stock or any such other securities (regardless of whether any of these transactions are to be settled by the delivery of shares of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise), in each case without the prior written consent of Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, other than the shares of our common stock to be sold hereunder and any shares of our common stock issued upon the exercise of options granted under our existing management incentive plans.

Our directors and executive officers and certain of our significant stockholders have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters prior to the commencement of this offering pursuant to which each of these persons or entities, with limited exceptions, for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, may not, without the prior written consent of Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and William Blair & Company, L.L.C., (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock (including, without limitation, common stock or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such directors, executive officers, managers and members in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant) or (2) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the common stock or such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (3) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any shares of our common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock, other than the shares of our common stock to be sold hereunder.

We and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and their controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

We have applied to have our common stock approved for listing/quotation on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “FOXF.”

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, which involves making bids for, purchasing and selling shares of common stock in the open market for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock while this offering is in progress. These stabilizing transactions may include making short sales of the common stock, which involves the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares of common stock than they are required to purchase in this offering, and purchasing shares of common stock on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales may be “covered” shorts, which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ over-allotment option referred to above, or may be “naked” shorts, which are short positions in excess of that amount. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their over-allotment option, in whole or in part, or by purchasing shares in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market compared to the price at which the underwriters may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward

 

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pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. To the extent that the underwriters create a naked short position, they will purchase shares in the open market to cover the position.

The underwriters have advised us that, pursuant to Regulation M of the Securities Act, they may also engage in other activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock, including the imposition of penalty bids. This means that if the representatives of the underwriters purchase common stock in the open market in stabilizing transactions or to cover short sales, the representatives can require the underwriters that sold those shares as part of this offering to repay the underwriting discount received by them.

These activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock, and, as a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If the underwriters commence these activities, they may discontinue them at any time. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on the     , in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations between us, the selling stockholders and the representatives of the underwriters. In determining the initial public offering price, we, the selling stockholders and the representatives of the underwriters expect to consider a number of factors including:

 

 

the information set forth in this prospectus and otherwise available to the representatives;

 

 

our prospects and the history and prospects for the industry in which we compete;

 

 

an assessment of our management;

 

 

our prospects for future earnings;

 

 

the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering;

 

 

the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded common stock of generally comparable companies; and

 

 

other factors deemed relevant by the underwriters, the selling stockholders and us.

Neither we nor the underwriters can assure investors that an active trading market will develop for our common stock, or that the shares will trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past to us and our affiliates and may provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, in the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities)

 

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and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve our securities and instruments. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Selling restrictions

Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities referred to by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is unlawful.

This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, or the Order, or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling with Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a ‘‘Relevant Member State’’), from and including the date on which the European Union Prospectus Directive, or the EU Prospectus Directive, is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the ‘‘Relevant Implementation Date’’) an offer of securities described in this prospectus may not be made to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the EU Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

 

 

to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;

 

 

to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than 43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more than 50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts;

 

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to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the EU Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the book-running managers for any such offer; or

 

 

in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the Issuer of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the EU Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an ‘‘offer of securities to the public’’ in relation to any securities in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the EU Prospectus Directive in that Member State and the expression EU Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.

Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past to us and our affiliates and may provide from time to time in the future, certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, from time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.

 

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Legal matters

Paul Hastings LLP, Orange County, California, which has acted as our counsel in connection with this offering, will pass upon the validity of the shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus. The underwriters have been represented by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Palo Alto, California.

Experts

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2012, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, included in this prospectus and elsewhere in this registration statement have been so included in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Additional information

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, some of which is contained in exhibits to the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and our common stock, we refer you to the registration statement, including the exhibits filed as a part of the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete. If a contract or document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see the copy of the contract or document that has been filed. Each statement is this prospectus relating to a contract or document filed as an exhibit is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit. You may obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference rooms by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov .

As a result of this offering, we will become subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance with this law, will file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These periodic reports, proxy statements and other information will be available for inspection and copying at the SEC’s public reference facilities and the website of the SEC referred to above. We also maintain a website at www.ridefox.com . Upon completion of this offering, you may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.

 

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Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Index to consolidated financial statements

 

       Page  

 

 

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

     F-2   

Consolidated balance sheets

     F-3   

Consolidated statements of income

     F-4   

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

     F-5   

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity

     F-6   

Consolidated statements of cash flows

     F-7   

Notes to financial statements

     F-8   

 

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Independent auditors’ report

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Scotts Valley, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fox Factory Holding Corp. and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Fox Factory Holding Corp. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2011 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

San Jose, California

May 13, 2013

 

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Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Consolidated balance sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

      As of
December 31,
    As of
March 31,
    Pro Forma
March 31,
 
    2011     2012     2013     2013  
                (unaudited)  

 

 

Assets

       

Current Assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 114      $ 15      $ 136     

Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $372, $440, $423 at December 31, 2011, and 2012, and March 31, 2013, respectively)

    18,263        25,224        22,912     

Inventory

    29,531        34,255        42,734     

Income tax receivable

    209                   

Prepaids and other current assets

    1,768        2,242        2,271     

Deferred tax assets

    2,605        3,405        3,537     
 

 

 

   

Total current assets

    52,490        65,141        71,590     

Property and equipment, net

    9,005        11,789        12,105     

Loan fees, net—related party

    456        1,665        1,550     

Goodwill

    31,372        31,372        31,372     

Intangibles, net

    36,633        32,153        30,812     
 

 

 

   

Total assets

  $ 129,956      $ 142,120      $ 147,429     
 

 

 

   

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

       

Current liabilities:

       

Accounts payable

    16,570        19,551        27,779     

Accrued expenses

    7,398        10,156        9,257     

Liability reserve for uncertain tax positions

    5,410        7,292        7,768     

Current portion of long-term debt—related party

    4        3,000        3,000     
 

 

 

   

Total current liabilities

    29,382        39,999        47,804     

Line of credit—related party

    1,450        750        5,100     

Long-term debt, less current portion—related party

    13,839        55,500        44,750     

Deferred rent

    451        1,132        1,119     

Deferred tax liabilities

    17,539        15,155        14,828     
 

 

 

   

Total liabilities

  $ 62,661      $ 112,536      $ 113,601     
 

 

 

   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

       

Stockholders’ Equity

       

Common stock, $0.001 par value—1,500,000 authorized as of December 31, 2011, 2012, and March 31, 2013; 646,500 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011; 720,343 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013; 720,343 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma

    1        1        1        1   

Additional paid-in capital

    34,123        49,201        49,903        49,903   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

           1        (6     (6

Retained earnings (deficit)

    33,171        (19,619 )     (16,070     (16,070
 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

    67,295        29,584        33,828        33,828   
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 129,956      $ 142,120      $ 147,429      $ 147,429   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Consolidated statements of income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

       For the years ended December 31,     For the three  months
ended March 31,
 
     2010     2011     2012         2012         2013  
                       (unaudited)  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales

   $ 170,983      $ 197,739      $ 235,869      $ 45,671      $ 54,878   

Cost of sales

     122,373        140,849        173,040        32,572        39,163   
  

 

 

 

Gross profit

     48,610        56,890        62,829        13,099        15,715   

Operating expenses:

          

Sales and marketing

     10,293        11,748        12,570        3,177        3,284   

Research and development

     7,321        9,750        9,727        2,376        2,355   

General and administrative

     6,202        7,588        9,063        1,951        2,673   

Amortization of purchased intangibles

     5,217        5,217        5,315        1,304        1,341   
  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     29,033        34,303        36,675        8,808        9,653   
  

 

 

 

Income from operations

     19,577        22,587        26,154        4,291        6,062   

Other expense, net:

          

Interest expense

     (2,637 )     (1,982 )     (3,486 )     (233     (957 )

Other income (expense), net

     39        (13 )     (277 )     (46     34   
  

 

 

 

Other expense, net

     (2,598 )     (1,995 )     (3,763 )     (279     (923 )
  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     16,979        20,592        22,391        4,012        5,139   

Provision for income taxes

     6,210        7,054        8,181        1,373        1,590   
  

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 10,769      $ 13,538      $ 14,210      $ 2,639      $ 3,549   
  

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

          

Basic

   $ 16.62      $ 20.92      $ 20.59      $ 4.04      $ 4.93   

Diluted

   $ 15.72      $ 19.45      $ 20.30      $ 3.76      $ 4.83   

Weighted average shares used to compute earnings per share:

          

Basic

     648        647        690        653        720   

Diluted

     685        696        700        701        735   
          

Pro forma earnings per share (unaudited):

          

Basic

       $ 20.59        $ 4.93   

Diluted

       $ 20.30        $ 4.83   
          

Weighted average shares used to compute pro forma earnings per share (unaudited):

          

Basic

         690          720   

Diluted

         700          735   

Supplemental pro forma net income per share (unaudited)(1)

          

Shares used to calculate supplemental pro forma net income per share (unaudited)

          

 

 

 

(1)   Unaudited supplemental pro forma net income per share has been presented in accordance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1.B.3, or SAB 1.B.3. As outlined in SAB 1.B.3, the special dividend paid in June 2012 was in excess of the net income for the twelve-months ended March 31, 2013 of $15.1 million. Accordingly, under SAB 1.B.3, the Company has included all shares, for which proceeds accrue to the Company, issued under this offering in the shares used to calculate supplemental pro forma net income per share.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

(In thousands)

 

       For the years ended December 31,      For the three months
ended March 31,
 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2010      2011      2012              2012      2013  
                          (unaudited)  

 

 

Net income

   $ 10,769       $ 13,538       $ 14,210       $ 2,639       $ 3,549   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

              

Foreign currency translation adjustments

                     1                 (7
  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

                     1                 (7
  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 10,769       $ 13,538       $ 14,211       $ 2,639       $ 3,542   

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity

for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012, and three months ended March 31, 2013

(In thousands, except share data)

 

      Common stock     Additional
paid-in
capital
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Retained
earnings
(deficit)
    Total
stockholders’
equity
 
    Shares     Amount          

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance—January 1, 2010

    648,500      $ 1      $ 33,306      $  —      $ 8,864      $ 42,171   

Repurchase of common stock

    (4,862            (1,102                   (1,102

Issuance of common stock upon exercises of employee stock options

    2,862               334                      334   

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options

                  31                      31   

Stock-based compensation expense

                  524                      524   

Net income

                                10,769        10,769   
 

 

 

 

Balance—December 31, 2010

    646,500      $ 1      $ 33,093      $      $ 19,633      $ 52,727   

Stock-based compensation expense

                  1,030                      1,030   

Net income

                                13,538        13,538   
 

 

 

 

Balance—December 31, 2011

    646,500      $ 1      $ 34,123      $      $ 33,171      $ 67,295   

Repurchase of common stock

    (100 )            (29 )                   (29 )

Issuance of common stock upon exercises of employee stock options

    52,177                                      

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options

                  5,755                      5,755   

Proceeds from equity issuance, net

    21,766               7,204                      7,204   

Dividend distribution

                                (67,000     (67,000

Stock-based compensation expense

                  2,148                      2,148   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                         1               1   

Net income

                                14,210        14,210   
 

 

 

 

Balance—December 31, 2012

    720,343      $ 1      $ 49,201      $ 1      $ (19,619 )   $ 29,584   

Stock-based compensation expense(*)

                  702                      702   

Foreign currency translation adjustment (*)

                         (7 )            (7

Net income (*)

                                3,549        3,549   
 

 

 

 

Balance—March 31, 2013(*)

    720,343      $ 1      $ 49,903      $ (6   $ (16,070   $ 33,828   

 

 
(*)   Unaudited

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Consolidated statements of cash flows

(In thousands)

 

      For the years ended December 31,     For the three  months
ended March 31,
 
    2010     2011     2012     2012     2013  
                      (unaudited)  

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

         

Net income

  $ 10,769      $ 13,538      $ 14,210      $ 2,639      $ 3,549   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

         

Depreciation and amortization

    6,150        6,598        7,204        1,713        1,885   

Provision for doubtful accounts

    35        46        68        42        (17 )

Stock-based compensation

    524        1,030        2,148        303        702   

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options

    (31            (5,755     (800       

(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment

    (7     63        253               (7 )

Deferred taxes

    (1,374     (2,430     (3,184     (110     16   

City of Watsonville loan credit

    (32     (32     (4              

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

         

Accounts receivable

    (1,984     (1,153     (7,029 )     1,869        2,329   

Inventory

    (11,087     (1,476     (4,723     (4,729     (8,479

Income taxes receivable

    386        2,744        7,846        1,361        1,369   

Prepaids and other current assets

    263        (762     (474 )     (219     (28 )

Other assets

    215        207        387        51        115   

Accounts payable

    3,904        636        2,981        5,633        8,227   

Accrued expenses

    1,995        2,060        2,758        (2,683     (2,269

Deferred rent

    482        (31     681        664        (18
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    10,208        21,038        17,367        5,734        7,374   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

         

Purchases of property and equipment

    (2,425     (3,067 )     (4,928 )     (1,454     (860 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    7        11        2               7   

Purchase of intangible assets

                  (835 )              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

    (2,418     (3,056 )     (5,761 )     (1,454     (853 )
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

         

Repurchase of common stock

    (1,102            (29 )              

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

    334                               

Proceeds from equity issuance

                  7,204                 

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options

    31               5,755        800          

Dividends paid

                  (67,000              

Proceeds (payments) on related party line of credit

    4,107        (7,682     (700     (5,089     (6,400

Proceeds from issuance of related party debt

                  58,404                 

Repayment of related party debt

    (10,984     (10,688     (15,339              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

    (7,614     (18,370 )     (11,705 )     (4,288     (6,400 )
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    176        (388 )     (99 )     (8     121   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period

    326        502        114        114        15   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period

  $ 502      $ 114      $ 15      $ 106      $ 136   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF OTHER CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

         

Cash paid for income taxes

  $ 7,197      $ 6,738      $ 3,510      $ 121      $ 202   

Cash paid for interest

  $ 2,565      $ 1,809      $ 2,787      $ 241      $ 869   

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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Fox Factory Holding Corp.

Notes to consolidated financial statements

Years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

and the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013 (unaudited)

1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fox Factory Holding Corp. (the “Company”) is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of high end suspension products for mountain bikes and powered vehicles, which includes all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles. The Company acts both as a tier one supplier to leading action sports original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) and provides aftermarket products to retailers and distributors (“AM”).

Basis of Presentation —The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).

Principles of Consolidation —The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fox Factory, Inc. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates —The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates include the useful lives of fixed assets and intangible assets, allowances for doubtful accounts, warranty reserve, stock-based compensation, income taxes and inventory write-downs. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain Significant Risks and Uncertainties —The Company is subject to those risks common in manufacture-driven markets, including, but not limited to, competitive forces, dependence on key personnel, customer demand for its products, the successful protection of its proprietary technologies, compliance with government regulations, and the possibility of not being able to obtain additional financing when needed.

Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Information —The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2013, the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013 and the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are unaudited. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2013 and its results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013. The financial data and the other information disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements related to these three month periods are unaudited. The results of the three months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative

 

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of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 or for any other interim period or other future year.

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet —Upon the consummation of the initial public offering contemplated by the Company, the Company does not expect the capital structure to change as the Company does not have any outstanding convertible instruments or other equity awards that would convert to common stock. As a result the March 31, 2013 unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data has been prepared assuming no changes to the Company’s capital structure.

Foreign Currency Translation —The Company’s foreign branch records its assets, liabilities, and results of operations in its local currency, which is its functional currency. The Company translates its branch financial statements into U.S. dollars each reporting period for purposes of consolidation.

Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign branch are translated at the period-end currency exchange rates while sales, expenses, gains, and losses are translated at the average currency exchange rates in effect for the period, the effects of these translation adjustments are reported in the statements of comprehensive income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents —Cash consists of cash maintained in a checking account. All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity date of 90 days or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.

Concentration of Credit Risk —Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. A significant portion of the Company’s cash is held at one large financial institution. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

The Company mitigates its credit risk with respect to accounts receivable by performing ongoing credit evaluations and monitoring of its customers’ accounts receivable balances. In aggregate, as of December 31, 2011, two customers accounted for 26% of accounts receivable. In aggregate, as of December 31, 2012 three customers accounted for 36% of accounts receivable. In aggregate, as of March 31, 2013, two customers accounted for 35%, of accounts receivable.

During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012, one customer represented 16%, 12% and 13%, of sales, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, one customer represented 14% of revenue. No customers accounted for more than 10% of revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

The Company purchased approximately 58%, 58%, and 43% of its product components for the years ended December, 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively, from ten vendors. The Company purchased approximately 52%, and 49% of its product components for the three months ended March, 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, from ten vendors. As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, and March 31, 2013 amounts due to these vendors represented approximately 38%, 43% and 39% of accounts payable, respectively.

Provision for Doubtful Accounts —The Company records a provision for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and a detailed assessment of the collectability of its accounts receivable. In estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts, management considers, among other factors, the aging of the accounts receivable, historical write-offs, and the credit-worthiness of each

 

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customer. If circumstances change, such as higher-than-expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, the Company’s estimate of the recoverability of the amounts due could be reduced by a material amount.

The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands):

 

       For the years ended
December 31,
    For the three months
ended March 31,
 
     2010     2011     2012     2012      2013  
                       (unaudited)  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts:

           

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 291      $ 326      $ 372      $ 372       $ 440   

Add: bad debt expense

     68        104        87        42         1   

Less: write-offs, net of recoveries

     (33 )     (58 )     (19 )             (18 )
  

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 326      $ 372      $ 440      $ 414       $ 423   

 

 

Inventories —Inventories are stated at the lower of standard cost (which generally approximates actual costs on a first-in first-out basis) or market. Cost includes raw materials, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead. Market value is based on current replacement cost for raw materials and on a net realizable value for finished goods. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value are made, if required, for estimated excess, obsolescence or impaired balances.

Property and Equipment —Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and improvements and betterments are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations in the period realized.

Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the lease, or the useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter. Depreciation and amortization periods for the Company’s property and equipment are as follows:

 

Asset Classification   

Estimated

useful life

 

 

 

Machine shop equipment

     15 years   

Manufacturing equipment

     5-7 years   

Office equipment and furniture

     5-7 years   

Transportation equipment

     5 years   

 

 

Impairment of Long-lived Asset —The Company periodically reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset is impaired or the estimated useful lives are no longer appropriate. If indicators of impairment exist and the undiscounted projected cash flows associated with such assets are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded to write the asset down to their estimated fair values. Fair value is estimated based on discounted future cash flows. No impairment charges were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 or during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013.

 

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Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets —Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Annually the Company either makes a qualitative assessment prior to proceeding to step 1 of the annual goodwill impairment test or performs a two-step impairment test. If the Company makes a qualitative assessment and it determines that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company would perform step 1 of the annual goodwill impairment test and, if necessary, proceed to step 2. Otherwise, no further evaluation is necessary. For the two-step impairment test, in the first step, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit based on a weighting of income and market approaches. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the Company performs the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Impairments, if any, are charged directly to earnings. The Company has a single reporting unit for purposes of assessing goodwill impairment. No impairment charges have been incurred to date.

Intangible assets include customer relationships and our core technology, are subject to amortization over their respective useful lives, and are classified in intangibles, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. These intangibles are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be fully recoverable. If facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value might not be recoverable, projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated remaining useful lives is compared against their respective carrying amounts. Trademarks are considered to be indefinite life intangibles, and are not amortized but are subject to testing for impairment annually. No impairments of intangible assets were identified in the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 or during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013.

Revenue Recognition —The Company recognizes sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title has transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability of the receivable is probable. Provisions for discounts, rebates, sales incentives, returns, and other adjustments are provided for in the period the related sales are recorded based on an assessment of historical trends and current projection of future results. Sales are recorded net of sales tax.

Cost of Sales —Cost of sales primarily consists of materials and labor expense in the manufacturing of the Company’s products. Cost of sales also includes provisions for excess and obsolete inventory, warranty costs, certain allocated costs for facilities, depreciation and other expenses associated with logistics and quality control. Additionally, it includes stock-based compensation for personnel directly involved with manufacturing the Company’s product offerings.

Sales and Marketing —Sales and marketing expenses include costs related to sales, customer service and marketing personnel, including their wages, employee benefits and related stock based compensation, and occupancy related expenses. Other significant sales and marketing expenses include race support and sponsorships of events and athletes, advertising and promotions related to trade shows, travel and entertainment, and promotional materials, products and sales offices costs.

 

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Research and Development —Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and personnel costs, including wages, employee benefits and related stock based compensation for our engineering, research and development teams, occupancy related expenses, fees for third party consultants, service fees, and expenses for prototype tooling and materials, travel, and supplies. The company expenses research and development costs as incurred.

General and Administrative —General and administrative expenses include costs related to executive, finance, information technology, human resources and administrative personnel, including wages, employee benefits and related stock based compensation expenses. The Company records professional and contract service expenses, occupancy related expenses associated with corporate locations and equipment, and legal expenses in general and administrative expenses. Currently the Company pays annual management fees of $0.5 million to an affiliate of the Company’s majority stockholder, Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC (“Compass”), which fees are included as part of general and administrative expenses.

Stock-Based Compensation —The Company measures compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards, including stock options granted to employees based on the estimated fair values on the date of the grant. The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The forfeiture rate is based on an analysis of the Company’s actual historical forfeitures.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs —The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in sales. Shipping costs associated with inbound freight are capitalized as part of inventory and included in cost of sales as products are sold.

Income Taxes —The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are measured by applying currently enacted tax laws. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce net deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

The Company recognizes the tax effects of an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits as of the reporting date and then only in an amount more likely than not to be sustained upon review by the tax authorities. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.

Advertising —Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred for advertising totaled $0.4 million, $0.4 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013.

Warranties —The Company offers limited warranties on its products for one to two years. The Company recognizes estimated costs related to warranty activities as a component of cost of sales upon product shipment. The estimates are based upon historical product failure rates and historical costs incurred in correcting product failures. The recorded amount is adjusted from time to time for specifically identified warranty exposures. Actual warranty expenses are charged against the Company’s estimated warranty liability when incurred. Factors that affect the Company’s liability include the number of units, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and the cost per claim.

 

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Comprehensive Income —In June 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. The Company retrospectively adopted these new standards in the first quarter of 2012 and has presented a separate consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments —The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value. Debt with a carrying value $15.3 million at December 31, 2011 had a fair value of approximately $14.2 million. Debt with a carrying value of $59.3 million at December 31, 2012 had a fair value of approximately $58.4 million. Debt with a carrying value of $52.9 million at March 31, 2013 had a fair value of approximately $51.8 million. The fair value is based on interest rates that are currently available to the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Subsequent Events —The Company has evaluated subsequent events after the audited balance sheet date of December 31, 2012 through May 13, 2013, the date the consolidated financial statements were issued. With respect to the unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company has evaluated subsequent events through June 11, 2013, the date these unaudited consolidated financial statements were issued.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurement —In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs,” or ASU 2011-04. ASU 2011-04 is intended to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS. The amendments in ASU 2011-04 explain how to measure fair value. They do not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Comprehensive Income: Presentation —In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” or ASU 2011-05, to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-05 on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

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Comprehensive Income: Reclassifications —In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” or ASU 2013-02, to supersede and replace the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASU 2011-05, which were deferred indefinitely under ASU No. 2011-12, “Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05,” or ASU 2011-12, issued in December 2011. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 would require an entity to provide additional information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 will not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Goodwill Impairment Testing —In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” or ASU 2011-08, which simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment and permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-08 on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Release of Cumulative Translation Adjustment —In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity,” or ASU 2013-05, which resolves diversity in practice regarding the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. The amendments in ASU 2013-05 are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 will not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

2. Recapitalization

On June 18, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to the inter-company loan agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with its majority stockholder, Compass. The Loan Agreement was amended to (i) provide for term loan borrowings of $60.0 million and an increase to the revolving loan commitment of $2.0 million and to permit the proceeds thereof to fund cash distributions totaling $67.0 million by the Company to stockholders, (ii) extend the maturity dates of the term loans under the Loan Agreement, and (iii) modify borrowing rates under the Loan Agreement. All other material terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement were unchanged.

 

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3. Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

       As of December 31,      As of March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013  
                   (unaudited)  

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Raw materials

   $ 21,761       $ 25,822       $ 32,070   

Work-in-process

     1,194         1,460         2,058   

Finished goods

     6,576         6,973         8,606   
  

 

 

 

Total inventory

   $ 29,531       $ 34,255       $ 42,734   
  

 

 

 

 

 

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

       As of December 31,     As of March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
                 (unaudited)  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Machinery and manufacturing equipment

   $ 9,479      $ 11,099      $ 11,592   

Office equipment and furniture

     3,292        4,095        3,832   

Transportation equipment

     1,016        1,315        1,436   

Leasehold improvements

     2,821        4,729        4,998   
  

 

 

 

Total

     16,608        21,238        21,858   

Accumulated depreciation

     (7,603     (9,449     (9,753
  

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

   $ 9,005      $ 11,789        12,105   
  

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $0.9 million, $1.4 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively and $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

 

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5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

       Gross
carrying
amount
     Accumulated
amortization
    Net
carrying
amount
     Weighted
average life
(years)
 

 

 

December 31, 2011:

          

Customer relationships OEM

   $ 7,400       $ (2,467   $ 4,933         11   

Customer relationships AM

     4,300         (2,150     2,150         7   

Core technology

     32,500         (16,250     16,250         7   
  

 

 

    

Total

     44,200         (20,867     23,333      

Trademarks, not subject to amortization

          13,300      
       

 

 

    

Total

        $ 36,633      
       

 

 

    

December 31, 2012:

          

Customer relationships OEM

   $ 7,400       $ (3,083   $ 4,317         11   

Customer relationships AM

     4,300         (2,688     1,612         7   

Core technology

     32,500         (20,313     12,187         7   

Patents

     835         (98     737         5   
  

 

 

    

Total

     45,035         (26,182     18,853      

Trademarks, not subject to amortization

          13,300      
       

 

 

    

Total

        $ 32,153      
       

 

 

    

March 31, 2013: (unaudited)

          

Customer relationships OEM

   $ 7,400       $ (3,238   $ 4,162         11   

Customer relationships AM

     4,300         (2,822     1,478         7   

Core technology

     32,500         (21,328     11,172         7   

Patents

     835         (135     700         5   
  

 

 

    

Total

     45,035         (27,523     17,512      

Trademarks, not subject to amortization

          13,300      
       

 

 

    

Total

        $ 30,812      
       

 

 

    

 

 

Goodwill was $31.4 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 and March 31, 3013. None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

Amortization of intangibles was approximately $5.2 million, $5.2 million and $5.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively and $1.3 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

 

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The following is the expected amortization schedule for the years 2013 through 2017 and thereafter (in thousands) as of December 31, 2012:

 

Year         

 

 

2013 (remainder)

   $ 5,346   

2014

     5,364   

2015

     5,364   

2016

     752   

2017

     690   

Thereafter

     1,319   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 18,853   
  

 

 

 

 

 

6. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

       As of December 31,      As of March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013  
                   (unaudited)  

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Payroll and related expenses

   $ 4,381       $ 5,256       $ 3,550   

Warranty(2)

     2,799         4,582         4,058   

Related party—Compass(1)

     184         292         265   

Income tax payable

             9         1,378   

Other accrued expenses

     34         17         6   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,398       $ 10,156         9,257   
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)   Activity relates to interest and management fees payable to Compass.

 

(2)   Activity related to warranties is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 1,695   

Charge to cost of sales

     3,317   

Costs incurred

     (2,213
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

     2,799   

Charge to cost of sales

     5,180   

Costs incurred

     (3,397
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

     4,582   

Charge to cost of sales

     776   

Costs incurred

     (1,300
  

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2013 (unaudited)

   $ 4,058   
  

 

 

 

 

 

7. Related Party Transactions

During fiscal year 2008, the Company entered into various loans with its majority stockholder, Compass. Amounts outstanding were $15.3 million, $59.3 million and $52.9 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively. Interest expense on the Compass loans was approximately $2.6 million, $1.8 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively and $0.2 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. In addition, there were annual

 

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management fees of $0.5 million paid to an affiliate of Compass for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012 and $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Fox Factory, Inc. has a triple-net building lease for its manufacturing and office facilities in Watsonville, California. The building is owned by Robert Fox, a founder and minority stockholder of the Company. The term of the lease ends June 30, 2018, with monthly rental payments, which are adjusted annually for a cost-of-living increase based upon the consumer price index. Payments made under this lease were $1.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. See Note 9 for a detail of the future minimum rental payments under this operating lease.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, The Company utilized Staffmark, a provider of temporary staffing, temp to hire and permanent placement services. Compass was an investor in Staffmark, up to October 2011, when the investment was sold. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, Staffmark provided $7.1 million in temporary staffing services, of which $0.6 million was included in accounts payable as of December 31, 2011.

8. Debt

Line of Credit

In connection with the acquisition of the Fox Factory, Inc. on January 4, 2008, the Company obtained a $22 million revolving line of credit (“Line of Credit”) from Compass, the majority stockholder. The line of credit matures in January 2014, or such earlier date pursuant to an event of default as defined in the agreement. In March 2011, the amount available under the Line of Credit was increased to $28.0 million. The Line of Credit carried an interest rate of 6.75%, as of December 31, 2011, and 2012 and March 31, 2013.

The balance under the Line of Credit as of December 31, 2011 and 2012, and March 31, 2013 of $1.5 million, $0.8 million and $5.1 million, respectively, was classified as a long-term liability as the maturity date is June 2018.

Term-Debt

In January 2008, in connection with the acquisition of Fox Factory, Inc, the Company also obtained a $23.0 million Term A Loan Commitment (‘Term A”) from Compass. The Term A loan was originally scheduled to mature in January 2014, or such earlier date pursuant to an event of default as defined in the agreement. As of December 31, 2011 the initial Term A loan was paid in full.

In January 2008, the Company also obtained a $20.0 million Term B Loan Commitment (“Term B”) from Compass, the majority stockholder. The Term B loan had a maturity date of January 4, 2015, or such earlier date pursuant to an event of default as defined in the respective agreement. The Term B loan carried an interest rate of 8.04% as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2012, the Term B loan was paid in full.

In June 2012, the Company performed a recapitalization of debt with Compass. The Loan Agreement was amended to (i) provide for Term A loan borrowings of $60.0 million and an

 

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increase to the revolving loan commitment of $2.0 million, increasing the total available under the Line of Credit to $30.0 million, (ii) extend the maturity dates of the term loans under the Loan Agreement to June 18, 2018, and (iii) modify borrowing rates under the Loan Agreement to a fluctuating rate between 3.50% and 5.50% above either LIBOR or the Prime Rate, respectively, whichever is more favorable for the Company.

The Loan Agreement is subject to certain financial covenants, with which the Company was in compliance at December 31, 2011 and 2012 and March 31, 2013. The Term Debt and Line of Credit with Compass are collateralized by the Company’s right, title and interest in the Company’s net assets except for certain excluded intangible assets as defined in the collateral agreement with Compass.

City of Watsonville (“City”)

The City note payable is due to the Redevelopment Agency, with an original balance of $0.3 million. Interest accrues on the note at a variable rate. The effective interest rate at December 31, 2011 and 2012 was 3.25%. Terms of the note include performance by the Company of a Relocation and Rehabilitation Agreement, whereby the Company is to maintain a minimum number of full-time employees that are also Watsonville residents. If the Company complies with this agreement, it is entitled to an annual credit against the principal and accrued interest due in the amount of $32,000. Noncompliance with this agreement will alter the payment terms of the note. As of December 31, 2011, the balance of $4,000 was recorded as current portion of long term debt. The note was fully paid as of December 31, 2012.

Long-term debt and the related current portion consist of the following (in thousands):

 

       As of December 31,     As of March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
                 (unaudited)  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Term A loan

   $      $ 58,500      $ 47,750   

Term B loan

     13,839                 

City note payable

     4                 
  

 

 

 
     13,843        58,500        47,750   

Less current portion

     (4 )     (3,000     (3,000
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 13,839      $ 55,500        44,750   
  

 

 

 

 

 

Future principal payments of long-term debt as of December 31, 2012, are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year         

 

 

2013

   $ 3,000   

2014

     3,000   

2015

     3,000   

2016

     3,000   

2017

     3,000   

Thereafter

     43,500   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 58,500   
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9. Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases —The Company has operating lease agreements for office, research and development, and sales and marketing space that expire at various dates. The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term and records the difference between cash rent payments and the recognition of rent expense as a deferred rent liability. Rent expense was $1.9 million, $2.2 million, and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively and $0.7 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. See Note 7, for additional information on related party operating leases.

Approximate remaining future minimum lease payments under these operating leases as of December 31, 2012, are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year    Future
payments
     Related party
future payments
     Total future
payments
 

 

 

2013

   $ 1,783       $ 1,143       $ 2,926   

2014

     1,573         1,143         2,716   

2015

     1,486         1,143         2,629   

2016

     1,188         1,143         2,331   

2017

     712         1,143         1,855   

Thereafter

     29         571         600   
  

 

 

 
   $ 6,771       $ 6,286       $ 13,057   
  

 

 

 

 

 

The Company has entered into licensing and consulting agreements with various third parties, of which, non-cancelable future minimum payments under such agreements total $1.1 million as of December 31, 2012.

Indemnification Agreements— In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide indemnifications of varying scope and terms to customers, vendors, lessors, business partners, and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of breach of such agreements, services to be provided by the Company or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with directors and certain officers and employees that will require the Company, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors, officers or employees. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that the outcome of any claims under indemnification arrangements will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, or consolidated statements of cash flows.

10. Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Option Plan —The Company has two stock option plans (the “Plans”). The Company’s Plans have authorized 165,900 shares of the Company’s common stock for options, which may be granted to employees or directors of any subsidiary of the Company. Options have various vesting schedules. Shares under the Plans are available for grant from authorized, but unissued or reacquired, shares of the Company.

 

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The Plans are administered by the Board of the Company or, if established by the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board, which has the authority to determine the type of incentive award, as well as the terms and conditions of the awards, including (i) the number of shares of common stock subject to the option; (ii) when the option becomes exercisable; (iii) the option exercise price; and (iv) the duration of the option. Options granted under the Plans generally vest over five years and expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, 38,018 and 82,038 shares were available for grant under the Plans, respectively.

Stock option activity under the Plans was as follows:

 

       Number of
shares
outstanding
    Weighted-
average
exercise
price
     Weighted
average
remaining
contractual 
life
(years)
     Aggregate
intrinsic value
(in thousands)
 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

     72,378      $ 77.95         6       $ 11,833   

Options granted (weighted average fair value of $38.20 per share)

     25,504        245.58         
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

     97,882      $ 121.69         6       $ 16,218   

Options granted (weighted average fair value of $73.69 per share)

     40,722      $ 248.29         

Options exercised

     (81,023   $ 112.62         

Options forfeited

     (3,719   $ 275.58         
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

     53,862      $ 225.76         9       $ 6,828   

Options granted (weighted average fair value of $120.48 per share)

     200      $ 352.52         

Options exercised

                    

Options forfeited

                    
  

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2013 (unaudited)

     54,062      $ 226.22         9       $ 6,828   
  

 

 

 

Options vested and expected to vest—December 31, 2012

     53,862      $ 225.76         9       $ 6,828   
  

 

 

 

Options exercisable—December 31, 2012

     8,208      $ 106.51         9       $ 2,018   
  

 

 

 

Options vested and expected to vest—March 31, 2013 (unaudited)

     54,062      $ 226.22         8       $ 6,828   
  

 

 

 

Options exercisable—March 31, 2013 (unaudited)

     10,260      $ 133.71         6       $ 2,245   

 

 

 

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A summary of options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2012, is as follows:

 

       Options Outstanding  

 

 
Exercise prices   

Number

outstanding

    

Weighted-

average

remaining

contractual

life

(years)

    

Number

exercisable

 

 

 

$50.00

     3,220         5         3,220   

$100.00

     3,220         5         3,220   

$177.99

     2,000         8         800   

$239.33

     33,082         9           

$241.53

     2,700         8         540   

$275.92

     2,000         8         400   

$287.38

     140         9         28   

$287.86

     7,500         10           
  

 

 

 
     53,862         9         8,208   
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

Employee Stock-Based Compensation —The fair value of options on the date of grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the single-option award approach with the weighted average assumptions set forth below. The Company estimates the expected term of options granted by taking the average of the vesting term and the contractual term of the option. Estimated volatilities are based on an analysis of comparable companies and the Company’s leverage. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury strips maturing at the expected option term. Although the Company paid a dividend as part of the recapitalization, the Company does not intend to pay cash dividends in the future, as such, expected dividends are zero. Expected forfeitures are based on the Company’s historical experience.

In conjunction with the Company’s recapitalization, discussed in Note 2, modifications were made to certain employee stock option agreements. These modifications included the acceleration of vesting of options exercisable for the purchase of 19,421 shares of common stock and adding a net share settlement feature to the agreements. Additionally, certain stock option agreements were cancelled and replacement options were issued with a lower exercise price, pursuant to the grants anti-dilution provisions in the underlying agreements. The lower exercise price of the replacement options reflects the change in value of the underlying stock, which resulted from the recapitalization. Modification accounting was applied to the replacement options and any excess fair value of the replacement award over the fair value of the cancelled award will be recorded as compensation cost over the remaining vesting period of the grants. The vested options were exercised through a cashless net share settlement, and the resulting shares were immediately repurchased by Compass. Settlement accounting was applied to these options and stock-based compensation expense was recorded to recognize expense for the previously unvested portion.

 

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The assumptions used to value stock-based awards granted to employees were as follows:

 

       For the years ended December 31,     For the three months
ended March 31,
 
     2010     2011     2012     2012     2013  
                       (unaudited)  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expected term (years)

     6.5        6.5        5.5-6.5        6.5        5.5   

Volatility

     43     25     36     35     36

Risk-free interest rate

     0.42     3.31-3.41     0.60-1.40     1.36     0.79

Dividend yield

                                   

 

 

The following table summarizes the allocation of stock-based compensation in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (in thousands):

 

       For the years ended December 31,      For the three months
ended March 31,
 
     2010      2011      2012      2012      2013  
                          (unaudited)  

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cost of sales

   $       $       $       $       $   

Sales and marketing

     40         78         160         33         33   

Research and development

     12         12         29         3         17   

General and administrative

     472         940         1,959         267         652   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 524       $ 1,030       $ 2,148       $ 303       $ 702   
  

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011 and 2012 and March 31, 2013, unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested common stock options was $1.7 million, $2.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The weighted average period over which such stock-based compensation expense will be recognized is approximately three years.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no stock options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2011. There were no options exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013.

There were no options granted to non-employees during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 or in the three months ended March 31, 2013.

11. Earnings Per Share and Unaudited Pro Forma Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share —Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive common stock outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, which are reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.

 

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The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands except earnings per share):

 

       For the years ended
December 31,
     For the three months
ended March 31,
 
     2010      2011      2012      2012      2013  
                          (unaudited)  

 

 

Net income

   $ 10,769       $ 13,538       $ 14,210       $ 2,639       $ 3,549   
  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used to compute basic earnings per share

     648         647         690         653         720   

Dilutive effect of employee stock plans

     37         49         10         48         15   
  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used to compute diluted earnings per share

     685         696         700         701         735   
  

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

              

Basic

   $ 16.62       $ 20.92       $ 20.59       $ 4.04       $ 4.93   

Diluted

   $ 15.72       $ 19.45       $ 20.30       $ 3.76       $ 4.83   

 

 

The Company did not exclude any potentially dilutive shares from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, or the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, as none of these shares would have been antidilutive.

12. Income Taxes

The components of income tax (expense) benefit, all of which is domestic, are as follows (in thousands):

 

       For the years ended December 31,  
     2010     2011     2012  

 

 

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 5,904      $ 7,802      $ 8,959   

State

     1,680        1,682        2,406   
  

 

 

 

Total

     7,584        9,484        11,365   
  

 

 

 

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (1,004     (2,025     (2,674

State

     (370     (405     (510
  

 

 

 

Total

     (1,374     (2,430     (3,184
  

 

 

 

Total provision

   $ 6,210      $ 7,054      $ 8,181   
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of the statutory federal rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for the periods presented:

 

       For the years ended December 31,  
     2010     2011     2012  

 

 

Tax at federal statutory rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

State taxes, net of federal benefit

     4.7        3.1        4.8   

Manufacturing deduction

     (3.6     (3.8     (1.3

Stock options

     0.6        1.7        (2.5

Research and development tax credit

     (2.8     (1.6       

Other

     2.7        (0.1     0.5   
  

 

 

 

Total provision

     36.6     34.3     36.5
  

 

 

 

 

 

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Effective tax rates were 30.9% and 34.2%. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 reflects the retroactive extension of the R&D tax credit as a result of a recent change in tax law.

The following table presents the significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

       As of December 31,  
     2011     2012  

 

 

Deferred tax assets:

    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 151      $ 179   

Other reserves and prepaid assets

     1,421        2,716   

Inventory

     483        640   

State income taxes

     621        533   
  

 

 

 

Total deferred tax asset

     2,676        4,068   
  

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Intangible assets

     (14,926     (12,761

Property and equipment

     (628     (524

Depreciation

     (2,056     (2,533
  

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liability

     (17,610     (15,818
  

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

   $ (14,934   $ (11,750
  

 

 

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

       For the years
ended December 31,
 
     2011      2012  

 

 

Balance—beginning of period

   $ 3,521       $ 5,410   

Gross increases—current year tax positions

     1,889         1,882   
  

 

 

 

Balance—end of period

   $ 5,410       $ 7,292   
  

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, some of the unrecognized tax benefits would impact the effective tax rate if recognized. However the Company does not believe that a material amount of its unrecognized tax benefits will be recognized.

 

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Table of Contents

At December 31, 2011 and 2012, the Company had no cumulative interest and penalties related to the uncertain tax positions, and has elected to treat interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.

The Company’s tax returns remain open to examination as follows: U.S. federal, 2009 through 2012; U.S. states, generally 2008 through 2012.

13. Retirement Plans

The Company established a 401(k) plan to provide tax deferred salary deductions for all eligible employees. Participants may make voluntary contributions to the 401(k) plan, limited by certain Internal Revenue Service restrictions. The Company made matching contributions of $0.2 million for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012 and $48,000 and $51,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013.

14. Segments

The Company has determined that it has a single operating and reportable segment. The Company considers operating segments to be components of the Company in which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The chief operating decision maker for the Company is the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. The following table summarizes total sales generated by geographic location of the customer (in thousands):

 

       For the years ended December 31,      For the three months
ended March 31,
 
     2010      2011      2012      2012      2013  
                          (unaudited)  

 

 

United States

   $ 53,538       $ 65,764       $ 84,283       $ 17,910       $ 18,905   

International

     117,445         131,975         151,586         27,761         35,973   
  

 

 

 

Total Sales

   $ 170,983       $ 197,739       $ 235,869       $ 45,671       $ 54,878   
  

 

 

 

 

 

The Company’s long-lived assets are primarily located in the United States and not allocated to any specific region. Therefore, geographic information is presented only for total sales.

Customers with accounts receivable balance of 10% or greater of the total accounts receivable are as follows:

 

       Percentage of accounts receivable  
     As of December 31,     As of March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
                 (unaudited)  

 

 

Customer A

     12     13     12

Customer B

     *     12     *

Customer C

     14     11     23

 

 

 

(*   Represents less than 10%)

One customer represented 16%, 12%, 13% and 14% of sales in the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, and for the three months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. No customer accounted for 10% of sales in the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

     shares

 

LOGO

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.

Common stock

Prospectus

 

Baird

  William Blair   Piper Jaffray

    , 2013

No action is being taken in any jurisdiction outside the United States to permit a public offering of the common stock or possession or distribution of this prospectus in that jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus in jurisdictions outside the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to this offering and the distribution of the prospectus applicable to that jurisdiction.

Through and including     , 2013 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Part II

Information not required in prospectus

Item 13.    Other expenses of issuance and distribution

The following table sets forth all expenses to be paid by Fox Factory Holding Corp. (the Registrant), other than underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with this offering. All amounts shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee, and the listing fee.

 

SEC registration fee

   $        

FINRA filing fee

  

Listing fee

  

Printing and engraving

  

Legal fees and expenses

  

Accounting fees and expenses

  

Custodian transfer agent and registrar fees

  

Miscellaneous

  

Total

   $        
  

 

 

 

 

 

Item 14.    Indemnification of directors and officers

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, authorizes a corporation’s board of directors to grant, and authorizes a court to award, indemnity to officers, directors, and other corporate agents.

The Registrant expects to adopt an amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and which will contain provisions that limit the liability of the Registrant’s directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Consequently, the Registrant’s directors will not be personally liable to the Registrant or the Registrant’s stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability for the following:

 

 

any breach of their duty of loyalty to the Registrant or the Registrant’s stockholders;

 

 

any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

 

unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the DGCL; or

 

 

any transaction from which they derived an improper personal benefit.

Any amendment to, or repeal of, these provisions will not eliminate or reduce the effect of these provisions in respect of any act, omission or claim that occurred or arose prior to such amendment or repeal. If the DGCL is amended to provide for further limitations on the personal liability of directors of corporations, then the personal liability of the Registrant’s directors will be further limited to the greatest extent permitted by the DGCL.

 

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The Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will also provide that the Registrant will indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each person who was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that he or she is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer of the Registrant, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at the request of the Registrant, as a director, officer, incorporator, employee or agent of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity. In addition, the Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the Registrant must advance expenses incurred by or on behalf of a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of any action or proceeding, subject to very limited exceptions.

Further, prior to the completion of this offering, the Registrant expects to enter into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers that may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions provided for in the DGCL. These indemnification agreements will require the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify its directors and executive officers against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service. These indemnification agreements will also require the Registrant to advance all expenses incurred by the directors and executive officers in investigating or defending any such action, suit, or proceeding. The Registrant believes that these agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and executive officers.

The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions that will be included in the Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws, and in indemnification agreements that the Registrant enters into with its directors and executive officers may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against its directors and executive officers for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against the Registrant’s directors and executive officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit the Registrant and other stockholders. Further, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent that the Registrant pays the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and executive officers as required by these indemnification provisions. At present, the Registrant is not aware of any pending litigation or proceeding involving any person who is or was one of its directors, officers, employees or other agents or is or was serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, for which indemnification is sought, and the Registrant is not aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification.

The Registrant will obtain prior to the closing of this offering insurance under which, subject to the limitations of the insurance policies, coverage is provided to the Registrant’s directors and executive officers against loss arising from claims made by reason of breach of fiduciary duty or other wrongful acts as a director or executive officer, including claims relating to public securities matters, and to the Registrant with respect to payments that may be made by the Registrant to these directors and executive officers pursuant to the Registrant’s indemnification obligations or otherwise as a matter of law.

The underwriting agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement provides for indemnification by the underwriters of the Registrant and its officers and directors for certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act and otherwise.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 15.    Recent sales of unregistered securities

Since January 1, 2010, the Registrant has issued the following securities that were not registered under the Securities Act:

1. The Registrant granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 81,593 shares of common stock at exercise prices of $161.17 per share on May 4, 2010, $177.99 per share on August 3, 2010, $177.99 per share on August 19, 2010, $241.53 per share on March 1, 2011, $241.53 per share on March 21, 2011, $275.92 per share on May 2, 2011, $287.38 per share on August 19, 2011, $340.91 per share on February 10, 2012, $340.91 per share on February 27, 2012, $239.33 per share on June 15, 2012, $287.86 per share on October 3, 2012, $287.86 per share on December 6, 2012 and $352.52 per share on March 19, 2013, in each case to employees, consultants and directors under the Registrant’s 2008 Stock Option Plan and the Registrant’s 2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan.

2. The Registrant issued an aggregate of 52,177 shares of common stock upon the net exercise of stock options on January 19, 2012 and June 15, 2012, in each case to employees, consultants and directors under the Registrant’s 2008 Stock Option Plan and the Registrant’s 2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan.

3. In connection with a recapitalization transaction, the Registrant issued and sold an aggregate of 21,766 shares of common stock to certain of its employees for an aggregate consideration of $7,203,757 on June 15, 2012.

The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described in paragraphs 1 and 2 were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Rule 701 in that the transactions were under compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. The recipients of such securities were the Registrant’s employees, directors or bona fide consultants and received the securities under the Registrant’s 2008 Stock Option Plan and the Registrant’s 2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan. Appropriate legends were affixed to the securities issued in these transactions. Each of the recipients of securities in these transactions had adequate access, through employment, business or other relationships, to information about the Registrant.

The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described in paragraph 3 were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated thereunder as transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. The recipients of such securities were the Registrant’s employees and represented their intentions to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof. Appropriate legends were affixed to the securities issued in these transactions. Each of the recipients of securities in these transactions had adequate access, through employment, business or other relationships, to information about the Registrant.

Item 16.    Exhibits and financial statement schedules

 

(a)   Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed herewith.

 

Exhibit
Number
     Description

 

 

    

 

    1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
    3.1    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be effective upon closing.

 

II-3


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
     Description

 

 

    

 

    3.2    Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws to be effective upon closing.
    4.1       Form of Common Stock certificate.
    4.2       Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 12, 2013, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, Madison Capital Funding Co-Investment Fund LP and certain other stockholders listed on the signature page thereto.
    4.3       Stockholders’ Agreement, as amended, dated January 4, 2008, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, Madison Capital Funding LLC, Robert C. Fox, Jr. and certain other stockholders listed on the signature page thereto.
    5.1    Opinion of Paul Hastings LLP.
  10.1       Form of Indemnification Agreement between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and certain of its directors and officers.
  10.2       Form of Indemnification Agreement between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Elias Sabo and certain advisors.
  10.3       2008 Stock Option Plan, as amended.
  10.4       2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan, as amended.
  10.5    2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.6    Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.7    Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.8    Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.9    Form of Award Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.10    Form of Information Sharing and Cooperation Agreement by and between Compass Diversified Holdings, on its behalf and on behalf of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, and Fox Factory Holding Corp., on its behalf and on behalf of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fox Factory, Inc.
  10.11       Air Commercial Real Estate Association Standard Industrial / Commercial Single-Tenant Lease – Gross, dated October 31, 2011, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Sammie Rae Abitbol, LLC.
  10.12       Air Commercial Real Estate Association Standard Industrial / Commercial Single-Tenant-Gross, March 24, 2010, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Scarborough Gilbert Partners, and related addenda.
  10.13       Lease Agreement, dated July 1, 2003, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Robert C. Fox, Jr.
  10.14       Lease Agreement, dated June 13, 2006, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Freedom Associates, LLC, and related addenda.
  10.15       Air Commercial Real Estate Association Standard Industrial/Commercial Multi-Tenant Lease - Net, dated April 19, 2012, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and North Johnson Vernon Property, LLC, and related addendum.

 

II-4


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
     Description

 

 

    

 

  10.16       Land and Factory Lease Agreement, dated April 2, 2012, by and among Fox Factory, Inc., Hong-Ming Lee, Zhi-Ming Lee, Qing-Yu Lee, Fu-Zhong Lu, Yu-Wei Lu and Guan-Lun Lu.
  10.17       Sublease, dated January 1, 2012, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Robert C. Fox, Jr., and related addendum.
  10.18       Services and Secondment Agreement, as amended, dated March 10, 2011, by and among Fox Factory, Inc., Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Vulcan Holdings, Inc.
  10.19       Employment Agreement, dated September 1, 2008, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Zvi Glasman and 409A Amendment thereto.
  10.20       Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2008, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Mario Galasso and 409 Amendment thereto.
  10.21       Offer Letter with John Boulton, dated December 15, 2010.
  10.22    Employment Agreement, dated                      , 2013, by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Larry L. Enterline.
  10.23    Employment Agreement, dated                      , 2013, by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Zvi Glasman.
  10.24    Employment Agreement, dated                      , 2013, by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and John Boulton.
  10.25    Employment Agreement, dated                      , 2013, by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Mario Galasso.
  10.26       Credit Agreement, as amended, dated January 4, 2008, by and among Fox Factory, Inc., Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC.
  10.27    Form of Revolving Credit Agreement to be entered into, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., Fox Factory, Inc., SunTrust Bank and the other parties thereto.
  10.28    Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy.
  10.29       KASHIMACOAT Agreement, dated September 17, 2009, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Miyaki.
  21.1       List of subsidiaries.
  23.1       Consent of Grant Thornton LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  23.2    Consent of Paul Hastings LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1       Power of Attorney (contained in the signature page to this registration statement).

 

*   To be filed by amendment.

 

II-5


Table of Contents

(b) Financial statement schedules .    All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, the required information is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of such schedules or the information is included in the registrant’s consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

Item 17.    Undertakings

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(a)   For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

(b)   For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act , each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

II-6


Table of Contents

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Scotts Valley, State of California, on July 8, 2013.

 

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

By:

 

/s/ Larry L. Enterline

  Larry L. Enterline
  Chief Executive Officer

Power of attorney

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Larry L. Enterline, Zvi Glasman and Elias Sabo, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Fox Factory Holding Corp., and any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) thereto and any new registration statement with respect to the offering contemplated thereby filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement on Form S-1 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Title   Date

 

/s/ Larry L. Enterline

 

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 8, 2013
Larry L. Enterline    

/s/ Zvi Glasman

 

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

  July 8, 2013
Zvi Glasman    

/s/ Elias Sabo

  Director   July 8, 2013
Elias Sabo    

/s/ Robert C. Fox, Jr.

  Director   July 8, 2013
Robert C. Fox, Jr.    

/s/ Dudley Mendenhall

  Director   July 8, 2013
Dudley Mendenhall    

/s/ Carl Nichols

  Director   July 8, 2013
Carl Nichols    

/s/ Joseph Hagin

  Director   July 8, 2013
Joseph Hagin    

/s/ Ted Waitman

Ted Waitman

  Director   July 8, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

II-7


Table of Contents

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number
     Description

 

 

    

 

    1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
    3.1    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be effective upon closing.
    3.2    Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws to be effective upon closing.
    4.1       Form of Common Stock certificate.
    4.2       Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 12, 2013, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, Madison Capital Funding Co-Investment Fund LP and certain other stockholders listed on the signature page thereto.
    4.3       Stockholders’ Agreement, as amended, dated January 4, 2008, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, Madison Capital Funding LLC, Robert C. Fox, Jr. and certain other stockholders listed on the signature page thereto.
    5.1    Opinion of Paul Hastings LLP.
  10.1       Form of Indemnification Agreement between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and certain of its directors and officers.
  10.2       Form of Indemnification Agreement between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Elias Sabo and certain advisors.
  10.3       2008 Stock Option Plan, as amended.
  10.4       2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan, as amended.
  10.5    2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.6    Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.7    Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.8    Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.9    Form of Award Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Plan.
  10.10    Form of Information Sharing and Cooperation Agreement by and between Compass Diversified Holdings, on its behalf and on behalf of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, and Fox Factory Holding Corp., on its behalf and on behalf of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fox Factory, Inc.
  10.11       Air Commercial Real Estate Association Standard Industrial / Commercial Single-Tenant Lease – Gross, dated October 31, 2011, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Sammie Rae Abitbol, LLC.
  10.12       Air Commercial Real Estate Association Standard Industrial / Commercial Single-Tenant-Gross, March 24, 2010, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Scarborough Gilbert Partners, and related addenda.
  10.13       Lease Agreement, dated July 1, 2003, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Robert C. Fox, Jr.
  10.14       Lease Agreement, dated June 13, 2006, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Freedom Associates, LLC, and related addenda.


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
     Description

 

 

    

 

  10.15       Air Commercial Real Estate Association Standard Industrial/Commercial Multi-Tenant Lease - Net, dated April 19, 2012, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and North Johnson Vernon Property, LLC, and related addendum.
  10.16       Land and Factory Lease Agreement, dated April 2, 2012, by and among Fox Factory, Inc., Hong-Ming Lee, Zhi-Ming Lee, Qing-Yu Lee, Fu-Zhong Lu, Yu-Wei Lu and Guan-Lun Lu.
  10.17       Sublease, dated January 1, 2012, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Robert C. Fox, Jr., and related addendum.
  10.18       Services and Secondment Agreement, as amended, dated March 10, 2011, by and among Fox Factory, Inc., Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Vulcan Holdings, Inc.
  10.19       Employment Agreement, dated September 1, 2008, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Zvi Glasman and 409A Amendment thereto.
  10.20       Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2008, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Mario Galasso and 409 Amendment thereto.
  10.21       Offer Letter with John Boulton, dated December 15, 2010.
  10.22    Employment Agreement, dated                      , 2013, by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Larry L. Enterline.
  10.23    Employment Agreement, dated                      , 2013, by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Zvi Glasman.
  10.24    Employment Agreement, dated                      , 2013, by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and John Boulton.
  10.25    Employment Agreement, dated                      , 2013, by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Mario Galasso.
  10.26       Credit Agreement, as amended, dated January 4, 2008, by and among Fox Factory, Inc., Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC.
  10.27    Form of Revolving Credit Agreement to be entered into, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., Fox Factory, Inc., SunTrust Bank and the other parties thereto.
  10.28    Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy.
  10.29       KASHIMACOAT Agreement, dated September 17, 2009, by and between Fox Factory, Inc. and Miyaki.
  21.1       List of subsidiaries.
  23.1       Consent of Grant Thornton LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  23.2    Consent of Paul Hastings LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1       Power of Attorney (contained in the signature page to this registration statement).

 

*   To be filed by amendment.

Exhibit 4.1

LOGO

ZQ|CERT#|COY|CLS|RGSTRY|ACCT#|TRANSTYPE|RUN#|TRANS# COMMON STOCK PAR VALUE $0.001 COMMON STOCK THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE IN CANTON, MA, JERSEY CITY, NJ AND COLLEGE STATION, TX Certificate Number ZQ00000000 Shares* * 000000 ******************* * * 000000 ***************** **** 000000 **************** ***** 000000 *************** ****** 000000 **************FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP. INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE THIS CERTIFIES THAT ** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. MR. Alexander David SAMPLE Sample **** Mr. Alexander David &Sample MRS. **** Mr. Alexander SAMPLE David Sample **** Mr. Alexander & David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander MR. David Sample SAMPLE **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** &Mr. Alexander MRS. David Sample SAMPLE **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Sample **** Mr. Sample **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares ****000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * ** *000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * ** 000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **0 00000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **00 * **ZERO HUNDRED THOUSAND 0000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000 000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **0000 00 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **00000 0 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 ZERO HUNDRED AND ZERO * ** **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000* *Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 ** Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **Shares * * **000000 **S SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS is the owner of FULLY-PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF Fox Factory Holding Corp. (hereinafter called the ?Company?), transferable on the books of the Company in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate and the shares represented hereby, are issued and shall be held subject to all of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and the By-Laws, as amended, of the Company (copies of which are on file with the Company and with the Transfer Agent), to all of which each holder, by acceptance hereof, assents. This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar. Witness the facsimile seal of the Company and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers. DATED DD-MMM-YYYY COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED: COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR, ByAUTHORIZED SIGNATUREChief Executive Officer Chief Financial OfficerPO BOX 43004, Providence, RI 02940-3004 MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 CUSIP XXXXXX XX X Holder ID XXXXXXXXXX Insurance Value 00.1,000,000 Number of Shares 123456 DTC 12345678901234512345678 Certificate Numbers Num/No Denom. . Total 1234567890/1234567890 11 1 1234567890/1234567890 22 2 1234567890/1234567890 33 3 1234567890/1234567890 44 4 1234567890/1234567890 55 5 1234567890/1234567890 66 6 Total Transaction 7


FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP. THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH SHAREHOLDER WHO SO REQUESTS, A SUMMARY OF THE POWERS, DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE, PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL OR OTHER SPECIAL RIGHTS OF EACH CLASS OF STOCK OF THE COMPANY AND THE QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS OF SUCH PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS, AND THE VARIATIONS IN RIGHTS, PREFERENCES AND LIMITATIONS DETERMINED FOR EACH SERIES, WHICH ARE FIXED BY THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE COMPANY, AS AMENDED, AND THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO DETERMINE VARIATIONS FOR FUTURE SERIES. SUCH REQUEST MAY BE MADE TO THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY OR TO THE TRANSFER AGENT. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY REQUIRE THE OWNER OF A LOST OR DESTROYED STOCK CERTIFICATE, OR HIS LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES, TO GIVE THE COMPANY A BOND TO INDEMNIFY IT AND ITS TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS AGAINST ANY CLAIM THAT MAY BE MADE AGAINST THEM ON ACCOUNT OF THE ALLEGED LOSS OR DESTRUCTION OF ANY SUCH CERTIFICATE. The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations: TEN COM—as tenants in common TEN ENT—as tenants by the entireties JT TEN—as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT—Custodian (Cust) (Minor) under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (State) UNIF TRF MIN ACT—Custodian (until age ) (Cust) under Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (Minor) (State) UNIF GIFT MIN ACT—Custodian (Cust) (Minor) under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (State) UNIF TRF MIN ACT—Custodian (until age ) (Cust) under Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (Minor) (State) Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list. PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE For value received, hereby sell, assign and transfer unto (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE) Shares of the common stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Company with full power of substitution in the premises. Dated: Signature: Signature: 20 Signature(s) Guaranteed: Medallion Guarantee Stamp THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (Banks, Stockbrokers, Savings and Loan Associations and Credit Unions) WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15. Notice: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate, in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever. The IRS requires that we report the cost basis of certain shares acquired after January 1, 2011. If your shares were covered by the legislation and you have sold or transferred the shares and requested a specific cost basis calculation method, we have processed as requested. If you did not specify a cost basis calculation method, we have defaulted to the first in, first out (FIFO) method. Please visit our website or consult your tax advisor if you need additional information about cost basis. If you do not keep in contact with us or do not have any activity in your account for the time periods specified by state law, your property could become subject to state unclaimed property laws and transferred to the appropriate state.

 

LOGO

Exhibit 4.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of May 12, 2013, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CODI ”), Madison Capital Funding Co-Investment Fund LP, as assignee of Madison Capital Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Madison ”), and each of the investors listed on the signature page hereto (together with CODI and Madison, each an “ Investor ” and collectively the “ Investors ”).

WHEREAS, the Company and certain of the Investors are parties to that certain Registration Rights Agreement on January 4, 2008 (the “ Prior Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS, the parties to the Prior Agreement desire to amend, restate and replace their rights and obligations under the Prior Agreement with the rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

 

1. Registration Rights .

 

  1.1 Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

Affiliate ” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided that no Holder shall be deemed an Affiliate of any other Holder solely by reason of any investment in the Company.

Common Stock ” means and includes all shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value, of the Company.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar successor federal statute and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Form S-3 ” shall mean such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date of the Agreement, or any similar or successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC which permits inclusion or incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents filed by the Company with the SEC.

Holder ” means any holder who holds Registrable Securities and any holder of Registrable Securities to whom the registration rights conferred by this Agreement have been transferred in accordance with Section 1.10 hereof.

 

1


Permitted Transferee ” means, with respect to each Holder, (i) any other Holder, (ii) any Affiliate of such Holder, (iii) any direct or indirect manager, member or general or limited partner of such Holder (including, without limitation, any member of such Holder ), (iv) any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity that is an Affiliate of such Holder or any manager, general or limited partner of such Holder (collectively, “ Holder Affiliates ”), (v) any general partner, director, limited partner, officer or employee of any Holder Affiliate, or any spouse, lineal descendent (including lineal descendants by adoption), sibling, parent, heir, executor, administrator, testamentary trustee, legatee or beneficiary of any of the foregoing persons described in this clause (v) (collectively, “ Holder Associates ”), or (vi) any trust, the beneficiaries of which, or any corporation, limited liability company or partnership, the stockholders, members or general partners of which, consist of any one or more of such Holder, any general partner of such Holder, any Holder Affiliates, any Holder Associates, or such Holder’s spouse or lineal descendants (including lineal descendants by adoption); in each case to the extent such Person agrees in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, and an unincorporated organization.

Qualified Public Offering ” means any public offering of the Common Stock, other than a registration relating solely to a transaction under Rule 145 or to an employee benefit plan of the Company.

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

Registrable Securities then outstanding ” means the number of shares determined, from time to time, by calculating the total number of shares of the Common Stock that are Registrable Securities and that are either (i) then issued and outstanding, or (ii) issuable pursuant to then exercisable or convertible securities.

Registrable Securities ” means (i) any Common Stock held by any Person a party hereto, and (ii) any Common Stock issued or issuable to any Person a party hereto pursuant to any warrant, option or other security or pursuant to a stock dividend, combination, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization; provided that with respect to any Registrable Securities, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (a) a registration statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with such registration statement, (b) such securities shall have been transferred pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 145, (c) such securities shall have been otherwise transferred to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the transferor, new certificates for such securities not bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company as part of such transfer and subsequent disposition of such securities shall not require registration of such securities under the Securities Act, (d) such securities may be distributed without volume limitation or other

 

2


restrictions on transfer under Rule 144 or Rule 145 (including without application of paragraphs (c), (e) (f) and (h) of Rule 144), or (e) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding.

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 as promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule that may be promulgated by the SEC.

Rule 145 ” means Rule 145 as promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule that may be promulgated by the SEC.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar successor federal statute and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Stockholders’ Agreement ” means that certain Stockholders’ Agreement, dated January 4, 2008, among the Company and certain of its stockholders, as the same may be amended, restated or modified from time to time.

underwriter ” or “ underwriters ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act, and the term “underwriting” shall include all sales made through the use of underwriters.

1.2     Company Registration .

(a) If (but without any obligation to do so) the Company proposes to register (including for this purpose a registration effected by the Company for its stockholders) any Common Stock or other securities of the Company under the Securities Act in connection with a Qualified Public Offering of such securities, the Company shall, at such time, promptly give each Holder written notice of such proposed registration (the “ Notice ”). Any Holder desiring to participate in such registration (a “ piggyback ” registration) shall, within twenty days after the date of the Notice, deliver written notice thereof to Company (the “ Holder’s Notice ”) setting forth the number of Registrable Securities such Holder desires to be registered. The Company shall, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be registered under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities that each such Holder of securities has requested to be registered. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to give the Notice with respect to the Company’s proposed registration of shares of Common Stock which the Company intends to pursue in 2013 on a Registration Statement on Form S-1 to be submitted and/or filed by the Company under the Securities Act (the “ 2013 Registration ”), and only the Company, CODI, Madison and Robert C. Fox, Jr. shall be entitled to participate in the 2013 Registration (with the participation of CODI, Madison and Mr. Fox in the offering with respect to the shares in the 2013 Registration to be sold by the selling shareholders being determined pro rata in accordance with their respective ownership of outstanding shares in the Company). Except as provided in the previous sentence, the other terms and provisions of Sections 1.2 through 1.12 hereof shall apply to the 2013 Registration.

 

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(b) The provisions of Section 1.2(a) shall not apply to any registration (i) on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or any successor forms thereto, (ii) for the sole purpose of a corporate reorganization, (iii) in which the only stock being registered is Common Stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being registered, or (iv) on any form which does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a registration statement covering the sale of the Registrable Securities.

1.3     Right to Terminate Company Registration . The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under Section 1.2 prior to the effectiveness of such registration whether or not any Holder has elected to include securities in such registration. The expenses of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Section 1.8 hereof.

1.4     Underwriting Requirements . In connection with any offering involving an underwriting of shares of the Common Stock, the Company shall not be required under this Section 1.4 to include any of the Holders’ Registrable Securities in such underwriting unless they accept the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and the underwriters selected by it (or by other Persons entitled to select the underwriters) and, if requested, enter into an underwriting agreement and related documents in customary form with the underwriter or underwriters selected by the Company, and then only in such quantity as the underwriters determine in their sole discretion will not jeopardize the success of the offering by the Company. If the total amount of securities, including Registrable Securities, requested by stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the amount of securities sold other than by the Company that the underwriters determine in their sole discretion is compatible with the success of the offering, then the Company shall be required to include in the offering only that number of such securities, including Registrable Securities, that the underwriters determine in their sole discretion will not jeopardize the success of the offering (the securities so included to be apportioned pro rata among the selling Holders according to the total amount of securities designated to be sold pursuant to the applicable notice to the Company or in such other proportions as shall mutually be agreed to by such selling Holders).

1.5     Obligations of the Company . Whenever required under this Section 1 to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:

(a) prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective, and, upon the request of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities registered thereunder, keep such registration statement effective for a period of up to 180 days or, if earlier, until the distribution contemplated in the registration statement has been completed; provided, however, that (i) such 180-day period shall be extended (unless the distribution contemplated in the registration statement has been completed) for a period of time equal to the period the Holder refrains from selling any securities included in such registration at the request of an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities of the Company); and (ii) in the case when the Company has agreed with respect to any registration of Registrable Securities on Form S-3 that securities will be offered on a continuous or delayed basis, such 180-day period shall be extended, if necessary, to keep the registration statement effective until all such Registrable

 

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Securities are sold, provided that Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any successor rule under the Securities Act, permits an offering on a continuous or delayed basis, and provided further that applicable rules under the Act governing the obligation to file a post-effective amendment permit, in lieu of filing a post-effective amendment which (x) includes any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act or (y) reflects facts or events representing a material or fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement, the incorporation by reference of information required to be included in (x) and (y) above to be contained in periodic reports filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act in the registration statement;

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

(c) furnish without charge to the Holders such numbers of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents as they may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of Registrable Securities and securities owned by them;

(d) use its best efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the Holders, provided that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions unless the Company is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and except as may be required by the Securities Act or applicable Blue Sky laws;

(e) in the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing underwriter of such offering;

(f) notify each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act or the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing, or when the registration statement becomes effective or in the event the SEC issues a stop order or other suspension of effectiveness or in the event of the suspension of the qualification for sale in any jurisdiction;

(g) use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness of a registration statement, or the suspension of the qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction and, if such an order or suspension is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of such order or suspension at the earliest practicable moment and to notify each Holder who holds Registrable Securities being sold (and, in the event of an underwritten offering, the managing underwriters) of the issuance of such order and the

 

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resolution thereof or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose;

(h) cause all such Registrable Securities registered pursuant hereunder to be listed on each securities exchange or other regulated market on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

(i) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant hereunder and a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration; and

(j) make available for inspection by each Holder, any underwriter participating in any distribution pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by such Holder or underwriter, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company, and cause the Company’s officers, directors, employees, consultants and advisors to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Holder, underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with such registration statement and take such other usual and customary action as is reasonably requested by any Holder, including participating and assisting in any due diligence requested by a Holder.

1.6     Information from Holder . It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section 1 with respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Holder that such Holder shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the possible intended methods of disposition of such securities as shall be required to effect the registration of such Holder’s Registrable Securities.

1.7     Rule 144 Reporting . With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC that may permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, the Company agrees to use its best efforts to:

(a) Make and keep public information regarding the Company available as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 at all times from and after 90 days following the effective date of the first registration under the Securities Act filed by the Company for an offering of its securities to the general public;

(b) File with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements; and

(c) The Company shall furnish to the Holders and to prospective purchasers of Registrable Securities, upon their request, the information required to be furnished pursuant to Rule 144 and Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

1.8     Expenses of Registration . All expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, incurred in connection with registrations, filings or qualifications pursuant to this Section 1 , including, but not limited to, all registration, filing and qualification fees, printers’ and

 

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accounting fees, and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company (but excluding fees and disbursements of counsel for the Holders) shall be borne by the Company.

1.9     Indemnification . In the event any Registrable Securities are included in a registration statement under this Section 1 :

(a) To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, the partners or officers, directors and stockholders of each Holder, legal counsel and accountants for each Holder, any underwriter for such Holder and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder or underwriter within the meaning of the Exchange Act (each an “ indemnified party ”), against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which they may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities laws, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (arising out of any investigations, inquiries or actions whatsoever whether commenced or threatened in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any of the following statements, omissions or violations (collectively a “ Violation ”): (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in such registration statement, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto, (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities laws; and the Company will reimburse each such indemnified party for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 1.9(a) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such settlement is effected without the written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), nor shall the Company be liable to any indemnified party in any such case for any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action to the extent that it arises out of or is based upon a Violation that occurs solely in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished expressly for use in connection with such registration by such indemnified party; provided further, however, that the foregoing indemnity agreement with respect to any preliminary prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any indemnified party, from whom the Person asserting any such losses, claims, damages or liabilities purchased shares in the offering, if a copy of the prospectus (as then amended or supplemented if the Company shall have timely furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) was not sent or given by or on behalf of such indemnified party to such Person, if required by law so to have been delivered, at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of the shares to such Person if the prospectus (as so amended or supplemented) would have cured the defect giving rise to such loss, claim, damage or liability, and if the Company shall have provided such prospectus sufficiently in advance to permit such delivery.

(b) To the extent permitted by law, each selling Holder will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who has signed the registration statement, each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, legal counsel and accountants for the Company, any underwriter, any other Holder selling securities in such registration statement and any controlling Person of any such

 

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underwriter or other Holder, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which any of the foregoing Persons may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities laws, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereto) arise out of or are based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent (and only to the extent) that such Violation occurs solely in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by such Holder expressly for use in connection with such registration; and each such Holder will reimburse any Person intended to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 1.9(b) , for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Person in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 1.9(b) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Holder (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), provided that in no event shall any indemnity under this Section 1.9(b) exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 1.9 of notice of the commencement of any action, inquiry or investigation (including any governmental or regulatory action, inquiry or investigation), such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 1.9 , deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided, however, that an indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties that may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one separate counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party or another indemnified party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such indemnified party or another indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action, if prejudicial to its ability to defend such action, shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified party under this Section 1.9 to the extent (but only to the extent) of the actual prejudice, but the omission so to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 1.9 .

(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 1.9 is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified party with respect to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the

 

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indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the provisions on indemnification and contribution contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering are in conflict with the foregoing provisions, the provisions in the underwriting agreement shall control.

(f) The obligations of the Company and the Holders under this Section 1.9 shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a registration statement under this Section 1 , and otherwise.

1.10     Assignment of Registration Rights . The right to participate in any proposed registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 1 may be assigned (but only with all related obligations) by a Holder to a Permitted Transferee.

1.11     “Market Stand-Off” Agreement .

(a) Each Holder hereby agrees that if requested by the managing underwriter, without the prior written consent of the managing underwriter and provided that, and to the extent that, all stockholders with equal or greater percentage stock ownership and all officers and directors of the Company are subject to such provisions, during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter (such period not to exceed 180 days), it will not sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant an option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any of their Registrable Securities without the prior written consent of the managing underwriter. This restriction shall terminate immediately upon the release or waiver of any stockholder subject to such market stand-off and is subject to the requirement that the managing underwriter undertake to and does give any Holder advance notice of such intended release or waiver in order to enable all such stockholders equal opportunity to act concurrently.

(b) The underwriters in connection with the Company’s initial public offering are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 1.11 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.

(c) In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop transfer instructions with respect to the Registrable Securities of each Holder and their assignees or transferees until the end of such period.

1.12     Delay of Registration . No Holder shall have any right to take any action to restrain, enjoin, or otherwise delay any registration as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section 1 . In addition, notwithstanding any provision contained in this Agreement, the Company shall have absolute discretion with respect to all matters related to any registration, including, but not limited to, the decision to file a registration statement or to withdraw the same.

1.13     Demand Registration . In case the Company shall receive from any Holder or Holders a written request or requests that the Company effect a registration on Form S-3 with

 

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respect to all or a part of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder or Holders (or if Form S-3 is not permitted for such registration, then pursuant to a Form S-1 or any successor or similar registration statement (“ Form S-1 ”)), including by means of a shelf registration pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, and the Company is then eligible to register the Common Stock on Form S-3 or Form S-1, as applicable, the Company shall:

(a) promptly give written notice of the proposed registration, and any related qualification or compliance, to all other Holders; and

(b) as soon as practicable, effect such registration and all such qualifications and compliances as may be so requested and as would permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of all or such portion of such Holder’s or Holders’ Registrable Securities as are specified in such request, together with all or such portion of the Registrable Securities of any other Holder or Holders joining in such request as are specified in a written request given within 15 days after receipt of such written notice from the Company; provided, however, that no such registration pursuant to this Section 1.13 shall be required: (1) to become effective prior to 90 days following the effective date of a Company initiated registration (other than a registration effected solely to qualify a Company employee benefit plan or a business combination pursuant to Rule 145); (2) unless the Holders propose to sell Registrable Securities and such other securities (if any) at an aggregate price to the public (before deduction of any underwriters’ discounts or commissions) of at least $10,000,000 with respect to a registration on Form S-3 registration or $30,000,000 with respect to a registration on Form S-1; (3) to remain effective for a period exceeding 180 days from the effective date thereof; and (4) if, within the 12 month period preceding the date of such request, the Company has already effected two registrations for the Holders pursuant to this Section 1.13 .

(c) Subject to the foregoing, the Company shall file a registration statement covering the Registrable Securities and other securities so requested to be registered as soon as practicable after receipt of the request or requests of the Holders. All expenses incurred in connection with a registration requested pursuant to this Section 1.13 , including (without limitation) all registration, filing, qualification, printer’s and accounting fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, shall be borne by the Company (but excluding fees and disbursements of counsel for the Holders).

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.13(a)-(c)  above, if any registration requested pursuant to this Section 1.13 is proposed to be effected on Form S-3 and is in connection with an underwritten offering, and if the managing underwriter shall advise the Company in writing that, in its opinion, it is of material importance to the success of such proposed offering to file a registration statement on Form S-1 or to include in such registration statement information not required to be included pursuant to Form S-3, then the Company will file a registration statement on Form S-1 or supplement Form S-3 as reasonably requested by such managing underwriter.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.13(a)-(d)  above, if the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a registration statement, including a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, in respect of a registration pursuant to this Section 1.13 at any time would require the Company to make a public disclosure of material

 

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non-public information, which disclosure in the good faith judgment of the Company’s Board of Directors (after consultation with external legal counsel) (i) would be required to be made in any registration statement so that such registration statement would not be materially misleading, (ii) would not be required to be made at such time but for the filing, effectiveness or continued use of such registration statement and (iii) would have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business or on the Company’s ability to effect a material proposed acquisition, disposition, financing, reorganization, recapitalization or similar transaction, then the Company may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders participating in such registration, delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, such registration statement; provided that the Company shall not be permitted to do so (a) more than two times during any consecutive 12-month period, (b) for a period exceeding 30 days on any one occasion or (c) for a period exceeding 60 days in any consecutive 12-month period. In the event the Company exercises its rights under the preceding sentence, such Holders agree to suspend, promptly upon their receipt of the notice referred to above, their use of any prospectus relating to such registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities. The Company shall promptly notify such Holders of the expiration of any period during which it exercised its rights under this Section 1.13 . The Company agrees that, in the event it exercises its rights under this Section 1.13(e) , it shall, within 30 days following such Holders’ receipt of the notice of suspension, update the suspended registration statement as may be necessary to permit the Holders to resume use thereof in connection with the offer and sale of their Registrable Securities in accordance with applicable law.

1.14     Termination of Registration Rights . No Holder shall be entitled to exercise any right provided for in this Section 1 after the earlier of (a) the fifth anniversary of the date hereof or (b) the date on which the Holder no longer holds any Registrable Securities.

2.     Miscellaneous .

2.1     Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties (including transferees of any shares of Registrable Securities). Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

2.2     Joinder . The Company may permit, with the prior written approval of CODI, any Person who acquires Common Stock or rights to acquire Common Stock after the date hereof (the “ Acquired Common ”) to become a party to this Agreement and succeed to all of the rights and obligations of a “ holder of Registrable Securities ” under this Agreement by obtaining an executed joinder to this Agreement from such Person in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, and upon execution and delivery of the joinder by such Person, such Person shall for all purposes be a “holder of Registrable Securities ” under this Agreement with respect to the Acquired Common; provided, however, that no such consent shall be required with respect to any Person who receives Registrable Securities from a Person who was a party hereto on January 4, 2008 in a transfer which is in compliance with, and agrees to be bound by, the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement (so long as the Stockholders’ Agreement remains in effect).

 

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2.3     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

2.4     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.

2.5     Section Headings . The section headings contained used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

2.6     Notices . All notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto shall be in writing (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when received) by delivery in person, by facsimile, electronic mail, cable, telecopy, telegram or telex (if being sent electronically, a written confirmation shall be required to be mailed to the receiving parties), by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), or by express mail through a nationally recognized overnight courier, in each case to the parties as follows: if to the Company, in care of its Chief Financial Officer, at the Company’s principal office, with a copy to: Compass Group Management LLC, 61 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880, Attention: Counsel; and if to any Investor, to such Investor at his, her or its address now on file with the Company, or to such other address as any party may last have designated to the others by notice as provided herein.

2.7     Entire Agreement; Amendments and Waivers . This Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein), and the agreements executed in connection herewith and contemplated thereby constitute the entire agreement and supersede any and all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the written consent of the Company and the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding; provided, that, for so long as Madison holds Registrable Securities, then Sections 1.2 , 1.9 , 1.10 and 1.14 shall not be amended without the written consent of Madison; provided, further, that in any event, no amendment that materially adversely affects the rights of the Holders other than CODI and Madison shall be made without the prior written consent of a majority of the shares then held by such Holders other than CODI and Madison.

2.8     Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement and the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

2.9     Aggregation of Stock . All shares of Registrable Securities held or acquired by affiliated entities or Persons shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights under this Agreement.

 

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2.10     Further Assurances . Each party hereto shall cooperate and shall take such further action and shall execute and deliver such further documents as may be reasonably requested by any other party in order to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

2.11     Termination of Prior Agreement . This Agreement amends and restates the Prior Agreement in its entirety.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:                   /s/    Zvi Glasman        
Name:                   Zvi Glasman
Title:                   Chief Financial Officer

 

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC
By:                   /s/    Carrie W. Ryan        
Name:                   Carrie W. Ryan
Title:                   Secretary

 

MADISON CAPITAL FUNDING CO-INVESTMENT FUND LP
By: MCF CO-INVESTMENT GP LP, its general partner
By: MCF CO-INVESTMENT GP LLC, its general partner
By: MADISON CAPITAL FUNDING LLC, its member
By:                   /s/    Kevin Bolash        
Name:                   Kevin Bolash
Title:                   Senior Vice President

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement
the Company, CODI and Madison]

 

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

INVESTORS:

 

/s/ Robert C. Fox, Jr.

Robert C. Fox, Jr.

    

 

John Boulton

 

John Marking

    

 

Gary Finder

/s/ Mario Galasso

Mario Galasso

    

 

Joseph Hagin

 

Wesley Allinger

    

 

Carl Nichols

     Vulcan Holdings, Inc.

 

Jared Connell

    

By: /s/ Larry L. Enterline                                                                     

Name: Larry L. Enterline

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

David Haugen

    

/s/ Zvi Glasman

Zvi Glasman

 

Christoph Ritzler

    

 

Mark Fitzsimmons

 

Kevan Chu

    

 

Andrew Laird

 

William Becker

    

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement- Investors]

 

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EXHIBIT A

JOINDER

The undersigned is executing and delivering this Joinder pursuant to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April     , 2013 (as the same may hereafter be amended, the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), among Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the other persons named as parties therein.

By executing and delivering to the Company this Joinder, the undersigned hereby agrees to become a party to, to be bound by, and to comply with the terms and provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement as a holder of Registrable Securities in the same manner as if the undersigned were an original signatory to the Registration Rights Agreement, and the shares of capital stock of the Company held by the undersigned shall be included as Registrable Securities under the Registration Rights Agreement.

Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder as of the     day of                     , 20    .

Number of Shares:                     

 

By:    
Name:  

 

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Address:    
   
   
   

 

Exhibit A

Exhibit 4.3

Execution Copy

STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT
OF
FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.

THIS STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of January 4, 2008, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CODI ” and, together with its successors and assigns, the “ Majority Stockholder ”), Madison Capital Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Madison ”), Robert C. Fox, Jr., an individual (“ Fox ”), each of the other stockholders listed on the signature page hereto, and any Additional Holders (as defined herein) from time to time a party hereto.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Majority Stockholder, Madison, Fox and the other stockholders listed on the signature page hereto currently own beneficially and of record all of the outstanding Shares (as defined herein) of the Company;

WHEREAS, 71,556 shares of the Company’s Common Stock have been reserved for issuance to one or more employees or directors of the Company or its subsidiary (“ Optionees ”) under that certain 2008 Stock Option Plan of the Company dated as of January 4, 2008 (as may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Company Option Plan ”), and it is contemplated that shares of the Company’s Common Stock will from time to time be issued to Optionees, upon effective exercise of such stock options, each of whom will own such shares of Common Stock beneficially and of record; and

WHEREAS, the Stockholders and the Company desire to set forth certain rights, preferences, privileges, obligations and restrictions accorded to and imposed on some or all of the Stockholders;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the forgoing recitals and the mutual promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

Section 1.     Definitions . Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1    “ Additional Holder ” and “ Additional Holders ” mean any additional Stockholder or Stockholders, as the case may be, who from time to time become party to this Agreement by signing an Additional Holder Signature Page or who receive Shares pursuant to a Transfer permitted hereunder;

1.2    “ Additional Holder Signature Page ” means an Additional Holder signature page in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .

1.3    “ Affiliate ” of any particular Person means any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such particular Person.

1.4    “ Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereto.

 

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1.5    “ Call Option Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(b) .

1.6    “ Call Option Right ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a) .

1.7    “ Cause ” shall mean, with respect to any Restricted Stockholder that is an employee of the Company, (i) the meaning specified in the employment agreement between such Restricted Stockholder and the Company, or (ii) if there is no such employment agreement (or if no such meaning is specified therein), the occurrence of one or more of the following by such Restricted Stockholder: (A) willful or grossly negligent violation of any law which causes material injury to the business of the Company or entry of a plea of nolo contendere (or similar plea) to a charge of such an offense, (B) conduct causing the Company or any of its Subsidiaries substantial public disgrace or disrepute, (C) any act or omission aiding or abetting a competitor, supplier or customer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to the material disadvantage or detriment of the Company and its subsidiaries, (D) willful violation of the Restricted Stockholder’s fiduciary duties to the Company, including the duty of loyalty and the corporate opportunity doctrine, (E) commission of, or the indictment or conviction for, any act of fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or embezzlement, any felony or any other violation of law that causes material injury to the business of the Company, or (F) refusal or failure to comply with the Company’s reasonable orders or directives (including refusal or failure to perform, other than as a result of death or disability, assigned duties or responsibilities that are consistent with normal business practices) or the Company’s reasonable rules, regulations, policies, procedures or practices that are not inconsistent with applicable law, which continues uncured for 15 days following written notice thereof from the Company to the Restricted Stockholder.

1.8    “ CODI ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereto.

1.9    “ Competing Concern ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .

1.10    “ Common Stock ” means the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

1.11    “ Company ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereto.

1.12    “ Control ” (including the terms “controls,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or credit arrangement, as trustee or executor, or otherwise.

1.13    “ Disposition Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a) .

1.14    “ Drag Along Stockholder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b) .

1.15    “ Drag Along Right ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b) .

1.16    “ Excluded Issuances ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(c) .

1.17    “ Exempt Transfers ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3 .

1.18    “ Family Members ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3 .

1.19    “ Fox ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereto.

1.20    “ Good Reason ” shall mean, with respect to any Restricted Stockholder that is an employee of the Company, (i) the meaning (including any time, notice and/or cure periods) specified in the employment agreement between such Restricted Stockholder and the Company, or (ii) if there is no

 

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such employment agreement (or if no such meaning is specified therein), such Restricted Stockholder’s resignation from employment with the Company at any time within ninety (90) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following: (A) a reduction in the Restricted Stockholder’s base salary (excluding bonuses and all other compensation) below the amount on the date hereof (other than a substantially similar reduction applicable to all Restricted Stockholders that are employees of the Company), or (B) the Company requiring, without the Restricted Stockholder’s consent, that the Restricted Stockholder relocate his or her principal place of business outside a 30-mile radius from the Company’s current location at 130 Hangar Way, Watsonville, California or such other location as consented to by the Restricted Stockholder. Under this Agreement, the Restricted Stockholder will not be able to resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice.

1.21    “ Institutional Investor ” means Madison and each of its permitted successors and assigns.

1.22    “ Lender ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a) .

1.23    “ Majority Stockholder ” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereto.

1.24    “ Offer Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a) .

1.25    “ Optionees ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

1.26    “ Person ” means an individual, corporation, partnership, bank, limited liability company, trust, association, unincorporated organization, other entity or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act).

1.27    “ Permitted Trust Holder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3 .

1.28    “ Pledge ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a) .

1.29    “ Proposed Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a) .

1.30    “ Proposed Sale ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a) .

1.31    “ Restricted Period ” means, with respect to any Restricted Stockholder (other than an Institutional Investor), the period of time commencing on the date hereof and ending on the date that is one year after the final disposition of all of such Restricted Stockholder’s Shares.

1.32    “ Restricted Stockholder ” means each Stockholder other than the Majority Stockholder.

1.33    “ Securities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a) .

1.34    “ Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar successor federal statute, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

1.35    “ Shares ” means the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock and any other series or class of capital stock of the Company which may from time to time come into existence.

 

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1.36    “ Stockholder ” means any Person who owns Shares which were not acquired in violation of this Agreement.

1.37    “ Tag Along Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(c) .

1.38    “ Tag Along Right ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(c) .

1.39    “ Tag Along Stockholder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(c) .

1.40    “ Third Party Purchaser ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b) .

1.41    “ Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 .

Section 2.     Shares Subject to Agreement; Restrictions; Rights .

2.1     Shares Subject to Agreement . All Shares, whether currently outstanding or hereafter issued, shall be subject to this Agreement and to all the rights, privileges, preferences, obligations and restrictions hereof.

2.2     No Transfers . Except as permitted pursuant to Section 2.3 or as required under Section 2.4 or Section 2.5 , no Restricted Stockholder shall sell, assign, convey, transfer, encumber or in any other manner dispose of (each, a “ Transfer ”) any or all of the Shares held or owned by him, her or it without the prior written consent of the Majority Stockholder, which consent may be withheld in the Majority Stockholder’s absolute discretion. Any Transfer of the Shares in violation of this Agreement is void ab initio .

2.3     Exempt Transfers . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.2 , a Restricted Stockholder (other than any Restricted Stockholder who received Shares from another Restricted Stockholder pursuant to a transfer of such Shares that was in violation of this Agreement) may, upon prior written notice to the Majority Stockholder, make an Exempt Transfer. The following transfers by such Restricted Stockholder shall constitute “ Exempt Transfers ” as that term is used in this Agreement: (i) Transfers, whether inter vivos or by testate or intestate succession, to such Restricted Stockholder’s spouse or any one or more lineal ancestors, lineal descendants or siblings (whether by birth, adoption or marriage) of a Restricted Stockholder (collectively, “ Family Members ”), to any trust established for the benefit of such Restricted Stockholder and/or any Family Members of such Restricted Stockholder (each a “ Permitted Trust Holder ”); (ii) Transfers from any Permitted Trust Holder established by or for the benefit of such Restricted Stockholder to such Restricted Stockholder and/or the Family Members of such Restricted Stockholder; and (iii) Transfers by Madison to the New York Life Insurance Company or any of its majority owned subsidiaries, provided that Madison shall provide the Company with written notice of such Transfer within 60 days of the Transfer. The Shares Transferred to any such permitted transferee enumerated in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of the preceding sentence shall remain subject to the provisions of this Agreement and such permitted transferee shall become a Restricted Stockholder for purposes of this Agreement. Every such transferee shall observe and comply with this Agreement and with all obligations and restrictions imposed hereby and shall, promptly upon the request of the Majority Stockholder, execute an Additional Holder Signature Page.

2.4     Drag Along/Tag Along Rights . The Majority Stockholder shall be permitted to Transfer any or all of the Shares held or owned by it, subject, however, in the case of Transfers for value, to the following restrictions:

(a) Disposition Notice . If the Majority Stockholder proposes at any time to Transfer for value, whether in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions to one or more

 

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purchasers, including any redemption or repurchase of its Shares by the Company, (i) in the context of Section 2.4(b) , substantially all of its Shares, or (ii) in the context of Section 2.4(c) , but subject to the last sentence of this subsection (a), more than 5% of the then outstanding Shares (determined by dividing the number of Shares subject to the Transfer by the total number of Shares outstanding (on a fully diluted basis) for all classes and series of capital stock) of the Company (each a “ Proposed Sale ”) to any Person, the Majority Stockholder shall send written notice (the “ Disposition Notice ”) to the other Stockholders specifying the identity and address of such Person, the number of Shares proposed to be sold, the proposed per Share sale price, the form of consideration to be paid, any other material terms and conditions of the Proposed Sale and, for bona fide sales subject to Section 2.4(b) , below, if the Majority Stockholder is thereby exercising its Section 2.4(b) Drag Along Rights, notice of such exercise and the number of Shares of such Stockholder subject to the Drag Along Rights. Clause (ii) of this subsection (a) and the provisions of Section 2.4(c) shall not apply to: (A) a Transfer by the Majority Stockholder to any Person, if the Majority Stockholder or any of its Affiliates Controls the Person to whom such Shares are proposed to be Transferred; (B) the pledge of or grant of a security interest or other collateral right in or to, or otherwise encumbering (collectively, a “ Pledge ”), any or all Shares held by the Majority Stockholder to any third-party lender (“ Lender ”) as collateral security for any loans from the Lender to the Majority Stockholder; or (C) any Transfer to the Lender in connection with the Lender’s exercise of its enforcement rights and remedies in respect of a Pledge.

(b) Drag Along Rights . In the event that the Proposed Sale is a bona fide sale or other bona fide transfer for value of at least 50% of the Shares then held by the Majority Stockholder to a non-affiliated third party (a “ Third Party Purchaser ”), the Majority Stockholder shall have the right to require each of the other Stockholders to sell, and each of the other Stockholders hereby agrees to sell, an equal percentage (by number and by class and series of security, provided that all series of common stock shall be counted as one series for purposes of determining this percentage and such percentage shall be determined on a fully diluted basis) of his, her or its Shares (the “ Drag Along Right”) to such Third Party Purchaser on the same terms and conditions, and at the same time as, the Proposed Sale. If the Majority Stockholder has by way of the Disposition Notice exercised its Drag Along Rights, then, promptly upon receipt of such Disposition Notice, each Stockholder (each a “ Drag Along Stockholder ”) shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Majority Stockholder (or such other Person as may be agreed upon between the Majority Stockholder and each such Drag Along Stockholder) to be held by the Majority Stockholder (or such other agreed upon Person) in escrow for sale or return upon the terms of this Section 2.4 , the certificate or certificates representing the Shares to be sold pursuant to this Section 2.4(b) , duly endorsed or accompanied by executed stock powers, together with a limited power-of-attorney authorizing the Majority Stockholder to sell such Shares in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.4(b) . To the fullest extent of the law, the Stockholders expressly waive any appraisal rights conferred under the Delaware General Corporation Law for any transaction with respect to which the Drag Along Right is validly exercised.

(c) Tag Along Rights . Upon receipt of any Disposition Notice, subject to Section 2.4(a) , each of the Restricted Stockholders shall have the right to require (the “ Tag Along Right ”) that the same percentage (by number and by class and series of security, provided that all series of common stock shall be counted as one series for purposes of determining this percentage and such percentage shall be determined on a fully diluted basis) of his, her or its Shares, as is determined by dividing the number of Shares being sold by the Majority Stockholder by the total number of Shares held by the Majority Stockholder, be sold as part of, and upon the same terms and conditions as, the Proposed Sale. The Tag Along Right shall be exercised by written notice (the “ Tag Along Notice ”) from the exercising Restricted Stockholder (each a “ Tag Along Stockholder ”) to the Majority Stockholder. The Tag Along Notice shall only be deemed

 

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effective if received by the Majority Stockholder on or before the 30th day after the Disposition Notice was received by such Tag Along Stockholder. Promptly upon giving the Tag Along Notice, each Tag Along Stockholder shall deliver to or as directed by the Majority Stockholder the certificate or certificates representing his Shares of such Tag Along Stockholder to be sold as part of the Proposed Sale, duly endorsed or accompanied by executed stock powers, together with a limited power-of-attorney authorizing the Majority Stockholder to sell such Shares in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.4 , which certificate or certificates shall be held in escrow for sale or return upon the terms of this Section 2.4 .

(d) Promptly upon the consummation of any Proposed Sale, but in no event later than five days after such consummation, the Majority Stockholder shall deliver to each Drag Along Stockholder or Tag Along Stockholder, as the case may be, the total sale price of his, her or its Shares sold as part of the Proposed Sale (reduced by such Stockholder’s proportionate share, based on number of Shares sold, of any escrow established in connection with such Proposed Sale and after deduction of his, her or its proportionate share, based on number of Shares sold, of the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with such Proposed Sale), together with evidence of the expenses associated with, and the completion and time of completion of, such Proposed Sale.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Majority Stockholder shall have 90 days from the date of receipt of any Disposition Notice during which to consummate the Proposed Sale to which such Disposition Notice relates. If, at the end of such 90 day period, the Majority Stockholder has not consummated the Proposed Sale, all certificates representing Shares delivered by either a Drag Along Stockholder or Tag Along Stockholder, as the case may be, to the Majority Stockholder for sale or other disposition as part of such Proposed Sale shall be returned to such Drag Along Stockholder or Tag Along Stockholder, as the case may be, and the transaction contemplated by the Proposed Sale shall be deemed to be a new Proposed Sale and shall again be subject to the provisions of this Section 2.4 .

(f) Limitations .

(i) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that all of the Stockholders are required to provide indemnities in connection with the Proposed Sale, no Restricted Stockholder shall be liable for more than such Person’s pro rata share (based upon the amount consideration received in exchange for its Shares) of any liability for indemnity, and such liability shall not exceed (A) the total purchase price or consideration received by such Stockholder for such Person’s Shares in the Proposed Sale (including any contingent payments) plus (B) such Stockholder’s pro rata share of any escrow established in connection with any such Proposed Sale.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, each Institutional Investor and each Restricted Stockholder who has not been an employee of the Company or its subsidiaries at any time during the one year prior to the closing of the Proposed Sale (each such Stockholder a passive investor) shall only be obligated to make representations and warranties in any such Proposed Sale as to such Person’s (A) title and ownership of the Shares to be sold by such Person, including the absence of liens or encumbrances on such Shares, (B) authorization, execution and delivery of the relevant documents by such Person, and (C) the enforceability of the relevant documents against such Person.

2.5     Call Option Right .

(a) Call Option Right—Voluntary Termination Without Sufficient Notice . If any Restricted Stockholder (other than an Institutional Investor) voluntarily terminates his or her

 

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employment or board or other services with the Company or any of its subsidiaries on less than 90 days’ prior written notice without the Majority Stockholder’s waiver of receipt of such notice (other than in the case of termination due to (i) death or permanent disability, or (ii) a voluntary termination precipitated by the diagnosis of a life threatening illness or the death of an immediate family member, including, but not limited to, a spouse, child, parent or sibling, of the Restricted Stockholder), then, the parties hereto agree that the Company shall have the right (“ Call Option Right ”), but not the obligation, to purchase for cash any or all Shares held by such Restricted Stockholder that were first issued, on or after the date that is 180 days prior to the effective date of termination of employment by such Restricted Stockholder, to such Restricted Stockholder pursuant to the exercise of an option granted under the Company’s 2008 Stock Option Plan. The purchase price per Share for all such Shares, if any, shall be equal to the option exercise price previously paid by such Restricted Stockholder for such Shares. A termination of employment by the Company without Cause or by the Restricted Stockholder for Good Reason shall not constitute a voluntary termination under this Section 2.5 nor require the aforementioned 90 days’ prior written notice; provided that this sentence is not intended to, nor does it, modify the definition of Good Reason and any notice requirements set forth in such definition.

(b) Exercise of Call Option Rights . The Company’s Call Option Rights shall be exercisable for the period commencing on receipt of notice by the Majority Stockholder from the Company of the applicable Restricted Stockholder’s termination of employment until the date that is 90 days after the effective date of such termination, which option shall be exercisable by a written notice (the “ Call Option Notice ”) to such Restricted Stockholder no later than the expiration of such 90-day period and shall be revocable by the Company at any time prior to consummation of such purchase.

(c) Mechanics for Call Option Right . The Company and the applicable Restricted Stockholder shall comply with the Call Option Right as follows:

(i) promptly upon (and in no event later than five business days after) timely receipt of a Call Option Notice, such Restricted Stockholder shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the principal office of the Company the certificate(s) representing the Shares so purchased, duly endorsed to (or accompanied by a signed stock power sufficient to transfer title thereof to) the Company; and

(ii) promptly upon (and in no event later than five business days after) receipt of such certificate(s), the Company shall pay the purchase price for the Shares represented thereby to such Restricted Stockholder, by Company check mailed to such Restricted Stockholder at such address as shall be specified in writing by such Restricted Stockholder (or, absent such specification, to such Restricted Stockholder’s address of record as on file with the Company).

2.6     Expiration of Restrictions . All restrictions imposed pursuant to this Section 2 shall terminate:

(a) at any time upon the written agreement of the Company and all the Stockholders then party to this Agreement as it may be amended or revised from time to time;

(b) immediately upon the dissolution of the Company or the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company;

(c) immediately upon the Company becoming subject, pursuant to an effective registration statement or otherwise, to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; provided that any such registration statement covers the offer and sale of

 

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Shares of which the aggregate net proceeds attributable to sales for the account of the Company exceed $50,000,000; provided, further, that, in connection with a public offering pursuant to any such registration statement, the Stockholders shall be required to enter into customary lock-up agreements in such form as is generally required from company insiders by the lead underwriter in such offering; or

(d) upon the acquisition by merger of the Company by an existing publicly traded company; provided that the Stockholders receive cash or publicly-tradeable securities in exchange for their Shares pursuant to such acquisition.

2.7     Pre-Emptive Rights .

(a) Rights to Purchase Additional Securities . So long as the restrictions imposed by Section 2 apply to the Restricted Stockholders and have not terminated pursuant to Section 2.6 , except for Excluded Issuances (as defined in Section 2.7(c) below), if the Company authorizes the issuance to any Person (the “ Proposed Purchaser ”) of any of its Shares or other equity securities, debt securities containing equity features or other securities or other rights convertible into or containing options or rights to acquire any such debt or equity securities (collectively, “ Securities ”), the Company shall, within 30 days of such authorization, offer to sell by written notice (the “ Offer Notice ”) to each holder of record of Shares on the date of such authorization a portion of such Securities equal to the number of Securities to be so issued multiplied by the quotient determined by dividing (A) the number of Shares held by such Stockholder by (B) the number of Shares then outstanding (calculated assuming that all convertible securities shall be converted into Shares, to the extent then exercisable, immediately prior to such issuance). The Offer Notice shall describe the terms of the offering (which shall be identical to the terms of the issuance to the Proposed Purchaser), including, without limitation, the Securities offered and the price and other terms of sale, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the payment terms and such Stockholder’s percentage allotment.

(b) Notice of Acceptance . In order to exercise such Stockholder’s preemptive rights hereunder, each Stockholder must deliver a written notice to the Company within 10 days of receipt of the Offer Notice, describing such Stockholder’s election to purchase the Securities. If a Stockholder fails to timely exercise such holder’s rights pursuant to this Section, the Company shall be entitled to sell such Securities which any Stockholder has not elected to purchase to the Proposed Purchaser following such expiration on terms and conditions no more favorable to the Proposed Purchaser thereof than those offered to the Stockholders.

(c) Excluded Issuances . “ Excluded Issuances ” means any Shares or any security exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for Shares that may be issued or sold (i) pursuant to stock options or restricted stock or similar arrangements issued or provided to managers, consultants, directors and/or key employees of the Company (up to 25% of the Company’s total outstanding share capital (on a fully diluted basis)), (ii) other than for cash or cash equivalents as part of an arms’ length transaction in which the Company is acquiring control of an unaffiliated third-party from a person to whom such Shares are issued, (iii) pursuant to a public offering of the Company’s securities, or (iv) to a Person lending money to the Company (but no more than a cumulative aggregate of 10% of the Company’s total outstanding share capital (on a fully diluted basis)).

Section 3.     Legend on Certificates . Each certificate representing Shares shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Agreement) be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend (in addition to any legends as may be required pursuant to applicable state securities laws) substantially similar to the following:

 

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THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED BY A HOLDER UNLESS AND UNTIL THE SECURITIES ARE REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE AND, IF REQUIRED BY THE COMPANY, THE HOLDER HAS DELIVERED TO THE COMPANY AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND ALL RIGHTS HEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO AND TRANSFERABLE (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION BY WAY OF PLEDGE OR OTHER GRANT OF A SECURITY INTEREST THEREIN) ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THAT CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF JANUARY 4, 2008 AMONG THE COMPANY’S STOCKHOLDERS AND THE COMPANY. A COPY OF SUCH STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT, AS MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, IS ON FILE AND AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE COMPANY. ANY SALE, PLEDGE, GIFT, BEQUEST, TRANSFER, ASSIGNMENT, ENCUMBRANCE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY IN VIOLATION OF SAID STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT SHALL BE INVALID.

Section 4.     Covenant Not To Compete .

4.1    Each Restricted Stockholder (other than an Institutional Investor) acknowledges the importance of protecting the business and goodwill of the Company and agrees and covenants that such Restricted Stockholder (other than an Institutional Investor), during the Restricted Period shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors of the Company (which may be withheld solely in the discretion of the Board of Directors):

(a) directly or indirectly own, manage, operate, join, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be connected as a stockholder, member, manager, director, officer, employee, partner, consultant with, any for profit business, firm, entity or organization, which competes with the Company and its subsidiaries in any business engaged in by the Company and/or its subsidiaries on the date of final disposition of all of such Restricted Stockholder’s Shares anywhere in the world; provided, however, the forgoing shall not prohibit such Restricted Stockholder from beneficially owning up to 5% of the outstanding equity securities of a for profit business, firm, entity or organization the equity securities of which are publicly traded; provided further, however, the forgoing restriction on competition shall not apply to any such Restricted Stockholder (other than Fox, to whom the restriction shall apply) whose employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause or is terminated by such Restricted Stockholder for Good Reason. Each such Restricted Stockholder expressly acknowledges and agrees that such restriction is reasonable with respect to subject matter and as to geographic area. Each such Restricted Stockholder expressly acknowledges and agrees that because the Company is likely to continue to conduct a like business during the Restricted Period, such restriction is reasonable as to time. The Stockholders agree and acknowledge that the exception for a Restricted Stockholder who is an employee of the Company (other than Fox, to whom the restriction shall apply) whose employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason is reasonable as the Company’s business and goodwill are not likely to be adversely affected by a Restricted Stockholder whose employment is terminated under such circumstances.

 

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(b) directly or indirectly (i) solicit or induce, attempt to solicit or induce or assist any Person in soliciting or inducing any employee, of the Company or any subsidiary on the date of the final disposition of such Restricted Stockholder’s Shares, to leave the employ of the Company or such subsidiary, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any subsidiary and any such employee thereof, or (ii) solicit or induce or attempt to solicit or induce any customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, franchisee or other business relation of the Company or any subsidiary to cease doing business with the Company or such subsidiary, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, franchisee or other business relation and the Company or any subsidiary (including, without limitation, making any negative or disparaging statements or communications about the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the respective directors, officers, employees or stockholders thereof).

4.2    Whenever possible each provision and term of this Section 4 will be interpreted in a manner to be effective and valid but if any provision or term of this Section 4 is held to be prohibited or invalid, then such provision or term will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating or affecting in any manner whatsoever the remainder of such provision or term or the remaining provisions or terms of this Section 4 . If any of the covenants set forth in this Section 4 are held to be unreasonable, arbitrary or against public policy, such covenants will be considered divisible with respect to scope, time and geographic area and shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, and in such lesser scope, time and geographic area, will be effective, binding and enforceable against each such Restricted Stockholder.

Section 5.     Custody of Shares by Company . To facilitate the enforcement of the rights and obligations agreed to herein by the parties, including, without limitation, the Transfer restrictions and Drag-Along Rights, each Restricted Stockholder (other than an Institutional Investor) acknowledges such rights and obligations and agrees that the Company or its designee shall hold each such Restricted Stockholder’s Shares (other than an Institutional Investor) for the benefit of such Restricted Stockholder, subject to any rights granted to another party as permitted herein. Each Restricted Stockholder (other than an Institutional Investor) shall promptly deliver to the Company all stock certificates evidencing the Shares of such holder, together with a stock power for transfer of such Shares, executed in blank and in a form acceptable to the Company and its counsel. Subject to any rights granted to another party as permitted herein, so long as the Company shall hold the Shares on behalf of a Restricted Stockholder (other than an Institutional Investor), such Restricted Stockholder shall be entitled to exercise such holder’s right to vote such Shares and shall be entitled to receive any dividend (ordinary or extraordinary, whether paid in cash or property) or other distribution with respect to such Shares.

Section 6.     Miscellaneous .

6.1     Effectiveness of Transfers . No Shares shall be Transferred on the Company’s books and records, and Transfers of Shares shall be otherwise ineffective, unless any such transfer is made pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

6.2     Notices . All notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto shall be in writing (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when received) by delivery in person, by facsimile, electronic mail, cable, telecopy, telegram or telex (if being sent electronically, a written confirmation shall be required to be mailed to the receiving parties), by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), or by express mail through a nationally recognized overnight courier, in each case to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

 

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Company:   

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

24422 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite 370

Laguna Hills, California 92653

Attn: Elias J. Sabo

Facsimile No.: (949) 420-0771

Majority Stockholder:   

Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC

61 Wilton Road, 2 nd Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile No.: (203) 221-8253

with copies to:   

Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.

221 East Fourth Street, Suite 2900

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Attention: Stephen C. Mahon

Facsimile No.: (513) 361-1201

The other Stockholders listed on the signature page hereto:    As applicable, to the address of each such Stockholder set forth on the signature page hereto.
Any Additional Holders:    As applicable, to the address of each Additional Holder set forth on the Additional Holder Signature Page.

6.3     Specific Performance . Due to the fact that the Shares cannot be readily purchased or sold in the open market, and for other reasons, the parties will be irreparably damaged in the event that this Agreement is not specifically enforced. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of any of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement by any of the parties hereto, the other parties shall, in addition to all other remedies, be entitled to a temporary or permanent injunction, without showing any actual damage, and/or a decree for specific performance in accordance with the provisions hereof.

6.4     Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes any and all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

6.5     Amendments . This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part, only by the affirmative vote or written consent of (i) the Company, with approval of the Board, (ii) Stockholders holding more than 50% of the voting power of all issued and outstanding Shares, (iii) for so long as the Majority Stockholder or any Affiliate thereof is a Stockholder, the Majority Stockholder, and (iv) for so long as Madison is a Stockholder and the amendment modifies Sections 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.6 , 2.7 and 6.5 , Madison; provided, however, that in any case, if any amendment to this Agreement materially adversely affects the rights of the Restricted Stockholders, then the prior written consent of a majority of the Shares held by such Restricted Stockholders shall be required to approve such amendment.

6.6     Waiver . Any party may waive compliance by any other with any of the covenants or conditions herein, but no waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed, or shall constitute, a waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall be considered valid unless in writing, and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of the same or similar nature.

 

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6.7     Successors; Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Majority Stockholder, its successors and permitted assigns, and the Restricted Stockholders, their heirs, personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed as granting any Stockholder the right to transfer his, her or its Shares except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

6.8     Section Headings . The headings contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

6.9     Further Assurances . Each party hereto shall cooperate and shall take such further action and shall execute and deliver such further documents as may be reasonably requested by any other party in order to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

6.10     Interpretations . When the context in which words are used in this Agreement indicates that such is the intent, words used in the singular shall have a comparable meaning when used in the plural and vice versa; pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter shall include each other gender.

6.11     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. Any party may execute this Agreement by electronic signature (including facsimile or scanned email), and the other parties will be entitled to rely on such signature as conclusive evidence that this Agreement has been duly executed by such party.

6.12     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles of conflicts of law of such State.

6.13     No Effect Upon Lending Relationship . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing contained in this Agreement shall affect, limit or impair the rights and remedies of the Majority Stockholder, any of its Affiliates or any other lender in their capacity as lenders to the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries pursuant to any agreement under which the Company or such Affiliate or Subsidiary has borrowed money. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Majority Stockholder nor any such Person, in exercising its rights as a lender, including making its decision on whether to foreclose on any collateral security, will have any duty to consider (a) its status as a direct or indirect Stockholder of the Company, (b) the interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (c) any duty it may have to any other direct or indirect Stockholder of the Company, except as may be required under the applicable loan documents.

[R EMAINDER OF P AGE I NTENTIONALLY L EFT B LANK ]

 

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

“COMPANY”

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/    Patrick Maciariello
Name:   Patrick Maciariello
Title:   Vice President

“MAJORITY STOCKHOLDER”

 

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC
By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
Name:   James J. Bottiglieri
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

“MADISON”

 

MADISON CAPITAL FUNDING LLC
By:   /s/    Craig H. Lacy
Name:   Craig H. Lacy
Title:   Managing Director

Address for notices:

 

30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3700
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Attn: Fox Factory Account Manager
Facsimile No: (312) 596-6950

with a copy to:

 

Goldberg Kohn
55 East Monroe, Suite 3700
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Attn: Michael C. Hainen
Facsimile No.: (312) 863-7490

[ Signature Page to Stockholders’ Agreement—Company,
Majority Stockholder and Madison
]


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

“FOX” AND OTHER STOCKHOLDERS:

 

    /s/    Robert C. Fox, Jr.         /s/    Robert Kaswen
  Name: Robert C. Fox, Jr.       Name: Robert Kaswen
       
           
           
           
    /s/    John Marking         /s/    Mario Galasso
  Name: John Marking       Name: Mario Galasso
       
           
           
           
    /s/    Elizabeth Fox         /s/    Wes Allinger
  Name: Elizabeth Fox       Name: Wes Allinger
       
           
           
           
    /s/    David Haugen         /s/    Christoph Ritzler
  Name: David Haugen       Name: Christoph Ritzler
       
           
           
           
    /s/    Kevan Chu         /s/    Bill Becker
  Name: Kevan Chu       Name: Bill Becker
       
           
           
           

[ Signature Page to Stockholders’ Agreement—Fox and Other Stockholders ]


EXHIBIT A

ADDITIONAL HOLDER SIGNATURE PAGE

The undersigned, desiring to become a stockholder of Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and treated as a Restricted Stockholder, hereby agrees to all of the terms of that certain Stockholders’ Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 among the Company and its stockholders, and agrees to be bound by the terms and provisions thereof.

Executed by the undersigned as a Stockholder of the Company.

Number of Shares:                      shares of Common Stock

 

RESTRICTED STOCKHOLDER:
By:    
Name:    
  Print

 

Tax ID No.:    
Address:    
   
   
   

Date:                     


AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT

T HIS A MENDMENT N O . 1 TO S TOCKHOLDERS ’ A GREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is made as of June 25, 2013, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CODI ”), and Madison Capital Funding Co-Investment Fund LP, as assignee of Madison Capital Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Madison ”). Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective meanings as set forth in that certain Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, by and among the Company, CODI, Madison, Robert C. Fox, Jr., each of the other stockholders listed on the signature pages thereto and any Additional Holders (the “ Agreement ”).

RECITALS

W HEREAS , the Company, CODI, Madison and certain other stockholders of the Company are parties to the Agreement;

W HEREAS , Section 6.5 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended, in whole in part, only by the affirmative vote or written consent of (i) the Company, with approval of the Board, (ii) Stockholders holding more than 50% of the voting power of all issued and outstanding Shares, (iii) for so long as the Majority Stockholder or any Affiliate thereof is a Stockholder, the Majority Stockholder, and (iv) for so long as Madison is a Stockholder and the amendment modifies Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7 or 6.5, Madison;

W HEREAS , the Board has approved this Amendment;

W HEREAS , CODI and Madison hold more than 50% of the voting power of all issued and outstanding Shares;

W HEREAS , CODI is the Majority Stockholder and is a Stockholder;

W HEREAS , Madison is a Stockholder; and

W HEREAS , the Company, CODI and Madison desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

 

1. Amendment . The Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

  (a) Section 2.6(c) of the Agreement, which sets forth certain circumstances under which the restrictions in Section 2 of the Agreement terminate, is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

1


“(c) immediately upon the Company becoming subject, in connection with an effective Securities Act registration statement or otherwise, to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; provided that if the Company becomes subject to such reporting requirements in connection with an effective Securities Act registration statement, such Securities Act registration statement covers the offer and sale of Shares of which the aggregate net proceeds attributable to sales for the account of the Company exceed $20,000,000, and in connection with a public offering pursuant to any such Securities Act registration statement, the Stockholders shall, to the extent requested by the Company, enter into customary lock-up agreements in such form as is generally required from company insiders by the lead underwriter in such offering; or”

 

  (b) In order to exclude from preemptive rights the exchange of non-voting common stock for voting common stock, a new clause (v) is hereby added to the definition of “Excluded Issuances” in Section 2.7(c) of the Agreement as follows:

“or (v) pursuant to an exchange of shares of non-voting Common Stock for shares of voting Common Stock.”

 

  (c) In order to terminate the entire Agreement immediately upon the Company becoming subject, in connection with an effective Securities Act registration statement or otherwise, to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a new Section 6.14 is hereby added to the Agreement as follows:

“6.14     Termination . Upon the termination of the restrictions imposed by Section 2 of this Agreement pursuant to Section 2.6(c) of this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate in its entirety.”

 

2. Ratification; Continuing Effectiveness . Except as expressly modified by this Amendment, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. This Amendment shall be deemed an amendment to the Agreement and shall become effective when executed and delivered by the Company, CODI and Madison, as provided under Section 6.5 of the Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, all references in the Stockholders Agreement to “the Agreement” or “this Agreement,” as applicable, shall refer to the Agreement, as modified by this Amendment.

 

3. Governing Law . This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles of conflicts of law of such State.

 

4. Successors; Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Majority Stockholder, its successors and permitted assigns, and the Restricted Stockholders, their heirs, personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed as granting any Stockholder the right to transfer his, her or its Shares except as expressly provided in this Amendment or the Agreement.

 

2


  5. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. Any party may execute this Amendment by electronic signature (including facsimile or scanned email), and the other parties will be entitled to rely on such signature as conclusive evidence that this Amendment has been duly executed by such party.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

3


I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this A MENDMENT N O . 1 TO S TOCKHOLDERS ’ A GREEMENT as of the date first above written.

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/    Zvi Glasman        
Name:  

Zvi Glasman

Title:  

Chief Financial Officer

 

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC
By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri        
Name:  

James J. Bottiglieri

Title:  

Chief Financial Officer

 

MADISON CAPITAL FUNDING CO-INVESTMENT FUND LP
By:   MCF CO-INVESTMENT GP LP, its general partner
By:   MCF CO-INVESTMENT GP LLC, its general partner
By:   MADISON CAPITAL FUNDING LLC, its member

 

By:   /s/    Kevin C. Bolash        
Name:  

Kevin C. Bolash

Title:  

Senior Vice President

[Signature Page to Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders’ Agreement]

 


CONSENT TO AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT

This Consent to Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders’ Agreement (this “ Consent ”) is executed as of June 24, 2013, by Robert C. Fox, Jr. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective meanings as set forth in that certain Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CODI ”), Madison Capital Funding Co-Investment Fund LP, as assignee of Madison Capital Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Madison ”) and Robert C. Fox, Jr., each of the other stockholders listed on the signature pages thereto and any Additional Holders (the “ Agreement ”).

RECITALS

W HEREAS , the Company, CODI, Madison, Robert C. Fox, Jr. and certain other stockholders of the Company are parties to the Agreement;

W HEREAS , Section 6.5 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended, in whole in part, only by the affirmative vote or written consent of (i) the Company, with approval of the Board, (ii) Stockholders holding more than 50% of the voting power of all issued and outstanding Shares, (iii) for so long as the Majority Stockholder or any Affiliate thereof is a Stockholder, the Majority Stockholder, and (iv) for so long as Madison is a Stockholder and the amendment modifies Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7 or 6.5, Madison; provided, however, that in any case, if any amendment to this Agreement materially adversely affects the rights of the Restricted Stockholders, then the prior written consent of a majority of the Shares held by such Restricted Stockholders shall be required to approve such amendment.

W HEREAS , the Board has approved the amendment attached hereto as EXHIBIT A (the “ Amendment ”);

W HEREAS , CODI and Madison hold more than 50% of the voting power of all issued and outstanding Shares;

W HEREAS , CODI is the Majority Stockholder and is a Stockholder;

W HEREAS , Madison is a Stockholder;

W HEREAS , Robert C. Fox, Jr. holds a majority of the Shares held by the Restricted Stockholders; and

W HEREAS , the Company, CODI and Madison desire to amend the Agreement as set forth in the Amendment.

AGREEMENTS:

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of


which is hereby acknowledged, Robert C. Fox, Jr., as the holder of a majority of the Shares held by the Restricted Stockholders, hereby approves, authorizes and consents to the Amendment.

I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the undersigned has executed this Consent as of the date first above written.

 

/s/    Robert C. Fox, Jr.        
Robert C. Fox, Jr.


EXHIBIT A

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT

T HIS A MENDMENT N O . 1 TO S TOCKHOLDERS ’ A GREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is made as of June     , 2013, by and among Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CODI ”), and Madison Capital Funding Co-Investment Fund LP, as assignee of Madison Capital Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Madison ”). Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective meanings as set forth in that certain Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, by and among the Company, CODI, Madison, Robert C. Fox, Jr., each of the other stockholders listed on the signature pages thereto and any Additional Holders (the “ Agreement ”).

RECITALS

W HEREAS , the Company, CODI, Madison and certain other stockholders of the Company are parties to the Agreement;

W HEREAS , Section 6.5 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended, in whole in part, only by the affirmative vote or written consent of (i) the Company, with approval of the Board, (ii) Stockholders holding more than 50% of the voting power of all issued and outstanding Shares, (iii) for so long as the Majority Stockholder or any Affiliate thereof is a Stockholder, the Majority Stockholder, and (iv) for so long as Madison is a Stockholder and the amendment modifies Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7 or 6.5, Madison;

W HEREAS , the Board has approved this Amendment;

W HEREAS , CODI and Madison hold more than 50% of the voting power of all issued and outstanding Shares;

W HEREAS , CODI is the Majority Stockholder and is a Stockholder;

W HEREAS , Madison is a Stockholder; and

W HEREAS , the Company, CODI and Madison desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

 

1. Amendment . The Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

3


  (a) Section 2.6(c) of the Agreement, which sets forth certain circumstances under which the restrictions in Section 2 of the Agreement terminate, is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

“(c) immediately upon the Company becoming subject, in connection with an effective Securities Act registration statement or otherwise, to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; provided that if the Company becomes subject to such reporting requirements in connection with an effective Securities Act registration statement, such Securities Act registration statement covers the offer and sale of Shares of which the aggregate net proceeds attributable to sales for the account of the Company exceed $20,000,000, and in connection with a public offering pursuant to any such Securities Act registration statement, the Stockholders shall, to the extent requested by the Company, enter into customary lock-up agreements in such form as is generally required from company insiders by the lead underwriter in such offering; or”

 

  (b) In order to exclude from preemptive rights the exchange of non-voting common stock for voting common stock, a new clause (v) is hereby added to the definition of “Excluded Issuances” in Section 2.7(c) of the Agreement as follows:

“or (v) pursuant to an exchange of shares of non-voting Common Stock for shares of voting Common Stock.”

 

  (c) In order to terminate the entire Agreement immediately upon the Company becoming subject, in connection with an effective Securities Act registration statement or otherwise, to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a new Section 6.14 is hereby added to the Agreement as follows:

“6.14     Termination . Upon the termination of the restrictions imposed by Section 2 of this Agreement pursuant to Section 2.6(c) of this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate in its entirety.”

 

2. Ratification; Continuing Effectiveness . Except as expressly modified by this Amendment, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. This Amendment shall be deemed an amendment to the Agreement and shall become effective when executed and delivered by the Company, CODI and Madison, as provided under Section 6.5 of the Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, all references in the Stockholders Agreement to “the Agreement” or “this Agreement,” as applicable, shall refer to the Agreement, as modified by this Amendment.

 

3. Governing Law . This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the principles of conflicts of law of such State.

 

4.

Successors; Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Majority Stockholder, its successors and permitted assigns, and the Restricted Stockholders, their heirs, personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be

 

4


  construed as granting any Stockholder the right to transfer his, her or its Shares except as expressly provided in this Amendment or the Agreement.

 

5. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. Any party may execute this Amendment by electronic signature (including facsimile or scanned email), and the other parties will be entitled to rely on such signature as conclusive evidence that this Amendment has been duly executed by such party.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

5


I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this A MENDMENT N O . 1 TO S TOCKHOLDERS ’ A GREEMENT as of the date first above written.

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:    
Name:    

Title:

   

 

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

MADISON CAPITAL FUNDING
CO-INVESTMENT FUND LP
By:   MCF CO-INVESTMENT GP LP, its general partner
By:   MCF CO-INVESTMENT GP LLC, its general partner
By:   MADISON CAPITAL FUNDING LLC, its member

 

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

[Signature Page to Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders’ Agreement]

Exhibit 10.1

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

This Indemnification Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of                  , 2013 by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and                     (“Indemnitee”). This Agreement supersedes and replaces any and all previous Agreements between the Company and Indemnitee covering the subject matter of this Agreement.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve corporations as officers, directors and/or advisors or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers, and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) requires indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). The Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;


WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Certificate of Incorporation and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve as an officer, director or other capacity without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that he be so indemnified;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as an officer, director and/or advisor of the Company. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee’s employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise), if any, is at will, and the Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director or officer of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s By-laws, and the DGCL. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in force after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as an officer, director and/or advisor.

Section 2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

(a) References to “agent” shall mean any person who is or was a director, officer, or employee of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

(b) “Compass Entities” shall mean Compass Diversified Holdings, a Delaware statutory trust, Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Compass Group Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

(c) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

i. Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below, but excluding any Compass Entity) becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing (50%) or more of the combined

 

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voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

ii. Change in Board of Directors. During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2(c)(i), 2(c)(iii) or 2(c)(iv)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

iii. Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 51% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such surviving entity;

iv. Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and

v. Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

For purposes of this Section 2(c), the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(A) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

(B) “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Person shall exclude (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

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(C) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.

(d) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, trustee, partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent, advisor or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust or other enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

(e) “Disinterested Director” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(f) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, advisor, trustee, partner, managing member, employee, agent or fiduciary.

(g) “Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts and other professionals, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, fax transmission charges, secretarial services, any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with, or as a result of, prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a deponent or witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) Expenses incurred in connection with recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether the Indemnitee is ultimately determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be, and (iii) for purposes of Section 14(d) only, Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise. The parties agree that for the purposes of any advancement of Expenses for which Indemnitee has made written demand to the Company in accordance with this Agreement, all Expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitee’s counsel as being reasonable shall be presumed conclusively to be reasonable. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

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(h) “Independent Counsel” shall mean a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

(i) The term “Proceeding” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim, counterclaim, cross claim, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, request for cooperation or information from a governmental entity, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory, legislative, or investigative (formal or informal) nature, including any appeal therefrom, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, potential party, non-party witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, advisor or officer of the Company, by reason of any action taken by him (or a failure to take action by him) or of any action (or failure to act) on his part while acting pursuant to his Corporate Status, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of Expenses can be provided under this Agreement. If the Indemnitee believes in good faith that a given situation may lead to or culminate in the institution of a Proceeding, this shall be considered a Proceeding under this paragraph.

(j) Reference to “other enterprise” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, advisor, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, advisor, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.

Section 3. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue

 

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or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. The parties hereto intend that this Agreement shall provide to the fullest extent permitted by law for indemnification in excess of that expressly permitted by statute, including, without limitation, any indemnification provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-laws, vote of its stockholders or disinterested directors or applicable law.

Section 4. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. If applicable law so provides, no indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

Section 5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with or related to each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter to the fullest extent permitted by law. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 6. Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise asked to participate in any aspect of a Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, he shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith.

Section 7. Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for a portion of Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

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Section 8. Additional Indemnification.

(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or a participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding.

(b) For purposes of Section 8(a), the meaning of the phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law” shall include, but not be limited to:

i. to the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL, and

ii. to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers, directors and advisors.

Section 9. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification payment in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision; or

(b) for (i) an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined in Section 2(c) hereof) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law, or (ii) any reimbursement of the Company by the Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by the Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act); or

(c) except as provided in Section 14(d) of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) such payment arises in connection with any mandatory counterclaim or cross-claim or affirmative defense brought or raised by Indemnitee in any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding), or (iii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.

 

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Section 10. Advances of Expenses. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary (other than Section 14(d)), the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, the Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) not initiated by Indemnitee, and such advancement shall be made within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time (which shall include invoices received by the Indemnitee in connection with such Expenses but, in the case of invoices in connection with legal services, any references to legal work performed or to expenditures made that would cause Indemnitee to waive any privilege accorded by applicable law shall not be so included), whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest-free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. In accordance with Section 14(d), advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. The Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that the Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced (without interest) to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement. This Section 10 shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 9.

Section 11. Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim.

(a) Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing of any matter with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof or Indemnitee’s becoming aware thereof. The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding, in each case to the extent known to Indemnitee. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding. The failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement, except to the extent (solely with respect to the indemnity hereunder) that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

 

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(b) The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.

(c) The Company shall not settle any Proceeding (in whole or in part) if such settlement would impose any Expense, judgment, liability, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee which Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified hereunder without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

Section 12. Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification.

(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a), a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case: (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied.

(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(b). If a Change in Control shall not have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Change in Control shall have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided , however , that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the

 

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Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Delaware Court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after the later of submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) hereof and the final disposition of the Proceeding, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by such court or by such other person as such court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

(c) If the Company disputes a portion of the amounts for which indemnification is requested, the undisputed portion shall be paid and only the disputed portion withheld pending resolution of any such dispute.

Section 13. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.

(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(a) of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

(b) Subject to Section 14(e), if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such

 

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indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 13(b) shall not apply (i) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination the Board has resolved to submit such determination to the stockholders for their consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within seventy-five (75) days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat, or (B) a special meeting of stockholders is called within fifteen (15) days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat, or (ii) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement.

(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers or advisors of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which the Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 13(d) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company.

(e) The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, advisor, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 14. Remedies of Indemnitee.

(a) Subject to Section 14(e), in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this

 

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Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ninety (90) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6 or 7 or the last sentence of Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3, 4 or 8 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) the Company or any other person or entity takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to the Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of his entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 14(a); provided , however , that the foregoing clause shall not apply in respect of a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce his rights under Section 5 of this Agreement. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be.

(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the

 

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Company of a written request therefor) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company if, in the case of indemnification, Indemnitee is wholly successful on the underlying claims; if Indemnitee is not wholly successful on the underlying claims, then such indemnification shall be only to the extent Indemnitee is successful on such underlying claims or otherwise as permitted by law, whichever is greater.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement of Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.

Section 15. Non-exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation.

(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement (i) shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-laws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise and (ii) shall be interpreted independently of, and without reference to, any other such rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Certificate of Incorporation and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

(b) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, advisors, employees, or agents of the Enterprise, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, advisor, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such claim or of the commencement of a Proceeding, as the case may be, to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(c) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

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(d) The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable (or for which advancement is provided hereunder) hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

(e) The Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, advisor, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of Expenses from such other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

Section 16. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of: (a) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as an officer, director and/or advisor of the Company or (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any Proceeding then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any proceeding (including any appeal) commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement relating thereto. The indemnification and advancement of expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, advisor, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his or her spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives. The Company shall require and shall cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company to, by written agreement, expressly assume 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.

Section 17. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

 

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Section 18. Enforcement.

(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer or agent of the Company.

(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-laws, any directors and officers insurance maintained by the Company and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 19. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 20. Notice by Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise.

Section 21. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

(a) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

(b) If to the Company to:

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

915 Disc Drive

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

 

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Fox Factory Holding Corp.

915 Disc Drive

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Attn: General Counsel

With a copy to:

Paul Hastings LLP

695 Town Center Drive, 17th Floor

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Attention: William J. Simpson

Facsimile: (714) 668-6305

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 22. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, advisors, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

Section 23. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Court”), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (iv) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

Section 24. Identical Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

 

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Section 25. Miscellaneous. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

Section 26. Internal Revenue Code Section 409A . The Company intends for this Agreement to comply with the indemnification exception under Section 1.409A-1(b)(10) of the regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which provides that indemnification of, or the purchase of an insurance policy providing for payments of, all or part of the expenses incurred or damages paid or payable by Indemnitee with respect to a bona fide claim against Indemnitee or the Company do not provide for a deferral of compensation, subject to Section 409A of the Code, where such claim is based on actions or failures to act by Indemnitee in his capacity as a service provider of the Company. The parties intend that this Agreement be interpreted and construed with such intent.

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

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.,     INDEMNITEE
a Delaware Corporation      
By:          
Name:       Name:  
Office:       Address:    
         
         

 

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Exhibit 10.2

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

This Indemnification Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of                  , 2013 by and between Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and                     (“Indemnitee”). This Agreement supersedes and replaces any and all previous Agreements between the Company and Indemnitee covering the subject matter of this Agreement.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve corporations as officers, directors and/or advisors or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers, and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) requires indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). The Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;


WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Certificate of Incorporation and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve as an officer, director or other capacity without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that he be so indemnified;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as an officer, director and/or advisor of the Company. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee’s employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise), if any, is at will, and the Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director or officer of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s By-laws, and the DGCL. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in force after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as an officer, director and/or advisor.

Section 2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

(a) References to “agent” shall mean any person who is or was a director, officer, or employee of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

(b) “Compass Entities” shall mean Compass Diversified Holdings, a Delaware statutory trust, Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Compass Group Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

(c) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

i. Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below, but excluding any Compass Entity) becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing (50%) or more of the combined

 

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voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

ii. Change in Board of Directors. During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2(c)(i), 2(c)(iii) or 2(c)(iv)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

iii. Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 51% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such surviving entity;

iv. Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and

v. Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

For purposes of this Section 2(c), the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(A) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

(B) “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Person shall exclude (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

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(C) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.

(d) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, trustee, partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent, advisor or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust or other enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

(e) “Disinterested Director” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(f) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, advisor, trustee, partner, managing member, employee, agent or fiduciary.

(g) “Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts and other professionals, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, fax transmission charges, secretarial services, any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with, or as a result of, prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a deponent or witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) Expenses incurred in connection with recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether the Indemnitee is ultimately determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be, and (iii) for purposes of Section 14(d) only, Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise. The parties agree that for the purposes of any advancement of Expenses for which Indemnitee has made written demand to the Company in accordance with this Agreement, all Expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitee’s counsel as being reasonable shall be presumed conclusively to be reasonable. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

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(h) “Independent Counsel” shall mean a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

(i) The term “Proceeding” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim, counterclaim, cross claim, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, request for cooperation or information from a governmental entity, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory, legislative, or investigative (formal or informal) nature, including any appeal therefrom, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, potential party, non-party witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, advisor or officer of the Company, by reason of any action taken by him (or a failure to take action by him) or of any action (or failure to act) on his part while acting pursuant to his Corporate Status, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of Expenses can be provided under this Agreement. If the Indemnitee believes in good faith that a given situation may lead to or culminate in the institution of a Proceeding, this shall be considered a Proceeding under this paragraph.

(j) Reference to “other enterprise” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, advisor, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, advisor, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.

Section 3. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue

 

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or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. The parties hereto intend that this Agreement shall provide to the fullest extent permitted by law for indemnification in excess of that expressly permitted by statute, including, without limitation, any indemnification provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-laws, vote of its stockholders or disinterested directors or applicable law.

Section 4. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. If applicable law so provides, no indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

Section 5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with or related to each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter to the fullest extent permitted by law. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 6. Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise asked to participate in any aspect of a Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, he shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith.

Section 7. Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for a portion of Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

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Section 8. Additional Indemnification.

(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or a participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding.

(b) For purposes of Section 8(a), the meaning of the phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law” shall include, but not be limited to:

i. to the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL, and

ii. to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers, directors and advisors.

Section 9. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification payment in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision; or

(b) for (i) an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined in Section 2(c) hereof) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law, or (ii) any reimbursement of the Company by the Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by the Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act); or

(c) except as provided in Section 14(d) of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) such payment arises in connection with any mandatory counterclaim or cross-claim or affirmative defense brought or raised by Indemnitee in any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding), or (iii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.

 

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Section 10. Advances of Expenses. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary (other than Section 14(d)), the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, the Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) not initiated by Indemnitee, and such advancement shall be made within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time (which shall include invoices received by the Indemnitee in connection with such Expenses but, in the case of invoices in connection with legal services, any references to legal work performed or to expenditures made that would cause Indemnitee to waive any privilege accorded by applicable law shall not be so included), whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest-free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. In accordance with Section 14(d), advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. The Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that the Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced (without interest) to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement. This Section 10 shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 9.

Section 11. Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim.

(a) Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing of any matter with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof or Indemnitee’s becoming aware thereof. The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding, in each case to the extent known to Indemnitee. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding. The failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement, except to the extent (solely with respect to the indemnity hereunder) that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

 

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(b) The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.

(c) The Company shall not settle any Proceeding (in whole or in part) if such settlement would impose any Expense, judgment, liability, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee which Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified hereunder without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

Section 12. Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification.

(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a), a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case: (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied.

(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(b). If a Change in Control shall not have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Change in Control shall have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided , however , that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the

 

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Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Delaware Court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after the later of submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) hereof and the final disposition of the Proceeding, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by such court or by such other person as such court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

(c) If the Company disputes a portion of the amounts for which indemnification is requested, the undisputed portion shall be paid and only the disputed portion withheld pending resolution of any such dispute.

Section 13. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.

(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(a) of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

(b) Subject to Section 14(e), if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such

 

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indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 13(b) shall not apply (i) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination the Board has resolved to submit such determination to the stockholders for their consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within seventy-five (75) days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat, or (B) a special meeting of stockholders is called within fifteen (15) days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat, or (ii) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement.

(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers or advisors of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which the Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 13(d) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company.

(e) The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, advisor, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 14. Remedies of Indemnitee.

(a) Subject to Section 14(e), in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this

 

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Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ninety (90) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6 or 7 or the last sentence of Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3, 4 or 8 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) the Company or any other person or entity takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to the Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of his entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 14(a); provided , however , that the foregoing clause shall not apply in respect of a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce his rights under Section 5 of this Agreement. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be.

(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the

 

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Company of a written request therefor) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company if, in the case of indemnification, Indemnitee is wholly successful on the underlying claims; if Indemnitee is not wholly successful on the underlying claims, then such indemnification shall be only to the extent Indemnitee is successful on such underlying claims or otherwise as permitted by law, whichever is greater.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement of Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.

Section 15. Non-exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation.

(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement (i) shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-laws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise and (ii) shall be interpreted independently of, and without reference to, any other such rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Certificate of Incorporation and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

(b) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, advisors, employees, or agents of the Enterprise, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, advisor, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such claim or of the commencement of a Proceeding, as the case may be, to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(c) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

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(d) The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable (or for which advancement is provided hereunder) hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

(e) The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by the certain Compass Entities and/or certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “Compass Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Compass Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary), (ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws (or any agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Compass Indemnitors, and, (iii) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Compass Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Compass Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Compass Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Compass Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Compass Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms hereof.

Section 16. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of: (a) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as an officer, director and/or advisor of the Company or (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any Proceeding then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any proceeding (including any appeal) commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement relating thereto. The indemnification and advancement of expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, advisor, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his or her spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives. The Company shall require and shall cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company to, by written agreement, expressly assume 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.

 

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Section 17. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

Section 18. Enforcement.

(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer or agent of the Company.

(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-laws, any directors and officers insurance maintained by the Company and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 19. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 20. Notice by Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise.

Section 21. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

 

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(a) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

(b) If to the Company to:

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

915 Disc Drive

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

915 Disc Drive

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Attn: General Counsel

With a copy to:

Paul Hastings LLP

695 Town Center Drive, 17th Floor

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Attention: William J. Simpson

Facsimile: (714) 668-6305

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 22. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, advisors, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

Section 23. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Court”), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country,

 

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(ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (iv) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

Section 24. Identical Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

Section 25. Miscellaneous. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

Section 26. Internal Revenue Code Section 409A . The Company intends for this Agreement to comply with the indemnification exception under Section 1.409A-1(b)(10) of the regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which provides that indemnification of, or the purchase of an insurance policy providing for payments of, all or part of the expenses incurred or damages paid or payable by Indemnitee with respect to a bona fide claim against Indemnitee or the Company do not provide for a deferral of compensation, subject to Section 409A of the Code, where such claim is based on actions or failures to act by Indemnitee in his capacity as a service provider of the Company. The parties intend that this Agreement be interpreted and construed with such intent.

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

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.,     INDEMNITEE
a Delaware Corporation      
By:          
Name:       Name:  
Office:       Address:    
         
         

 

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Exhibit 10.3

Execution Copy

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.

2008 STOCK OPTION PLAN

1. Purpose of Plan . The Purpose of this 2008 Stock Option Plan (this “Plan” ) is to advance the interests of Fox Factory Holding Corp. (the “ Company ”) and its stockholders by providing a means whereby employees and directors of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company may be given an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “ Shares ”), of the Company under options granted under the Plan, to the end that the Company may retain present personnel upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the successful conduct of the business of the Company largely depends, and may attract new personnel. Some of the options granted under this Plan shall be options that are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and are hereinafter sometimes called “ incentive stock options .”

2. Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to the limitations and restrictions set forth in any applicable stockholders’ agreement to which the Company is a party, the aggregate number of Shares of the Company for which options may be granted under this Plan shall be 71,556, all of which may be granted as incentive stock options; provided, however, that whatever number of Shares shall remain reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan at the time of any stock split, stock dividend, or other change in the Company’s capitalization shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted to reflect such stock dividend, stock split or other change in capitalization. Such Shares shall be made available from authorized but unissued or reacquired Shares of the Company. Any Shares for which an option is granted hereunder that are released from such option for any reason shall become available for other options to be granted under this Plan.

3. Administration of the Plan . This Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) or, if established by the Board and for so long as it is duly constituted, the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”) under the supervision of the Board (references herein to the “Compensation Committee” shall mean the “Board” for any period of time or times during which the Compensation Committee is not duly constituted or is inactive). Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Compensation Committee shall have conclusive authority to

 

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construe and interpret the Plan and any stock option agreement entered into by and between the Company and an optionee thereunder (each, an “ Option Agreement ”), and to establish, amend, and rescind rules and regulations for its administration. The Compensation Committee may amend this Plan and any Option Agreement without any additional consideration to affected grantees to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of penalties on holders of options granted under this Plan under Section 409A of the Code, even if those amendments reduce, restrict or eliminate rights granted under the Plan or Option Agreements (or both) before those amendments. Every action, decision, interpretation or determination by the Compensation Committee with respect to the application or administration of this Plan shall be final and binding upon the Company and each person holding any option granted under this Plan.

4. Granting of Options .

(a) The Compensation Committee from time to time shall designate from among the key employees of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company those employees to whom options to purchase Shares shall be granted under this Plan and the number of Shares which shall be subject to each option so granted. Such options shall either be (i) incentive stock options or (ii) “non-statutory options,” which do not qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code. The Compensation Committee shall direct an appropriate officer of the Company to execute and deliver Option Agreements to employees reflecting the grant of options. All actions of the Compensation Committee under this Paragraph shall be conclusive.

(b) The Compensation Committee from time to time may grant options to one or more directors of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company on such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee shall determine. Such options shall be “non-statutory options” and shall not qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code. The Compensation Committee shall direct an appropriate officer of the Company to execute and deliver Option Agreements to directors reflecting the grant of options. All actions of the Compensation Committee under this Paragraph shall be conclusive.

 

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(c) The aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the option is granted) of the stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by any individual during any calendar year (under this Plan or any other plan of the Company and subsidiary corporations that provides for the granting of incentive stock options) shall not exceed $100,000. Any incentive stock option that is granted to any employee who is, at the time the option is granted, deemed for purposes of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, to own shares of the Company possessing more 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company or of a parent or subsidiary of the Company (a “ 10% Owner ”), shall have an option price that is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock and shall not be exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date it is granted.

5. Option Period . No incentive stock option granted under this Plan may be exercised later than ten years from the date of grant. Non-statutory stock options shall have such term as the Compensation Committee shall determine.

6. Option Price . The Compensation Committee may grant stock options under this Plan in one or more tranches, each containing such number of Shares as the Compensation Committee may in its discretion determine to be in the interest of the Company. The option price per Share, which may vary from tranche to tranche, shall be fixed at the date of grant by the Compensation Committee and set forth in the Option Agreements, but shall be no less than the per Share fair market value of the Shares at the time of grant. The option price must be payable in cash; provided that an option holder may satisfy the exercise price of option shares exercised in connection with a change of control of the Company by delivering to the Company securities of the Company, which may include shares obtained through the exercise of the option, having a fair market value equal to the aggregate exercise price. The date on which the Compensation Committee approves the granting of an option (with the identity of the key employee or director receiving the option, the maximum number of shares subject to the option and the minimum exercise price all fixed) shall be deemed the date on which the option is granted; provided that there is no unreasonable delay in giving notice of the grant to the optionee. Upon exercise of an option, the applicable Plan participant shall pay promptly to the Company any amount necessary to satisfy applicable federal, state or local tax requirements, which withholding obligation may be satisfied by delivering to the Company securities of the Company, which may include shares obtained through the exercise of the applicable option, having a fair market value equal to the

 

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withholding obligation. In the event the amount of such withholding obligation is not paid promptly, the Company shall have the right to apply from the purchase price paid any taxes required by law to be withheld by the Company with respect to such payment and the number of shares to be issued by the Company will be reduced accordingly.

7. Option Agreements . The Option Agreements in which option rights are granted to an employee or director shall be in the applicable form (consistent with this Plan) from time to time approved by the Compensation Committee and shall be signed on behalf of the Company by the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President of the Company other than the employee who is a party thereto, and shall be dated as of the date of the granting of the option, as determined in Section 6 hereof. No Option Agreement shall contain any feature for the deferral of compensation (other than the deferral of recognition of income until the exercise of the option).

8. Amendment and Termination of the Plan . The Company, by action of the Board or the Compensation Committee, reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate at any time this Plan, or, by action of the Board or the Compensation Committee with the consent of the optionee, to amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Option Agreement, except that the Company may not, without further shareholder approval, increase the total number of Shares as to which options may be granted under the Plan (except increases attributable to the adjustments authorized in Paragraph 2 hereof), change the employees or class of employees eligible to receive options or materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the Plan. Moreover, no action may be taken by the Company (without the consent of the optionee) that will impair or adversely alter the validity or terms of, or rights under, any option then outstanding.

9. Effective Date of Plan . The Plan shall be effective upon adoption of the Plan by the Board. The Plan shall be submitted to the shareholders of the Company for their approval within twelve months of the approval by the Board and, if such approval is not obtained, the Plan shall terminate. Options may be granted prior to the obtaining of such shareholder approval but the exercise of such options shall be conditioned upon such shareholder approval.

 

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10. Expiration of Plan . Options may be granted under this Plan at any time prior to ten years from the adoption of the Plan by the Board, on which date the Plan shall expire but without affecting any options then outstanding.

11. Stockholders’ Agreement . Any person granted options pursuant to this Plan shall not be entitled to receive Shares upon the exercise of an option unless and until such person has fully complied with any and all obligations and covenants set forth in the Option Agreement to which such person is a party and has become a party to and bound by that certain Stockholders’ Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 by and among the Company and its stockholders, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “ Stockholders’ Agreement ”), by executing and delivering an additional signature page thereto. To facilitate the enforcement of the rights and obligations agreed to in the Stockholders’ Agreement, any person granted options pursuant to this Plan shall, upon exercise of his or her option, acknowledge the rights and obligations under the Stockholders’ Agreement and agree that the Company shall hold such person’s Shares received upon the exercise of an option for the benefit of that person. If any person granted options pursuant to this Plan fails to comply with all obligations and covenants set forth in the Option Agreement and such failure shall remain unremedied for a period of ten days after receipt of written notice of such failure from the Company, then his or her option shall ipso facto lapse and shall thereafter be void and unenforceable.

12. Fair Market Value . For purposes of this Plan, the fair market value of one Share on any relevant date shall be determined as follows:

(a) If the Shares are traded on an established securities market (including the NASDAQ National Market System), the reported “closing price” on the relevant date, if it is a trading day; otherwise on the immediately preceding trading day; or

(b) If the Shares are not traded on an established securities market, the fair market value, as determined by the Compensation Committee in good faith under a reasonable valuation method, as of the valuation date coinciding with or, if none, most recently preceding the relevant date, provided that it is no more than twelve months before the relevant date. Such fair market valuation determination shall be made in a manner consistent with the rules prescribed under Section 409A of the Code, and with respect to incentive

 

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stock options, consistent with rules prescribed under Section 422 of the Code; provided that, if a single grant of both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options is made to a key employee, such that an amount exceeding the $100,000 vesting in any one year is considered a nonqualified stock option, the fair market value determination of such an option shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

13. Tax Treatment Not Warranted . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the tax treatment of options under the Plan shall not be, and is not, warranted or guaranteed. Neither the Company, the Board, the Compensation Committee, any subsidiary, nor any of their respective delegatees shall be held liable for any taxes, penalties or other monetary amounts owed by a participant under the Plan, the participant’s survivors, including, without limitation, personal representatives, heirs, executors and administrators, or any other person as a result of a grant, modification, or amendment of an option or Option Agreement or the adoption, modification, amendment, or administration of the Plan.

14. Governing Law . The Plan and related Option Agreements shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Plan is executed as of January 4, 2008.

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:  

/s/    Patrick Maciariello

Its:  

Vice President

 

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FIRST AMENDMENT TO

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.

2008 STOCK OPTION PLAN

This First Amendment to Fox Factory Holding Corp. 2008 Stock Option Plan (this “ Amendment ”) is effective as of November 4 , 2008 and amends the Fox Factory Holding Corp. 2008 Stock Option Plan (the “ Stock Option Plan ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Stock Option Plan.

 

  1. Paragraph 2. of the Stock Option Plan is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:

“2. Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to the limitations and restrictions set forth in any applicable stockholders’ agreement to which the Company is a party, the aggregate number of Shares of the Company for which options may be granted under this Plan shall be 125,000, all of which may be granted as incentive stock options; provided, however, that whatever number of Shares shall remain reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan at the time of any stock split, stock dividend, or other change in the Company’s capitalization shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted to reflect such stock dividend, stock split or other change in capitalization. Such Shares shall be made available from authorized but unissued or reacquired Shares of the Company. Any Shares for which an option is granted hereunder that are released from such option for any reason shall become available for other options to be granted under this Plan.”

 

  2. It is the intent of the Company that this Amendment and the Stock Option Plan be applied and construed as a single instrument. All references to the Company’s “Stock Option Plan”, including references in the Stock Option Plan to “the Plan”, “this Plan”, “Stock Option Plan” and any other references of similar import shall henceforth mean the Stock Option Plan as amended by this Amendment.

 

  3. In all other respects, the Stock Option Plan shall remain unchanged.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this First Amendment to Fox Factory Holding Corp. 2008 Stock Option

Plan was executed as of November 4, 2008.

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/ Patrick A. Maciariello
Its:   Vice President

Exhibit 10.4

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.

2008 NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

1. Purpose of Plan . The Purpose of this Fox Factory Holding Corp. 2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (this “Plan” ) is to advance the interests of Fox Factory Holding Corp. (the “ Company ”) and its stockholders by providing a means whereby employees and directors of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company may be given an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “ Shares ”), of the Company under options granted under the Plan, to the end that the Company may retain present personnel upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the successful conduct of the business of the Company largely depends, and may attract new personnel. None of the options granted under this Plan are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”).

2. Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to the limitations and restrictions set forth in any applicable stockholders’ agreement to which the Company is a party, the aggregate number of Shares of the Company for which options may be granted under this Plan shall be             , all of which shall be granted as non-statutory stock options; provided, however, that whatever number of Shares shall remain reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan at the time of any stock split, stock dividend, or other change in the Company’s capitalization shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted to reflect such stock dividend, stock split or other change in capitalization. Such Shares shall be made available from authorized but unissued or reacquired Shares of the Company. Any Shares for which an option is granted hereunder that are released from such option for any reason shall become available for other options to be granted under this Plan.

3. Administration of the Plan . This Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) or, if established by the Board and for so long as it is duly constituted, the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”) under the supervision of the Board (references herein to the “Compensation Committee” shall mean the “Board” for any period of time or times during which the Compensation Committee is not duly constituted or is inactive).

 

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Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Compensation Committee shall have conclusive authority to construe and interpret the Plan and any stock option agreement entered into by and between the Company and an optionee thereunder (each, an “ Option Agreement ”), and to establish, amend, and rescind rules and regulations for its administration. The Compensation Committee may amend this Plan and any Option Agreement without any additional consideration to affected grantees to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of penalties on holders of options granted under this Plan under Section 409A of the Code, even if those amendments reduce, restrict or eliminate rights granted under the Plan or Option Agreements (or both) before those amendments. Every action, decision, interpretation or determination by the Compensation Committee with respect to the application or administration of this Plan shall be final and binding upon the Company and each person holding any option granted under this Plan.

4. Granting of Options . The Compensation Committee from time to time shall designate from among the employees and/or directors of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company those individuals to whom options to purchase Shares shall be granted under this Plan and the number of Shares which shall be subject to each option so granted. Such options shall be so-called “non-statutory options” and shall not qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code. The Compensation Committee shall direct an appropriate officer of the Company to execute and deliver Option Agreements to optionees reflecting the grant of options. All actions of the Compensation Committee under this Paragraph shall be conclusive.

5. Option Period . Non-statutory stock options granted under this Plan shall have such term as the Compensation Committee shall determine.

6. Option Price . The Compensation Committee may grant stock options under this Plan in one or more tranches, each containing such number of Shares as the Compensation Committee may in its discretion determine to be in the interest of the Company. The option price per Share, which may vary from tranche to tranche, shall be fixed at the date of grant by the Compensation Committee and set forth in the Option Agreements, but shall be no less than the per Share fair market value of the Shares on the date of grant. The option price must be payable in cash; provided that an option holder may satisfy the exercise price of

 

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option Shares exercised in connection with a change of control of the Company by delivering to the Company securities of the Company, which may include Shares obtained through the exercise of the option, having a fair market value equal to the aggregate exercise price. The date on which the Compensation Committee approves the granting of an option (with the identity of the employee or director receiving the option, the maximum number of Shares subject to the option and the minimum exercise price all fixed) shall be the date on which the option is granted; provided that there is no unreasonable delay in giving notice of the grant to the optionee. Upon exercise of an option, the applicable optionee shall pay promptly to the Company any amount necessary to satisfy applicable federal, state or local tax requirements, which withholding obligation may be satisfied by delivering to the Company securities of the Company, which may include shares obtained through the exercise of the applicable option, having a fair market value equal to the withholding obligation. In the event the amount of such withholding obligation is not paid promptly, the Company shall have the right to apply from the purchase price paid any taxes required by law to be withheld by the Company with respect to such payment and the number of Shares to be issued by the Company will be reduced accordingly.

7. Option Agreements . The Option Agreements in which option rights are granted to an employee or director shall be in the applicable form (consistent with this Plan) from time to time approved by the Compensation Committee and shall be signed on behalf of the Company by the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President of the Company other than the employee who is a party thereto, and shall be dated as of the date of the grant of the option, as determined in Section 6 hereof. No Option Agreement shall contain any feature for the deferral of compensation (other than the deferral of recognition of income until the exercise of the option).

8. Amendment and Termination of the Plan . The Company, by action of the Board or the Compensation Committee, reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate at any time this Plan, or, by action of the Board or the Compensation Committee with the consent of the optionee, to amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Option Agreement; provided that no action may be taken by the Company (without the consent of the optionee) that will impair or adversely alter the validity or terms of, or rights under, any option then outstanding.

 

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9. Effective Date of Plan . The Plan shall be effective upon adoption of the Plan by the Board.

10. Expiration of Plan . Options may be granted under this Plan at any time prior to ten years from the adoption of the Plan by the Board, on which date the Plan shall expire but without affecting any options then outstanding.

11. Stockholders’ Agreement . No optionee shall be entitled to receive Shares upon the exercise of an option unless and until such person has fully complied with any and all obligations and covenants set forth in the Option Agreement to which such person is a party and/or has become a party to and bound by that certain Stockholders’ Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 by and among the Company and its stockholders, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “ Stockholders’ Agreement ”), by executing and delivering an additional signature page thereto. To facilitate the enforcement of the rights and obligations agreed to in the Stockholders’ Agreement, any optionee shall, upon exercise of his or her option, acknowledge the rights and obligations under the Stockholders’ Agreement and agree that the Company shall hold such person’s Shares received upon the exercise of an option for the benefit of that person. If any optionee fails to comply with all obligations and covenants set forth in the Option Agreement and such failure shall remain unremedied for a period of ten days after receipt of written notice of such failure from the Company, then his or her option shall ipso facto lapse and shall thereafter be void and unenforceable.

12. Fair Market Value . For purposes of this Plan, the fair market value of each Share on any relevant date shall be determined as follows:

(a) If the Shares are traded on an established securities market (including the NASDAQ National Market System), the reported “closing price” on the relevant date, if it is a trading day; otherwise on the immediately preceding trading day; or

 

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(b) If the Shares are not traded on an established securities market, the fair market value, as determined by the Compensation Committee in good faith under a reasonable valuation method, as of the valuation date coinciding with or, if none, most recently preceding the relevant date, provided that it is no more than twelve months before the relevant date. Such fair market valuation determination shall be made in a manner consistent with the rules prescribed under Section 409A of the Code.

13. Tax Treatment Not Warranted . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the tax treatment of options, or the Shares received upon the exercise of options, under the Plan shall not be, and is not, warranted or guaranteed. Neither the Company, the Board, the Compensation Committee, any subsidiary, nor any of their respective delegatees shall be held liable for any taxes, penalties or other monetary amounts owed by a participant or any optionee under the Plan, the participant’s or optionee’s survivors, including, without limitation, personal representatives, heirs, executors and administrators, or any other person as a result of a grant, modification, or amendment of an option or Option Agreement or the adoption, modification, amendment, or administration of the Plan.

14. Governing Law . The Plan and related Option Agreements shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Plan is executed as of May 6, 2008.

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/ Patrick Maciariello
Its:   Vice President

 

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FIRST AMENDMENT TO

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.

2008 NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

This First Amendment to Fox Factory Holding Corp. 2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (this “ Amendment ”) is effective as of December 5, 2012, and amends the Fox Factory Holding Corp. 2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan dated May 6, 2008 (the “ Stock Option Plan ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Stock Option Plan.

 

  1. Paragraph 2. of the Stock Option Plan is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:

“2. Shares Subject to the Plan. Subject to the limitations and restrictions set forth in any applicable stockholders’ agreement to which the Company is a party, the aggregate number of Shares of the Company for which options may be granted under this Plan shall be 40,900 all of which shall be granted as non-statutory stock options; provided, however, that whatever number of Shares shall remain reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan at the time of any stock split, stock dividend, or other change in the Company’s capitalization shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted to reflect such stock dividend, stock split or other change in capitalization. Such Shares shall be made available from authorized but unissued or reacquired Shares of the Company. Any Shares for which an option is granted hereunder that are released from such option for any reason shall become available for other options to be granted under this Plan. “

 

  2. It is the intent of the Company that this Amendment and the Stock Option Plan be applied and construed as a single instrument. All references to the Company’s “Stock Option Plan”, including references in the Stock Option Plan to “the Plan”, “this Plan”, “Stock Option Plan” and any other references of similar import shall henceforth mean the Stock Option Plan as amended by this Amendment.

 

  3. In all other respects, the Stock Option Plan shall remain unchanged.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this First Amendment to Fox Factory Holding Corp. 2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan was executed as of December 6, 2012.

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/ Patrick A. Maciariello
Its:   Vice President

Exhibit 10.11

AIR COMMERICAL REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION

STANDARD INDUSTRIAL / COMMERCIAL SINGLE-TENANT LEASE—GROSS

(DO NOT USE THIS FORM FOR MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS)

1. Basic Provision (“Basic Provisions”) .

1.1 Parties: This Lease (“Lease”) dated for reference purposes only, October 31, 2011, is made by and between Sammie Rae Abitbol, LLC, a California limited liability company (Lessor) and Fox Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation DBA Fox Racing Shox (“Lessee”), collectively the “ Parties ”, or individually a “ Party ”.

1.2 Premises: That certain real property, including all improvements therein or to be provided by Lessor under the terms of the Lease, and commonly known as 915 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley located in the County of Santa Cruz, State of California and generally described as a 2-story office / R&D building of approximately 51,236 s.f., (“ Premises ”) and related parking rights. The Premises is part of a three building Campus as is further defined in Paragraph 1.2 of the attached First Addendum to Standard Industrial/Commercial Single Tenant Gross Lease (“ First Addendum ”). (See also Paragraph 2)

1.3 Term: Five years and seven months (“ Original Term ”) commencing December 1, 2011 (“ Commencement Date ”) and ending June 30, 2017 (“Expiration Date”). (See also Paragraph 3) The date of full execution of this Lease is referred to in this Lease as the “ Effective Date.

1.4 Early Possession: If the Premises are available Lessee may have non-exclusive possession of the Premises commencing on November 15, 2011 as is further defined in Paragraph 1.4 of the attached First Addendum. (“ Early Possession Date ”). (See also Paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3)

1.5 Base Rent: See Paragraph 1.6 of the attached First Addendum per month (“ Base Rent ”), payable on the first day of each month commencing as further defined in Paragraph 1.6 of the attached First Addendum. (See also Paragraph 4).

There are provisions in this Lease for the Base Rent to be adjusted. See Paragraph 1.6 of the First Addendum,.

1.6 Base Rent and Other Monies Paid Upon Execution:

 

  (a) Base Rent: $51,236.00 for the period as further defined in Paragraph 1.6 of the attached First Addendum

 

  (b) Security Deposit: $51,236.00 (“ Security Deposit ”). (See also Paragraph 5)

 

  (c) Association Fees: None

 

  (d) Total Due upon Execution of the Lease: $102,472.00.

1.7 Agreed Use: Office / R&D use or other permitted uses within the zone in which the Premises is located. (See also Paragraph 6)

1.8 Insuring Party: Lessor is the “ Insuring Party ”. The annual “ Base Premium ” is              to be determined                  (See also Paragraph 8)

1.9 Real Estate Brokers: (See also paragraph 15)

(a) Representation: The following real estate brokers (the “ Brokers ”) and brokerage relationships exist in this transaction: J.R. Parrish & AC Properties represents both Lessor and Lessee (“Dual Agency”).

(b) Payment to Brokers: Upon execution and delivery of this Lease by both Parties, Lessor shall pay to the Brokers for brokerage services rendered by the Brokers a commission as set forth a separate agreement.

1.10 Guarantor . Intentionally left blank. (See also Paragraph 37)

1.11 Attachments . Attached hereto are the following, all of which constitutes a part of the Lease:

 

  (a) First Addendum

 

  (b) Exhibits A through             

 

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2. Premises .

2.1 Letting . Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, the Premises, for the term, at the rental, and upon all of the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in this Lease. While the approximate square footage of the Premises may have been used in the marketing of the Premises for purposes of comparison, the Base Rent stated herein is NOT tied to square footage and is not subject to adjustment should the actual size be determined to be different. Note: Lessee is advised to verify the actual size prior to executing the Lease.

2.2 Condition . Lessor shall deliver the Premises to Lessee broom clean and free of debris on the Commencement Date or the Early Possession Date, whichever first occurs (“ Start Date ”), and warrants that the existing electrical, plumbing, fire sprinkler, lighting, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (“ HVAC ”), loading doors, sump pumps, if any, and all other such elements in the Premises, other than those constructed by Lessee, shall be in good operating condition on said date and that the surface and structural elements of the roof, bearing walls and foundation of any buildings on the Premises (the “ Building ”) shall be free of material defects, and that the Premises does not contain hazardous levels of any mold or fungi defined as toxic under applicable state of federal law. If a non-compliance with said warranty exists as of the Start Date, or if one of such systems or elements should malfunction or fail within the appropriate warranty period, Lessor shall, as Lessor’s sole obligation with respect to such matter, except as otherwise provided in this Lease, promptly after receipt of written notice from Lessee setting forth with specificity the nature and extent of such non-compliance, malfunction or failure, rectify same at Lessor’s expense. The warranty periods shall be as follows: (i) 6 months as to the HVAC systems, and (ii) 30 days as to the remaining systems and other elements of the Building. If Lessee does not give Lessor the required notice within the appropriate warranty period, correction of any such non-compliance, malfunction or failure shall be the obligation of the Lessee at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, except as provided in Paragraph 7.

Lessee warrants that all Systems referenced in this Paragraph 2.2 shall be serviced by qualified technicians at regular intervals as recommended by the service contractor or the manufacturer.

2.3 Compliance . Lessor warrants that to the best of its knowledge the improvements on the Premises comply with the building codes, applicable laws, covenants or restrictions of record, regulations, and ordinances, including any ADA requirements, (“ Applicable Requirements ”) that were in effect at the time that each improvement, or portion thereof, was constructed. Said warranty does not apply to the use to which Lessee will put the Premises, modifications which may be required by the Americans with Disabilities Act or any similar laws as a result of Lessee’s use (see Paragraph 50), or to any Alterations or Utility installations (as defined in Paragraph 7.3(a)) made or to be made by Lessee. NOTE: Lessee is responsible for determining whether or not the Applicable Requirements, and especially the zoning, are appropriate for Lessee’s intended use, and acknowledges that past uses of the Premises may no longer be allowed . If the Premises do not comply with said warranty, Lessor shall, except as otherwise provided, promptly after receipt of written notice from Lessee setting forth with specificity the nature and extent of such non-compliance, rectify the same at Lessor’s expense. If Lessee does not give Lessor written notice of a non-compliance with this warranty within 6 months following the Start Date, correction of that non-compliance shall be the obligation of Lessee at Lessee’s sole cost and expense. If the Applicable Requirements are hereafter changed so as to require during the term of this Lease the construction of an addition to or an alteration of the Premises and/or Building, the remediation of any Hazardous Substance, or the reinforcement or other physical modification of the Premises and/or Building (“ Capital Expenditure ”), Lessor and Lessee shall allocate the cost of such work as follows:

(a) Subject to Paragraph 2.3(c) below, if such Capital Expenditures are required as a result of the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee as compared with uses by tenants in general, Lessee shall be fully responsible for the cost thereof, provided, however that if such Capital Expenditure is required during the last 2 years of this Lease and the cost thereof exceeds 2 months’ Base Rent, Lessee may instead terminate this Lease unless Lessor notifies Lessee, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessee’s termination notice that Lessor has elected to pay the difference between the actual cost thereof and an amount equal to 2 months’ Base Rent. If Lessee elects termination, Lessee shall immediately cease the use of the Premises which requires such Capital Expenditure and deliver to Lessor written notice specifying a termination date at least 90 days thereafter. Such termination date shall, however, in no event be earlier than the last day that Lessee could legally utilize the Premises without commencing such Capital Expenditure.

(b) If such Capital Expenditure is not the result of the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee (such as, governmentally mandated seismic modifications), then Lessor shall pay for such Capital Expenditure. If, however, such Capital Expenditure is required during the last 2 years of this Lease or if Lessor reasonably determines that it is not economically feasible to pay for the Capital Expenditure, Lessor shall have the option to terminate this Lease upon 90 days prior written notice to Lessee unless Lessee notifies Lessor, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessor’s termination notice that

 

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Lessee will pay for such Capital Expenditure. lf Lessor does not elect to terminate, and fails to tender its share of any such Capital Expenditure, Lessee may advance such funds and deduct same, with Interest, from Rent until Lessor’s share of such costs have been fully paid. If Lessee is unable to finance Lessor’s share, or if the balance of the Rent due and payable for the remainder of this Lease is not sufficient to fully reimburse Lessee on an offset basis, Lessee shall have the right to terminate this Lease upon 30 days written notice to Lessor.

(c) Notwithstanding the above, the provisions concerning Capital Expenditures are intended to apply only to non—voluntary unexpected and new Applicable Requirements. If the Capital Expenditures are instead triggered by Lessee as a result of an actual or proposed change in use, change in intensity of use, or specific modification or modifications to the Premises then, and in that event, Lessee shall either: (i) immediately cease such changed use or intensity of use and/or take such other steps as may be necessary to eliminate the requirement for such Capital Expenditure, or (ii) complete such Capital Expenditure at its own expense. Lessee shall not, however, have any right to terminate this Lease.

2.4 Acknowledgements . Lessee acknowledges that (a) it has been given an opportunity to inspect and measure the Premises, (b) it has been advised by Lessor and/or Brokers to satisfy itself with respect to the size and condition of the Premises (including but not limited to the electrical, HVAC and fire sprinkler systems, security, environmental aspects, and compliance with Applicable Requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act), and their suitability for Lessee’s intended use, (c) Lessee has made such investigation as it deems necessary with reference to such matters and assumes all responsibility therefore as the same relate to its occupancy of the Premises, (d) it is not relying on any representation as to the size of the Premises made by Brokers or Lessor, (e) the square footage of the Premises was not material to Lessee’s decision to lease the Premises and pay the Rent stated herein, and (f) neither Lessor, Lessor’s agents, nor Brokers have made any oral or written representations or warranties with respect to said matters other than as set forth in this Lease.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Paragraph 2.4 or this Lease; within ten (10) days after the Effective Date and prior to commencement of any demolition or construction to or within the Premises, Lessee shall apply for all necessary permits relating to the Lessee’s contemplated “use” and occupancy of the Premises (“Permits”). Provided that Lessee has timely applied for and diligently pursued all such Permits, in the event the Permits are not approved by the County of Santa Cruz or City of Scotts Valley, as applicable, within thirty (30) business days after the Effective Date, Lessee may terminate this Lease (“ Permit Contingency ”), with any deposits returned to Lessee, and without any cost or further obligation hereunder or otherwise, or Lessee may request additional time (up to an additional 30 days in total) from Lessor to obtain the Permits (such as to e.g. allow the contingency period to extend through a scheduled hearing date on the application for the Permits that falls outside the initial 30-day period) and Lessor shall not unreasonably deny such request. If Lessee does not deliver timely written notice to Lessor within the initial 30 day time period after the Effective Date (as may be extended in writing for up to 30 additional days) the Permit Contingency shall thereafter be void.

2.5 Lessee as Prior Owner/Occupant . The warranties made by Lessor in Paragraph 2 shall be of no force or effect if immediately prior to the Start Date Lessee was the owner or occupant of the Premises. In such event, Lessee shall be responsible for any necessary corrective work.

3. Term .

3.1 Term. The Commencement Date, Expiration Date and Original Term of this Lease are as specified in Paragraph 1.3.

3.2 Early Possession . Any provision herein granting Lessee Early Possession of the Premises is subject to and conditioned upon the Premises being available for such possession prior to the Commencement Date. Any grant of Early Possession only conveys a non-exclusive right to occupy the Premises. If Lessee totally or partially occupies the Premises prior to the Commencement Date, the obligation to pay Base Rent shall be abated for the period of such Early Possession. All other terms of this Lease (including but not limited to Lessee’s requirement to provide evidence of insurance and to maintain the Premises) shall be in effect during such period. Any such Early Possession shall not affect the Expiration Date.

3.3 Delay In Possession . Lessor agrees to use its best commercially reasonable efforts to deliver possession of the Premises to Lessee by the Commencement Date. If, despite said efforts, Lessor is unable to deliver possession by such date, Lessor shall not be subject to any liability therefor, nor shall such failure affect the validity of this Lease. Lessee shall not, however, be obligated to pay Rent or perform its other obligations until Lessor delivers possession of the Premises and any period of rent abatement that Lessee would otherwise have enjoyed shall run from the date of delivery of possession and continue for a period equal to what Lessee would otherwise have enjoyed under the terms hereof, but minus any days of delay

 

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caused by the acts or omissions of Lessee. If possession is not delivered within 60 days after the Commencement Date, Lessee may, at its option, by notice in writing within 10 days after the end of such 60 day period, cancel this Lease, in which event the Parties shall be discharged from all obligations hereunder. If such written notice is not received by Lessor within said 10 day period, Lessee’s right to cancel shall terminate. If possession of the Premises is not delivered within 120 days after the Commencement Date, this Lease shall terminate unless other agreements are reached between Lessor and Lessee, in writing.

3.4 Lessee Compliance . Lessor shall not be required to deliver possession of the Premises to Lessee until Lessee complies with its obligation to provide evidence of insurance (Paragraph 8.5). Pending delivery of such evidence, Lessee shall be required to perform all of its obligations under this Lease from and after the Start Date, notwithstanding Lessor’s election to withhold possession pending receipt of such evidence of insurance. Further, if Lessee is required to perform any other conditions prior to or concurrent with the Start Date, the Start Date shall occur but Lessor may elect to withhold possession until such conditions are satisfied.

4. Rent .

4.1 Rent Defined . All monetary obligations of Lessee to Lessor under the terms of this Lease (except for the Security Deposit) are deemed to be rent (“Rent”).

4.2 Payment . Lessee shall cause payment of Rent to be received by Lessor in lawful money of the United States, without offset or deduction (except as specifically permitted in this Lease), on or before the day on which it is due. All monetary amounts shall be rounded to the nearest whole dollar. In the event that any invoice prepared by Lessor is inaccurate such inaccuracy shall not constitute a waiver and Lessee shall be obligated to pay the amount set forth in this Lease. Rent for any period during the term hereof which is for less than one full calendar month shall be prorated based upon the actual number of days of said month. Payment of Rent shall be made to Lessor at its address stated herein or to such other persons or place as Lessor may from time to time designate in writing. Acceptance of a payment which is less than the amount then due shall not be a waiver of Lessor’s rights to the balance of such Rent, regardless of Lessor’s endorsement of any check so stating. In the event that any check, draft, or other instrument of payment given by Lessee to Lessor is dishonored for any reason, Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the sum of $25 in addition to any Late Charge and Lessor, at its option, may require all future payments to be made by Lessee to be by cashier’s check. Payments will be applied first to accrued late charges and attorney’s fees, second to accrued interest, then to Base Rent, Operating Expense increase, and any remaining amount to any other outstanding charges or costs.

4.3 Association Fees: None

5. Security Deposit . Lessee shall deposit with Lessor upon execution hereof the Security Deposit as security for Lessee’s faithful performance of its obligations under this Lease. If Lessee fails to pay Rent, or otherwise Defaults under this Lease, Lessor may use, apply or retain all or any portion of said Security Deposit for the payment of any amount already due Lessor, for Rents which will be due in the future, and/or to reimburse or compensate Lessor for any liability, expense, loss or damage which Lessor may suffer or incur by reason thereof. If Lessor uses or applies all or any portion of the Security Deposit, Lessee shall within 10 days after written request therefor deposit monies with Lessor sufficient to restore said Security Deposit to the full amount required by this Lease. If the Base Rent increases during the term of this Lease, Lessee shall, upon written request from Lessor, deposit additional monies with Lessor so that the total amount of the Security Deposit shall at all times bear the same proportion to the increased Base Rent as the initial Security Deposit bore to the initial Base Rent. Should the Agreed Use be amended to accommodate a material change in the business of Lessee or to accommodate a sublessee or assignee, Lessor shall have the right to increase the Security Deposit to the extent necessary, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, to account for any increased wear and tear that the Premises may suffer as a result thereof. If a change in control of Lessee occurs during this Lease and following such change the financial condition of Lessee is, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, significantly reduced, Lessee shall deposit such additional monies with Lessor as shall be sufficient to cause the Security Deposit to be at a commercially reasonable level based on such change in financial condition. Lessor shall not be required to keep the Security Deposit separate from its general accounts. Within 90 days after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessor shall return that portion of the Security Deposit not used or applied by Lessor. No part of the Security Deposit shall be considered to be held in trust, to bear interest or to be prepayment for any monies to be paid by Lessee under this Lease.

 

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6. Use .

6.1 Use . Lessee shall use and occupy the Premises only for the Agreed Use, or any other legal use which is reasonably comparable thereto, and for no other purpose. Lessee shall not use or permit the use of the Premises in a manner that is unlawful, creates damage, waste or a nuisance, or that disturbs occupants of or causes damage to neighboring premises or properties. Lessor shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to any written request for a modification of the Agreed Use, so long as the same will not impair the structural integrity of the improvements on the Premises or the mechanical or electrical systems therein, and/or is not significantly more burdensome to the Premises. If Lessor elects to withhold consent, Lessor shall within 7 days after such request give written notification of same, which notice shall include an explanation of Lessor’s objections to the change in the Agreed Use.

6.2 Hazardous Substances.

(a) Reportable Uses Require Consent . The term “ Hazardous Substance ” as used in this Lease shall mean any product, substance, or waste whose presence, use, manufacture, disposal, transportation, or release, either by itself or in combination with other materials expected to be on the Premises, is either: (i) potentially injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, the environment or the Premises, (ii) regulated or monitored by any governmental authority, or (iii) a basis for potential liability of Lessor to any governmental agency or third party under any applicable statute or common law theory. Hazardous Substances shall include, but not be limited to hydrocarbons, petroleum, gasoline, and/or crude oil or any products, by-products or fractions thereof. Lessee shall not engage in any activity in or on the Premises which constitutes a Reportable Use of Hazardous Substances without the express prior written consent of Lessor and timely compliance (at Lessee’s expense) with all Applicable Requirements. “ Reportable Use ” shall mean (i) the installation or use of any above or below ground storage tank, (ii) the generation, possession, storage, use, transportation, or disposal of a Hazardous Substance that requires a permit from, or with respect to which a report, notice, registration or business plan is required to be filed with, any governmental authority, and/or (iii) the presence at the Premises of a Hazardous Substance with respect to which any Applicable Requirements requires that a notice be given to persons entering or occupying the Premises or neighboring properties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may use any ordinary and customary materials reasonably required to be used in the normal course of the Agreed Use (including so-called “shock oil” in quantities up to two (2) barrels), ordinary office supplies (copier toner, liquid paper, glue, etc.) and common household cleaning materials, so long as such use is in compliance with all Applicable Requirements and does not expose the Premises or neighboring property to any meaningful risk of contamination or damage or expose Lessor to any liability therefor. In addition, Lessor may condition its consent to any Reportable Use upon receiving such additional assurances as Lessor reasonably deems necessary to protect itself, the public, the Premises and/or the environment against damage, contamination, injury and/or liability, including, but not limited to, the installation (and removal on or before Lease expiration or termination) of protective modifications (such as concrete encasements) and/or increasing the Security Deposit.

(b) Duty to Inform Lessor . If Lessee knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that a Hazardous Substance has come to be located in, on, under or about the Premises, other than as previously consented to by Lessor, Lessee shall immediately give written notice of such fact to Lessor, and provide Lessor with a copy of any report, notice, claim or other documentation which it has concerning the presence of such Hazardous Substance.

(c) Lessee Remediation. Lessee shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Substance to be spilled or released in, on, under, or about the Premises (including through the plumbing or sanitary sewer system) and shall promptly, at Lessee’s expense, comply with all Applicable Requirements and take all investigatory and/or remedial action reasonably recommended, whether or not formally ordered or required, for the cleanup of any contamination of, and for the maintenance, security and/or monitoring of the Premises or neighboring properties, that was caused or materially contributed to by Lessee, or pertaining to or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises during the term of this Lease, by or for Lessee, or any third party.

(d) Lessee Indemnification . Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessor, its agents, employees, lenders and ground Lessor, if any, harmless from and against any and all loss of rents and/or damages, liabilities, judgments, claims, expenses, penalties, and attorneys’ and consultants’ fees arising out of or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party during the Lease term, (provided, however, that Lessee shall have no liability under this Lease with respect to underground or over ground migration of any Hazardous Substance under, upon or about the Premises from adjacent properties or any other pre-existing condition on the Premises not caused by Lessee). Lessee’s obligations shall include, but not be limited to, the effects of any contamination or injury to person, property or the environment created or suffered by Lessee, and the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement. Upon the expiration or termination of this Lease, including any extension hereunder, Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, have the Premises inspected for Hazardous Substances and upon passing such inspection, Lessor agrees to release, and shall release, Lessee from ail obligations with respect to Hazardous Substances and shall execute such a complete and total release in writing in accordance with California Law.

 

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(e) Lessor Indemnification . Lessor and its successors and assigns shall indemnify, defend, reimburse and hold Lessee, its employees and lenders, harmless from and against any and all environmental damages, including the cost of remediation, which result from Hazardous Substances which existed on the Premises prior to Lessee’s occupancy or which are caused by the Lessor, its agents or employees. Lessor’s obligations, as and when required by the Applicable Requirements, shall include, but not be limited to the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement, and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.

(f) Investigations and Remediation’s . Lessor shall retain the responsibility and pay for any investigations or remediation measures required by governmental entities having jurisdiction with respect to the existence of Hazardous Substances on the Premises prior to Lessee’s occupancy, unless such remediation measure is required as a result of Lessee’s use (including “Alterations” as defined in paragraph 7.3(a) below) of the Premises, in which event Lessee shall be responsible for such payment. Lessee shall cooperate fully in any such activities at the request of Lessor, including allowing Lessor and Lessor’s agents to have reasonable access to the Premises at reasonable times in order to carry out Lessor’s investigative and remedial responsibilities.

(g) Lessor Termination Option . If a Hazardous Substance Condition (see Paragraph 9.1(e)) occurs during the term of this Lease, unless Lessee is legally responsible therefor (in which case Lessee shall make the investigation and remediation thereof required by the Applicable Requirements and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, but subject to Lessor’s rights under Paragraph 6.2(d) and Paragraph 13), Lessor may, at Lessor’s option, either (i) investigate and remediate such Hazardous Substance Condition, if required, as soon as reasonably possible at Lessor’s expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) if the estimated cost to remediate such condition exceeds 12 times the then monthly Base Rent or $100,000, whichever is greater, give written notice to Lessee, within 30 days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such Hazardous Substance Condition, of Lessor’s desire to terminate this Lease as of the date 60 days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to give a termination notice, Lessee may, within 10 days thereafter, give written notice to Lessor of Lessee’s commitment to pay the amount by which the cost of the remediation of such Hazardous Substance Condition exceeds an amount equal to 12 times the then monthly Base Rent or $100,000, whichever is greater Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within 30 days following such commitment. In such event, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such remediation as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not give such notice and provide the required funds or assurance thereof within the time provided, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in Lessor’s notice of termination.

6.3 Lessee’s Compliance with Applicable Requirements . Except as otherwise provided in this Lease, Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, fully, diligently and in a timely manner, materially comply with all Applicable Requirements (as they relate to any Alterations, Utility Installations, or Trade Fixtures Lessee constructs or installs within the Premises during the term of the Lease or any lease extensions thereof), the requirements of any applicable fire insurance underwriter or rating bureau, and the recommendations of Lessor’s engineers and/or consultants which relate in any manner to the such Requirements, without regard to whether such Requirements are now in effect or become effective after the Start Date. Lessee shall, within 10 days after receipt of Lessor’s written request, provide Lessor with copies of all permits and other documents, and other information evidencing Lessee’s compliance with any Applicable Requirements specified by Lessor, and shall immediately upon receipt notify Lessor in writing (with copies of any documents involved) of any threatened or actual claim, notice, citation, warning, complaint or report pertaining to or involving the failure of Lessee or the Premises to comply with any Applicable Requirements. Likewise, Lessee shall immediately give written notice to Lessor of: (i) any water damage to the Premises and any suspected seepage, pooling, dampness or other condition conducive to the production of mold; or (ii) any mustiness or other odors that might indicate the presence of mold in the Premises.

6.4 Inspection; Compliance . Lessor and Lessor’s “ Lender ” (as defined in Paragraph 30) and consultants shall have the right to enter into Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times after reasonable notice, for the purpose of inspecting the condition of the Premises and for verifying compliance by Lessee with this Lease. The cost of any such inspections shall be paid by Lessor, unless a violation of Applicable Requirements, or a Hazardous Substance Condition (see paragraph 9.1) is found to exist or be imminent, or the inspection is requested or ordered by a governmental authority. In such case, Lessee shall upon request, reimburse Lessor for the cost of such inspection, so long as such inspection is reasonably related to the violation or contamination. In addition, Lessee shall provide copies of all relevant material safety data sheets ( MSDS ) to Lessor within 10 days of the receipt of a written request therefor.

 

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7. Maintenance; Repairs; Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures and Alterations .

7.1 Lessee’s Obligations .

(a) In General . Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 6.3 (Lessee’s Compliance with Applicable Requirements), 7.2 (Lessor’s Obligations), 9 (Damage or Destruction), and 14 (Condemnation), Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, keep the Premises, Utility Installations (intended for Lessee’s exclusive use, no matter where located), and Alterations in good order, condition and repair (whether or not the portion of the Premises requiring repairs, or the means of repairing the same, are reasonably or readily accessible to Lessee, and whether or not the need for such repairs occurs as a result of Lessee’s use, any prior use, the elements or the age of such portion of the Premises), including, but not limited to, all equipment or facilities, such as plumbing, HVAC equipment, electrical, lighting facilities, boilers, pressure vessels, fire protection system, fixtures, non-structural walls (interior and exterior), ceilings, floors, windows, doors, plate glass, skylights, landscaping, maintaining the surface of the parking lots,, signs, serving the Premises. Lessee is also responsible for keeping the roof and roof drainage clean and free of debris. Lessor shall keep the surface and structural elements of the roof, foundations, and bearing walls in good repair along with driveways, structural elements of the parking lot, fences retaining walls, truck wells, sidewalks and parkways or other cement structures serving the Premises. (see paragraph 7.2). Lessee, in keeping the Premises in good order, condition and repair, shall exercise and perform good maintenance practices including the proper servicing of all systems within the Premises by qualified technicians at regular intervals as recommended by the service contractor or manufacturer, specifically including the procurement and maintenance of the service contracts required by Paragraph 7.1(b) below. Lessee’s obligations shall include restorations, replacements or renewals when necessary to keep the Premises and all improvements thereon or a part thereof in good order, condition and state of repair. Lessee shall, during the term of this Lease, keep the exterior appearance of the Building in a first-class condition (including, e.g. graffiti removal) consistent with the exterior appearance of other similar facilities of comparable age and size in the vicinity, including, when necessary, the exterior repainting of the Building.

(b) Service Contracts . Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, either retain qualified repair personnel, or procure and maintain contracts (in customary form and substance) with third party contractors specializing and experienced in the maintenance of the following equipment and improvements, if any, if and when installed on the Premises: (i) HVAC equipment, (ii) elevator equipment, and (iii) fire extinguishing systems. In either case, Lessee shall bear the responsibility for adequate repair and maintenance of such systems.

(c) Failure to Perform . If Lessee fails to perform Lessee’s obligations under this Paragraph 7.1, Lessor may enter upon the Premises after 30 days’ prior written notice to Lessee (except in the case of an emergency, in which case no notice shall be required), perform such obligations on Lessee’s behalf, and put the Premises in good order, condition and repair, and Lessee shall promptly pay to Lessor a sum equal to 115% of the cost thereof.

(d) Replacement . Subject to Lessee’s indemnification of Lessor as set forth in Paragraph 8.7 below, and without relieving Lessee of liability resulting from Lessee’s failure to exercise and perform good maintenance practices, if an item described in Paragraph 7.1(b) cannot be repaired other than at a cost which is in excess of 50% of the cost of replacing such item, then such item shall be replaced by Lessor, and the cost thereof shall be prorated between the Parties and Lessee shall only be obligated to pay, each month during the remainder of the term of this Lease, on the date on which Base Rent is due, an amount equal to the product of multiplying the cost of such replacement by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months of remaining lease term, and the denominator of which is the useful life of the particular item or Capital Improvement as defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Lessee shall pay Interest on the unamortized balance but may prepay its obligation at any time.

7.2 Lessor’s Obligations . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1 as well as Paragraphs 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 9 (Damage or Destruction) and 14 (Condemnation), it is intended by the Parties hereto that Lessor have no obligation, in any manner whatsoever, to repair and maintain the Premises, or the equipment therein, all of which obligations are intended to be that of the Lessee, except for the surface and structural elements of the roof, foundations and bearing walls, driveways, structural elements of the parking lot, fences, retaining walls, truck wells, sidewalks, parkways or other cement structures serving the Premises, the repair of which shall be the responsibility of Lessor upon receipt of written notice that such a repair is necessary. It is the intention of the Parties that the terms of this Lease govern the respective obligations of the Parties as to maintenance and repair of the Premises, and they expressly waive the benefit of any statute now or hereafter in effect to the extent it is inconsistent with the terms of this Lease.

 

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7.3 Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures; Alterations.

(a) Definitions . The term “ Utility Installations ” refers to all pre-existing floor and window coverings, air and/or vacuum lines, power panels, electrical distribution, security and fire protection systems, communication cabling, lighting fixtures, HVAC equipment, plumbing, and fencing in or on the Premises. The term “ Trade Fixtures ” shall mean Lessee’s inventory, machinery and equipment that can be removed without doing material damage to the Premises. The word “ material ” as used in this Section 7 or in reference to same, shall mean the cost of repairs or replacement necessitated by Lessee’s removal of a particular Trade Fixture, Utility Installation, or Alteration, as defined herein, which would exceed $1,000.00 in repair costs. The term “ Alterations ” shall mean any modification of the improvements, other than Utility Installations or Trade Fixtures, whether by addition or deletion. “ Lessee Owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations ” are defined as Alterations and/or Utility Installations made by Lessee that are not yet owned by Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 7.4(a). “ Lessee Exclusive Trade Fixtures ” are defined as that machinery, equipment, or any other item specifically installed at Lessee’s own expense to support Lessees operation regardless of the method of attachment to the Premises. During the term of this lease or any extension thereof or during any holdover period, Lessee may remove from the Premises, at any time, any Lessee Exclusive Trade Fixture provided Lessee repairs the damage resulting from the removal and restores the Premise to the condition prior to the installation. Prior to the installation of any Lessee Exclusive Trade Fixtures, Lessee shall, in addition to the other requirements of installation as specified in the Lease, also notify Lessor that the Installation or improvement contemplated shall be defined as a Lessee Exclusive Trade Fixture.

(b) Consent . Lessee shall not make any Alterations or Utility Installations to the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent Lessee may, however, make non-structural Alterations or Utility Installations to the interior of the Premises (excluding the roof) without such consent but upon notice to Lessor, as long as they are not visible from the outside, do not involve puncturing, relocating or removing the roof or any existing walls, will not affect the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and/or life safety systems, and the cumulative cost thereof during this Lease as extended does not exceed a sum equal to 3 month’s Base Rent in the aggregate or a sum equal to one month’s Base rent any one year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall not make or permit any roof penetrations and/or install anything on the roof without the prior written approval of Lessor. Lessor may, as a precondition to granting such approval, require Lessee to utilize a contractor licensed and insured in the State of California and chosen or approved by Lessor, in the reasonable exercise of Lessor’s discretion. Any Alterations or Utility Installations that Lessee shall desire to make and which require the consent of the Lessor shall be presented to Lessor in written form with detailed plans. Consent shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee’s: (i) acquiring all applicable governmental permits, (ii) furnishing Lessor with copies of both the permits and the plans and specifications prior to commencement of the work, and (iii) compliance with all conditions of said permits and other Applicable Requirements in a prompt and expeditious manner, Any Alterations or Utility Installations shall be performed in a workmanlike manner with good and sufficient materials. Lessee shall promptly, upon completion, furnish Lessor with as-built plans and specifications. For work which costs an amount in excess of one month’s Base Rent, Lessor may condition its consent upon Lessee providing a lien and completion bond in an amount equal to 150% of the estimated cost of such Alteration or Utility installation and/or upon Lessee’s posting an additional Security Deposit with Lessor.

(c) Liens; Bonds . Lessee shall pay, when due, all claims for labor or materials furnished or alleged to have been furnished to or for Lessee at or for use on the Premises, which claims are or may be secured by any mechanic’s or materialmen’s lien against the Premises or any interest therein. Lessee shall give Lessor not less than 10 days notice prior to the commencement of any work in, on or about the Premises, and Lessor shall have the right to post notices of non-responsibility. If Lessee shall contest the validity of any such lien, claim or demand, then Lessee shall, at its sole expense defend and protect itself, Lessor and the Premises against the same and shall pay and satisfy any such adverse judgment that may be rendered thereon before the enforcement thereof. If Lessor shall require, Lessee shall furnish a surety bond in an amount equal to 150% of the amount of such contested lien, claim or demand, indemnifying Lessor against liability for the same. If Lessor elects to participate in any such action, Lessee shall pay Lessor’s attorneys’ fees and costs.

7.4 Ownership; Removal; Surrender; and Restoration.

(a) Ownership . Subject to Lessor’s right to require removal or elect ownership as hereinafter provided, all Alterations and Utility Installations made by Lessee shall be the property of Lessee, but considered a part of the Premises. Lessor may, at any time, elect in writing to be the owner of all or any specified part of the Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations (other than any Lessee Exclusive Trade Fixtures). Unless otherwise instructed per paragraph 7.4(b) hereof, all such Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations shall, at the expiration or termination of this Lease, become the property of Lessor and be surrendered by Lessee with the Premises.

(b) Removal . By delivery to Lessee of written notice from Lessor not earlier than 90 and not later than 30 days prior to the end of the term of this Lease, Lessor may require that any or all Lessee Owned Alterations or Utility Installations (and any Lessee Exclusive Trade Fixtures) be removed by the expiration or termination of this Lease. Lessor may require the removal at any time of all or any part of any such Lessee Owned Alterations or Utility Installations made without the required consent.

 

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(c) Surrender; Restoration . Lessee shall surrender the Premises by the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date, with all of the improvements, parts and surfaces thereof broom clean and free of debris, and in good operating order, condition and state of repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted. “Ordinary wear and tear” shall not include any damage or deterioration that would have been prevented by good maintenance practice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Lease is for 12 months or less, then Lessee shall surrender the Premises in the same condition as delivered to Lessee on the Start Date with NO allowance for ordinary wear and tear. Lessee shall repair any damage occasioned by the installation, maintenance or removal of Trade Fixtures, Lessee owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations, furnishings, and equipment as well as the removal of any storage tank installed by or for Lessee. Lessee shall completely remove from the Premises any and all Hazardous Substances brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party (except Hazardous Substances which were deposited via underground or over ground migration from areas outside of the Premises) even if such removal would require Lessee to perform or pay for work that exceeds statutory requirements. Trade Fixtures shall remain the property of Lessee and shall be removed by Lessee. Any personal property of Lessee not removed on or before the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date shall be deemed to have been abandoned by Lessee and may be disposed of or retained by Lessor as Lessor may desire. The failure by Lessee to timely vacate the Premises pursuant to this Paragraph 7.4(c) without the express written consent of Lessor shall constitute a holdover under the provisions of Paragraph 26 below.

8. Insurance; indemnity.

8.1 Payment of Premium Increases.

(a) Lessee shall pay to Lessor any insurance cost increase (“ Insurance Cost Increase ”) occurring during the term of this Lease. Insurance Cost Increase is defined as any increase in the actual cost of the insurance required under Paragraph 8.2(b), 8.3(a) and 8.3(b) (“ Required Insurance ”), over and above the Base Premium as hereinafter defined calculated on an annual basis. Insurance Cost Increase shall include, but not be limited to, increases resulting from the nature of Lessee’s occupancy, any act or omission of Lessee, requirements of the holder of mortgage or deed of trust covering the Premises, increased valuation of the Premises and/or a premium rate increase. The parties are encouraged to fill in the Base Premium in Paragraph 1.8 with a reasonable premium for the Required Insurance based on the Agreed Use of the Premises. If the parties fail to insert a dollar amount in Paragraph 1.8, then the Base Premium shall be the lowest annual premium reasonably obtainable for the Required Insurance as of the commencement of the Original Term for the Agreed Use of the Premises. In no event, however, shall Lessee be responsible for any portion of the increase in the premium cost attributable to liability insurance carried by Lessor under Paragraph 8.2(b) in excess of $2,000,000 per occurrence.

(b) Lessee shall pay any such Insurance Cost Increase to Lessor within 30 days after receipt by Lessee of a copy of the premium statement or other reasonable evidence of the amount due. If the insurance policies maintained hereunder cover other property besides the Premises, Lessor shall also deliver to Lessee a statement of the amount of such Insurance Cost Increase attributable only to the Premises showing in reasonable detail the manner in which such amount was computed. Premiums for policy periods commencing prior to, or extending beyond the term of this Lease shall be prorated to correspond to the term of this Lease.

8.2 Liability Insurance.

(a) Carried by Lessee . Lessee shall obtain and keep in force a Commercial General Liability policy of insurance protecting Lessee and Lessor as an additional insured against claims for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage based upon or arising out of the ownership, use, occupancy or maintenance of the Premises and all areas appurtenant thereto. Such insurance shall be on an occurrence basis providing single limit coverage in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence with an annual aggregate of not less than $2,000,000. Lessee shall add Lessor as an additional insured by means of an endorsement at least as broad as the Insurance Service Organization’s “Additional Insured-Managers or Lessor’s of Premises” Endorsement. The policy shall not contain any intra-insured exclusions as between insured persons or organizations, but shall include coverage for liability assumed under this Lease as an “ insured contract ” for the performance of Lessee’s indemnity obligations under this Lease. The limits of said insurance shall not, however, limit the liability of Lessee nor relieve Lessee of any obligation hereunder. Lessee shall provide an endorsement on its liability policy(ies) which provides that its insurance shah be primary to and not contributory with any similar insurance carried by Lessor, whose insurance shall be considered excess insurance only.

 

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(b) Carried by Lessor . Lessor shall maintain liability insurance as described in Paragraph 8.2(a), in addition to, and not in lieu of, the insurance required to be maintained by Lessee. Lessee shall not be named as an additional insured therein.

8.3 Property Insurance—Building, Improvements and Rental Value.

(a) Building and Improvements . The Insuring Party shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor, with loss payable to Lessor, any ground-lessor, and to any Lender insuring loss or damage to the Premises. The amount of such insurance shall be equal to the full insurable replacement cost of the Premises, as the same shall exist from time to time, or the amount required by any Lender, but in no event more than the commercially reasonable and available insurable value thereof. Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, and Lessee’s personal property shall be insured by Lessee as required under Paragraph 8.4 rather than by Lessor. If the coverage is available and commercially appropriate, such policy or policies shall insure against all risks of direct physical loss or damage (except the perils of flood and/or earthquake unless required by a Lender or included in the Base Premium), including coverage for debris removal and the enforcement of any Applicable Requirements requiring the upgrading, demolition, reconstruction or replacement of any portion of the Premises as the result of a covered loss. Said policy or policies shall also contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, waiver of subrogation, and inflation guard protection causing an increase in the annual property insurance coverage amount by a factor of not less than the adjusted U S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the city nearest to where the Premises are located. If such insurance coverage has a deductible clause, the deductible amount shall not exceed $ 5,000 per occurrence, and Lessee shall be liable for such deductible amount in the event of an Insured Loss.

(b) Rental Value . The Insuring Party shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor with loss payable to Lessor and any Lender, insuring the loss of the full Rent for one year with an extended period of indemnity for an additional 180 days (“ Rental Value insurance ”). Said insurance shall contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause and the amount of coverage shall be adjusted annually to reflect the projected Rent otherwise payable by Lessee for the next 12 month period. Lessee shall be liable for any deductible amount in the event of such loss.

(c) Adjacent Premises . If the Premises are part of a larger building or a group of buildings owned by Lessor which are adjacent to the Premises, the Lessee shall pay for any increase in the Premiums for the property insurance of such building or buildings if said increase is caused by Lessee’s acts, omissions, use or occupancy of the Premises.

8.4 Lessee’s Property; Business Interruption Insurance; Worker’s Compensation Insurance.

(a) Property Damage . Lessee shall obtain and maintain insurance coverage on all of Lessee’s personal property, Trade Fixtures, and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Such insurance shall be full replacement cost coverage with a deductible of not to exceed $1,000 per occurrence. The proceeds from any such insurance shall be used by Lessee for the replacement of personal property, Trade Fixtures, Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Lessee shall provide Lessor with written evidence that such insurance is in force.

(b) Business Interruption . Lessee shall obtain and maintain loss of income and extra expense insurance in amounts as will reimburse Lessee for direct or indirect loss of earnings attributable to all perils commonly insured against by prudent lessees in the business of Lessee or attributable to prevention of access to the Premises as a result of such perils.

(c) Worker’s Compensation Insurance . Lessee shall obtain and maintain Worker’s Compensation Insurance in such amount as may be required by Applicable Requirements.

(d) No Representation of Adequate Coverage . Lessor makes no representation that the limits or forms of coverage of insurance specified herein are adequate to cover Lessee’s property, business operations or obligations under this Lease.

8.5 Insurance Policies . Insurance required herein shall be by companies maintaining during the policy term a “General Policyholders Rating” of at least A-, VII, as set forth in the most current issue of “Best’s Insurance Guide”, or such other rating as may be required by a Lender. Lessee shall not do or permit to be done anything which invalidates the required insurance policies. Lessee shall, prior to the Start Date, deliver to Lessor certified copies of policies of such insurance or certificates with copies of the required endorsements evidencing the existence and amounts of the required insurance. No such policy shall be cancelable or subject to modification except after 30 days prior written notice to Lessor. Lessee shall, at least 10

 

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days prior to the expiration of such policies furnish Lessor with evidence of renewals or “insurance binders” evidencing renewal thereof, or Lessor may order such insurance and charge the cost thereof to Lessee, which amount shall be payable by Lessee to Lessor upon demand. Such policies shall be for a term of at least one year, or the length of the remaining term of this Lease, whichever is less. If either Party shall fail to procure and maintain the insurance required to be carried by it, the other Party may, but shall not be required to, procure and maintain the same.

8.6 Waiver of Subrogation . Without affecting any other rights or remedies, Lessee and Lessor each hereby release and relieve the other and waive their entire right to recover damages against the other, for loss of or damage to its property arising out of or incident to the perils required to be insured against herein. The effect of such releases and waivers is not limited by the amount of insurance carried or required, or by any deductibles applicable hereto. The Parties agree to have their respective property damage insurance carriers waive any right to subrogation that such companies may have against Lessor or Lessee, as the case may be, so long as the insurance is not invalidated thereby.

8.7 Indemnity . Except for Lessor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, Lessee shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless the Premises, Lessor and its agents, Lessor’s master or ground lessor, partners and Lenders, from and against any and all claims, loss of rents and/or damages, liens, judgments, penalties, attorneys’ and consultants’ fees, expenses and/or liabilities arising out of, involving, or in connection with, the use and/or occupancy of the Premises by Lessee, If any action or proceeding is brought against Lessor by reason of any of the foregoing matters, Lessee shall, upon notice, defend the same at Lessee’s expense by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Lessor and Lessor shall cooperate with Lessee in such defense. Lessor need not have first paid any such claim in order to be defended or indemnified.

8.8 Exemption of Lessor and its Agents from Liability . Notwithstanding the negligence or breach of this Lease by Lessor or its agents, neither Lessor nor its agents shall be liable under any circumstances for: (i) injury or damage to the person or goods, wares, merchandise or other property of Lessee, Lessee’s employees, contractors, invitees, customers, or any other person in or about the Premises, whether such damage or injury is caused by or results from fire, steam, electricity, gas, water or rain, indoor air quality, the presence of mold or from the breakage, leakage, obstruction or other defects of pipes, fire sprinklers, wires, appliances, plumbing, HVAC or lighting fixtures, or from any other cause, whether the said injury or damage results from conditions arising upon the Premises or upon other portions of the building of which the Premises are a part, or from other sources or places, (ii) any damages arising from any act or neglect of any other tenant of Lessor or from the failure of Lessor or its agents to enforce the provisions of any other lease in the Project, or (iii) injury to Lessee’s business or for any loss of income or profit therefrom. Instead, it is intended that Lessee’s sole recourse in the event of such damages or injury be to file a claim on the insurance policy(ies) that Lessee is required to maintain pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 8.

8.9 Failure to Provide Insurance . Lessee acknowledges that any failure on its part to obtain or maintain the insurance required herein will expose Lessor to risks and potentially cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the extent of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, for any month or portion thereof that Lessee does not maintain the required insurance and/or does not provide Lessor with the required binders or certificates evidencing the existence of the required insurance, the Base Rent shall be automatically increased, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, by an amount equal to 10% of the then existing Base Rent or $100, whichever is greater. The parties agree that such increase in Base Rent represents fair and reasonable compensation for the additional risk/costs that Lessor will incur by reason of Lessee’s failure to maintain the required insurance. Such increase in Base Rent shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessee’s Default or Breach with respect to the failure to maintain such insurance, prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder, nor relieve Lessee of its obligation to maintain the insurance specified in this Lease.

9. Damage or Destruction.

9.1 Definitions.

(a) “ Premises Partial Damage ” shall mean damage or destruction to the improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, which can reasonably be repaired in 6 months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within 30 days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Premises Partial Damage shall not include damage to windows, doors, and/or other similar items which Lessee has the responsibility to repair or replace pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 7.1.

(b) “ Premises Total Destruction ” shall mean damage or destruction to the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility installations and Trade Fixtures, which cannot reasonably be repaired in 6 months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within 30 days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total.

 

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(c) “ Insured Loss ” shall mean damage or destruction to improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which was caused by an event required to be covered by the insurance described in Paragraph 8.3(a), irrespective of any deductible amounts or coverage limits involved.

(d) “ Replacement Cost ” shall mean the cost to repair or rebuild the improvements owned by Lessor at the time of the occurrence to their condition existing immediately prior thereto, including demolition, debris removal and upgrading required by the operation of Applicable Requirements, and without deduction for depreciation.

(e) “ Hazardous Substance Condition ” shall mean the occurrence or discovery of a condition involving the presence of, or a contamination by, a Hazardous Substance, in, on, or under the Premises which requires restoration.

9.2 Partial Damage—Insured Loss . If a Premises Partial Damage that is an Insured Loss occurs, then Lessor shall, at Lessor’s expense, repair such damage (but not Lessee’s Trade Fixtures or Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations) as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the required insurance was not in force or the insurance proceeds are not sufficient to effect such repair, Lessor shall promptly contribute the shortage in proceeds (except as to the deductible which is Lessee’s responsibility) as and when required to complete said repairs. In the event, however, such shortage was due to the fact that, by reason of the unique nature of the improvements, full replacement cost insurance coverage was not commercially reasonable and available, Lessor shall have no obligation to pay for the shortage in insurance proceeds or to fully restore the unique aspects of the Premises unless Lessee provides Lessor with the funds to cover same, or adequate assurance thereof, within 10 business days following receipt of written notice of such shortage and request therefore. If Lessor receives said funds or adequate assurance thereof within said 10 day period, the party responsible for making the repairs shall complete them as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall remain in full force and effect. If such funds or assurance are not received, Lessor may nevertheless elect by written notice to Lessee within 10 days thereafter to: (i) make such restoration and repair as is commercially reasonable with Lessor paying any shortage in proceeds, in which case this Lease shall remain in full force and effect, or (ii) have this Lease terminate 30 days thereafter. Lessee shall not be entitled to reimbursement of any funds contributed by Lessee to repair any such damage or destruction. Premises Partial Damage due to flood or earthquake shall be subject to Paragraph 9.3, notwithstanding that there may be some insurance coverage, but the net proceeds of any such insurance shall be made available for the repairs if made by either Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 9, Lessee’s maximum contribution to any deductible applicable to this section shall not exceed $5,000.00.

9.3 Partial Damage—Uninsured Loss . If a Premises Partial Damage that is not an Insured Loss occurs, unless caused by a negligent or willful act of Lessee (in which event Lessee shall make the repairs at Lessee’s expense), Lessor may either: (i) repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible at Lessor’s expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) terminate this Lease by giving written notice to Lessee within 30 days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such damage. Such termination shall be effective 30 days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to terminate this Lease, Lessee shall have the right within 10 days after receipt of the termination notice to give written notice to Lessor of Lessee’s commitment to pay for the repair of such damage without reimbursement from Lessor. Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within 30 days after making such commitment. In such event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such repairs as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not make the required commitment, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in the termination notice.

9.4 Total Destruction . Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, if a Premises Total Destruction occurs, this Lease shall terminate 30 days following such Destruction. If the damage or destruction was caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessee, Lessor shall have the right to recover Lessor’s damages from Lessee, except as provided in Paragraph 8.6.

9.5 Damage Near End of Term . If at any time during the last 6 months of this Lease there is damage for which the cost to repair exceeds one month’s Base Rent, whether or not an Insured Loss, Lessor may terminate this Lease effective 60 days following the date of occurrence of such damage by giving a written termination notice to Lessee within 30 days after the date of occurrence of such damage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Lessee at that time has an exercisable option to extend this Lease or to purchase the Premises, then Lessee may preserve this Lease by, (a) exercising such option and (b) providing Lessor with any shortage in insurance proceeds (or adequate assurance thereof) needed to make the repairs on or before the

 

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earlier of (i) the date which is 10 business days after Lessee’s receipt of Lessor’s written notice purporting to terminate this Lease, or (ii) the day prior to the date upon which such option expires. If Lessee duly exercises such option during such period and provides Lessor with funds (or adequate assurance thereof) to cover any shortage in insurance proceeds, Lessor shall, at Lessor’s commercially reasonable expense, repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. If Lessee fails to exercise such option and provide such funds or assurance during such period, then this Lease shall terminate on the date specified in the termination notice and Lessee’s option shall be extinguished.

9.6 Abatement of Rent; Lessee’s Remedies.

(a) Abatement . In the event Lessee’s use is materially impaired in whole or in part by, for example, Premises Partial Damage, Premises Total Destruction, Applicable Requirements Compliance, Condemnation, Damage Near End of Term, or a Hazardous Substance Condition for which Lessee is not responsible under this Lease, the Rent payable by Lessee for the period of impairment and including that period required for the repair, remediation, resolution or restoration shall be abated in proportion to the degree to which Lessee’s use of the Premises is impaired. All other obligations of Lessee hereunder shall be performed by Lessee, and Lessor shall have no liability for any such damage, destruction, remediation, resolution, repair or restoration except as provided herein.

(b) Remedies . If Lessor is obligated to repair or restore the Premises and does not commence, in a substantial and meaningful way, such repair or restoration within 90 days after such obligation shall accrue, Lessee may, at any time prior to the commencement of such repair or restoration, give written notice to Lessor and to any lender of which Lessee has actual notice, of Lessee’s election to terminate this Lease on a date not less than 60 days following the giving of such notice. If Lessee gives such notice and such repair or restoration is not commenced within 30 days thereafter, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in said notice. If the repair or restoration is commenced within such 30 days, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. “ Commence ” shall mean either the unconditional authorization of the preparation of the required plans, or the beginning of the actual work on the Premises, whichever first occurs.

9.7 Termination; Advance Payments . Upon termination of this Lease pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(g) or Paragraph 9, an equitable adjustment shall be made concerning advance Base Rent and any other advance payments made by Lessee to Lessor. Lessor shall, in addition, return to Lessee so much of Lessee’s Security Deposit as has not been, or is not then required to be, used by Lessor.

10. Real Property Taxes.

10.1 Definition . As used herein, the term “ Real Property Taxes ” shall include any form of assessment: real estate, general, special, ordinary or extraordinary, or rental levy or tax (other than inheritance, personal income or estate taxes); improvement bond: and/or license fee imposed upon or levied against any legal or equitable interest of Lessor in the Premises or the Project, Lessor’s right to other income therefrom, and/or Lessor’s business of leasing, by any authority having the direct or indirect power to tax and where the funds are generated with reference to the Building address and where the proceeds so generated are to be applied by the city, county or other local taxing authority of a jurisdiction within which the Premises are located. Real Property Taxes shall also include any tax, fee, levy, assessment or charge, or any increase therein: (i) imposed by reason of events occurring during the term of this Lease, including, but not limited to, a change of ownership of the Premises and (ii) levied or assessed on machinery or equipment provided by Lessor to Lessee pursuant to this Lease; provided however, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, that in no event shall Real Property Taxes mean or include any tax, fee, levy, assessment, charge, bond or other, imposed in relation to a change in ownership of the Premises.

10.2 (a) Payment of Taxes . Lessor shall pay the Real Property Taxes applicable to the Premises provided, however, that Lessee shall pay to Lessor the amount, if any, by which Real Property Taxes applicable to the Premises increase over the fiscal tax year during which the Commencement Date Occurs (“Tax Increase”). Payment of any such Tax Increase shall be made by Lessee to Lessor within 30 days after receipt of Lessor’s written statement setting forth the amount due and computation thereof. If any such taxes shall cover any period of time prior to or after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessee’s share of such taxes shall be prorated to cover only that portion of the tax bill applicable to the period that this Lease is in effect. In the event Lessee incurs a late charge on any Rent payment Lessor may estimate the current Real Property Taxes, and require that the Tax Increase be paid in advance to Lessor by Lessee monthly in advance with the payment of the Base Rent. Such monthly payment shall be an amount equal to the amount of the estimated installment of the Tax Increase divided by the number of months remaining before the month in which said installment becomes delinquent. When the actual amount of the applicable Tax Increase is known, the amount of such equal monthly advance payments shall be adjusted as required to provide the funds needed to pay the applicable Tax increase. If the amount collected by Lessor is insufficient to pay the Tax Increase

 

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when due, Lessee shall pay Lessor, upon demand, such additional sums as are necessary to pay such obligations. Advance payments may be intermingled with other moneys of Lessor and shall not bear interest. In the event of a Breach by Lessee in the performance of its obligations under this Lease, then any such advance payments may be treated by Lessor as an additional Security Deposit.

(b) Additional Improvements . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Paragraph 10.2, Lessee shall pay to Lessor upon demand therefore the entirety of any increase in Real Property Taxes assessed by reason of Alterations or Utility Installations placed upon the Premises by Lessee or at Lessee’s request or by reason of any alterations or improvements to the Premises made by Lessor subsequent to the execution of this Lease by the Parties.

10.3 Joint Assessment . If the Premises are not separately assessed, Lessee’s liability shall be an equitable proportion of the Tax Increase for all of the land and improvements included within the tax parcel assessed; such proportion to be conclusively determined by Lessor from the respective valuations assigned in the assessor’s work sheets or such other information as may be reasonably available.

10.4 Personal Property Taxes . Lessee shall pay, prior to delinquency, all taxes assessed against and levied upon Lessee Owned Alterations, Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all personal property of Lessee. When possible, Lessee shall cause its Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all other personal property to be assessed and billed separately from the real property of Lessor. If any of Lessee’s said property shall be assessed with Lessor’s real property, Lessee shall pay Lessor the taxes attributable to Lessee’s property within 10 days after receipt of a written statement setting forth the taxes applicable to Lessee’s property.

11. Utilities and Services . Lessee shall pay for all water, gas, heat, light power, telephone, trash disposal and other utilities and services supplied to the Premises, together with any taxes thereon. If any such services are not separately metered or billed to Lessee, Lessee shall pay a reasonable proportion, to be determined by Lessor, of all charges jointly metered or billed. There shall be no abatement of rent and Lessor shall not be liable in any respect whatsoever for the inadequacy, stoppage, interruption or discontinuance of any utility or service due to riot, strike, labor dispute, breakdown, accident, repair or other cause beyond Lessor’s reasonable control or in cooperation with governmental request or directions.

12. Assignment and Subletting.

12.1 Lessor’s Consent Required.

(a) Lessee shall not voluntarily or by operation of law, assign, transfer, mortgage or encumber (collectively, “ assign or assignment ”) or sublet all or any part of Lessee’s interest in this Lease or in the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent

(b) Unless is a corporation and its stock is publicly traded on a national stock exchange, a change in the control of Lessee shall constitute and assignment requiring consent. The transfer, on a cumulative basis, of 25% or more of the voting control of Lessee shall constitute a change in control for this purpose.

(c) The involvement of Lessee or its assets in any transaction, or series of transactions (by way of merger, sale, acquisition, financing, transfer, leveraged buyout or otherwise), whether or not a formal assignment or hypothecation of this Lease or Lessee’s assets occurs, which results or will result in a reduction of the Net Worth of Lessee by an amount greater than 25% of such Net Worth as it was represented at the time of execution of this Lease or at the time of the most recent assignment to which Lessor has consented, or as it exists immediately prior to said transaction or transactions constituting such reduction, whichever was or is greater, shall be considered an assignment of this Lease to which Lessor may withhold its consent. “ Net Worth of Lessee ” shall mean the Net Worth of Lessee (excluding any guarantors) established under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

(d) An assignment or subletting without consent shall, at Lessor’s option, be a Default curable after notice per Paragraph 13.1(c), or a noncurable Breach without the necessity of any notice and grace period. If Lessor elects to treat such unapproved assignment or subletting as a noncurable Breach, Lessor may either (i) terminate this Lease, or (ii) upon 30 days written notice, increase the monthly Base Rent to 110% of the Base Rent then in effect. Further, in the event of such Breach and rental adjustment (i) the purchase price of any option to purchase the Premises held by Lessee shall be subject to similar adjustment to 110% of the price previously in effect, and (ii) all fixed and non-fixed rental adjustments scheduled during the remainder of the Lease term shall be increased to 110% of the scheduled adjusted rent.

 

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(e) Lessee’s remedy for any breach of Paragraph 12.1 by Lessor shall be limited to compensatory damages and/or injunctive relief.

(f) Lessor may reasonably withhold consent to a proposed assignment or subletting if Lessee is in Default at the time consent is requested.

(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing, allowing a de minimis portion of the Premises, i.e. 20 square feet or less, to be used by a third party vendor in connection with the installation of a vending machine or payphone shall not constitute a subletting.

12.2 Terms and Conditions Applicable to Assignment and Subletting.

(a) Regardless of Lessor’s consent, no assignment or subletting shall: (i) be effective without the express written assumption by such assignee or sublessee of the obligations of Lessee under this Lease, (ii) release Lessee of any obligations hereunder, or (iii) alter the primary liability of Lessee for the payment of Rent or for the performance of any other obligations to be performed by Lessee.

(b) Lessor may accept Rent or performance of Lessee’s obligations from any person other than Lessee pending approval or disapproval of an assignment. Neither a delay in the approval or disapproval of such assignment nor the acceptance of Rent or performance shall constitute a waiver or estoppel of Lessor’s right to exercise its remedies for Lessee’s Default or Breach.

(c) Lessor’s consent to any assignment or subletting shall not constitute consent to any subsequent assignment or subletting.

(d) In the event of any Default or Breach by Lessee, Lessor may proceed directly against Lessee, any Guarantors or anyone else responsible for the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, including any assignee or sublessee, without first exhausting Lessor’s remedies against any other person or entity responsible therefore to Lessor, or any security held by Lessor.

(e) Each request for consent to an assignment or subletting shall be in writing, accompanied by information relevant to Lessor’s determination as to the financial and operational responsibility and appropriateness of the proposed assignee or sublessee, including but not limited to the intended use and/or required modification of the Premises, if any, together with a fee of $500 as consideration for Lessor’s considering and processing said request. Lessee agrees to provide Lessor with such other or additional information and/or documentation as may be reasonably requested. (See also Paragraph 36)

(f) Any assignee of, or sublessee under, this Lease shall, by reason of accepting such assignment, entering into such sublease, or entering into possession of the Premises or any portion thereof, be deemed to have assumed and agreed to conform and comply with each and every term, covenant, condition and obligation herein to be observed or performed by Lessee during the term of said assignment or sublease, other than such obligations as are contrary to or inconsistent with provisions of an assignment or sublease to which Lessor has specifically consented to in writing.

(g) Lessor’s consent to any assignment or subletting shall not transfer to the assignee or sublessee any Option granted to the original Lessee by this Lease unless such transfer is specifically consented to by Lessor in writing. (See Paragraph 39.2)

12.3 Additional Terms and Conditions Applicable to Subletting. The following terms and conditions shall apply to any subletting by Lessee of all or any part of the Premises and shall be deemed included in all subleases under this Lease whether or not expressly incorporated therein:

(a) Lessee hereby assigns and transfers to Lessor ail of Lessee’s interest in ail Rent payable on any sublease, and Lessor may collect such Rent and apply same toward Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, provided, however, that until a Breach shall occur in the performance of Lessee’s obligations, Lessee may collect said Rent. In the event that the amount collected by Lessor exceeds Lessee’s then outstanding obligations any such excess shall be refunded to Lessee. Lessor shall not, by reason of the foregoing or any assignment of such sublease, nor by reason of the collection of Rent, be deemed liable to the sub lessee for any failure of Lessee to perform and comply with any of Lessee’s obligations to such sublessee. Lessee hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs any such sublessee, upon receipt of a written notice from Lessor stating that a Breach exists in the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, to pay to Lessor all Rent due and to become due under the sublease. Sublessee shall rely upon any such notice from Lessor and shall pay all Rents to Lessor without any obligation or right to inquire as to whether such Breach exists, notwithstanding any claim from Lessee to the contrary.

 

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(b) In the event of a Breach by Lessee, Lessor may, at its option, require sublessee to attorn to Lessor, in which event Lessor shall undertake the obligations of the sublessor under such sublease from the time of the exercise of said option to the expiration of such sublease; provided, however, Lessor shall not be liable for any prepaid rents or security deposit paid by such sub lessee to such sublessor or for any prior Defaults or Breaches of such sublessor.

(c) Any matter requiring the consent of the “Lessor” under this Lease, with regard to any sublease shall also require consent of the Lessor, as master lessor.

(d) No sub lessee shall further assign or sublet all or any part of the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent.

(e) Lessor shall deliver a copy of any notice of Default or Breach by Lessee to the sublessee who shall have the right to cure the Default of Lessee within the grace period, if any, specified in such notice. The sublessee shall have a right of reimbursement and offset from and against Lessee for any such Defaults cured by the sublessee.

13. Default; Breach; Remedies.

13.1 Default; Breach . A “ Default ” is defined as a failure by the Lessee to comply with or perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions or Rules and Regulations under this Lease. A “ Breach ” is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Defaults, and the failure of Lessee to cure such Default within any applicable grace period:

(a) The abandonment of the Premises; or the vacating of the Premises without providing a commercially reasonable level of security, or where the coverage of the property insurance described in Paragraph 8.3 is jeopardized as a result thereof, or without providing reasonable assurances to minimize potential vandalism.

(b) The failure of Lessee to make any payment of Rent or any Security Deposit required to be made by Lessee hereunder, whether to Lessor or to a third party, when due, to provide reasonable evidence of insurance or surety bond, or to fulfill any obligation under this Lease which endangers or threatens life or property, where such failure continues for a period of 3 business days following written notice to Lessee. THE ACCEPTANCE BY LESSOR OF A PARTIAL PAYMENT OF RENT OR SECURITY DEPOSIT SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF ANY OF LESSOR’S RIGHTS, INCLUDING LESSOR’S RIGHT TO RECOVER POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES.

(c) The failure of Lessee to allow Lessor and/or its agents access to the Premises after an advance 24 hour notice or the commission of waste act or acts constituting public or private nuisance, and/or an illegal activity on the Premises by Lessee, where such actions continue for a period of 3 business days following written notice to Lessee.

(d) The failure by Lessee to provide (i) reasonable written evidence of compliance with Applicable Requirements, (ii) evidence of the maintenance program or the Service Contracts required by Section 7.1(b) (iii) the rescission of an unauthorized assignment or subletting, (iv) an Estoppel Certificate or financial statements, (v) a requested subordination, (vi) evidence concerning any guaranty and/or Guarantor, (vii) any document requested under Paragraph 42, (viii) material safety data sheets (MSDS), or (ix) any other documentation or information which Lessor may reasonably require of Lessee under the terms of this Lease, where any such failure continues for a period of 10 days following written notice to Lessee.

(e) A default by Lessee as to the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease, or of the rules adopted under Paragraph 40 hereof, other than those described in subparagraphs 13.1(a), (b), (c) or (d), above, where such Default continues for a period of 30 days after written notice; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessee’s Default is such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its cure, then it shall not be deemed to be a Breach if Lessee commences such cure within said 30 day period and thereafter diligently prosecutes such cure to completion.

(f) The occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the making of any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; (ii) becoming a “ debtor ” as defined in 11 U.S.C. §101 or any successor statute thereto (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Lessee, the same is dismissed within 60 days); (iii) the appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of Lessee’s assets located at the Premises or of Lessee’s interest in this Lease, where possession is not restored to Lessee within 30 days; or (iv) the attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of substantially all of Lessee’s

 

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assets located at the Premises or of Lessee’s interest in this Lease, where such seizure is not discharged within 30 days; provided, however, in the event that any provision of this subparagraph (e) is contrary to any applicable law, such provision shall be of no force or effect, and not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

(g) The discovery that any financial statement of Lessee or of any Guarantor given to Lessor was materially false.

13.2 Remedies . If Lessee fails to perform any of its affirmative duties or obligations, within 10 days after written notice (or in case of an emergency, without notice), Lessor may, at its option, perform such duty or obligation on Lessee’s behalf, including but not limited to the obtaining of reasonably required bonds, insurance policies, or governmental licenses, permits or approvals. Lessee shall pay to Lessor an amount equal to 115% of the costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in such performance upon receipt of an invoice therefore In the event of a Breach, Lessor may, with or without further notice or demand, and without limiting Lessor in the exercise of any right or remedy which Lessor may have by reason of such Breach:

(a) Terminate Lessee’s right to possession of the Premises by any Lawful means, in which case this Lease shall terminate and Lessee shall immediately surrender possession to Lessor. In such event Lessor shall be entitled to recover from Lessee: (i) the unpaid Rent which had been earned at the time of termination; (ii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent which would have been earned after termination until the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental toss that the Lessee proves could have been reasonably avoided; (iii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the Lessee proves could be reasonably avoided; and (iv) any other amount necessary to compensate Lessor for all the detriment proximately caused by the Lessee’s failure to perform its obligations under this Lease or which in the ordinary course of things would be likely to result therefrom, including but not limited to the cost of recovering possession of the Premises, expenses of reletting, including necessary renovation and alteration of the Premises, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and that portion of any leasing commission paid by Lessor in connection with this Lease applicable to the unexpired term of this Lease. The worth at the time of award of the amount referred to in provision (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be computed by discounting such amount at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of the District within which the Premises are located at the time of award plus one percent. Efforts by Lessor to mitigate damages caused by Lessee’s Breach of this Lease shall not waive Lessor’s right to recover damages under Paragraph 12. If termination of this Lease is obtained through the provisional remedy of unlawful detainer, Lessor shall have the right to recover in such proceeding any unpaid Rent and damages as are recoverable therein, and may reserve the right to recover all or any part thereof in a separate suit. If a notice and grace period required under Paragraph 13.1 was not previously given, a notice to pay rent or quit, or to perform or quit given to Lessee under the unlawful detainer statute shall also constitute the notice required by Paragraph 13.1. In such case, the applicable grace period required by Paragraph 13.1 and the unlawful detainer statute shall run concurrently, and the failure of Lessee to cure the Default within the greater of the two such grace periods shall constitute both an unlawful detainer and a Breach of this Lease entitling Lessor to the remedies provided for in this Lease and/or by said statute.

(b) Continue the Lease and Lessee’s right to possession and recover the Rent as it becomes due, in which event Lessee may sublet or assign, subject only to reasonable limitations. Acts of maintenance, efforts to relet, and / or the appointment of a receiver to protect the Lessor’s interests, shad not constitute a termination of the Lessee’s right to possession.

(c) Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available under the laws or judicial decisions of the state wherein the Premises are located. The expiration or termination of this Lease and/or the termination of Lessee’s right to possession shall not relieve Lessee from liability under any indemnity provisions of this Lease as to matters occurring or accruing during the term hereof or by reason of Lessee’s occupancy of the Premises.

13.3 Inducement Recapture . Any agreement for free or abated rent or other charges, or for the giving or paying by Lessor to or for Lessee of any cash or other bonus, inducement or consideration for Lessee’s entering into this Lease, all of which concessions are hereinafter referred to as “ Inducement Provisions ,” shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee’s full and faithful performance of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease. Upon Breach of this Lease by Lessee, any such Inducement Provision shall automatically be deemed deleted from this Lease and of no further force or effect, and any rent, other charge, bonus, inducement or consideration theretofore abated, given or paid by Lessor under such an Inducement Provision shall be immediately due and payable by Lessee to Lessor, notwithstanding any subsequent cure of said Breach by Lessee. The acceptance by Lessor of rent or the cure of the Breach which initiated the operation of this paragraph shall not be deemed a waiver by Lessor of the provisions of this paragraph unless specifically so stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such acceptance.

 

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13.4 Late Charges . Lessee hereby acknowledges that late payment by Lessee of Rent will cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the exact amount of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Such costs include, but are not limited to, processing and accounting charges, and late charges which may be imposed upon Lessor by any Lender. Accordingly, if any Rent shall not be received by Lessor within 10 days after such amount shall be due, then, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, Lessee shall immediately pay to Lessor a one-time late charge equal to 5 % of each such overdue amount or $100, whichever is greater. The Parties hereby agree that such late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs Lessor will incur by reason of such late payment. Acceptance of such late charge by Lessor shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessee’s Default or Breach with respect to such overdue amount, nor prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder. In the event that a late charge is payable hereunder, whether or not collected, for 3 consecutive installments of Base Rent, then notwithstanding any provision of this Lease to the contrary, Base Rent shall, at Lessor’s option, become due and payable quarterly in advance.

13.5 Interest . Any monetary payment due Lessor hereunder, other than late charges, not received by Lessor, when due as to scheduled payments (such as Base Rent) or within 30 days following the date on which it was due for non-scheduled payment, shall bear interest from the date when due, as to scheduled payments, or the 31st day after it was due as to non-scheduled payments. The interest (“ Interest ”) charged shall be computed at the rate of 5 % per annum but shall not exceed the maximum rate allowed by law. Interest is payable in addition to the potential late charge provided for in Paragraph 13.4.

13.6 Breach by Lessor.

(a) Notice of Breach . Lessor shall not be deemed in breach of this Lease unless Lessor fails within a reasonable time to perform an obligation required to be performed by Lessor. For purposes of this Paragraph, a reasonable time shall in no event be less than 30 days after receipt by Lessor and any lender whose name and address have been furnished Lessee in writing for such purpose, of written notice specifying wherein such obligation of Lessor has not been performed; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessor’s obligation is such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its performance, then Lessor shall not be in breach if performance is commenced within such 30 day period and thereafter diligently pursued to completion.

(b) Performance by Lessee on Behalf of Lessor . In the event that neither Lessor nor lender cures said breach within 30 days after receipt of said notice, or if having commenced said cure they do not diligently pursue it to completion, then Lessee may elect to cure said breach at Lessee’s expense and offset from Rent the actual and reasonable cost to perform such cure provided however, that such offset shall not exceed an amount equal to the greater of one month’s Base Rent or the Security deposit, reserving Lessee’s right to seek reimbursement form Lessor for any such expense in excess of such offset. Lessee shall document the cost of said cure and supply said documentation to Lessor.

14. Condemnation. If the Premises or any portion thereof are taken under the power of eminent domain or sold under the threat of the exercise of said power (collectively “ Condemnation ”), this Lease shall terminate as to the part taken as of the date the condemning authority takes title or possession, whichever first occurs. If more than 10% of the Building or more than 25% of that portion of the Premises not occupied by any building, is taken by Condemnation, Lessee may, at Lessee’s option, to be exercised in writing within 10 days after Lessor shall have given Lessee written notice of such taking (or in the absence of such notice, within 10 days after the condemning authority shall have taken possession) terminate this Lease as of the date the condemning authority takes such possession. If Lessee does not terminate this Lease in accordance with the foregoing, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect as to the portion of the Premises remaining, except that the Base Rent shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in utility of the Premises caused by such Condemnation. Condemnation awards and/or payments shall be the property of Lessor, whether such award shall be made as compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold, the value of the part taken, or for severance damages provided, however, that Lessee shall be entitled to any compensation paid by the condemnor for Lessee’s relocation expenses, loss of business goodwill and/or Trade Fixtures, without regard to whether or not this Lease is terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph. All Alterations and Utility Installations made to the Premises by Lessee, for purposes of Condemnation only, shall be considered the property of the Lessee and Lessee shall be entitled to any and all compensation which is payable therefor. In the event that this Lease is not terminated by reason of the Condemnation, Lessor shall repair any damage to the Premises caused by such Condemnation.

 

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15. Brokerage Fees.

15.1 Additional Commissions. Intentionally left blank.

15.2 Assumption of Obligations. Any buyer or transferee of Lessor’s interest in this Lease shall be deemed to have assumed Lessor’s obligation hereunder. Brokers shall be third party beneficiaries of the provisions of Paragraphs 1.9, 15, 22 and 31. If Lessor fails to pay to Brokers any amounts due as and for brokerage fees pertaining to this Lease when due, then such amounts shall accrue Interest. In addition, if Lessor fails to pay any amounts to Lessee’s Broker when due, Lessee’s Broker may send written notice to Lessor and Lessee of such failure and if Lessor fails to pay such amounts within 10 days after said notice, Lessee shall pay said monies to its Broker and offset such amounts against Rent. In addition, Lessee’s Broker shall be deemed to be a third party beneficiary of any commission agreement entered into by and/or between Lessor and Lessor’s Broker for the limited purpose of collecting any brokerage fee owed.

15.3 Representations and Indemnities of Broker Relationships. Lessee and Lessor each represent and warrant to the other that it has had no dealings with any person, firm, broker or finder (other than the Brokers, if any) in connection with this Lease, and that no one other than said named Brokers is entitled to any commission or finder’s fee in connection herewith. Lessee and Lessor do each hereby agree to indemnify, protect, defend and hold the other harmless from and against liability for compensation or charges which may be claimed by any such unnamed broker, finder or other similar party by reason of any dealings or actions of the indemnifying Party, including any costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred with respect thereto.

16. Estoppel Certificates.

(a) Each Party (as “ Responding Party ”) shall within 10 days after written notice from the other Party (the “ Requesting Party ”) execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Requesting Party a statement in writing in writing, similar to the then most current “Estoppel Certificate” form published by the AIR Commercial Real Estate Association plus such additional information, confirmation and/or statements as may be reasonably requested by the Requesting Party.

(b) If the Responding Party shall fail to execute or deliver the Estoppel Certificate within such 10 day period, the Requesting Party may execute an Estoppel Certificate stating that: (i) the Lease is in full force and effect without modification except as may be represented by the Requesting Party, (ii) there are no uncured defaults in the Requesting Party’s performance, and (iii) if Lessor is the Requesting Party, not more than one month’s rent has been paid in advance. Prospective purchasers and encumbrancers may rely upon the Requesting Party’s Estoppel Certificate, and the Responding Party shall be estopped from denying the truth of the facts contained in said Certificate.

(c) If Lessor desires to finance, refinance, or sell the Premises, or any part thereof, Lessee and alt Guarantors shall within 10 days after written notice from Lessor deliver to any potential lender or purchaser designated by Lessor such financial statements as may be reasonably required by such lender or purchaser, including, but not limited to Lessee’s financial statements for the past three years. All such financial statements shall be received by Lessor and such lender or purchaser in confidence and shall be used only for the purposes herein set forth.

17. Definition of Lessor. The term “ Lessor ” as used herein shall mean the owner or owners at the time in question of the fee title to the Premises, or, if this is a sublease, of the Lessee’s interest in the prior lease. In the event of a transfer of Lessor’s title or interest in the Premises or this Lease, Lessor shall deliver to the transferee or assignee (in cash or by credit) any unused Security Deposit held by Lessor. Upon such transfer or assignment and delivery of the Security Deposit, as aforesaid, the prior Lessor shall be relieved of all liability with respect to the obligations and/or covenants under this Lease thereafter to be performed by the Lessor. Subject to the foregoing, the obligations and/or covenants in this Lease to be performed by the Lessor shall be binding only upon the Lessor as hereinabove defined.

18. Severability. The invalidity of any provision of this Lease, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall in no way affect the validi ty of any other provision hereof.

19. Days. Unless otherwise specifically indicated to the contrary, the word “days” as used in this Lease shall mean and refer to calendar days.

20. Limitation on Liability. The obligations of Lessor under this Lease shall not constitute personal obligations of Lessor or its partners, members, directors, officers or shareholders., and Lessee shall look to the Premises, and to no other assets of Lessor, for the satisfaction of any liability of Lessor with respect to this Lease, and shall not seek recourse against Lessor’s partners, members, directors, officers or shareholders, or any of their personal assets for such satisfaction.

 

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21. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence with respect to the performance of all obligations to be performed or observed by the Parties under this Lease.

22. No Prior or Other Agreements; Broker Disclaimer. This Lease contains all agreements between the Parties with respect to any matter mentioned herein, and no other prior or contemporaneous agreement or understanding shall be effective. Lessor and Lessee each represents and warrants to the Brokers that it has made, and is relying solely upon, its own investigation as to the nature, quality, character and financial responsibility of the other Party to this Lease and as to the use, nature, quality and character of the Premises. Brokers have no responsibility with respect thereto or with respect to any default or breach hereof by either Party.

23. Notices.

23.1 Notice Requirements. All notices required or permitted by this Lease or applicable law shall be in writing and may be delivered in person (by hand or by courier) or may be sent by regular, certified or registered mail or U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, with postage prepaid, or by facsimile transmission, and shall be deemed sufficiently given if served in a manner specified in this Paragraph 23. The addresses noted adjacent to a Party’s signature on this Lease shall be that Party’s address for delivery or mailing of notices. Either Party may, by written notice to the other, specify a different address for notice except that upon Lessee’s taking possession of the Premises, the Premises shall constitute Lessee’s address for notice. A copy of all notices to Lessor shall be concurrently transmitted to such party or parties at such addresses as Lessor may from time to time hereafter designate in writing.

23.2 Date of Notice. Any notice sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed given on the date of delivery shown on the receipt card, or if no delivery date is shown, the postmark thereon. If sent by regular mail the notice shall be deemed given 72 hours after the same is addressed as required herein and mailed with postage prepaid. Notices delivered by United States Express Mail or overnight courier that guarantees next day delivery shall be deemed given 24 hours after delivery of the same to the Postal Service or courier Notices transmitted by facsimile transmission or similar means shall be deemed delivered upon telephone confirmation of receipt (confirmation report from fax machine is sufficient), provided a copy is also delivered via delivery or mail. If notice is received on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it shall be deemed received on the next business day.

24. Waivers.

(a) No waiver by Lessor of the Default or Breach of any term, covenant or condition hereof by Lessee, shall be deemed a waiver of any other term, covenant or condition hereof, or of any subsequent Default or Breach by Lessee of the same or of any other term, covenant or condition hereof. Lessor’s consent to, or approval of, any act shall not be deemed to render unnecessary the obtaining of Lessor’s consent to, or approval of, any subsequent or similar act by Lessee, or be construed as the basis of an estoppel to enforce the provision or provisions of this Lease requiring such consent.

(b) The acceptance of Rent by Lessor shall not be a waiver of any Default or Breach by Lessee. Any payment by Lessee may be accepted by Lessor on account of moneys or damages due Lessor, notwithstanding any qualifying statements or conditions made by Lessee in connection therewith, which such statements and/or conditions shall be of no force or effect whatsoever unless specifically agreed to in writing by Lessor at or before the time of deposit of such payment.

(c) THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE SHALL GOVERN WITH REGARD TO ALL MATTERS RELATED THERETO AND HEREBY WAIVE THE PROVISIONS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE STATUTE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH STATUTE IS INCONSISTENT WITH THIS LEASE.

25. Disclosures Regarding The Nature of a Real Estate Agency Relationship

(a) When entering into a discussion with a real estate agent regarding a real estate transaction, a Lessor or Lessee should from the outset understand what type of agency relationship or representation it has with the agent or agents in the transaction. Lessor and Lessee acknowledge being advised by the Brokers in this transaction, as follows:

(i) Lessor’s Agent . A Lessor’s agent under a listing agreement with the Lessor acts as the agent for the Lessor only. A Lessor’s agent or subagent has the following affirmative obligations: To the Lessor : A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty in dealings with the Lessor. To the Lessee and the Lessor : a. Diligent exercise of reasonable skills and care in performance of the agent’s duties, b. A duty of honest and fair dealing and good faith c. A duty to disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that are not known to, or within the diligent attention and observation of, the Parties. An agent is not obligated to reveal to either Party any confidential information obtained from the other Party which does not involve the affirmative duties set forth above.

 

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(ii) Lessee’s Agent . An agent can agree to act as agent for the Lessee only. In these situations, the agent is not the Lessors agent, even if by agreement the agent may receive compensation for services rendered, either in full or in part from the Lessor. An agent acting only for a Lessee has the following affirmative obligations. To the Lessee : A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty in dealings with the Lessee. To the Lessee and the Lessor : a. Diligent exercise of reasonable skills and care in performance of the agent’s duties. b. A duty of honest and fair dealing and good faith. c. A duly to disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that are not known to, or within the diligent attention and observation of, the Parties. An agent is not obligated to reveal to either Party any confidential information obtained from the other Party which does not involve the affirmative duties set forth above.

(iii) Agent Representing Both Lessor and Lessee . A real estate agent, either acting directly or through one or more associate licenses, can legally be the agent of both the Lessor and the Lessee in a transaction, but only with the knowledge and consent of both the Lessor and the Lessee. In a dual agency situation, the agent has the following affirmative obligations to both the Lessor and the Lessee: a. A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty and loyalty in the dealings with either Lessor or the Lessee. b. Other duties to the Lessor and the Lessee as stated above in subparagraphs (i) or (ii). In representing both Lessor and Lessee, the agent may not without the express permission of the respective Party, disclose to the other Party that the Lessor would accept rent in an amount less than that indicated in the listing or that the Lessee is willing to pay a higher rent than that offered. The above duties of the agent in a real estate transaction do not relieve a Lessor or Lessee from the responsibility to protect their own interests. Lessor and Lessee should carefully read all agreements to assure that they adequately express their understanding of the transaction. A real estate agent is a person qualified to advise about real estate. If legal or tax advice is desired, consult a competent professional.

(b) Brokers have no responsibility with respect to any default or breach hereof by either Party. The Parties agree that no lawsuit or other legal proceeding involving any breach of duty, error or omission relating to this Lease may be brought against Broker more than one year after the Start Date and that the liability (including court costs and attorneys’ fees), of any Broker with respect to any such lawsuit and/or legal proceeding shall not exceed the fee received by such Broker pursuant to this Lease; provided, however, that the foregoing limitation on each Broker’s liability shall not be applicable to any gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Broker.

(c) Lessor and Lessee agree to identify to Brokers as “Confidential” any communication or information given Brokers that is considered by such Party to be confidential.

26. No Right To Holdover. Lessee has no right to retain possession of the Premises or any part thereof beyond the expiration or termination of this Lease. In the event that Lessee holds over, then the Base Rent shall be increased to 125% of the Base Rent applicable immediately preceding the expiration or termination. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as consent by Lessor to any holding over by Lessee.

27. Cumulative Remedies. No remedy or election hereunder shall be deemed exclusive but shall, wherever possible, be cumulative with all remedies at law or in equity.

28. Covenants and Conditions; Construction of Agreement. All provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessee are both covenants and conditions. In construing this Lease, all headings and titles are for the convenience of the Parties only and shall not be considered a part of this Lease. Whenever required by the context, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. This Lease shall not be construed as if prepared by one of the Parties, but rather according to its fair meaning as a whole, as if both Parties had prepared it.

29. Binding Effect; Choice of Law. This Lease shall be binding upon the Parties, their personal representatives, successors and assigns and be governed by the laws of the State in which the Premises are located. Any litigation between the Parties hereto concerning this Lease shall be initiated in the county in which the Premises are located.

 

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30. Subordination; Attornment; Non-Disturbance.

30.1 Subordination . This Lease and any Option granted hereby shall be subject and subordinate to any ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust, or other hypothecation or security device (collectively, “ Security Device ”), now or hereafter placed upon the Premises, to any and all advances made on the security thereof, and to all renewals, modifications, and extensions thereof. Lessee agrees that the holders of any such Security Devices (in this Lease together referred to as “ Lender ”) shall have no liability or obligation to perform any of the obligations of Lessor under this Lease. Any Lender may elect to have this Lease and/or any Option granted hereby superior to the lien of its Security Device by giving written notice thereof to Lessee, whereupon this Lease and such Options shall be deemed prior to such Security Device, notwithstanding the relative dates of the documentation or recordation thereof.

30.2 Attornment . In the event that Lessor transfers title to the Premises, or the Premises are acquired by a another upon the foreclosure or termination of a Security Devise to which this Lease is subordinated (i) Lessee shall, subject to the non-disturbance provisions of Paragraph 30.3, attorn to such new owner, and upon request, enter into a new lease, containing all of the terms and provisions of this Lease, with such new owner for the remainder of the term hereof, or, at the election of the new owner, this Lease will automatically become a new lease between Lessee and such new owner, and (ii) Lessor shall thereafter be relieved of any further obligations hereunder and such new owner shall assume all of Lessor’s obligations, except that such new owner shall not: (a) be liable for any act or omission of any prior lessor or with respect to events occurring prior to acquisition of ownership; (b) be subject to any offsets or defenses which Lessee might have against any prior lessor, (c) be bound by prepayment of more than one month’s rent, or (d) be liable for the return of any security deposit paid to any prior lessor which was not paid or credited to such new owner.

30.3 Non-Disturbance . With respect to Security Devices entered into by Lessor after the execution of this Lease, Lessee’s subordination of this Lease shall be subject to receiving a commercially reasonable non-disturbance agreement (a “ Non-Disturbance Agreement ”) from the Lender which Non-Disturbance Agreement provides that Lessee’s possession of the Premises, and this Lease, including any options to extend the term hereof, will not be disturbed so long as Lessee is not in Breach hereof and attorns to the record owner of the Premises. Further, within 60 days after the execution of this Lease, Lessor shall, if requested by Lessee, use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Non-Disturbance Agreement from the holder of any pre-existing Security Device which is secured by the Premises. In the event that Lessor is unable to provide the Non-Disturbance Agreement within said 60 days, then Lessee may, at Lessee’s option, directly contact Lender and attempt to negotiate for the execution and delivery of a Non-Disturbance Agreement.

30.4 Self-Executing . The agreements contained in this Paragraph 30 shall be effective without the execution of any further documents; provided, however, that, upon written request from Lessor or a Lender in connection with a sale, financing or refinancing of the Premises, Lessee and Lessor shall execute such further writings as may be reasonably required to separately document any subordination, attornment and/or Non-Disturbance Agreement provided for herein.

31. Attorneys’ Fees . If any Party or Broker brings an action or proceeding involving the Premises whether founded in tort, contract or equity, or to declare rights hereunder, the Prevailing Party (as hereafter defined) in any such proceeding, action, or appeal thereon, shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees. Such tees may be awarded in the same suit or recovered in a separate suit, whether or not such action or proceeding is pursued to decision or judgment. The term, “ Prevailing Party ” shall include, without limitation, a Party or Broker who substantially obtains or defeats the relief sought, as the case may be, whether by compromise, settlement, judgment, or the abandonment by the other Party or Broker of its claim or defense. The attorneys’ fees award shall not be computed in accordance with any court fee schedule, but shall be such as to fully reimburse all attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred. In addition, Lessor shall be entitled to attorney’s fees, costs and expenses incurred in the preparation and service of notices of Default and consultations in connection therewith, whether or not a legal action is subsequently commenced in connection with such default or resulting Breach ($200 is a reasonable minimum per occurrence for such services and consultation).

32. Lessor’s Access; Showing Premises; Repairs . Lessor and Lessor’s agents shall have the right to enter the Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times after reasonable prior notice for the purpose of showing the same to prospective purchasers, lenders, or tenants, and making such alterations, repairs, improvements or additions to the Premises as Lessor may deem necessary or desirable and the erecting, using and maintaining of utilities, services, pipes and conduits through the Premises and/or other premises as long as there is no material adverse effect to Lessee’s use of the Premises. All such activities shall be without abatement of rent or liability to Lessee.

33. Auctions . Lessee shall not conduct, nor permit to be conducted, any auction upon the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent. Lessor shall not be obligated to exercise any standard of reasonableness in determining whether to permit an auction.

 

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34. Signs . Lessor may place on the Premises ordinary “For Sale” signs at any time and ordinary “For Lease” signs during the last 6 months of the term hereof. Lessee may place signs on the property including “for sublease” signs, with Lessor’s prior written consent.

35. Termination; Merger . Unless specifically stated otherwise in writing by Lessor, the voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Lessee, the mutual termination or cancellation hereof, or a termination hereof by Lessor for Breach by Lessee, shall automatically terminate any sublease or lesser estate in the Premises; provided, however, that Lessor may elect to continue any one or all existing subtenancies. Lessor’s failure within 10 days following any such event to elect to the contrary by written notice to the holder of any such lesser interest, shall constitute Lessor’s election to have such event constitute the termination of such interest.

36. Consents . Except as otherwise provided herein, wherever in this Lease the consent of a Party is required to an act by or for the other Party, such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Lessor’s actual reasonable costs and expenses (including but not limited to architects’, attorneys’, engineers’ and other consultants’ fees) incurred in the consideration of, or response to, a request by Lessee for any Lessor consent, including but not limited to consents to an assignment, a subletting or the presence or use of a Hazardous Substance, shall be paid by Lessee upon receipt of an invoice and supporting documentation therefor. Lessor’s consent to any act, assignment or subletting shall not constitute an acknowledgment that no Default or Breach by Lessee of this Lease exists, nor shall such consent be deemed a waiver of any then existing Default or Breach, except as may be otherwise specifically stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such consent The failure to specify herein any particular condition to Lessor’s consent shall not preclude the imposition by Lessor at the time of consent of such further or other conditions as are then reasonable with reference to the particular matter for which consent is being given. In the event that either Party disagrees with any determination made by the other hereunder and reasonably requests the reasons for such determination, the determining party shall furnish its reasons in writing and in reasonable detail within 10 business days following such request.

37. Guarantor.

37.1 Execution . Intentionally left blank.

37.2 Default . Intentionally left blank.

38. Quiet Possession . Subject to payment by Lessee of the Rent and performance of all of the covenants, conditions and provisions on Lessee’s part to be observed and performed under this Lease, Lessee shall have quiet possession and quiet enjoyment of the Premises during the term hereof.

39. Options . If Lessee is granted an Option, as defined below, then the following provisions shall apply:

39.1 Definition . “ Option ” shall mean: (a) the right to extend or reduce the term of or renew this Lease or to extend or reduce the term of or renew any lease that Lessee has on other property of Lessor, (b) the right of first refusal or first offer to lease either the Premises or other property of Lessor; (c) the right to purchase, the right of first offer to purchase or the right of first refusal to purchase the Premises or other property of Lessor.

39.2 Options Personal To Original Lessee . Any Option granted to Lessee in this Lease is personal to the original Lessee, and cannot be assigned or exercised by anyone other than said original Lessee and only while the original Lessee is in full possession of the Premises and, if requested by Lessor, with Lessee certifying that Lessee has no intention of thereafter assigning or subletting.

39.3 Multiple Options . In the event that Lessee has any multiple Options to extend or renew this Lease, a later Option cannot be exercised unless the prior Options have been validly exercised.

39.4 Effect of Default on Options.

(a) Lessee shall have no right to exercise an Option: (i) during the period commencing with the giving of any notice of Default and continuing until said Default is cured, (ii) during the period of time any Rent is unpaid (without regard to whether notice thereof is given Lessee), (iii) during the time Lessee is in Breach of this Lease, or (iv) in the event that Lessee has been given 3 or more notices of separate Default, whether or not the Defaults are cured, during the 12 month period immediately preceding the exercise of the Option.

 

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(b) The period of time within which an Option may be exercised shall not be extended or enlarged by reason of Lessee’s inability to exercise an Option because of the provisions of Paragraph 39-4(a).

(c) An Option shall terminate and be of no further force or effect, notwithstanding Lessee’s due and timely exercise of the Option if, after such exercise and prior to the commencement of the extended term or completion of the purchase, (i) Lessee fails to pay Rent for a period of 30 days after such Rent becomes due (without any necessity of Lessor to give notice thereof), or (ii) if Lessee commits a Breach of this Lease.

40. Multiple Buildings . If the Premises are part of a group of buildings controlled by Lessor, Lessee agrees that it will abide by and conform to all reasonable rules and regulations which Lessor may make from time to time for the management, safety, and care of said properties, including the care and cleanliness of the grounds and including the parking, the loading and unloading of vehicles, and to cause its employees, suppliers, shippers, customers, contractors, and invitees to abide and conform. Lessee also agrees to pay its Proportionate Share of common expenses incurred in connection with such rules and regulations.

41. Security Measures . Lessee hereby acknowledges that the Rent payable to Lessor hereunder does not include the cost of guard service or other security measures, and that Lessor shall have no obligation whatsoever to provide same. Lessee assumes all responsibility for the protection of the Premises, Lessee, its agents and invitees and their property from the acts of third parties.

42. Reservations . Lessor reserves to itself the right, from time to time, to grant, without the consent or joinder of Lessee, such easements, rights and dedications that Lessor deems necessary, and to cause the recordation of parcel maps and restrictions, so long as such easements, rights, dedications, maps and restrictions do not unreasonably interfere with the use of the Premises by Lessee. Lessee agrees to sign any documents reasonably requested by Lessor to effectuate any such easement rights, dedication, map or restrictions.

43. Performance Under Protest . If at any time a dispute shall arise as to any amount or sum of money to be paid by one Party to the other under the provisions hereof, the Party against whom the obligation to pay the money is asserted shall have the right to make payment “under protest” and such payment shall not be regarded as a voluntary payment and there shall survive the right on the part of said Party to institute suit for recovery of such sum. If it shall be adjudged that there was no legal obligation on the part of said Party to pay such sum or any part thereof, said Party shall be entitled to recover such sum or so much thereof as it was not legally required to pay. Party who does not initiate suit for the recovery of sums paid “under protest” within 6 months shall be deemed to have waived its right to protest such payment.

44. Authority; Multiple Parties; Execution.

(a) If either Party hereto is a corporation, trust, Limited Liability Company, partnership, or similar entity, each individual executing this Lease on behalf of such entity represents and warrants that he or she is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on its behalf. Each Party shall, within 30 days after request, deliver to the other Party satisfactory evidence of such authority.

(b) If this Lease is executed by more than one person or entity as “Lessee”, each such person or entity shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder. It is agreed that any one of the named Lessees shall be empowered to execute any amendment to this Lease, or other document ancillary thereto and bind all of the named Lessees, and Lessor may rely on the same as if all of the named Lessees had executed such document.

(c) This Lease may be executed by the Parties in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

45. Conflict . Any conflict between the printed provisions of this Lease and typewritten or handwritten provisions shall be controlled by the typewritten or handwritten provisions.

46. Offer . Preparation of this Lease by either Party or their agent and submission of same to the other Party shall not be deemed an offer to lease to the other Party. This Lease is not intended to be binding until executed and delivered by all Parties hereto.

47. Amendments . This Lease may be modified only in writing, signed by the Parties in interest at the time of the modification. As long as they do not materially change Lessee’s obligations hereunder, Lessee agrees to make such reasonable non-monetary modifications to this Lease as may be reasonably required by a Lender in connection with the obtaining of normal financing or refinancing of the Premises.

 

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48. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING INVOLVING THE PROPERTY OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.

49. Arbitration of Disputes . An Addendum requiring the Arbitration of disputes between the Parties and/or Brokers arising out of this Lease ¨ is ¨ is not attached to this Lease.

50. Americans with Disabilities Act . Since compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is dependent upon Lessee’s specific use of the Premises, Lessor makes no warranty or representation as to whether or not the Premises comply with ADA or other similar legislation. In the event that Lessee’s use of the Premises requires modifications or additions to the Premises in order to be in ADA compliance, Lessee agrees to make any such necessary modifications or additions at Lessee’s expense.

LESSOR AND LESSEE HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND REVIEWED THIS LEASE AND EACH TERM AND PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND BY THE EXECUTION OF THIS LEASE SHOW THEIR INFORMED AND VOLUNTARY CONSENT THERETO. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE THAT, AT THE TIME THIS LEASE IS EXECUTED, THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE ARE COMMERCIALLY REASONABLE AND EFFECTUATE THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF LESSOR AND LESSEE WITH RESPECT TO THE PREMISES.

ATTENTION : NO REPRESENTATION OR RECOMMENDATION IS MADE BY THE AIR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION OR BY ANY BROKER AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY, LEGAL EFFECT, OR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS LEASE OR THE TRANSACTION TO WHICH IT RELATES. THE PARTIES ARE URGED TO:

1. SEEK ADVICE OF COUNSEL AS TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS LEASE.

2. RETAIN APPROPRIATE CONSULTANTS TO REVIEW AND INVESTIGATE THE CONDITION OF THE PREMISES. SAID INVESTIGATION SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: THE POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, THE ZONING OF THE PREMISES, THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY, THE CONDITION OF THE ROOF AND OPERATING SYSTEMS, AND THE SUITABILITY OF THE PREMISES FOR LESSEE’S INTENDED USE.

The parties hereto have executed this Lease at the place and on the dates specified above their respective signatures.

 

Executed at:

       

Executed at:

   

On:

        On:    
BY LESSOR:     BY LESSEE:

By:

 

/s/ Larry Abitbol

   

By:

  /s/ Larry L. Enterline

Name Printed: Larry Abitbol

   

Name Printed: Larry L. Enterline

Title: Chief Executive Officer

   

Title: Chief Executive Officer

By:

       

By:

   
Name Printed:         Name Printed:    
Title:         Title:    
Address:         Address:    
               
Telephone: (              )         Telephone: (              )    
Facsimile: (______)         Facsimile: (______)    
Federal ID No.         Federal ID No.    

 

25


FIRST ADDENDUM TO

STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL SINGLE-TENANT LEASE – GROSS

(915 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, California)

THIS FIRST ADDENDUM TO STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL SINGLE-TENANT LEASE—GROSS (this “ Addendum ”) is made between Sammie Rae Abitbol, LLC, a California limited partnership (“ Lessor ”), and Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation doing business as Fox Racing Shox (“ Lessee ”), to be a part of that certain lease agreement (the “ Lease ”) of even date herewith between Lessor and Lessee concerning a commercial building located at 915 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, California (the “ Premises ”) together with a nearby parcel of undeveloped property bearing Santa Cruz County Assessor’s Parcel Number 022-121-01. All terms with initial capital letters used herein as defined terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Lease unless specifically defined herein. Lessor and Lessee agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease, the Lease is hereby modified and supplemented as set forth below.

1.2 Premises: Campus . The Premises consists of a freestanding commercial building (“ Building ”) of approximately Fifty One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Six (51,236) gross square feet. The Building was developed as a part of an integrated three (3) building commercial development and related improvements (“ Campus ”) measuring approximately One Hundred Sixty Three Thousand Seven Hundred Three (163,703) gross square feet that served as an integrated corporate headquarters campus. A site plan for the Campus is attached to this Addendum as Exhibit A . As used in this Addendum from time to time in relation to shared rights or expenses between the Premises and the Campus generally, the term “ Lessee’s Share ” means the Rentable Area of the Premises divided by the total Rentable Area of the Campus (being approximately 31.29%). If the Rentable Area of the Building is changed or the Rentable Area of the Campus is changed by Lessee’s leasing of additional space hereunder, Lessee’s Share shall be adjusted accordingly. Lessor and Lessee agree to cooperate in a reasonable manner with regard to the access and utilization of (i) any shared utility and communications facilities connecting the Premises to the Campus on an occasional basis, and (ii) Lessor’s use of an exterior storage room located on the north side of the Premises for the storage of maintenance items for the Campus on a regular basis.

1.4 Early Occupancy . Commencing on November 15, 2011, Lessee shall be entitled to a limited early occupancy of the Premises. Lessee’s early occupancy of the Premises for installation of furniture, fixtures, equipment, communications cabling, and other required services and amenities shall be subject to all the terms and conditions of this Lease, other than the obligation to pay Base Rent. Early occupancy of the Premises shall not advance the expiration date of this Lease. Lessor shall have the right to charge Lessee for any utility or other costs incurred as a result of Lessee’s early occupancy of the Premises.

1.6 Base Rent . Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the Base Rent set forth below, without prior notice or demand, on the first day of each and every calendar month during the Term:

 

Months following the Commencement Date    Monthly Base
Rent
    Approximate Monthly
Base Rent per Square
Foot of Rentable Area
 

December 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012

     (Rent Abated )*      N/A

July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013

   $ 51,236.00      $ 1.00   

July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014

   $ 51,236.00      $ 1.00   

July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015

   $ 52,004.54      $ 1.02   

July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016

   $ 52,784.61      $ 1.03   

July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017

   $ 53,576.38      $ 1.05   

 

* Subject to Section 13.3 of Lease. Applies to Base Rent only, and not any other item of Additional Rent.


7.2 Lessor’s Obligations . Lessor’s maintenance obligations under Section 7.2 of the Lease shall include the surface and structural elements of the parking lots, fences, retaining walls, truck wells, sidewalks and parkways located within the Campus, or other cement structures serving the Premises, along with the parking areas and landscaping of the Campus; provided, however, that Lessee shall pay the cost of repairs for damage occasioned by Lessee’s use of the Premises or the Campus or any act or omission of Lessee or any of Lessee’s Affiliates, shareholders, constituent partners or members, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors and invitees (“ Lessee Parties ”).

New Section 7.5 Increases in Real Property Taxes and Operating Costs.

(a) Definitions.

(1) “ Base Operating Costs ” means Operating Costs for the calendar year 2012.

(2) “ Base Taxes ” means Real Property Taxes for the first full fiscal year for which Lessor is the owner of the Premises (and shall not include any portion of the year prior to Lessor’s ownership), notwithstanding any contrary provisions of Section 10.2 of the Lease. The Building and the Premises are located on a separate legal parcel, bearing Santa Cruz County Assessor’s Parcel Number 022-111-13.

(3) “ Operating Costs ” means all of Lessor’s costs of managing, operating, maintaining, repairing, renewing and replacing the Premises and performing Lessor’s repair, replacement, and maintenance duties under the Lease. The above enumeration of services and facilities shall not be deemed to impose an obligation on Lessor to make available or provide such services or facilities except to the extent if any that Lessor has specifically agreed elsewhere in this Lease to make the same available or provide the same. For the purposes of calculating Lessee’s Additional Rent obligation, total Operating Costs for the calendar year 2013 and each calendar year thereafter during the Term (other than utilities if any) shall not increase over the total Operating Costs for the 2012 Base Year by more than three percent (3%) per year, calculated on a compounded and cumulative basis (“ Cost Cap ”). For clarity, Operating Costs for such purpose do not include insurance or Real Property Taxes, which are not subject to the Cost Cap.

(b) Additional Rent .

(1) Lessee shall pay Lessor as “Additional Rent” for each calendar year or portion thereof during the Term Lessee’s Share of the amount (if any) by which Operating Costs for the period exceed Base Operating Costs. Lessee agrees that any Operating Costs that accrue or are incurred during the Term of this Lease may be included in the calculation of Additional Rent, notwithstanding that such Operating Costs may be payable by Lessor in arrears.

(2) Within ninety (90) days after the end of each calendar year following the Base Year, Lessor shall furnish Lessee a written statement showing in reasonable detail Lessor’s Operating Costs for the preceding calendar year and the Base Year, and showing the amount, if any, of any increase or decrease in the sums due from Lessee taking into account prior increases paid by Lessee (if any). However, the failure of Lessor to supply such statement within said ninety (90) day period shall not constitute a waiver of Lessor’s right to collect for any current or past due Operating Cost overages during the term of this Lease. Lessor and Lessee intend that the obligations of the preceding sentence shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

 

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Concurrent with the monthly rent payment next due following Lessee’s receipt of such statement, Lessee shall pay to Lessor (in the case of an increase), or Lessor shall credit against the next rent due from Lessee (in the case of a decrease), an amount equal to the sum of (1) the difference between Operating Costs for the preceding calendar year and the Base Year less increases paid by Lessee (if any); and (2) one-twelfth (1/12th) of said increases for the current calendar year multiplied by the number of rent payments (including the current one) then elapsed in such calendar year. Thereafter the one twelfth (1/12th) shall be paid monthly with the rent until the adjustment the following year pursuant hereto. In no event shall the adjustment entitled Lessee to receive the benefit of a reduction in Building Operating Costs below the level of the initial Base Year during the term hereof.

(3) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the Base Year and each calendar year thereafter, Lessor shall furnish Lessee a statement (the “ Statement ”) with respect to such year, showing Operating Costs, Real Property Taxes, costs for Required Insurance, and Additional Rent for the year, and the total payments made by Lessee with respect thereto. If Lessee disputes the amount of Additional Rent stated in the Statement, Lessee may, at Lessee’s own cost and expense, designate, within ninety (90) days after receipt of that Statement, an independent certified public accountant to inspect Lessor’s records. Lessee is not entitled to request that inspection, however, if Lessee is then in default under this Lease. The accountant must be a member of a regionally recognized accounting firm and must not charge a fee based on the amount of Additional Rent that the accountant is able to save Lessee by the inspection. Lessee must give reasonable notice to Lessor of the request for inspection, and the inspection must be conducted in Lessor’s offices at a reasonable time or times. If, after that inspection, Lessee still disputes the Additional Rent, a certification of the proper amount shall be made, at Lessee’s expense, by Lessor’s independent certified public accountant. That certification shall be final and conclusive, provided, however, that if such certification establishes that the Statement in question overstated Lessee’s Additional Rent obligations by ten percent (10%) or more, Lessor shall pay the cost of the certification, but only to the extent that such cost does not exceed the amount of refund owing to Lessee. Any objection of Lessee to the Statement and resolution of any dispute shall not postpone the time for payment of any amounts due Lessee or Lessor based on the Statement, nor shall any failure of Lessor to deliver the Statement in a timely manner relieve Lessee of Lessee’s obligation to pay any amounts due Lessor based on the Statement.

8.2 Liability Insurance . Section 8.2(a) is modified so as to require Lessee’s Commercial General Liability Policy to provide (by way of substitution for the existing text) “single limit coverage in an amount not less than $3,000,000 per occurrence with an annual aggregate of not less than $5,000,000.”

12. Assignment and Subletting . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease or this Addendum, Lessee may assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any portion thereof, without Lessor’s written consent, but subject to all other provisions of the Lease, to any corporation or other entity which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with Lessee, or to any corporation or other entity resulting from a merger or consolidation of Lessee (collectively, an “ Affiliate ”), subject to all the terms of this Lease upon such an assignment or sublease to an Affiliate), provided that (i) the Affiliate assumes in writing all of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, and (ii) the original entity executing this Lease as “Lessee” remains fully liable under this Lease, and (iii) Lessor receives written notification of such transfer and provides Lessor with all relevant documents requested by Lessor, at least ten (10) days after the effective date of such transfer, and (iv) Lessee is not then and has not been in default under this Lease; (v) the intended transferee has a tangible net worth, as evidenced by financial statements delivered to Lessor and certified by an independent certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that are consistently applied (“ Net Worth ”), at least equal to Lessee’s net worth either immediately before the Transfer or as of the date of this Lease, whichever is greater, and (vi) such transfer is not a subterfuge by Lessee to avoid its obligations under this Lease or the restrictions on transfers under Section 12. Lessee shall have the burden of establishing that all the terms of this Section 12 have been satisfied.

34. Signs . Subject to compliance with all Applicable Requirements, and any sign criteria of Lessor, Lessee may place a sign on the monument sign post located directly in front of the Building.

 

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51. Parking . Lessee shall have the use of Lessee’s Share (being for such purpose agreed to be 143 parking spaces) of the parking spaces located in the parking lots located at the Campus (“ Parking Facility ”). Lessee shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to restrict the parking by Lessee Parties to the area depicted on the attached Exhibit B as the “Primary Fox Parking.” In the event that the “Primary Fox Parking” is full, Lessee Parties may park in the area that is depicted on Exhibit B as the “Overflow Fox Parking.” Lessee shall not utilize other portions of the Parking Facility without Lessor’s written consent, in the sole exercise of Lessor’s discretion. Lessor specifically reserves the right to change the size, configuration, design, layout and all other aspects of the Parking Facility at any time and Lessee acknowledges and agrees that Lessor may, without incurring any liability to Lessee and without any abatement of rent under this Lease, from time to time, when reasonably necessary and for a reasonable period of time, close-off or restrict access to the Parking Facility for purposes of permitting or facilitating any such construction, alteration or improvements. The parking spaces rented by Lessee pursuant to this Section 51 are provided to Lessee solely for use by Lessee’s own personnel and such parking rights may not be transferred, assigned, subleased or otherwise alienated by Lessee in any fashion without Lessor’s prior approval, in Lessor’s sole discretion.

52. Lessee’s Additional Lease of Undeveloped Land For Product Testing . Subject to the limitations of this Section 52 and any Applicable Requirements, Lessor hereby leases to Lessee on a supplemental basis certain undeveloped land referred to as Santa Cruz County Assessor’s Parcel Number 022-121-01, as depicted on the site plan attached as Exhibit A (“ Land Lease ” and “ Land Parcel ” respectively). The sole use of the Land Parcel by Lessee shall be as for testing primarily non-motorized bicycle equipment, and for occasional testing of small engine vehicles (e.g. an “ATV”). Lessor acknowledges and agrees that the Land Lease of the Land Parcel is made subject to Lessor’s retained right to utilize an existing improved parking area servicing the Campus, which shall not be disturbed used by Lessee for any purpose. Lessor may terminate the Land Lease upon at least one hundred eighty (180) days prior notice, provided that absent a material breach or default by Lessee, Lessor shall not deliver a termination notice that is effective prior to the expiration of the initial 67-month Term of the Lease. The grant of the Land Lease is made on the following terms and conditions:

(a) Land Lease Rent; Reservation of Parking Rights . On or before the first day of each month commencing on December 1, 2011 (without reference to or limitation by the free rent period described above in Section 1.6 above relating to abatement of Base Rent), Lessee shall pay Lessor a separate monthly “ Land Lease Rent ” in consideration of the Land Lease initially in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00). Without reducing the Land Lease Rent, Lessee reserves the right to expand that portion of Assessor’s Parcel Number 022-121-01 that is improved to provide parking for the Campus (and is not available for Lessee’s use), provided that Lessor shall not expand the subject improved parking area by more than one (1) acre. Accordingly the area of the Land Parcel generally available for Lessee’s actual use may be reduced by Lessor from approximately seven (7) acres to approximately six (6) acres. The monthly Land Lease Rent shall increase as provided in the following schedule.

 

Months following the Commencement Date    Monthly Land Lease Rent  

December 1, 2011 - November 30, 2012

   $ 2,500   

December 1, 2012 - November 30, 2013

   $ 2,500   

December 1, 2013 - November 30, 2014

   $ 2,537.50   

December 1, 2014 - November 30, 2015

   $ 2,575.56   

December 1, 2015 - November 30, 2016

   $ 2,614.20   

December 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017

   $ 2,653.40   

 

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Subject to Lessor’s early termination right as described above, the term extension options applicable to the Lease shall also apply to the Land Lease. If Lessee exercises one or more extension option(s), the Land Lease Rent shall increase by one and 50/100 percent (1.50%) commencing with the first day of the option Term and each anniversary thereof. In addition to the Base Rent identified in Section 1.6(a) of the Lease and Security Deposit identified in Section 1.6(b) of the Lease, which are to be delivered to Lessor upon Lease execution, in consideration of the Land Lease, Lessee shall deliver to Lessor upon execution of this Lease a supplemental amount of $2,500 as Lessee’s initial payment of Rent for the first month of the Term and $2500 as a supplemental Security Deposit.

(b) The Land Lease is personal to the Lessee named in Article 1 of the Lease, and shall not be assigned to any other party whatsoever (including any assignee or sublessee of the Lease).

(c) Lessee shall, at all times use due care in connection with its use of the Land Parcel. Lessee assumes all risk of damage to its equipment, and absolutely and unconditionally waives any claims in respect thereto against Lessor.

(d) Lessee shall not use the Land Parcel in violation of any ordinances, law, regulations, certificate of occupancy, or recorded rights and restrictions. Lessor makes no representation or warranty as to the suitability or lawfulness of the Land Parcel for the use contemplated by this Section 52 or any use.

(e) Lessee acknowledges Lessee’s use of the Land Parcel involves a use potentially more hazardous than ordinary commercial premises use, and Lessee shall indemnify, defend, protect, and hold harmless Lessor against all claims arising out of or relating to the use of the Land Parcel, including any claims asserting Lessor’s negligence or wrongful conduct. Lessor may require that Lessee obtain in advance from all users of the Land Parcel, a form of written release and waiver in form acceptable to Lessor. Lessor shall at all times prevent any unauthorized entry into the Land Parcel. The insurance requirements imposed upon Lessee under the Lease shall also apply to the Land Lease and the Land Parcel.

(f) Lessee shall take all steps necessary to minimize the adverse impact of its use of the Land Parcel, and shall not use the Land Parcel in any manner that would interfere with the business or quiet enjoyment of other occupants of the Campus, including as necessary abating its use of the Land Parcel. Lessee acknowledges that Lessor may make use of the Land Parcel for various purposes that do not unreasonably interfere with Lessee’s contemplated use. For example, Lessor may stockpile excavated soil that is displaced by Lessor’s planned construction project at the Campus. In its use of the Land Parcel, Lessee also acknowledges that a portion of that area constitutes a “fire road” that could be utilized in the event of an emergency. Lessee shall not remove any trees from the Land Parcel.

53. Shared Use of Dining Patio . Lessor reserves limited rights, as described below, to the use of an existing patio/BBQ area (the “ Patio Area ”) adjacent to the Premises, as an outdoor dining and meeting area, on the following terms and conditions:

(a) Lessor reserves the right to have employees of other Lessor-approved tenants and occupants of the Campus, and their invitees, use the Patio Area on a casual basis for dining. In addition, Lessor reserves the right to use the Patio Area on an exclusive basis from time to time for events, provided that such exclusive use periods shall be identified to Lessee in advance, and Lessor shall not designate such exclusive use periods covering more than twelve (12) times per year and no more than two (2) times in any calendar month. Lessor shall provide at least seven (7) days notice of any such exclusive or event use.

(b) The use of the Patio Area shall not be assigned or sublet to any other party by Lessee.

 

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(c) Lessee shall not use the Patio Area in violation of any ordinances, law, regulation, certificate of occupancy, or recorded restrictions. Lessor makes no representation or warranty as to the suitability or lawfulness of the Patio Area for the use contemplated by this Article.

(d) Lessee and Lessor shall take all steps necessary to minimize the adverse impact of its use of the Patio Area, and shall not use the Patio Area in any manner that would interfere with the business or quiet enjoyment of other occupants of the Campus. Additionally, the party using the Patio Area shall clean and remove all trash from the Patio Area immediately after the termination of the particular event.

54. Term Extension Options.

(a) Lessor hereby grants to Lessee the option to extend the Term of this Lease (as to the Premises only), for two (2) additional terms of three (3) years each by giving Lessor written notice at least nine (9) months (and no more than twelve (12) months) prior to the Expiration Date of this Lease or the expiration of any applicable extension period.

(b) The extensions shall be on the same terms and conditions as the initial Term, except that (i) the Base Rent shall increase by one and 50/100 percent (1.50%) commencing with the first day of the option Term and each anniversary thereof, and (ii) there shall be no “free rent” period.

(c) Conditions to Options to Extend. Lessee’s right to exercise the options to extend shall be subject to the conditions (all of which conditions are solely for Lessor’s benefit and may, in Lessor’s sole discretion, be waived) that (i) at the time of exercise and at the commencement of such extension, Lessee shall not be in default under this Lease, and (ii) Lessee must demonstrate to Lessor’s reasonable satisfaction that Lessee’s creditworthiness is equal to or greater than that in effect when this Lease was signed by Lessor, and (ii) Lessee must exercise the option to extend as to the entire Premises.

55. Lessee’s Right of First Negotiation to Purchase Building . Lessor and Lessee hereby agree as follows: Should Lessor desire to sell the Building during the initial term of the Lease, Lessor shall, prior to offering the building to or actively negotiating with any other party not affiliated with Lessor, notify Lessee in writing of its intention to sell. The parties shall then have ten (10) business days from the date Lessee receives Lessor’s notice to agree to the terms and conditions of a sale/purchase as shall be evidenced by a fully executed purchase agreement or similar binding agreement. If Lessee and Lessee cannot agree upon the terms and conditions of such a definitive written purchase agreement within said ten (10) business day period, then Lessor shall be free to sell the Building to anyone to whom Lessor desires on any terms Lessor desires and Lessee’s initial negotiating right shall terminate.

56. Lease of Personal Property to Lessee . From and after the Commencement Date and until the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Lessor agrees to lease the personal property located in the Premises as generally depicted on Exhibit C attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein (the “ Personal Property ”) to Lessee, on the following terms and conditions:

(a) No Rent . Lessor and Lessee acknowledge that no rent is to be paid for Lessee’s right to use the Personal Property, and that the consideration being given by Lessee to support the leasing of the Personal Property is Lessee’s promise to maintain the Personal Property normal wear and tear excepted and age and condition considered, and otherwise comply with the terms of this Section 56.

(b) Indemnity . Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessor, its employees, agents, principals, partners, shareholders, and other representatives harmless from and against any and all claims, costs, damages, expenses, losses and liabilities resulting from or arising out of Lessee’s use of the Personal Property.

 

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(c) No Warranties by Lessor; Maintenance, Compliance with Laws . Lessee acknowledges that Lessor is not the manufacturer of the Personal Property, nor manufacturer’s agent, and that LESSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE FITNESS, DESIGN OR CONDITION, THE MERCHANTABILITY OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OR ITS FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, THE QUALITY OR CAPACITY OF THE MATERIALS IN THE PERSONAL PROPERTY. No defect or unfitness of the Personal Property shall relieve Lessee of the obligation to pay rent, or any other obligation under this Lease, to Lessor. Lessee shall, at its own cost and expense, (i) pay all charges and expenses in connection with the use, operation and maintenance of the Personal Property; (ii) comply with all laws, ordinances, regulations, requirements and rules with respect to the use, maintenance and operation of the Personal Property; and (iii) make all repairs and replacements required to be made to maintain the Personal Property in good condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

(d) Payment of Taxes by Lessee. Lessee shall promptly pay all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges levied or assessed upon the interest of Lessee in the Personal Property or upon the use or operation thereof or on the earnings arising therefrom, and as additional rent shall promptly pay or reimburse Lessor for all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges (including fees for titling and registration of the Personal Property, if required) levied or assessed against and paid by Lessor on account of its ownership of the Personal Property or any part thereof, or the use or operation thereof or the leasing or conveyance thereof to Lessee.

57. Security System . Lessee may use the existing “card reader” security system located in the Premises. All costs associated with set up, modification, operation, adjustment or repair of the card reader system shall be at Lessee’s sole cost and expense. Lessee acknowledges that the rent payable by Lessee under this Lease does not include the cost of guard service or other security measures, and Lessor shall have no obligation to provide the same. Lessor, its agents and employees shall have no liability to Lessee or any Lessee Party for the implementation or exercise of, or the failure to implement or exercise, any such security measures or for any resulting disturbance of Lessee’s use or enjoyment of the Premises.

58. Brokers . Lessor shall pay the fee or commission of the broker or brokers identified in Section 1.9 of the Lease (the “ Broker ”) in accordance with Lessor’s separate written agreement with the Broker, if any. Each of Lessor and Lessee warrants and represents to the other that in the negotiating or making of this Lease such representing party nor anyone acting on its behalf has dealt with any broker or finder who might be entitled to a fee or commission for this Lease other than the Broker. Each of Lessor and Lessee shall indemnify and hold the other harmless from any claim or claims, including costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred by the other asserted by any other broker or finder for a fee or commission based upon any dealings with or statements made the representing party or its representatives.

 

LESSOR:     LESSEE:

Sammie Rae Abitbol, LLC,

a California limited liability company

   

Fox Factory, Inc.,

a California corporation

By:   /s/ Larry Abitbol     By:   /s/ Larry L. Enterline
Name:   Larry Abitbol     Name:   Larry L. Enterline
Its:   Chief Executive Officer     Its:   Chief Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT A

SITE PLAN OF CAMPUS

(Showing Land Parcel Outlined)

[See attached]

 

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LOGO


EXHIBIT B

DEPICTION OF PARKING FACILITY

(Showing Primary Fox Parking and Overflow Fox Parking)

[See attached]

 

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LOGO


EXHIBIT C

GENERAL DEPICTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY INSTALLATION

(Note: Actual Personal Property may vary from depiction)

[See attached]

 

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LOGO


LOGO

Exhibit 10.12

AIR COMMERICAL REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION

STANDARD INDUSTRIAL / COMMERCIAL SINGLE-TENANT-GROSS

(DO NOT USE THIS FORM FOR MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS)

1. Basic Provision (“Basic Provisions”) .

1.1 Parties : This Lease (‘‘Lease’’) dated for reference purposes only, March 24, 2010, is made by and between Scarborough Gilbert Partners (Lessor) and Fox Factory Inc. DBA Fox Racing Shox (“Lessee”), collectively the “ Parties , or individually a “ Party ”.

1.2 Premises : That certain real property, including all improvements therein or to be provided by Lessor under the terms of the Lease, and commonly known as 200 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley located in the County of Santa Cruz, State of California and generally described as a single building and related parking, (“ Premises ”). (See also Paragraph 2)

1.3 Term : Five years and six months (“ Original Term ”) commencing April 1, 2010 (“ Commencement Date ”) and ending September 30, 2015 (“Expiration Date”). (See also Paragraph 3)

1.4 Early Possession : If the Premises are available Lessee may have non-exclusive possession of the Premises commencing two business days after the full execution of the lease (“ Early Possession Date ”). (See also Paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3)

1.5 Base Rent : $32,109.75 per month (“ Base Rent ”), payable on the first day of each month commencing October 1, 2010. (See also Paragraph 4).

There are provisions in this Lease for the Base Rent to be adjusted. See Addendum 1, Paragraph 1.

1.6 Base Rent and Other Monies Paid Upon Execution :

 

  (a) Base Rent : $32,109.75 for the period October 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010.

 

  (b) Security Deposit : $30,000.00 (“ Security Deposit ”). (See also Paragraph 5)

 

  (c) Association Fees : None

 

  (d) Total Due upon Execution of the Lease : $62,109.75.

1.7 Agreed Use : Manufacturing, warehouse, and office use or other permitted uses within the zone in which the Premises is located. (See also Paragraph 6)

1.8 Insuring Party : Lessor is the “ Insuring Party ”. The annual “ Base Premium ” is $4,529.00 (See also Paragraph 8)

1.9 Real Estate Brokers : (See also paragraph 15)

(a) Representation : The following real estate brokers (the “ Brokers ”) and brokerage relationships exist in this transaction: J.R. Parrish represents both Lessor and Lessee (“ Dual Agency ”).

(b) Payment to Brokers : Upon execution and delivery of this Lease by both Parties, Lessor shall pay to the Brokers for brokerage services rendered by the Brokers a commission as set forth in the standard J.R. Parrish commission agreement.

1.10 Guarantor . Intentionally Left blank. (See also Paragraph 37)

1.11 Attachments . Attached hereto are the following, all of which constitutes a part of the Lease:

 

  (a) An Addendum consisting of Paragraphs 1 through 6.

 

  (b) A plot plan depicting the Premises.

2. Premises .

2.1 Letting . Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, the Premises, for the term, at the rental, and upon all of the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in this Lease. While the approximate square footage of the Premises may have been used in the marketing of the Premises for purposes of comparison, the Base Rent stated herein in NOT tied to square footage and is not subject to adjustment should the actual size be determined to be different. Note : Lessee is advised to verify the actual size prior to executing the Lease .

2.2 Condition . Lessor shall deliver the Premises to Lessee broom clean and free of debris on the Commencement Date or the Early Possession Date, whichever first occurs (“ Start Date ”), and warrants that the existing electrical, plumbing, fire sprinkler, lighting, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (“ HVAC ”), loading doors, sump pumps, if any, and all other such elements in the Premises, other than those constructed by Lessee, shall be in good operating condition on said date and that the surface and structural elements of the roof, bearing walls and foundation of any buildings on the Premises (the “ Building ”) shall be free of material defects, and that the Premises does not contain hazardous levels of any mold or fungi defined as toxic under applicable state of federal law. If a non-compliance with said warranty exists as of the Start Date, or if one of such systems or elements should malfunction or fail within the appropriate warranty period, Lessor shall, as Lessor’s sole obligation with respect to such matter, except as otherwise provided in this Lease, promptly after receipt of written notice from Lessee setting forth with specificity the nature and extent of such non- compliance, malfunction or failure, rectify same at Lessor’s expense. The warranty periods shall be as follows: (i) 6 months as to the HVAC systems, and as to the remaining systems and other elements of the Building. If Lessee does not give Lessor the required notice within the appropriate warranty period, correction of any such non-compliance, malfunction or failure shall be the obligation of the Lessee at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, except as provided in Paragraph 7.

Lessee warrants that all systems referenced in this Paragraph 2.2 shall be serviced by qualified technicians at regular intervals as recommended by the service contractor or the manufacturer.

 

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2.3 Compliance . Lessor warrants that to the best of its knowledge the improvements on the Premises comply with the building codes, applicable laws, covenants or restrictions of record, regulations, and ordinances, including any ADA requirements, (“ Applicable Requirements ”) that were in effect at the time that each improvement, or portion thereof, was constructed. Said warranty does not apply to the use to which Lessee will put the Premises, or to any Alterations or Utility installations (as defined in Paragraph 7.3(a)) made or to be made by Lessee. NOTE: Lessee is responsible for determining whether or not the Applicable Requirements, and especially the zoning, are appropriate for Lessee’s intended use, and acknowledges that past uses of the Premises may no longer be allowed , If the Premises do not comply with said warranty, Lessor shall, except as otherwise provided, promptly after receipt of written notice from Lessee setting forth with specificity the nature and extent of such non-compliance, rectify the same at Lessor’s expense. If Lessee does not give Lessor written notice of a non-compliance with this warranty within 6 months following the Start Date, correction of that non-compliance shall be the obligation of Lessee at Lessee’s sole cost and expense. If the Applicable Requirements are hereafter changed so as to require during the term of this Lease the construction of an addition to or an alteration of the Premises and/or Building, the remediation of any Hazardous Substance, or the reinforcement or other physical modification of the Premises and/or Building (“ Capital Expenditure ”), Lessor and Lessee shall allocate the cost of such work as follows:

(a) Subject to Paragraph 2.3(c) below, if such Capital Expenditures are required as a result of the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee as compared with uses by tenants in general, Lessee shall be fully responsible for the cost thereof, provided, however that if such Capital Expenditure is required during the last 2 years of this Lease and the cost thereof exceeds 2 months’ Base Rent, Lessee may instead terminate this Lease unless Lessor notifies Lessee, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessee’s termination notice that Lessor has elected to pay the difference between the actual cost thereof and an amount equal to 2 months’ Base Rent. If Lessee elects termination, Lessee shall immediately cease the use of the Premises which requires such Capital Expenditure and deliver to Lessor written notice specifying a termination date at least 30 days thereafter. Such termination date shall, however, in no event be earlier than the last day that Lessee could legally utilize the Premises without commencing such Capital Expenditure.

(b) If such Capital Expenditure is not the result of the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee (such as, governmentally mandated seismic modifications), then Lessor shall pay for such Capital Expenditure. If, however, such Capital Expenditure is required during the last 2 years of this Lease or if Lessor reasonably determines that it is not economically feasible to pay for the Capital Expenditure, Lessor shall have the option to terminate this Lease upon 180 days prior written notice to Lessee unless Lessee notifies Lessor, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessor’s termination notice that Lessee will pay for such Capital Expenditure. If Lessor does not elect to terminate, and fails to tender its share of any such Capital Expenditure, Lessee may advance such funds and deduct same, with Interest, from Rent until Lessor’s share of such costs have been fully paid. If Lessee is unable to finance Lessor’s share, or if the balance of the Rent due and payable for the remainder of this Lease is not sufficient to fully reimburse Lessee on an offset basis, Lessee shall have the right to terminate this Lease upon 30 days written notice to Lessor.

(c) Notwithstanding the above, the provisions concerning Capital Expenditures are intended to apply only to non-voluntary unexpected and new Applicable Requirements. If the Capital Expenditures are instead triggered by Lessee as a result of an actual or proposed change in use, change in intensity of use, or specific modification to the Premises after the Commencement Date then, and in that event, Lessee shall either: (i) immediately cease such changed use or intensity of use and/or take such other steps as may be necessary to eliminate the requirement for such Capital Expenditure, or (ii) complete such Capital Expenditure at its own expense. Lessee shall not, however, have any right to terminate this Lease. However, if it is determined that the required Capital Expenditure needed maintain the Applicable Requirements would have been triggered by any modification to the Premises, other than those specific to Lessee’s proposed modification, then Lessor will reimburse Lessee for the cost of the Capital Expenditure as specified specified hereinabove.

2.4 Acknowledgements . Lessee acknowledges that (a) it has been given an opportunity to inspect and measure the Premises, (b) it has been advised by Lessor and/or Brokers to satisfy itself with respect to the size and condition of the Premises (including but not limited to the electrical, HVAC and fire sprinkler systems, security, environmental aspects, and compliance with Applicable Requirements), and their suitability for Lessee’s intended use, (c) Lessee has made such investigation as it deems necessary with reference to such matters and assumes all responsibility therefore as the same relate to its occupancy of the Premises, (d) it is not relying on any representation as to the size of the Premises made by Brokers or Lessor, (e) the square footage of the Premises was not material to Lessee’s decision to lease the Premises and pay the Rent stated herein, and (f) neither Lessor, Lessor’s agents, nor Brokers have made any oral or written representations or warranties with respect to said matters other than as set forth in this Lease. In addition, Lessor acknowledges that: (i) Brokers have made no representations, promises or warranties concerning Lessee’s ability to honor the Lease or suitability to occupy the Premises, and (ii) it is Lessor’s sole responsibility to investigate the financial capability and/or suitability of all proposed tenants.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Paragraph 2.4 or the Lease; within ten (10) days after the full execution (“Effective Date”) of the Lease and prior to commencement of any demolition or construction to or within the Premises, Lessee shall apply for all necessary permits relating to the “use’’ and occupancy of the Premises (“Permits”). In the event the Permits are not approved by the County of Santa Cruz or City of Scotts Valley, as applicable, within thirty (30) business days after the Effective Date, Lessee may terminate this Lease, with any deposits returned to Lessee, and without any cost or further obligation hereunder or otherwise, or Lessee may request additional time from Lessor to obtain the Permits and Lessor shall not unreasonably deny such request.

2.5 Lessee as Prior Owner/Occupant . The warranties made by Lessor in Paragraph 2 shall be of no force or effect if immediately prior to the Start Date Lessee was the owner or occupant of the Premises. In such event, Lessee shall be responsible for any necessary corrective work.

3. Term .

3.1 Term . The Commencement Date, Expiration Date and Original Term of this Lease are as specified in Paragraph 1.3.

 

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3.2 Early Possession , Any provision herein granting Lessee Early Possession of the Premises is subject to and conditioned upon the Premises being available for such possession prior to the Commencement Date. Any grant of Early Possession only conveys a non-exclusive right to occupy the Premises. If Lessee totally or partially occupies the Premises prior to the Commencement Date, the obligation to pay Base any Rent shall be abated for the period of such Early Possession. All other terms of this Lease (including but not limited to Lessees requirement to provide evidence of insurance and to maintain the Premises) shall be in effect during such period. Any such Early Possession shall not affect the Expiration Date.

3.3 Delay In Possession , Lessor agrees to use its best commercially reasonable efforts to deliver possession of the Premises to Lessee by the Commencement Date. If, despite said efforts, Lessor is unable to deliver possession by such date, Lessor shall not be subject to any liability therefor, nor shall such failure affect the validity of this Lease. Lessee shall not, however, be obligated to pay Rent or perform its other obligations until Lessor delivers possession of the Premises and any period of rent abatement that Lessee would otherwise have enjoyed shall run from the date of delivery of possession and continue for a period equal to what Lessee would otherwise have enjoyed under the terms hereof, but minus any days of delay caused by the acts or omissions of Lessee. If possession is not delivered within 60 days after the Commencement Date, Lessee may, at its option, by notice in writing within 10 days after the end of such 60 day period, cancel this Lease, in which event the Parties shall be discharged from all obligations hereunder. If such written notice is not received by Lessor within said 10 day period, Lessee’s right to cancel shall terminate. If possession of the Premises is not delivered within 120 days after the Commencement Date, this Lease shall terminate unless other agreements are reached between Lessor and Lessee, in writing.

3.4 Lessee Compliance . Lessor shall not be required to deliver possession of the Premises to Lessee until Lessee complies with its obligation to provide evidence of insurance (Paragraph 8.5). Pending delivery of such evidence, Lessee shall be required to perform al[ of its obligations under this Lease from and after the Start Date, notwithstanding Lessor’s election to withhold possession pending receipt of such evidence of insurance. Further, if Lessee is required to perform any other conditions prior to or concurrent with the Start Date, the Start Date shall occur but Lessor may elect to withhold possession until such conditions are satisfied.

4. Rent .

4.1 Rent Defined . All monetary obligations of Lessee to Lessor under the terms of this Lease (except for the Security Deposit) are deemed to be rent (“ Rent ”).

4.2 Payment . Lessee shall cause payment of Rent to be received by Lessor in lawful money of the United States, without offset or deduction (except as specifically permitted in this Lease), on or before the day on which it is due. All monetary amounts shall be rounded to the nearest whole dollar. In the event that any invoice prepared by Lessor is inaccurate such inaccuracy shall not constitute a waiver and Lessee shall be obligated to pay the amount set forth in this Lease. Rent for any period during the term hereof which is for less than one full calendar month shall be prorated based upon the actual number of days of said month. Payment of Rent shall be made to Lessor at its address stated herein or to such other persons or place as Lessor may from time to time designate in writing. Acceptance of a payment which is less than the amount then due shall not be a waiver of Lessor’s rights to the balance of such Rent, regardless of Lessor’s endorsement of any check so stating. In the event that any check, draft, or other instrument of payment given by Lessee to Lessor is dishonored for any reason, Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the sum of $25 in addition to any Late Charge and Lessor, at its option, may require all future payments to be made by Lessee to be by cashier’s check. Payments will be applied first to accrued late charges and attorney’s fees, second to accrued interest, then to Base Rent, Operating Expense increase, and any remaining amount to any other outstanding charges or costs.

4.3 Intentionally left blank.

5. Security Deposit . Lessee shall deposit with Lessor upon execution hereof the Security Deposit as security for Lessee’s faithful performance of its obligations under this Lease. If Lessee fails to pay Rent, or otherwise Defaults under this Lease, Lessor may use, apply or retain all or any portion of said Security Deposit for the payment of any amount already due Lessor, for Rents which will be due in the future, and/or to reimburse or compensate Lessor for any liability, expense, loss or damage which Lessor may suffer or incur by reason thereof. If Lessor uses or applies all or any portion of the Security Deposit, Lessee shall within 10 days after written request therefor deposit monies with Lessor sufficient to restore said Security Deposit to the full amount required by this Lease. If the Base Rent increases during the term of this Lease, Lessee shall, upon written request from Lessor, deposit additional monies with Lessor so that the total amount of the Security Deposit shall at all times bear the same proportion to the increased Base Rent as the initial Security Deposit bore to the initial Base Rent. Should the Agreed Use be amended to accommodate a material change in the business of Lessee or to accommodate a sublessee or assignee, Lessor shall have the right to increase the Security Deposit to the extent necessary, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, to account for any increased wear and tear that the Premises may suffer as a result thereof. If a change in control of Lessee occurs during this Lease and following such change the financial condition of Lessee is, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, significantly reduced, Lessee shall deposit such additional monies with Lessor as shall be sufficient to cause the Security Deposit to be at a commercially reasonable level based on such change in financial condition. Lessor shall not be required to keep the Security Deposit separate from its general accounts. Within 45 days after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessor shall return that portion of the Security Deposit not used or applied by Lessor. No part of the Security Deposit shall be considered to be held in trust, to bear interest or to be prepayment for any monies to be paid by Lessee under this Lease.

6. Use .

6.1 Use . Lessee shall use and occupy the Premises only for the Agreed Use, or any other legal use which is reasonably comparable thereto, and for no other purpose. Lessee shall not use or permit the use of the Premises in a manner that is unlawful, creates damage, waste or a nuisance, or that disturbs occupants of or causes damage to neighboring premises or properties. Other than guide, signal and seeing eye dogs, Lessee shall not keep or allow in the Premises any pets, animals, birds, fish, or reptiles. Lessor shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to any written request for a modification of the Agreed Use, so long as the same will not impair the structural integrity of the improvements on the Premises or the mechanical or electrical systems therein, and/or is not significantly more burdensome to the Premises. If Lessor elects to withhold consent, Lessor shall within 7 days after such request give written notification of same, which notice shall include an explanation of Lessor’s objections to the change in the Agreed Use.

 

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6.2 Hazardous Substances .

(a) Reportable Uses Require Consent . The term “ Hazardous Substance ” as used in this Lease shall mean any product, substance, or waste whose presence, use, manufacture, disposal, transportation, or release, either by itself or in combination with other materials expected to be on the Premises, is either: (i) potentially injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, the environment or the Premises, (ii) regulated or monitored by any governmental authority, or (iii) a basis for potential liability of Lessor to any governmental agency or third party under any applicable statute or common law theory. Hazardous Substances shall include, but not be limited to hydrocarbons, petroleum, gasoline, and/or crude oil or any products, by-products or fractions thereof. Lessee shall not engage in any activity in or on the Premises which constitutes a Reportable Use of Hazardous Substances without the express prior written consent of Lessor and timely compliance (at Lessee’s expense) with all Applicable Requirements. “ Reportable Use ” shall mean (i) the installation or use of any above or below ground storage tank, (ii) the generation, possession, storage, use, transportation, or disposal of a Hazardous Substance that requires a permit from, or with respect to which a report, notice, registration or business plan is required to be filed with, any governmental authority, and/or (iii) the presence at the Premises of a Hazardous Substance with respect to which any Applicable Requirements requires that a notice be given to persons entering or occupying the Premises or neighboring properties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may use any ordinary and customary materials reasonably required to be used in the normal course of the Agreed Use, ordinary office supplies (copier toner, liquid paper, glue, etc.) and common household cleaning materials, so long as such use is in compliance with all Applicable Requirements, is not a Reportable Use, and does not expose the Premises or neighboring property to any meaningful risk of contamination or damage or expose Lessor to any liability therefor. In addition, Lessor may condition its consent to any Reportable Use upon receiving such additional assurances as Lessor reasonably deems necessary to protect itself, the public, the Premises and/or the environment against damage, contamination, injury and/or liability, including, but not limited to, the installation (and removal on or before Lease expiration or termination) of protective modifications (such as concrete encasements) and/or increasing the Security Deposit.

(b) Duty to Inform Lessor . If Lessee knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that a Hazardous Substance has come to be located in, on, under or about the Premises, other than as previously consented to by Lessor, Lessee shall immediately give written notice of such fact to Lessor, and provide Lessor with a copy of any report, notice, claim or other documentation which it has concerning the presence of such Hazardous Substance.

(c) Lessee Remediation . Lessee shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Substance to be spilled or released in, on, under, or about the Premises (including through the plumbing or sanitary sewer system) and shall promptly, at Lessee’s expense, comply with all Applicable Requirements and take all investigatory and/or remedial action reasonably recommended, whether or not formally ordered or required, for the cleanup of any contamination of, and for the maintenance, security and/or monitoring of the Premises or neighboring properties, that was caused or materially contributed to by Lessee, or pertaining to or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises during the term of this Lease, by or for Lessee, or any third party.

(d) Lessee Indemnification . Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessor, its agents, employees, lenders and ground Lessor, if any, harmless from and against any and all loss of rents and/or damages, liabilities, judgments, claims, expenses, penalties, and attorneys’ and consultants’ fees arising out of or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party during the Lease term, (provided, however, that Lessee shall have no liability under this Lease with respect to underground or over ground migration of any Hazardous Substance under, upon or about the Premises from adjacent properties or any other pre-existing condition on the Premises not caused by Lessee). Lessee’s obligations shall include, but not be limited to, the effects of any contamination or injury to person, property or the environment created or suffered by Lessee, and the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement. Upon the expiration or termination of this Lease, including any extension hereunder, Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, have the Premises inspected for Hazardous Substances and upon passing such inspection, Lessor agrees to release, and shall release, Lessee from all obligations with respect to Hazardous Substances and shall execute such a complete and total release in writing in accordance with California Law.

(e) Lessor Indemnification . Lessor and its successors and assigns shall indemnify, defend, reimburse and hold Lessee, its employees and lenders, harmless from and against any and all environmental damages, including the cost of remediation, which result from Hazardous Substances which existed on the Premises prior to Lessee’s occupancy or which are caused by the Lessor, its agents or employees. Lessor’s obligations, as and when required by the Applicable Requirements, shall include, but not be limited to the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement, and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.

(f) Investigations and Remediation’s . Lessor shall retain the responsibility and pay for any investigations or remediation measures required by governmental entities having jurisdiction with respect to the existence of Hazardous Substances on the Premises prior to Lessee’s occupancy, unless such remediation measure is required as a result of Lessee’s use (including “Alterations”, as defined in paragraph 7.3(a) below) of the Premises, in which event Lessee shall be responsible for such payment Lessee shall cooperate fully in any such activities at the request of Lessor, including allowing Lessor and Lessor’s agents to have reasonable access to the Premises at reasonable times in order to carry out Lessor’s investigative and remedial responsibilities.

(g) Lessor Termination Option . If a Hazardous Substance Condition (see Paragraph 9.1(e)) occurs during the term of this Lease, unless Lessee is legally responsible therefor (in which case Lessee shall make the investigation and remediation thereof required by the Applicable Requirements and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, but subject to Lessor’s rights under Paragraph 6.2(d) and Paragraph 13), Lessor may, at Lessor’s option, either (i) investigate and remediate such Hazardous Substance Condition, if required, as soon as reasonably possible at Lessor’s expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) if the estimated cost to remediate such condition exceeds 12 times the then monthly Base Rent or $100,000, whichever is greater, give written notice to Lessee, within 30 days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such Hazardous Substance Condition, of Lessor’s desire to terminate this Lease as of the date 60 days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to give a termination notice, Lessee may, within 10 days thereafter, give written notice to Lessor of Lessee’s commitment to pay the amount by which the cost of the remediation of such Hazardous Substance Condition exceeds an amount equal to 12 times the then monthly Base Rent or $100,000, whichever is greater. Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within 30 days following such commitment. In such event, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such remediation as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not give such notice and provide the required funds or assurance thereof within the time provided, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in Lessor’s notice of termination.

 

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6.3 Lessee’s Compliance with Applicable Requirements . Except as otherwise provided in this Lease, Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, fully, diligently and in a timely manner, materially comply with all Applicable Requirements (as they relate to any Alterations, Utility Installations, or Trade Fixtures Lessee constructs or installs within the Premises during the term of the Lease or any lease extensions thereof), the requirements of any applicable fire insurance underwriter or rating bureau, and the recommendations of Lessor’s engineers and/or consultants which relate in any manner to the such Requirements, without regard to whether such Requirements are now in effect or become effective after the Start Date. Lessee shall, within 10 days after receipt of Lessor’s written request, provide Lessor with copies of all permits and other documents, and other information evidencing Lessee’s compliance with any Applicable Requirements specified by Lessor, and shall immediately upon receipt, notify Lessor in writing (with copies of any documents involved) of any threatened or actual claim, notice, citation, warning, complaint or report pertaining to or involving the failure of Lessee or the Premises to comply with any Applicable Requirements. Likewise, Lessee shall immediately give written notice to Lessor of: (i) any water damage to the Premises and any suspected seepage, pooling, dampness or other condition conducive to the production of mold; or (ii) any mustiness or other odors that might indicate the presence of mold in the Premises.

6.4 Inspection; Compliance . Lessor and Lessor’s “Lender” (as defined in Paragraph 30) and consultants shall have the right to enter into Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times after reasonable notice, for the purpose of inspecting the condition of the Premises and for verifying compliance by Lessee with this Lease. The cost of any such inspections shall be paid by Lessor, unless a violation of Applicable Requirements, or a Hazardous Substance Condition (see paragraph 9.1) is found to exist or be imminent, or the inspection is requested or ordered by a governmental authority. In such case, Lessee shall upon request, reimburse Lessor for the cost of such inspection, so long as such inspection is reasonably related to the violation or contamination. In addition, Lessee shall provide copies of all relevant material safety data sheets ( MSDS ) to Lessor within 10 days of the receipt of a written request therefor.

7. Maintenance; Repairs; Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures and Alterations .

7.1 Lessee’s Obligations .

(a) In General . Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 6.3 (Lessee’s Compliance with Applicable Requirements), 7.2 (Lessor’s Obligations), 9 (Damage or Destruction), and 14 (Condemnation), Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, keep the Premises, Utility Installations (intended for Lessee’s exclusive use, no matter where located), and Alterations in good order, condition and repair (whether or not the portion of the Premises requiring repairs, or the means of repairing the same, are reasonably or readily accessible to Lessee, and whether or not the need for such repairs occurs as a result of Lessee’s use, any prior use, the elements or the age of such portion of the Premises), including, but not limited to, all equipment or facilities, such as plumbing, HVAC equipment, electrical, lighting facilities, boilers, pressure vessels, fire protection system, fixtures, non-structural walls (interior and exterior), ceilings, floors, windows, doors, plate glass, skylights, landscaping, maintaining the surface of the parking lots, signs, serving the Premises. Lessee is also responsible for keeping the roof and roof drainage clean and free of debris. Lessor shall keep the surface and structural elements of the roof, foundations, and bearing walls in good repair along with driveways, structural elements of the parking lot, fences, retaining walls, truck wells, sidewalks and parkways or other cement structures serving the Premises (see paragraph 7.2). Lessee, in keeping the Premises in good order, condition and repair, shall exercise and perform good maintenance practices including the proper servicing of all systems within the Premises by qualified technicians at regular intervals as recommended by the service contractor or manufacturer. Lessee’s obligations shall include restorations, replacements or renewals when necessary to keep the Premises and all improvements thereon or a part thereof in good order, condition and state of repair. Lessee shall, during the term of this Lease, keep the exterior appearance of the Building in a first-class condition (including, e.g. graffiti removal) consistent with the exterior appearance of other similar facilities of comparable age and size in the vicinity, including, when necessary, the exterior repainting of the Building.

(b) Failure to Perform . If Lessee fails to perform Lessee’s obligations under this Paragraph 7.1, Lessor may enter upon the Premises after 30 days’ prior written notice to Lessee (except in the case of an emergency, in which case no notice shall be required), perform such obligations on Lessee’s behalf, and put the Premises in good order, condition and repair, and Lessee shall promptly pay to Lessor a sum equal to 115% of the cost thereof.

(c) Replacement . Subject to Lessee’s indemnification of Lessor as set forth in Paragraph 8.7 below, and without relieving Lessee of liability resulting from Lessee’s failure to exercise and perform good maintenance practices, if an item described in Paragraph 7.1(b) cannot be repaired other than at a cost which is in excess of 30% of the cost of replacing such item, then such item shall be replaced by Lessor, and the cost thereof shall be prorated between the Parties and Lessee shall only be obligated to pay, each month during the remainder of the term of this Lease, on the date on which Base Rent is due, an amount equal to the product of multiplying the cost of such replacement by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months of remaining lease term, and the denominator of which is the useful life of the particular item replaced or Capital improvement as defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Lessee shall pay Interest on the unamortized balance but may prepay its obligation at any time.

7.2 Lessor’s Obligations . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1 as well as Paragraphs 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 9 (Damage or Destruction) and 14 (Condemnation), it is intended by the Parties hereto that Lessor have no obligation, in any manner whatsoever, to repair and maintain the Premises, or the equipment therein, all of which obligations are intended to be that of the Lessee, except for the surface and structural elements of the roof, foundations and bearing walls, driveways, structural elements of the parking lot, fences, retaining walls, truck wells, sidewalks and parkways, or other cement structures serving the Premises, the repair of which shall be the responsibility of Lessor upon receipt of written notice that such a repair is necessary. It is the intention of the Parties that the terms of this Lease govern the respective obligations of the Parties as to maintenance and repair of the Premises, and they expressly waive the benefit of any statute now or hereafter in effect to the extent it is inconsistent with the terms of this Lease.

 

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7.3 Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures; Alterations .

(a) Definitions . The term “ Utility Installations ” refers to all pre-existing floor and window coverings, air and/or vacuum lines, power panels, electrical distribution, security and fire protection systems, communication cabling, lighting fixtures, HVAC equipment, plumbing, and fencing in or on the Premises. The term “ Trade Fixtures ” shall mean Lessee’s inventory, machinery and equipment that can be removed without doing material damage to the Premises. The word “material” as used in this Section 7 or in reference to same, shall mean the cost of repairs or replacement necessitated by Lessee’s removal of a particular Trade Fixture, Utility Installation, or Alteration, as defined herein, which would exceed $1,000.00 in repair costs. The term “ Alterations ” shall mean any pre-existing modification of the improvements, other than Utility Installations or Trade Fixtures, whether by addition or deletion. “ Lessee Owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations ” are defined as Alterations and/or Utility Installations made by Lessee that are not yet owned by Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 7.4(a). “ Lessees exclusive trade fixtures ” are defined as that machinery, equipment, or any other item specifically installed at Lessee’s own expense to support Lessees operation regardless of the method of attachment to the Premises. During the term of this lease or any extension thereof or during any holdover period, Lessee may remove from the Premises, at any time, any Lessee Exclusive Trade Fixture provided Lessee repairs the damage resulting from the removal and restores the Premise to the condition prior to the installation. Prior to the installation of any Lessee Exclusive Trade Fixtures, Lessee shall , in addition to the other requirements of installation as specified in the Lease, also notify Lessor that the Installation or improvement contemplated shall be defined as a Lessee exclusive trade fixture,

(b) Consent . Lessee shall not make any Alterations or Utility Installations to the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent. Lessee may, however, make non-structural Alterations or Utility Installations to the interior of the Premises (excluding the roof) without such consent but upon notice to Lessor, as long as they are not visible from the outside, do not involve puncturing, relocating or removing the roof or any existing walls, will not affect the plumbing, HVAC, and/or life safety systems, and the cumulative cost thereof during this Lease as extended does not exceed a sum equal to 3 month’s Base Rent in any one year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall not make or permit any roof penetrations and/or install anything on the roof without the prior written approval of Lessor. Lessor may, as a precondition to granting such approval, require Lessee to utilize a contractor licensed and insured in the State of California. Any Alterations or Utility Installations that Lessee shall desire to make and which require the consent of the Lessor shall be presented to Lessor in written form with detailed plans. Consent shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee’s: (i) acquiring all applicable governmental permits, (ii) furnishing Lessor with copies of both the permits and the plans and specifications prior to commencement of the work, and (iii) compliance with all conditions of said permits and other Applicable Requirements in a prompt and expeditious manner, Any Alterations or Utility Installations shall be performed in a workmanlike manner with good and sufficient materials. Lessee shall promptly, upon completion, furnish Lessor with as-built plans and specifications. For work which costs an amount in excess of one month’s Base Rent, Lessor may condition its consent upon Lessee providing a lien and completion bond in an amount equal to 150% of the estimated cost of such Alteration or Utility installation and/or upon Lessee’s posting an additional Security Deposit with Lessor.

(c) Liens; Bonds . Lessee shall pay, when due, all claims for labor or materials furnished or alleged to have been furnished to or for Lessee at or for use on the Premises, which claims are or may be secured by any mechanic’s or materialmen’s lien against the Premises or any interest therein. Lessee shall give Lessor not less than 10 days notice prior to the commencement of any work in, on or about the Premises, and Lessor shall have the right to post notices of non-responsibility. If Lessee shall contest the validity of any such lien, claim or demand, then Lessee shall, at its sole expense defend and protect itself, Lessor and the Premises against the same and shall pay and satisfy any such adverse judgment that may be rendered thereon before the enforcement thereof. If Lessor shall require, Lessee shall furnish a surety bond in an amount equal to 150% of the amount of such contested lien, claim or demand, indemnifying Lessor against liability for the same. If Lessor elects to participate in any such action, Lessee shall pay Lessor’s attorneys’ fees and costs.

7.4 Ownership; Removal; Surrender; and Restoration .

(a) Ownership . Subject to Lessor’s right to require removal or elect ownership as hereinafter provided, all Alterations and Utility Installations made by Lessee shall be the property of Lessee, but considered a part of the Premises. Lessor may, within 10 days of receiving the notice or request from Lessee regarding Alterations or Utility installations, elect in writing to be the owner of all or any specified part of the Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Unless otherwise instructed per paragraph 7.4(b) hereof, all Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations shall, at the expiration or termination of this Lease, become the property of Lessor and be surrendered by Lessee with the Premises.

(b) Removal. By delivery to Lessee of written notice from Lessor within the 10 day period specified in Paragraph 7.4(a) above, Lessor may require that any or all Lessee Owned Alterations or Utility Installations be removed by the expiration or termination of this Lease. Lessor may require the removal at any time of all or any part of any Lessee Owned Alterations or Utility Installations made without the required consent.

(c) Surrender; Restoration . Lessee shall surrender the Premises by the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date, with all of the improvements, parts and surfaces thereof broom clean and free of debris, and in good operating order, condition and state of repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted. “Ordinary wear and tear” shall not include any damage or deterioration that would have been prevented by good maintenance practice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Lease is for 12 months or less, then Lessee shall surrender the Premises in the same condition as delivered to Lessee on the Start Date with NO allowance for ordinary wear and tear. Lessee shall repair any damage occasioned by the installation, maintenance or removal of Trade Fixtures, Lessee owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations, furnishings, and equipment as well as the removal of any storage tank installed by or for Lessee. Lessee shall completely remove from the Premises any and all Hazardous Substances brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party (except Hazardous Substances which were deposited via underground or over ground migration from areas outside of the Premises) even if such removal would require Lessee to perform or pay for work that exceeds statutory requirements. Trade Fixtures shall remain the property of Lessee and shall be removed by Lessee. Any personal property of Lessee not removed on or before the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date shall be deemed to have been abandoned by Lessee and may be disposed of or retained by Lessor as Lessor may desire. The failure by Lessee to timely vacate the Premises pursuant to this Paragraph 7.4(c) without the express written consent of Lessor shall constitute a holdover under the provisions of Paragraph 26 below.

 

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8. Insurance; Indemnity .

8.1 Payment of Premium Increases .

(a) Lessee shall pay to Lessor any insurance cost increase (“ Insurance Cost Increase ”) occurring during the term of this Lease, not to exceed 5% in any single year of the Lease term. Insurance Cost Increase is defined as any increase in the actual cost of the insurance required under Paragraph 8.2(b), 8.3(a) and 8.3(b) (“ Required Insurance ”), over and above the Base Premium as hereinafter defined calculated on an annual basis. Insurance Cost Increase shall include, but not be limited to, increases resulting from the nature of Lessee’s occupancy, any act or omission of Lessee, requirements of the holder of mortgage or deed of trust covering the Premises, increased valuation of the Premises and/or a premium rate increase. The parties are encouraged to fill in the Base Premium in Paragraph 1.8 with a reasonable premium for the Required Insurance based on the Agreed Use of the Premises. If the parties fail to insert a dollar amount in Paragraph 1.8, then the Base Premium shall be the lowest annual premium reasonably obtainable for the Required Insurance as of the commencement of the Original Term for the Agreed Use of the Premises. In no event, however, shall Lessee be responsible for any portion of the increase in the premium cost attributable to liability insurance carried by Lessor under Paragraph 8.2(b) in excess of $2,000,000 per occurrence.

(b) Lessee shall pay any such Insurance Cost Increase to Lessor within 30 days after receipt by Lessee of a copy of the premium statement or other reasonable evidence of the amount due. If the insurance policies maintained hereunder cover other property besides the Premises, Lessor shall also deliver to Lessee a statement of the amount of such Insurance Cost Increase attributable only to the Premises showing in reasonable detail the manner in which such amount was computed. Premiums for policy periods commencing prior to, or extending beyond the term of this Lease shall be prorated to correspond to the term of this Lease.

8.2 Liability Insurance .

(a) Carried by Lessee . Lessee shall obtain and keep in force a Commercial General Liability policy of insurance protecting Lessee and Lessor as an additional insured against claims for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage based upon or arising out of the ownership, use, occupancy or maintenance of the Premises and all areas appurtenant thereto. Such insurance shall be on an occurrence basis providing single limit coverage in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence with an annual aggregate of not less than $2,000,000. Lessee shall add Lessor as an additional insured by means of an endorsement at least as broad as the Insurance Service Organization’s “Additional Insured-Managers or Lessor’s of Premises” Endorsement. The policy shall not contain any intra-insured exclusions as between insured persons or organizations, but shall include coverage for liability assumed under this Lease as an “ insured contract ” for the performance of Lessee’s indemnity obligations under this Lease. The limits of said insurance shall not, however, limit the liability of Lessee nor relieve Lessee of any obligation hereunder. Lessee shall provide an endorsement on its liability policy(ies) which provides that its insurance shah be primary to and not contributory with any similar insurance carried by Lessor, whose insurance shall be considered excess insurance only.

(b) Carried by Lessor . Lessor shall maintain liability insurance as described in Paragraph 8.2(a), in addition to, and not in lieu of, the insurance required to be maintained by Lessee. Lessee shall not be named as an additional insured therein.

8.3 Property Insurance – Building, Improvements and Rental Value .

(a) Building and Improvements . The Insuring Party shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor, with loss payable to Lessor, any ground-lessor, and to any Lender insuring loss or damage to the Premises. The amount of such insurance shall be equal to the full insurable replacement cost of the Premises, as the same shall exist from time to time, or the amount required by any Lender, but in no event more than the commercially reasonable and available insurable value thereof. If Lessor is the Insuring Party, however, Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, and Lessee’s personal property shall be insured by Lessee under Paragraph 8.4 rather than by Lessor. If the coverage is available and commercially appropriate, such policy or policies shall insure against all risks of direct physical loss or damage (except the perils of flood and/or earthquake unless required by a Lender or included in the Base Premium), including coverage for debris removal and the enforcement of any Applicable Requirements requiring the upgrading, demolition, reconstruction or replacement of any portion of the Premises as the result of a covered loss. Said policy or policies shall also contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, waiver of subrogation, and inflation guard protection causing an increase in the annual property insurance coverage amount by a factor of not less than the adjusted U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the city nearest to where the Premises are located. If such insurance coverage has a deductible clause, the deductible amount shall not exceed $ 1,000 per occurrence, and Lessee shall be liable for such deductible amount in the event of an Insured Loss.

(b) Rental Value . The Insuring Party shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor with loss payable to Lessor and any Lender, insuring the loss of the full Rent for one year with an extended period of indemnity for an additional 180 days (“ Rental Value insurance ”). Said insurance shall contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, and the amount of coverage shall be adjusted annually to reflect the projected Rent otherwise payable by Lessee, for the next 12 month period. Lessee shall be liable for any deductible amount in the event of such loss.

(c) Adjacent Premises . Intentionally left blank.

8.4 Lessee’s Property; Business Interruption Insurance; Worker’s Compensation Insurance .

(a) Property Damage . Lessee shall obtain and maintain insurance coverage on all of Lessee’s personal property, Trade Fixtures, and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Such insurance shall be full replacement cost coverage with a deductible of not to exceed $1,000 per occurrence. The proceeds from any such insurance shall be used by Lessee for the replacement of personal property, Trade Fixtures, Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Lessee shall provide Lessor with written evidence that such insurance is in force.

 

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(b) Business Interruption . Lessee shall obtain and maintain loss of income and extra expense insurance in amounts as will reimburse Lessee for direct or indirect loss of earnings attributable to all perils commonly insured against by prudent lessees in the business of Lessee or attributable to prevention of access to the Premises as a result of such perils.

(c) Worker’s Compensation Insurance . Lessee shall obtain and maintain Worker’s Compensation Insurance in such amount as may be required by Applicable Requirements.

(d) No Representation of Adequate Coverage . Lessor makes no representation that the limits or forms of coverage of insurance specified herein are adequate to cover Lessee’s property, business operations or obligations under this Lease.

8.5 Insurance Policies . Insurance required herein shall be by companies maintaining during the policy term a “General Policyholders Rating” of at least A-, VII, as set forth in the most current issue of “Best’s Insurance Guide”, or such other rating as may be required by a Lender. Lessee shall not do or permit to be done anything which invalidates the required insurance policies. Lessee shall, prior to the Start Date, deliver to Lessor certified copies of policies of such insurance or certificates with copies of the required endorsements evidencing the existence and amounts of the required insurance. No such policy shall be cancelable or subject to modification except after 30 days prior written notice to Lessor. Lessee shall, at least 10 days prior to the expiration of such policies furnish Lessor with evidence of renewals or “insurance binders” evidencing renewal thereof, or Lessor may order such insurance and charge the cost thereof to Lessee, which amount shall be payable by Lessee to Lessor upon demand. Such policies shall be for a term of at least one year, or the length of the remaining term of this Lease, whichever is less. If either Party shall fail to procure and maintain the insurance required to be carried by it, the other Party may, but shall not be required to, procure and maintain the same.

8.6 Waiver of Subrogation . Without affecting any other rights or remedies, Lessee and Lessor each hereby release and relieve the other and waive their entire right to recover damages against the other, for loss of or damage to its property arising out of or incident to the perils required to be insured against herein. The effect of such releases and waivers is not limited by the amount of insurance carried or required, or by any deductibles applicable hereto. The Parties agree to have their respective property damage insurance carriers waive any right to subrogation that such companies may have against Lessor or Lessee, as the case may be, so long as the insurance is not invalidated thereby.

8.7 Indemnity . Except for Lessor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, Lessee shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless the Premises, Lessor and its agents, Lessor’s master or ground lessor, partners and Lenders, from and against any and all claims, loss of rents and/or damages, liens, judgments, penalties, attorneys’ and consultants’ fees, expenses and/or liabilities arising out of, involving, or in connection with, the use and/or occupancy of the Premises by Lessee. If any action or proceeding is brought against Lessor by reason of any of the foregoing matters, Lessee shall, upon notice, defend the same at Lessee’s expense by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Lessor and Lessor shall cooperate with Lessee in such defense. Lessor need not have first paid any such claim in order to be defended or indemnified.

8.8 Exemption of Lessor and its Agents from Liability . Notwithstanding the negligence or breach of this Lease by Lessor or its agents, neither Lessor nor its agents shall be liable under any circumstances for: (i) injury or damage to the person or goods, wares, merchandise or other property of Lessee, Lessee’s employees, contractors, invitees, customers, or any other person in or about the Premises, whether such damage or injury is caused by or results from fire, steam, electricity, gas, water or rain, indoor air quality, the presence of mold or from the breakage, leakage, obstruction or other defects of pipes, fire sprinklers, wires, appliances, plumbing, HVAC or lighting fixtures, or from any other cause, whether the said injury or damage results from conditions arising upon the Premises or upon other portions of the building of which the Premises are a part, or from other sources or places, (ii) any damages arising from any act or neglect of any other tenant of Lessor or from the failure of Lessor or its agents to enforce the provisions of any other lease in the Project, or (iii) injury to Lessee’s business or for any loss of income or profit therefrom. Instead, it is intended that Lessee’s sole recourse in the event of such damages or injury be to file a claim on the insurance policy(ies) that Lessee is required to maintain pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 8.

8.9 Failure to Provide Insurance . Lessee acknowledges that any failure on its part to obtain or maintain the insurance required herein will expose Lessor to risks and potentially cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the extent of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, for any month or portion thereof that Lessee does not maintain the required insurance and/or does not provide Lessor with the required binders or certificates evidencing the existance of the required insurance, the Base Rent shall be automatically increased, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, by an amount equal to 10% of the then existing Base Rent or $100, whichever is greater. The parties agree that such increase in Base Rent represents fair and reasonable compensation for the additional risk/costs that Lessor will incur by reason of Lessee’s failure to maintain the required insurance. Such increase in Base Rent shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessee’s Default or Breach with respect to the failure to maintain such insurance, prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder, nor relieve Lessee of its obligation to maintain the insurance specified in this Lease.

9. Damage or Destruction .

9.1 Definitions .

(a) “ Premises Partial Damage ” shall mean damage or destruction to the improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, which can reasonably be repaired in 6 months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within 30 days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Premises Partial Damage shall not include damage to windows, doors, and/or other similar items which Lessee has the responsibility to repair or replace pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 7.1.

(b) Premises Total Destruction ” shall mean damage or destruction to the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which cannot reasonably be repaired in 6 months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within 30 days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total.

 

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(c) “ Insured Loss ” shall mean damage or destruction to improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which was caused by an event required to be covered by the insurance described in Paragraph 8.3(a), irrespective of any deductible amounts or coverage limits involved.

(d) “ Replacement Cost ” shall mean the cost to repair or rebuild the improvements owned by Lessor at the time of the occurrence to their condition existing immediately prior thereto, including demolition, debris removal and upgrading required by the operation of Applicable Requirements, and without deduction for depreciation.

(e) Hazardous Substance Condition ” shall mean the occurrence or discovery of a condition involving the presence of, or a contamination by, a Hazardous Substance, in, on, or under the Premises which requires restoration.

9.2 Partial Damage – Insured Loss . If a Premises Partial Damage that is an Insured Loss occurs, then Lessor shall, at Lessor’s expense, repair such damage (but not Lessee’s Trade Fixtures or Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations) as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the required insurance was not in force or the insurance proceeds are not sufficient to effect such repair, Lessor shall promptly contribute the shortage in proceeds (except as to the deductible which is Lessee’s responsibility) as and when required to complete said repairs. In the event, however, such shortage was due to the fact that, by reason of the unique nature of the improvements, full replacement cost insurance coverage was not commercially reasonable and available, Lessor shall have no obligation to pay for the shortage in insurance proceeds or to fully restore the unique aspects of the Premises unless Lessee provides Lessor with the funds to cover same, or adequate assurance thereof, within 10 business days following receipt of written notice of such shortage and request therefore. If Lessor receives said funds or adequate assurance thereof within said 10 day period, the party responsible for making the repairs shall complete them as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall remain in full force and effect. If such funds or assurance are not received, Lessor may nevertheless elect by written notice to Lessee within 10 days thereafter to: (i) make such restoration and repair as is commercially reasonable with Lessor paying any shortage in proceeds, in which case this Lease shall remain in full force and effect, or (ii) have this Lease terminate 30 days thereafter. Lessee shall not be entitled to reimbursement of any funds contributed by Lessee to repair any such damage or destruction. Premises Partial Damage due to flood or earthquake shall be subject to Paragraph 9.3, notwithstanding that there may be some insurance coverage, but the net proceeds of any such insurance shall be made available for the repairs if made by either Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 9, Lessee’s maximum contribution to any deductible applicable to this section shall not exceed $5,000.00.

9.3 Partial Damage – Uninsured Loss . If a Premises Partial Damage that is not an Insured Loss occurs, unless caused by a negligent or willful act of Lessee (in which event Lessee shall make the repairs at Lessee’s expense), Lessor may either: (i) repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible at Lessor’s expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) terminate this Lease by giving written notice to Lessee within 30 days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such damage. Such termination shall be effective 30 days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to terminate this Lease, Lessee shall have the right within 10 days after receipt of the termination notice to give written notice to Lessor of Lessee’s commitment to pay for the repair of such damage without reimbursement from Lessor. Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within 30 days after making such commitment. In such event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such repairs as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not make the required commitment, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in the termination notice.

9.4 Total Destruction . Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, if a Premises Total Destruction occurs, this Lease shall terminate 30 days following such Destruction. If the damage or destruction was caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessee, Lessor shall have the right to recover Lessor’s damages from Lessee, except as provided in Paragraph 8.6.

9.5 Damage Near End of Term . If at any time during the last 6 months of this Lease there is damage for which the cost to repair exceeds one month’s Base Rent, whether or not an Insured Loss, Lessor may terminate this Lease effective 60 days following the date of occurrence of such damage by giving a written termination notice to Lessee within 30 days after the date of occurrence of such damage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Lessee at that time has an exercisable option to extend this Lease or to purchase the Premises, then Lessee may preserve this Lease by, (a) exercising such option and (b) providing Lessor with any shortage in insurance proceeds (or adequate assurance thereof) needed to make the repairs on or before the earlier of (i) the date which is 10 business days after Lessee’s receipt of Lessor’s written notice purporting to terminate this Lease, or (ii) the day prior to the date upon which such option expires. If Lessee duly exercises such option during such period and provides Lessor with funds (or adequate assurance thereof) to cover any shortage in insurance proceeds, Lessor shall, at Lessor’s commercially reasonable expense, repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. If Lessee fails to exercise such option and provide such funds or assurance during such period, then this Lease shall terminate on the date specified in the termination notice and Lessee’s option shall be extinguished.

9.6 Abatement of Rent; Lessee’s Remedies .

(a) Abatement . In the event of Premises Partial Damage or Premises Total Destruction or a Hazardous Substance Condition for which Lessee is not responsible under this Lease, the Rent payable by Lessee for the period required for the repair, remediation or restoration of such damage shall be abated in proportion to the degree to which Lessee’s use of the Premises is impaired. All other obligations of Lessee hereunder shall be performed by Lessee, and Lessor shall have no liability for any such damage, destruction, remediation, repair or restoration except as provided herein.

(b) Remedies . If Lessor is obligated to repair or restore the Premises and does not commence, in a substantial and meaningful way, such repair or restoration within 30 days after such obligation shall accrue, Lessee may, at any time prior to the commencement of such repair or restoration, give written notice to Lessor of Lessee’s election to terminate this Lease on a date not less than 30 days following the giving of such notice. If Lessee gives such notice and such repair or restoration is not commenced within 30 days thereafter, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in said notice. If the repair or restoration is commenced within such 30 days, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. “Commence” shall mean either the unconditional authorization of the preparation of the required plans, or the beginning of the actual work on the Premises, whichever first occurs.

9.7 Termination; Advance Payments . Upon termination of this Lease pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(g) or Paragraph 9, an equitable adjustment shall be made concerning advance Base Rent and any other advance payments made by Lessee to Lessor. Lessor shall, in addition, return to Lessee so much of Lessee’s Security Deposit as has not been, or is not then required to be, used by Lessor.

 

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10. Real Property Taxes .

10.1 Definition . As used herein, the term “ Real Property Taxes ” shall include any form of assessment: real estate, general, special, ordinary or extraordinary, or rental levy or tax (other than inheritance, personal income or estate taxes); improvement bond: and/or license fee imposed upon or levied against any legal or equitable interest of Lessor in the Premises or the Project, Lessor’s right to other income therefrom, and/or Lessor’s business of leasing, by any authority having the direct or indirect power to tax and where the funds are generated with reference to the Building address and where the proceeds so generated are to be applied by the city, county or other local taxing authority of a jurisdiction within which the Premises are located. Real Property Taxes shall also include any tax, fee, levy, assessment or charge, or any increase therein: (i) imposed by reason of events occurring during the term of this Lease, and (ii) levied or assessed on machinery or equipment provided by Lessor to Lessee pursuant to this Lease; provided however, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, that in no event shall Real Property Taxes mean or include any tax, fee, levy, assessment, charge, bond or other, imposed in relation to a change in ownership of the Premises,

10.2 (a) Payment of Taxes . Lessor shall pay the Real Property Taxes applicable to the Premises provided, however, that Lessee shall pay to Lessor the amount, if any, by which Real Property Taxes applicable to the Premises increase over the fiscal tax year during which the Commencement Date Occurs (“Tax Increase”). Payment of any such Tax Increase shall be made by Lessee to Lessor within 30 days after receipt of Lessor’s written statement setting forth the amount due and computation thereof. If any such taxes shall cover any period of time prior to or after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessee’s share of such taxes shall be prorated to cover only that portion of the tax bill applicable to the period that this Lease is in effect. In the event Lessee incurs a late charge on any Rent payment, Lessor may estimate the current Real Property Taxes, and require that the Tax Increase be paid in advance to Lessor by Lessee monthly in advance with the payment of the Base Rent. Such monthly payment shall be an amount equal to the amount of the estimated installment of the Tax Increase divided by the number of months remaining before the month in which said installment becomes delinquent. When the actual amount of the applicable Tax Increase is known, the amount of such equal monthly advance payments shall be adjusted as required to provide the funds needed to pay the applicable Tax increase. If the amount collected by Lessor is insufficient to pay the Tax Increase when due, Lessee shall pay Lessor, upon demand, such additional sums as are necessary to pay such obligations. Advance payments may be intermingled with other moneys of Lessor and shall not bear interest. In the event of a Breach by Lessee in the performance of its obligations under this Lease, then any such advance payments may be treated by Lessor as an additional Security Deposit.

(b) Additional Improvements . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Paragraph 10.2, Lessee shall pay to Lessor upon demand therefore the entirety of any increase in Real Property Taxes assessed by reason of Alterations or Utility Installations placed upon the Premises by Lessee or at Lessee’s request or by reason of any alterations or improvements to the Premises made by Lessor subsequent to the execution of this Lease by the Parties.

10.3 Joint Assessment . If the Premises are not separately assessed, Lessee’s liability shall be an equitable proportion of the Tax Increase for all of the land and improvements included within the tax parcel assessed; such proportion to be conclusively determined by Lessor from the respective valuations assigned in the assessor’s work sheets or such other information as may be reasonably available.

10.4 Personal Property Taxes . Lessee shall pay, prior to delinquency, all taxes assessed against and levied upon Lessee Owned Alterations, Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all personal property of Lessee. When possible, Lessee shall cause its Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all other personal property to be assessed and billed separately from the real property of Lessor. If any of Lessee’s said property shall be assessed with Lessor’s real property, Lessee shall pay Lessor the taxes attributable to Lessee’s property within 10 days after receipt of a written statement setting forth the taxes applicable to Lessee’s property.

11. Utilities and Services . Lessee shall pay for all water, gas, heat, light, power, telephone, trash disposal and other utilities and services supplied to the Premises, together with any taxes thereon. If any such services are not separately metered or billed to Lessee, Lessee shall pay a reasonable proportion, to be determined by Lessor, of all charges jointly metered or billed. There shall be no abatement of rent and Lessor shall not be liable in any respect whatsoever for the inadequacy, stoppage, interruption or discontinuance of any utility or service due to riot, strike, labor dispute, breakdown, accident, repair or other cause beyond Lessor’s reasonable control or in cooperation with governmental request or directions.

12. Assignment and Subletting .

12.1 Lessor’s Consent Required .

(a) Lessee shall not voluntarily transfer, mortgage or encumber (collectively, “ assign or assignment ”) or sublet all or any part of Lessee’s interest in this Lease or in the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided however; that, not withstanding anything to the contrary herein, Lessee may, in its sole discretion, assign, transfer or sublet Lessee’s interest in this Lease or in the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent if the assignee transferee or Sublessee of such assignment, transfer, or subletting is an entity acquiring a substantial portion of Lessee and having a net worth, at the time of such assignments, transfer or sublease, in excess of $5,000,000.00.

(b) An assignment or subletting without consent shall, at Lessor’s option, be a Default curable after notice per Paragraph 13.1(c), or a noncurable Breach without the necessity of any notice and grace period. If Lessor elects to treat such unapproved assignment or subletting as a noncurable Breach, Lessor may either (i) terminate this Lease, or (ii) upon 30 days written notice, increase the monthly Base Rent to 110% of the Base Rent then in effect. Further, in the event of such Breach and rental adjustment, (i) the purchase price of any option to purchase the Premises held by Lessee shall be subject to similar adjustment to 110% of the price previously in effect, and (ii) all fixed and non-fixed rental adjustments scheduled during the remainder of the Lease term shall be increased to 110% of the scheduled adjusted rent.

 

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(c) Lessee’s remedy for any breach of Paragraph 12.1 by Lessor shall be limited to compensatory damages and/or injunctive relief.

(d) Lessor may reasonably withhold consent to a proposed assignment or subletting if Lessee is in Default at the time consent is requested.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, allowing a de minimis portion of the Premises, i.e. 20 square feet or less, to be used by a third party vendor in connection with the installation of a vending machine or payphone shall not constitute a subletting.

12.2 Terms and Conditions Applicable to Assignment and Subletting .

(a) Regardless of Lessor’s consent, no assignment or subletting shall: (i) be effective without the express written assumption by such assignee or sublessee of the obligations of Lessee under this Lease, (ii) release Lessee of any obligations hereunder, or (iii) alter the primary liability of Lessee for the payment of Rent or for the performance of any other obligations to be performed by Lessee.

(b) Lessor may accept Rent or performance of Lessee’s obligations from any person other than Lessee pending approval or disapproval of an assignment. Neither a delay in the approval or disapproval of such assignment nor the acceptance of Rent or performance shall constitute a waiver or estoppel of Lessor’s right to exercise its remedies for Lessee’s Default or Breach.

(c) Lessor’s consent to any assignment or subletting shall not constitute consent to any subsequent assignment or subletting.

(d) In the event of any Default or Breach by Lessee, Lessor may proceed directly against Lessee, any Guarantors or anyone else responsible for the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, including any assignee or sublessee, without first exhausting Lessor’s remedies against any other person or entity responsible therefore to Lessor, or any security held by Lessor.

(e) Each request for consent to an assignment or subletting shall be in writing, accompanied by information relevant to Lessor’s determination as to the financial and operational responsibility and appropriateness of the proposed assignee or sublessee, including but not limited to the intended use and/or required modification of the Premises, if any, together with a fee of $500 as consideration for Lessor’s considering and processing said request. Lessee agrees to provide Lessor with such other or additional information and/or documentation as may be reasonably requested. (See also Paragraph 36)

(f) Any assignee of, or sublessee under, this Lease shall, by reason of accepting such assignment, entering into such sublease, or entering into possession of the Premises or any portion thereof, be deemed to have assumed and agreed to conform and comply with each and every term, covenant, condition and obligation herein to be observed or performed by Lessee during the term of said assignment or sublease, other than such obligations as are contrary to or inconsistent with provisions of an assignment or sublease to which Lessor has specifically consented to in writing.

(g) Lessor’s consent to any assignment or subletting shall not transfer to the assignee or sublessee any Option granted to the original Lessee by this Lease unless such transfer is specifically consented to by Lessor in writing. (See Paragraph 39.2)

12.3 Additional Terms and Conditions Applicable to Subletting . The following terms and conditions shall apply to any subletting by Lessee of all or any part of the Premises and shall be deemed included in all subleases under this Lease whether or not expressly incorporated therein:

(a) Lessee hereby assigns and transfers to Lessor all of Lessee’s interest in all Rent payable on any sublease, and Lessor may collect such Rent and apply same toward Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, provided, however, that until a Breach shall occur in the performance of Lessee’s obligations, Lessee may collect said Rent. In the event that the amount collected by Lessor exceeds Lessee’s then outstanding obligations any such excess shall be refunded to Lessee. Lessor shall not, by reason of the foregoing or any assignment of such sublease, nor by reason of the collection of Rent, be deemed liable to the sub lessee for any failure of Lessee to perform and comply with any of Lessee’s obligations to such sublessee. Lessee hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs any such sublessee, upon receipt of a written notice from Lessor stating that a Breach exists in the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, to pay to Lessor all Rent due and to become due under the sublease. Sublessee shall rely upon any such notice from Lessor and shall pay all Rents to Lessor without any obligation or right to inquire as to whether such Breach exists, notwithstanding any claim from Lessee to the contrary.

(b) In the event of a Breach by Lessee, Lessor may, at its option, require sublessee to attorn to Lessor, in which event Lessor shall undertake the obligations of the sublessor under such sublease from the time of the exercise of said option to the expiration of such sublease; provided, however, Lessor shall not be liable for any prepaid rents or security deposit paid by such sub lessee to such sublessor or for any prior Defaults or Breaches of such sublessor.

(c) No sub lessee shall further assign or sublet all or any part of the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent.

(d) Lessor shall deliver a copy of any notice of Default or Breach by Lessee to the sublessee who shall have the right to cure the Default of Lessee within the grace period, if any, specified in such notice. The sublessee shall have a right of reimbursement and offset from and against Lessee for any such Defaults cured by the sublessee.

 

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13. Default; Breach; Remedies .

13.1 Default; Breach . A “ Default ” is defined as a failure by the Lessee to comply with or perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions or Rules and Regulations under this Lease. A “ Breach ” is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Defaults, and the failure of Lessee to cure such Default within any applicable grace period:

(a) The abandonment of the Premises; or the vacating of the Premises without providing a commercially reasonable level of security, or where the coverage of the property insurance described in Paragraph 8.3 is jeopardized as a result thereof, or without providing reasonable assurances to minimize potential vandalism.

(b) The failure of Lessee to make any payment of Rent or any Security Deposit required to be made by Lessee hereunder, whether to Lessor or to a third party, when due, to provide reasonable evidence of insurance or surety bond, or to fulfill any obligation under this Lease which endangers or threatens life or property, where such failure continues for a period of 3 business days following written notice to Lessee. THE ACCEPTANCE BY LESSOR OF A PARTIAL PAYMENT OF RENT OR SECURITY DEPOSIT SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF ANY OF LESSOR’S RIGHTS, INCLUDING LESSOR’S RIGHT TO RECOVER POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES.

(c) The failure of Lessee to allow Lessor and/or its agents access to the Premises after an advance 24 hour notice or the commission of waste act or acts constituting public or private nuisance, and/or an illegal activity on the Premises by Lessee, where such actions continue for a period of 3 business days following written notice to Lessee.

(d) The failure by Lessee to provide (i) reasonable written evidence of compliance with Applicable Requirements, (ii) the rescission of an unauthorized assignment or subletting, (iii) an Estoppel Certificate or financial statements, (iv) a requested subordination, but only if Lessor has provided Lessee with a notice of non-disturbance from the entity requesting the subordination (v) evidence concerning any guaranty and/or Guarantor, (vi) any document requested under Paragraph 42, (vii) material safety data sheets (MSDS), or (viii) any other documentation or information which Lessor may reasonably require of Lessee under the terms of this Lease, where any such failure continues for a period of 30 days following written notice to Lessee.

(e) A default by Lessee as to the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease, or of the rules adopted under Paragraph 40 hereof, other than those described in subparagraphs 13.1(a), (b), (c) or (d), above, where such Default continues for a period of 30 days after written notice; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessee’s Default is such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its cure, then it shall not be deemed to be a Breach if Lessee commences such cure within said 30 day period and thereafter diligently prosecutes such cure to completion.

(f) The occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the making of any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; (ii) becoming a “ debtor ” as defined in 11 U.S.C. §101 or any successor statute thereto (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Lessee, the same is dismissed within 60 days); (iii) the appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of Lessee’s assets located at the Premises or of Lessee’s interest in this Lease, where possession is not restored to Lessee within 30 days; or (iv) the attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of substantially all of Lessee’s assets located at the Premises or of Lessee’s interest in this Lease, where such seizure is not discharged within 30 days; provided, however, in the event that any provision of this subparagraph (e) is contrary to any applicable law, such provision shall be of no force or effect, and not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

(g) The discovery that any financial statement of Lessee or of any Guarantor given to Lessor was materially false.

13.2 Remedies . If Lessee fails to perform any of its affirmative duties or obligations, within 10 days after written notice (or in case of an emergency, without notice), Lessor may, at its option, perform such duty or obligation on Lessee’s behalf, including but not limited to the obtaining of reasonably required bonds, insurance policies, or governmental licenses, permits or approvals. Lessee shall pay to Lessor an amount equal to 115% of the costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in such performance upon receipt of an invoice therefore but in no event shall the percentage penalty exceed $500.00. In the event of a Breach, Lessor may, with or without further notice or demand, and without limiting Lessor in the exercise of any right or remedy which Lessor may have by reason of such Breach:

(a) Terminate Lessee’s right to possession of the Premises by any Lawful means, in which case this Lease shall terminate and Lessee shall immediately surrender possession to Lessor. In such event Lessor shall be entitled to recover from Lessee: (i) the unpaid Rent which had been earned at the time of termination; (ii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent which would have been earned after termination until the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental toss that the Lessee proves could have been reasonably avoided; (iii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the Lessee proves could be reasonably avoided; and (iv) any other amount necessary to compensate Lessor for all the detriment proximately caused by the Lessee’s failure to perform its obligations under this Lease or which in the ordinary course of things would be likely to result therefrom, including but not limited to the cost of recovering possession of the Premises, expenses of reletting, including necessary renovation and alteration of the Premises, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and that portion of any leasing commission paid by Lessor in connection with this Lease applicable to the unexpired term of this Lease. The worth at the time of award of the amount referred to in provision (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be computed by discounting such amount at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of the District within which the Premises are located at the time of award plus one percent. Efforts by Lessor to mitigate damages caused by Lessee’s Breach of this Lease shall not waive Lessor’s right to recover damages under Paragraph 12. If termination of this Lease is obtained through the provisional remedy of unlawful detainer, Lessor shall have the right to recover in such proceeding any unpaid Rent and damages as are recoverable therein, and may reserve the right to recover all or any part thereof in a separate suit. If a notice and grace period required under Paragraph 13.1 was not previously given, a notice to pay rent or quit, or to perform or quit given to Lessee under the unlawful detainer statute shall also constitute the notice required by Paragraph 13.1. In such case, the applicable grace period required by Paragraph 13.1 and the unlawful detainer statute shall run concurrently, and the failure of Lessee to cure the Default within the greater of the two such grace periods shall constitute both an unlawful detainer and a Breach of this Lease entitling Lessor to the remedies provided for in this Lease and /or by said statute.

 

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(b) Continue the Lease and Lessee’s right to possession and recover the Rent as it becomes due, in which event Lessee may sublet or assign, subject only to reasonable limitations. Acts of maintenance, efforts to relet, and / or the appointment of a receiver to protect the Lessor’s interests, shad not constitute a termination of the Lessee’s right to possession.

(c) Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available under the laws or judicial decisions of the state wherein the Premises are located. The expiration or termination of this Lease and/or the termination of Lessee’s right to possession shall not relieve Lessee from liability under any indemnity provisions of this Lease as to matters occurring or accruing during the term hereof or by reason of Lessee’s occupancy of the Premises.

13.3 Inducement Recapture . Any agreement for free or abated rent or other charges, or for the giving or paying by Lessor to or for Lessee of any cash or other bonus, inducement or consideration for Lessee’s entering into this Lease, all of which concessions are hereinafter referred to as “ Inducement Provisions, ” shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee’s full and faithful performance of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease. Upon Breach of this Lease by Lessee, any such Inducement Provision shall automatically be deemed deleted from this Lease and of no further force or effect, and any rent, other charge, bonus, inducement or consideration theretofore abated, given or paid by Lessor under such an Inducement Provision shall be immediately due and payable by Lessee to Lessor, notwithstanding any subsequent cure of said Breach by Lessee. The acceptance by Lessor of rent or the cure of the Breach which initiated the operation of this paragraph shall not be deemed a waiver by Lessor of the provisions of this paragraph unless specifically so stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such acceptance.

13.4 Late Charges . Lessee hereby acknowledges that late payment by Lessee of Rent will cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the exact amount of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Such costs include, but are not limited to, processing and accounting charges, and late charges which may be imposed upon Lessor by any Lender. Accordingly, if any Rent shall not be received by Lessor within 10 days after such amount shall be due, then, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, Lessee shall immediately pay to Lessor a one-time late charge equal to 5 % of each such overdue amount or $100, whichever is greater. The Parties hereby agree that such late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs Lessor will incur by reason of such late payment. Acceptance of such late charge by Lessor shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessee’s Default or Breach with respect to such overdue amount, nor prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder. In the event that a late charge is payable hereunder, whether or not collected, for 3 consecutive installments of Base Rent, then notwithstanding any provision of this Lease to the contrary, Base Rent shall, at Lessor’s option, become due and payable quarterly in advance.

13.5 Interest . Any monetary payment due Lessor hereunder, other than late charges, not received by Lessor, when due as to scheduled payments (such as Base Rent) or within 30 days following the date on which it was due for non-scheduled payment, shall bear interest from the date when due, as to scheduled payments, or the 31st day after it was due as to non-scheduled payments. The interest (“ Interest ”) charged shall be computed at the rate of 5 % per annum but shall not exceed the maximum rate allowed by law. Interest is payable in addition to the potential late charge provided for in Paragraph 13.4.

13.6 Breach by Lessor .

(a) Notice of Breach . Lessor shall not be deemed in breach of this Lease unless Lessor fails within a reasonable time to perform an obligation required to be performed by Lessor. For purposes of this Paragraph, a reasonable time shall in no event be less than 30 days after receipt by Lessor from Lessee in writing for such purpose, of written notice specifying wherein such obligation of Lessor has not been performed; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessor’s obligation is such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its performance, then Lessor shall not be in breach if performance is commenced within such 30 day period and thereafter diligently pursued to completion.

(b) Performance by Lessee on Behalf of Lessor . In the event that Lessor does not cure said breach within 30 days after receipt of said notice, or if having commenced said cure they do not diligently pursue it to completion, then Lessee may elect to cure said breach at Lessee’s expense and offset from Rent the actual and reasonable cost to perform such cure. Lessee shall document the cost of said cure and supply said documentation to Lessor.

14. Condemnation . If the Premises or any portion thereof are taken under the power of eminent domain or sold under the threat of the exercise of said power (collectively “ Condemnation ”) , this Lease shall terminate as to the part taken as of the date the condemning authority takes title or possession, whichever first occurs. If any of the building the Premises is taken by Condemnation, Lessee may, at Lessee’s option, to be exercised in writing within 10 days after Lessor shall have given Lessee written notice of such taking (or in the absence of such notice, within 10 days after the condemning authority shall have taken possession) terminate this Lease as of the date the condemning authority takes such possession. If Lessee does not terminate this Lease in accordance with the foregoing, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect as to the portion of the Premises remaining, except that the Base Rent shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in utility of the Premises caused by such Condemnation. Condemnation awards and/or payments shall be the property of Lessor, whether such award shall be made as compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold, the value of the part taken, or for severance damages; provided, however, that Lessee shall be entitled to any compensation paid by the condemnor for Lessee’s relocation expenses, loss of business goodwill and/or Trade Fixtures, without regard to whether or not this Lease is terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph. All Alterations and Utility Installations made to the Premises by Lessee, for purposes of Condemnation only, shall be considered the property of the Lessee and Lessee shall be entitled to any and all compensation which is payable therefor. In the event that this Lease is not terminated by reason of the Condemnation, Lessor shall repair any damage to the Premises caused by such Condemnation.

15. Brokerage Fees.

15.1 Additional Commissions . Intentionally left blank.

15.2 Assumption of Obligations . Any buyer or transferee of Lessor’s interest in this Lease shall be deemed to have assumed Lessor’s obligation hereunder. Brokers shall be third party beneficiaries of the provisions of Paragraphs 1.9,15, 22 and 31. If Lessor fails to pay to Brokers any amounts due as and for brokerage fees pertaining to this Lease when due, then such amounts shall accrue Interest. In addition, if Lessor fails to pay any amounts to Lessee’s Broker when due, Lessee’s Broker may send written notice to

 

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Lessor and Lessee of such failure and if Lessor fails to pay such amounts within 10 days after said notice, Lessee shall pay said monies to its Broker and offset such amounts against Rent. In addition, Lessee’s Broker shall be deemed to be a third party beneficiary of any commission agreement entered into by and/or between Lessor and Lessor’s Broker for the limited purpose of collecting any brokerage fee owed.

15.3 Representations and Indemnities of Broker Relationships . Lessee and Lessor each represent and warrant to the other that it has had no dealings with any person, firm, broker or finder (other than the Brokers, if any) in connection with this Lease, and that no one other than said named Brokers is entitled to any commission or finder’s fee in connection herewith. Lessee and Lessor do each hereby agree to indemnify, protect, defend and hold the other harmless from and against liability for compensation or charges which may be claimed by any such unnamed broker, finder or other similar party by reason of any dealings or actions of the indemnifying Party, including any costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred with respect thereto.

16. Estoppel Certificates .

(a) Each Party (as “ Responding Party ”) shall within 10 business days after written notice from the other Party (the “ Requesting Party ”) execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Requesting Party an Estoppel Certificate in writing and in a form reasonably satisfactory to both parties, plus such additional information, confirmation and/or statements as may be reasonably requested by the Requesting Party.

(b) If the Responding Party shall fail to execute or deliver the Estoppel Certificate within such 10 day period, the Requesting Party may execute an Estoppel Certificate stating that: (i) the Lease is in full force and effect without modification except as may be represented by the Requesting Party, (ii) there are no uncured defaults in the Requesting Party’s performance, and (iii) if Lessor is the Requesting Party, not more than one month’s rent has been paid in advance. Prospective purchasers and encumbrancers may rely upon the Requesting Party’s Estoppel Certificate, and the Responding Party shall be estopped from denying the truth of the facts contained in said Certificate.

(c) If Lessor desires to finance, refinance, or sell the Premises, or any part thereof, Lessee and all Guarantors shall within 10 business days after written notice from Lessor deliver to any potential lender or purchaser designated by Lessor such financial statements of the parent company as is available from publicly available filings with the Security and Exchange Commission. All such financial statements shall be received by Lessor and such lender or purchaser in confidence and shall be used only for the purposes herein set forth.

17. Definition of Lessor . The term “ Lessor ” as used herein shall mean the owner or owners at the time in question of the fee title to the Premises, or, if this is a sublease, of the Lessee’s interest in the prior lease, In the event of a transfer of Lessor’s title or interest in the Premises or this Lease, Lessor shall deliver to the transferee or assignee (in cash or by credit) any unused Security Deposit held by Lessor. Upon such transfer or assignment and delivery of the Security Deposit, as aforesaid, the prior Lessor shall be relieved of all liability with respect to the obligations and/or covenants under this Lease thereafter to be performed by the Lessor. Subject to the foregoing, the obligations and/or covenants in this Lease to be performed by the Lessor shall be binding only upon the Lessor as hereinabove defined.

18. Severability . The invalidity of any provision of this Lease, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall in no way affect the validity of any other provision hereof.

19. Days . Unless otherwise specifically indicated to the contrary, the word “days” as used in this Lease shall mean and refer to calendar days.

20. Limitation on Liability . The obligations of Lessor under this Lease shall not constitute personal obligations of Lessor or its partners, members, directors, officers or shareholders., and Lessee shall look to the Premises, and to no other assets of Lessor, for the satisfaction of any liability of Lessor with respect to this Lease, and shall not seek recourse against Lessor’s partners, members, directors, officers or shareholders, or any of their personal assets for such satisfaction.

21. Time of Essence . Time is of the essence with respect to the performance of all obligations to be performed or observed by the Parties under this Lease.

22. No Prior or Other Agreements; Broker Disclaimer . This Lease contains all agreements between the Parties with respect to any matter mentioned herein, and no other prior or contemporaneous agreement or understanding shall be effective. Lessor and Lessee each represents and warrants to the Brokers that it has made, and is relying solely upon, its own investigation as to the nature, quality, character and financial responsibility of the other Party to this Lease and as to the use, nature, quality and character of the Premises. Brokers have no responsibility with respect thereto or with respect to any default or breach hereof by either Party.

23. Notices .

23.1 Notice Requirements . All notices required or permitted by this Lease or applicable law shall be in writing and may be delivered in person (by hand or by courier) or may be sent by regular, certified or registered mail or U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, with postage prepaid, or by facsimile transmission, and shall be deemed sufficiently given if served in a manner specified in this Paragraph 23. The addresses noted adjacent to a Party’s signature on this Lease shall be that Party’s address for delivery or mailing of notices. Either Party may, by written notice to the other, specify a different address for notice. A copy of all notices to Lessor shall be concurrently transmitted to such party or parties at such addresses as Lessor may from time to time hereafter designate in writing.

23.2 Date of Notice . Any notice sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed given on the date of delivery shown on the receipt card, or if no delivery date is shown, the postmark thereon. If sent by regular mail the notice shall be deemed given 72 hours after the same is addressed as required herein and mailed with postage prepaid. Notices delivered by United States Express Mail or overnight courier that guarantees next day delivery shall be deemed given 24 hours after delivery of the same to the Postal Service or courier Notices transmitted by facsimile transmission or similar means shall be deemed delivered upon telephone confirmation of receipt (confirmation report from fax machine is sufficient), provided a copy is also delivered via delivery or mail. If notice is received on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it shall be deemed received on the next business day.

 

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24. Waivers .

(a) No waiver by either party of the Default or Breach of any term, covenant or condition hereof by either party, shall be deemed a waiver of any other term, covenant or condition hereof, or of any subsequent Default or Breach by either party of the same or of any other term, covenant or condition hereof. Either Parties consent to, or approval of, any act shall not be deemed to render unnecessary the obtaining of either parties consent to, or approval of, any subsequent or similar act by the other Party, or be construed as the basis of an estoppel to enforce the provision or provisions of this Lease requiring such consent.

(b) The acceptance of Rent by Lessor shall not be a waiver of any Default or Breach by Lessee. Any payment by Lessee may be accepted by Lessor on account of moneys or damages due Lessor, notwithstanding any qualifying statements or conditions made by Lessee in connection therewith, which such statements and/or conditions shall be of no force or effect whatsoever unless specifically agreed to in writing by Lessor at or before the time of deposit of such payment.

(c) THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE SHALL GOVERN WITH REGARD TO ALL MATTERS RELATED THERETO AND HEREBY WAIVE THE PROVISIONS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE STATUTE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH STATUTE IS INCONSISTENT WITH THIS LEASE.

25. Disclosures Regarding The Nature of a Real Estate Agency Relationship

(a) When entering into a discussion with a real estate agent regarding a real estate transaction, a Lessor or Lessee should from the outset understand what type of agency relationship or representation it has with the agent or agents in the transaction. Lessor and Lessee acknowledge being advised by the Brokers in this transaction, as follows:

(i) Lessor’s Agent . A Lessor’s agent under a listing agreement with the Lessor acts as the agent for the Lessor only. A Lessor’s agent or subagent has the following affirmative obligations: To the Lessor : A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty in dealings with the Lessor. To the Lessee and the Lessor : a. Diligent exercise of reasonable skills and care in performance of the agent’s duties. b. A duty of honest and fair dealing and good faith. c. A duty to disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that are not known to, or within the diligent attention and observation of, the Parties. An agent is not obligated to reveal to either Party any confidential information obtained from the other Party which does not involve the affirmative duties set forth above.

(ii) Lessee’s Agent . An agent can agree to act as agent for the Lessee only. In these situations, the agent is not the Lessors agent, even if by agreement the agent may receive compensation for services rendered, either in full or in part from the Lessor. An agent acting only for a Lessee has the following affirmative obligations. To the Lessee : A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty in dealings with the Lessee. To the Lessee and the Lessor : a. Diligent exercise of reasonable skills and care in performance of the agent’s duties. b. A duty of honest and fair dealing and good faith. c. A duly to disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that are not known to, or within the diligent attention and observation of, the Parties. An agent is not obligated to reveal to either Party any confidential information obtained from the other Party which does not involve the affirmative duties set forth above.

(iii) Agent Representing Both Lessor and Lessee . A real estate agent, either acting directly or through one or more associate licenses, can legally be the agent of both the Lessor and the Lessee in a transaction, but only with the knowledge and consent of both the Lessor and the Lessee. In a dual agency situation, the agent has the following affirmative obligations to both the Lessor and the Lessee: a. A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty and loyalty in the dealings with either Lessor or the Lessee. b. Other duties to the Lessor and the Lessee as stated above in subparagraphs (i) or (ii). In representing both Lessor and Lessee, the agent may not without the express permission of the respective Party, disclose to the other Party that the Lessor would accept rent in an amount less than that indicated in the listing or that the Lessee is willing to pay a higher rent than that offered. The above duties of the agent in a real estate transaction do not relieve a Lessor or Lessee from the responsibility to protect their own interests. Lessor and Lessee should carefully read all agreements to assure that they adequately express their understanding of the transaction. A real estate agent is a person qualified to advise about real estate. If legal or tax advice is desired, consult a competent professional.

(b) Brokers have no responsibility with respect to any default or breach hereof by either Party. The Parties agree that no lawsuit or other legal proceeding involving any breach of duty, error or omission relating to this Lease may be brought against Broker more than one year after the Start Date and that the liability (including court costs and attorneys’ fees), of any Broker with respect to any such lawsuit and/or legal proceeding shall not exceed the fee received by such Broker pursuant to this Lease; provided, however, that the foregoing limitation on each Broker’s liability shall not be applicable to any gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Broker.

(c) Lessor and Lessee agree to identify to Brokers as “Confidential’’ any communication or information given Brokers that is considered by such Party to be confidential.

26. No Right To Holdover . Lessee has no right to retain possession of the Premises or any part thereof beyond the expiration or termination of this Lease. In the event that Lessee holds over, then the Base Rent shall be increased to 125% of the Base Rent applicable immediately preceding the expiration or termination. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as consent by Lessor to any holding over by Lessee.

27. Cumulative Remedies . No remedy or election hereunder shall be deemed exclusive but shall, wherever possible, be cumulative with all remedies at law or in equity.

 

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28. Covenants and Conditions; Construction of Agreement . All provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by either party are both covenants and conditions. In construing this Lease, all headings and titles are for the convenience of the Parties only and shall not be considered a part of this Lease. Whenever required by the context, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. This Lease shall not be construed as if prepared by one of the Parties, but rather according to its fair meaning as a whole, as if both Parties had prepared it.

29. Binding Effect; Choice of Law . This Lease shall be binding upon the Parties, their personal representatives, successors and assigns and be governed by the laws of the State in which the Premises are located. Any litigation between the Parties hereto concerning this Lease shall be initiated in the county in which the Premises are located.

30. Subordination; Attornment; Non-Disturbance .

30.1 Subordination . This Lease and any Option granted hereby shall be subject and subordinate to any ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust, or other hypothecation or security device (collectively, “ Security Device ”), now or hereafter placed upon the Premises, to any and all advances made on the security thereof, and to all renewals, modifications, and extensions thereof. Lessee agrees that the holders of any such Security Devices (in this Lease together referred to as “ Lender ”) shall have no liability or obligation to perform any of the obligations of Lessor under this Lease. Any Lender may elect to have this Lease and/or any Option granted hereby superior to the lien of its Security Device by giving written notice thereof to Lessee, whereupon this Lease and such Options shall be deemed prior to such Security Device, notwithstanding the relative dates of the documentation or recordation thereof.

30.2 Attornment . In the event that Lessor transfers title to the Premises, or if the Premises are acquired by a non-affiliate upon the foreclosure or termination of a Security Devise to which this Lease is subordinated (i) Lessee shall, subject to the non-disturbance provisions of Paragraph 30.3, attorn to such new owner, and upon request, enter into a new lease, containing all of the terms and provisions of this Lease, with such new owner for the remainder of the term hereof, or, at the election of the new owner, this Lease will automatically become a new lease between Lessee and such new owner, and (ii) Lessor shall thereafter be relieved of any further obligations hereunder and such new owner shall assume all of Lessor’s obligations, except that such new owner shall not: (a) be liable for any act or omission of any prior lessor or with respect to events occurring prior to acquisition of ownership; (b) be subject to any offsets or defenses which Lessee might have against any prior lessor, (c) be bound by prepayment of more than one month’s rent, or (d) be liable for the return of any security deposit paid to any prior lessor which was not paid or credited to such new owner.

30.3 Non-Disturbance . With respect to Security Devices entered into by Lessor after the execution of this Lease, Lessee’s subordination of this Lease shall be subject to receiving a commercially reasonable non-disturbance agreement (a “ Non- Disturbance Agreement ”) from the Lender which Non-Disturbance Agreement provides that Lessee’s possession of the Premises, and this Lease, including any options to extend the term hereof, will not be disturbed so long as Lessee is not in Breach hereof and attorns to the record owner of the Premises. Further, within 60 days after the execution of this Lease, Lessor shall, if requested by Lessee, use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Non-Disturbance Agreement from the holder of any pre-existing Security Device which is secured by the Premises. In the event that Lessor is unable to provide the Non-Disturbance Agreement within said 60 days, then Lessee may, at Lessee’s option, directly contact Lender and attempt to negotiate for the execution and delivery of a Non-Disturbance Agreement.

30.4 Self-Executing . The agreements contained in this Paragraph 30 shall be effective without the execution of any further documents; provided, however, that, upon written request from Lessor or a Lender in connection with a sale, financing or refinancing of the Premises, Lessee and Lessor shall execute such further writings as may be reasonably required to separately document any subordination, attornment and/or Non-Disturbance Agreement provided for herein.

31. Attorneys’ Fees . If any Party or Broker brings an action or proceeding involving the Premises whether founded in tort, contract or equity, or to declare rights hereunder, the Prevailing Party (as hereafter defined) in any such proceeding, action, or appeal thereon, shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees. Such tees may be awarded in the same suit or recovered in a separate suit, whether or not such action or proceeding is pursued to decision or judgment. The term, “ Prevailing Party ” shall include, without limitation, a Party or Broker who substantially obtains or defeats the relief sought, as the case may be, whether by compromise, settlement, judgment, or the abandonment by the other Party or Broker of its claim or defense. The attorneys’ fees award shall not be computed in accordance with any court fee schedule, but shall be such as to fully reimburse all attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred.

32. Lessor’s Access; Showing Premises; Repairs . Lessor and Lessor’s agents shall have the right to enter the Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times after reasonable prior notice for the purpose of showing the same to prospective purchasers, lenders, or tenants, and making such alterations, repairs, improvements or additions to the Premises as Lessor may deem necessary or desirable and the erecting, using and maintaining of utilities, services, pipes and conduits through the Premises and/or other premises as long as there is no material adverse effect to Lessee’s use of the Premises. All such activities shall be without abatement of rent or liability to Lessee.

33. Auctions . Lessee shall not conduct, nor permit to be conducted, any auction upon the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent. Lessor shall not be obligated to exercise any standard of reasonableness in determining whether to permit an auction.

34. Signs . Lessor may place on the Premises ordinary “For Sale” signs at any time and ordinary “For Lease” signs during the last 6 months of the term hereof. Lessee may place signs on the property including “for sublease” signs, with Lessor’s prior written consent.

35. Termination; Merger . Unless specifically stated otherwise in writing by Lessor, the voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Lessee, the mutual termination or cancellation hereof, or a termination hereof by Lessor for Breach by Lessee, shall automatically terminate any sublease or lesser estate in the Premises; provided, however, that Lessor may elect to continue any one or all existing subtenancies. Lessor’s failure within 10 days following any such event to elect to the contrary by written notice to the holder of any such lesser interest, shall constitute Lessor’s election to have such event constitute the termination of such interest.

 

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36. Consents . Except as otherwise provided herein, wherever in this Lease the consent of a Party is required to an act by or for the other Party, such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Lessor’s actual reasonable costs and expenses (including but not limited to architects’, attorneys’, engineers’ and other consultants’ fees) incurred in the consideration of, or response to, a request by Lessee for any Lessor consent, including but not limited to consents to an assignment, a subletting or the presence or use of a Hazardous Substance, shall be paid by Lessee upon receipt of an invoice and supporting documentation therefor. Lessor’s consent to any act, assignment or subletting shall not constitute an acknowledgment that no Default or Breach by Lessee of this Lease exists, nor shall such consent be deemed a waiver of any then existing Default or Breach, except as may be otherwise specifically stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such consent. The failure to specify herein any particular condition to Lessor’s consent shall not preclude the imposition by Lessor at the time of consent of such further or other conditions as are then reasonable with reference to the particular matter for which consent is being given. In the event that either Party disagrees with any determination made by the other hereunder and reasonably requests the reasons for such determination, the determining party shall furnish its reasons in writing and in reasonable detail within 10 business days following such request.

37. Guarantor .

37.1 Execution . Intentionally left blank.

37.2 Default . Intentionally left blank.

38. Quiet Possession . Subject to payment by Lessee of the Rent and performance of all of the covenants, conditions and provisions on Lessee’s part to be observed and performed under this Lease, Lessee shall have quiet possession and quiet enjoyment of the Premises during the term hereof.

39. Options . If Lessee is granted an Option, as defined below, then the following provisions shall apply:

39.1 Definition . “ Option ” shall mean: (a) the right to extend or reduce the term of or renew this Lease or to extend or reduce the term of or renew any lease that Lessee has on other property of Lessor, (b) the right of first refusal or first offer to lease either the Premises or other property of Lessor; (c) the right to purchase, the right of first offer to purchase or the right of first refusal to purchase the Premises or other property of Lessor.

39.2 Options Personal To Original Lessee . Any Option granted to Lessee in this Lease is personal to the original Lessee, and cannot be assigned or exercised by anyone other than said original Lessee and only while the original Lessee is in full possession of the Premises and, if requested by Lessor, with Lessee certifying that Lessee has no intention of thereafter assigning or subletting.

39.3 Multiple Options . In the event that Lessee has any multiple Options to extend or renew this Lease, a later Option cannot be exercised unless the prior Options have been validly exercised.

39.4 Effect of Default on Options .

(a) Lessee shall have no right to exercise an Option: (i) during the period commencing with the giving of any notice of Default and continuing until said Default is cured, (ii) during the period of time any Rent is unpaid (without regard to whether notice thereof is given Lessee), (iii) during the time Lessee is in Breach of this Lease, or (iv) in the event that Lessee has been given 3 or more notices of separate Default, whether or not the Defaults are cured, during the 12 month period immediately preceding the exercise of the Option.

(b) The period of time within which an Option may be exercised shall not be extended or enlarged by reason of Lessee’s inability to exercise an Option because of the provisions of Paragraph 39-4(a).

(c) An Option shall terminate and be of no further force or effect, notwithstanding Lessee’s due and timely exercise of the Option, if, after such exercise and prior to the commencement of the extended term or completion of the purchase, (i) Lessee fails to pay Rent for a period of 30 days after such Rent becomes due (without any necessity of Lessor to give notice thereof), or (ii) if Lessee commits a Breach of this Lease.

40. Multiple Buildings . Intentionally left blank.

41. Security Measures . Lessee hereby acknowledges that the Rent payable to Lessor hereunder does not include the cost of guard service or other security measures, and that Lessor shall have no obligation whatsoever to provide same. Lessee assumes all responsibility for the protection of the Premises, Lessee, its agents and invitees and their property from the acts of third parties.

42. Reservations . Lessor reserves to itself the right, from time to time, to grant, without the consent or joinder of Lessee, such easements, rights and dedications that Lessor deems necessary, and to cause the recordation of parcel maps and restrictions, so long as such easements, rights, dedications, maps and restrictions do not unreasonably interfere with the use of the Premises by Lessee. Lessee agrees to sign any documents reasonably requested by Lessor to effectuate any such easement rights, dedication, map or restrictions.

43. Performance Under Protest . If at any time a dispute shall arise as to any amount or sum of money to be paid by one Party to the other under the provisions hereof, the Party against whom the obligation to pay the money is asserted shall have the right to make payment “under protest” and such payment shall not be regarded as a voluntary payment and there shall survive the right on the part of said Party to institute suit for recovery of such sum. If it shall be adjudged that there was no legal obligation on the part of said Party to pay such sum or any part thereof, said Party shall be entitled to recover such sum or so much thereof as it was not legally required to pay. Party who does not initiate suit for the recovery of sums paid “under protest” within 6 months shall be deemed to have waived its right to protest such payment.

 

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44. Authority; Multiple Parties; Execution .

(a) If either Party hereto is a corporation, trust, Limited Liability Company, partnership, or similar entity, each individual executing this Lease on behalf of such entity represents and warrants that he or she is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on its behalf. Each Party shall, within 30 days after request, deliver to the other Party satisfactory evidence of such authority.

(b) If this Lease is executed by more than one person or entity as “Lessee”, each such person or entity shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder. It is agreed that any one of the named Lessees shall be empowered to execute any amendment to this Lease, or other document ancillary thereto and bind ail of the named Lessees, and Lessor may rely on the same as if all of the named Lessees had executed such document.

(c) This Lease may be executed by the Parties in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

45. Conflict . Any conflict between the printed provisions of this Lease and typewritten or handwritten provisions shall be controlled by the typewritten or handwritten provisions.

46. Offer . Preparation of this Lease by either Party or their agent and submission of same to the other Party shall not be deemed an offer to lease to the other Party. This Lease is not intended to be binding until executed and delivered by all Parties hereto.

47. Amendments . This Lease may be modified only in writing, signed by the Parties in interest at the time of the modification. As long as they do not materially change Lessee’s obligations hereunder, Lessee agrees to make such reasonable non-monetary modifications to this Lease as may be reasonably required by a Lender in connection with the obtaining of normal financing or refinancing of the Premises.

48. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING INVOLVING THE PROPERTY OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.

49. Arbitration of Disputes . An Addendum requiring the Arbitration of disputes between the Parties and/or Brokers arising out of this Lease ¨ is ¨ is not attached to this Lease.

LESSOR AND LESSEE HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND REVIEWED THIS LEASE AND EACH TERM AND PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND BY THE EXECUTION OF THIS LEASE SHOW THEIR INFORMED AND VOLUNTARY CONSENT THERETO. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE THAT, AT THE TIME THIS LEASE IS EXECUTED, THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE ARE COMMERCIALLY REASONABLE AND EFFECTUATE THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF LESSOR AND LESSEE WITH RESPECT TO THE PREMISES.

ATTENTION : NO REPRESENTATION OR RECOMMENDATION IS MADE BY THE AIR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION OR BY ANY BROKER AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY, LEGAL EFFECT, OR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS LEASE OR THE TRANSACTION TO WHICH IT RELATES. THE PARTIES ARE URGED TO:

1. SEEK ADVICE OF COUNSEL AS TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS LEASE.

2. RETAIN APPROPRIATE CONSULTANTS TO REVIEW AND INVESTIGATE THE CONDITION OF THE PREMISES. SAID INVESTIGATION SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: THE POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, THE ZONING OF THE PREMISES, THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY, THE CONDITION OF THE ROOF AND OPERATING SYSTEMS, AND THE SUITABILITY OF THE PREMISES FOR LESSEE’S INTENDED USE.

The parties hereto have executed this Lease at the place and on the dates specified above their respective signatures.

 

Executed at: Scotts Valley, CA

    Executed at: Watsonville, CA

On: 4/21/10            

    On: April 16, 2010

By LESSOR :

    By LESSEE :

By: /s/ William R. Gilbert                                    

    By: /s/ Robert Kaswen                                      

Name Printed: William R. Gilbert

    Name Printed: Robert Kaswen

Title: Managing Partner

    Title: Chief Executive Officer

By:                                                                         

    By:                                                                      

Name Printed:                                                        

    Name Printed:                                                    

Title:                                                                      

    Title:                                                                    

Address: P.O. Box 66599

Scotts Valley, CA 95067

    Address:                                                              

Telephone: (831) 818-3118

    Telephone: (    )                                                  

Facsimile: (    )                                                      

    Facsimile: (    )                                                    

Federal ID No.                                                      

    Federal ID No.                                                    

 

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LOGO


FIRST ADDENDUM

This First Addendum modifies and amends the attached AIR Standard Industrial Commercial Single-Tenant Lease — Gross dated, for reference purposes only, March 24 2010 (the ‘‘Lease”) by and between Fox Factory Inc DBA Fox Racing Shox (“Lessee”) and Scarborough/Gilbert Partners (“Lessor”) for the property located at 200 El Pueblo Scotts Valley, California (the “Premises”).

In the event of a conflict between this First Addendum and the attached Lease, this First Addendum shall control.

 

1. Reference Paragraph 1.5 RENT : The monthly base rent shall be increased by 2.5% annually. The initial six months of the initial term shall be free of base Rent. During the free rent period, Lessee shall pay for the utilities and other cost of operating the building, as provided in the Lease.

Lessee shall pay its operating expense obligations during each and every month of the lease.

 

2. REFERENCE PARAGRAPH 1.3 TERM :

Option to Extend

Provided that Lessee is not in default under the terms of the Lease, Lessee shall have two separate and successive options to extend the Lease term under the same terms and conditions contained in the Lease and this First Addendum (including annual Base Rent increases of Two and one-half percent (2.5%)) for successive three (3) year periods from either the expiration date of the initial term or, if the first option has been exercised, of the first extended term (“Renewal Term”). The option must be exercised, if at all, by delivering written notice to Lessor no later than 180 days before the end of the Lease term or the first extended term Within 30 days after receiving Lessee’s notice of exercise, Lessor shall compute the rent for the Renewal Term which shall be the Fair Market Rent (‘‘FMR”) for the Premises on a gross rent basis as provided below. Lessor shall then notify Lessee in writing of the resulting amount. FMR for the Renewal Term shall mean the monthly gross rent for the Premises, based on tenancies (for a term comparable to the Renewal Term) covering industrial space of comparable size and quality to the Premises in comparable buildings in comparable locations in the same city as the Premises, taking into account the condition of the Premises in its then “as is” condition.

If Lessor and Lessee have not agreed on an FMR by 60 days after Lessee’s notice of exercise, then each party shall appoint an appraiser who shall be an independent, disinterested person knowledgeable in rental rates and lease transactions in the same city as the Premises. The appraisers shall be either real estate appraisers or consultants who have at least 10 years continuous experience in the business of appraising or are knowledgeable in rental rates and lease transactions in the same city as the Premises. The two appraisers appointed shall appoint a third appraiser within 10 days of the appointment of the last appraiser. The three appraiser shall meet and determine FMR on or before 90 days after the date of Lessee’s notice of exercise and a decision of the three appraisers shall be controlling. In the event that the three appraisers are unable to agree upon the base rent within the stipulated period of time, the individual findings of the three (3) appraisers shall be added together and their total divided by three; the resulting quotient shall be the base rent for the Premises during the remaining term under consideration. Should any of the individual appraisals is more than 15% above or below the middle appraisal, it shall not be considered in determining the FMR. If only one appraisal is disregarded, then the other two appraisals shall be added together and their total divided by two and the resulting quotient shall be the base rent. If both the high and low appraisals are disregarded, then the middle appraisal shall be the base rent. In no event, however, shall the base monthly rent for the extended term be less than the monthly rent at the end of the initial term.

Each party shall bear one-half the cost of the appraisals. The third appraiser shall be an unrelated entity that has not acted in any capacity for either the Lessor or the Lessee. Should arbitration become necessary, Lessor and Lessee shall also equally bear the costs of the arbitration.

Once the parties agree on the monthly gross rent for the extended term they shall immediately execute an amendment to the Lease stating the new monthly gross rent.


3. Reference Paragraph 7.3 A: The insert of “preexisting” notwithstanding, Lessee shall maintain Utility Installations it installs on or in the property.

 

4. Reference Paragraph 8.1: Subject to the terms of this Paragraph, Lessor shall not pass through to tenant an increase in the cost of real property insurance of more than 5% in a single year. In the event the actual increase is greater than 5%, Lessor shall have the right to carry forward the balance of increased insurance costs in excess of the 5% limit, in succeeding years, a “carry forward” of the balance.

 

5. Tenant improvements : Lessee shall be responsible for the planning, permitting and construction of any and all of needed tenant improvements. Lessor shall contribute a tenant improvement allowance to pay for Lessee’s needed improvements, up to a maximum contribution of $8.00 per rentable square foot. Lessee shall submit invoices for work to Lessor at the address set forth below. Once approved by Lessor the Lessee shall reimbursed by Lessor within fifteen (15) days.

 

6.        NOTICES : Notices to Lessor may be sent to:

  

Bill Gilbert

Scarborough/Gilbert Partners

P.O. Box 66599

Scotts Valley CA 95067

Phone: (831) 818.3118

 

Read and Approved        
Lessor : Scarborough/Gilbert Partners       Lessee : Fox Factory Inc.  
/s/ William R. Gilbert   4/21/10     /s/ Robert Kaswen   4.16.2010
  Date       Date
               
  Date       Date


   Second Addendum to the Lease dated March 24, 2010 by and between Fox Factory Inc. DBA Fox Racing Shocks (Lessee) and Scarborough/Gilbert Partners (Lessor) for those premises located at 200 El Pueblo, Scotts Valley, Ca. the “Lease”

 

   By their signatures below, the undersigned agree to modify / amend the Lease as follows:

 

  1. Reference Paragraph 1.3 Term : The commencement date shall now be May 1, 2010 and the Lease term shall end October 28, 2015. To exercise its option to extend the lease term, Lessee shall notify Lessor in writing prior to December 1, 2014.

 

  2. Reference Paragraph 1.5 Rent : The monthly base rent shall commence November 1, 2010.

 

  3. Reference Paragraph 2.4 Acknowledgements : Lessee hereby waives their ability to terminate the lease as set out in the second section of Paragraph 2.4.

 

Read and Approved :        
Lessor : Scarborough/Gilbert Partners       Lessee : Fox Factory Inc.  
/s/ William R. Gilbert   5/17/10     /s/ Robert Kaswen   5-14-2010
  Date       Date
          /s/ [Illegible]   5-14-2010
  Date       Date

Exhibit 10.13

LEASE AGREEMENT

between

ROBERT C. FOX, JR. as Landlord

and

FOX FACTORY, INC., a California corporation as Tenant


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page  

SALIENT LEASE TERMS

    1   

1.

  Recitals     1   

2.

  Premises     1   

3.

  Term     1   

4.

  Acceptance of Premises     1   

5.

  Rental     1   
  A.   Minimum Monthly Rent     1   
  B.   Cost-of-Living Adjustment     2   
  C.   Additional Charges     2   

6.

  Taxes; Assessments     2   
  A.   Personal Property Taxes     2   
  B.   Real Property Taxes     3   
  C.   Substitute Taxes     3   

7.

  Use     3   
  A.   Limitations on Use     3   
    (1)   Cancellation of Insurance/Increase in Insurance Rates     3   
    (2)   Compliance With Laws     4   
    (3)   Waste; Nuisance     4   
    (4)   Signs     4   

8.

  Repairs and Maintenance     4   

9.

  Alterations     4   

10.

  Mechanic’s Liens     5   

11.

  Utilities     5   

12.

  Indemnity-Insurance By Tenant     5   
  A.   Public Liability and Property Damage     6   
  B.   Fire Insurance     6   
  C.   Business Interruption Insurance     6   
  D.   Policy Form     6   

13.

  Insurance; Landlord     7   

14.

  Destruction     7   
  A.   Destruction Due to Risk Covered by Insurance     7   
  B.   Destruction Due to Risk Not Covered by Insurance     8   
  C.   Abatement or Reduction of Rent     9   
  D.   Loss During Last Part of Term     9   
  E.   Waiver of Civil Code Sections     9   

15.

  Condemnation       9   
  A.   Definitions     9   
  B.   Total Taking     9   
  C.   Partial Taking     9   
  D.   Effect on Rent     10   
  E.   Award-Distribution     10   

16.

  Assignment     10   

17.

  Default     10   
  A.   Tenant’s Default     10   
  B.   Landlord’s Remedies     11   
    (1)   Tenant’s Right to Possession Not Terminated     11   
    (2)   Termination of Tenant’s Right to Possession     11   
  C.   Landlord’s Right to Cure Tenant’s Default     12   
  D.   Interest on Unpaid Rent     12   

18.

  Landlord’s Entry on Premises     12   

19.

  Subordination, Estoppel     13   
  A.   Subordination     13   
  B.   Right to Estoppel Certificates     13   

 

-i-


20.

  Notice     14   

21.

  Waiver     14   

22.

  Recordation; Quitclaim Deed     15   
  A.   Recordation       15   
  B.   Quitclaim Deed     15   

23.

  Sale or Transfer of Premise     15   

24.

  Attorneys’ Fees     15   

25.

  Surrender of Premises, Holding Over     15   
  A.   Surrender of Premises     15   
  B.   Holding Over     16   

26.

  Environmental Indemnity     16   

27.

  Miscellaneous Provisions     16   
  A.   Time of Essence     16   
  B.   Successors       16   
  C.   Rent Payable in U.S. Money     16   
  D.   California Law     17   
  E.   Integrated Agreement; Modification     17   
  F.   Captions; Table of Contents     17   
  G.   Singular and Plural     17   
  H.   Severability     17   

 

-ii-


SALIENT LEASE TERMS

 

(1)

Date : This Lease is dated for reference purposes only the 1 st day of July, 2003.

 

(2) Location of Premises : 130 Hangar Way, Watsonville, California 95076

 

(3) Parties and Notice Addresses :

 

  Landlord : Robert C. Fox, Jr.
       20411 Kent Way
       Los Gatos, CA 95030

 

  Tenant : Fox Factory, Inc.,
       a California corporation
       130 Hangar Way
       Watsonville, CA 95076

 

(4) Size : Approximately 86,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space, situated on approximately 6.95 acres of land, together with other improvements situated at the above address.

 

(5) Use : Premises used solely for office, manufacturing, research and development, warehouse, and related activities.

 

(6) Term :

 

  (a) Number of Years : Fifteen (15).

 

  (b) Commencement Date : July 1,2003

 

  (c) Termination Date : June 30, 2018

 

(7) Option to Extend: None

 

(8) Rent :

 

  (a) Minimum Monthly Rent : Eighty Six Thousand Dollars ($86,000.00).

 

  (b) Adjustment(s) : Consumer Price Index, per annum.

 

  (c) Adjustment Date(s) : Annually on each anniversary of commencement date.

 

  (d) Advance Rent : First month’s rent payable on execution of Lease.

THE ABOVE TERMS ARE INCORPORATED INTO THIS LEASE AS INDICATED ABOVE AND REFERENCED HEREIN.

 

1


INDUSTRIAL LEASE

THIS LEASE is made effective as of the 1 st day of July, 2003, between ROBERT C. FOX, JR., a married man dealing with his sole and separate property (hereinafter referred to as “ Landlord ”) ; and FOX FACTORY, INC., a California Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “ Tenant ”) , who agree as follows:

1. Recitals : This Lease is made with reference to the following facts and objectives:

A. Landlord is the owner of the real property and improvements situated at 130 Hangar Way, Watsonville, California 95076, consisting of approximately 6.95 acres of land and improved by a office and manufacturing building containing approximately 86,000 square feet of leaseable space (the real property and improvements being hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ premises ”) ;

B. Tenant desires to lease the premises from Landlord pursuant to the provisions stated in this Lease;

C. Tenant wishes to lease the premises for office, manufacturing, research and development, and warehouse use in conjunction with its normal business operations; and

D. It is intended that this Lease shall be a triple-net Lease in favor of Landlord.

2. Premises : Landlord leases to Tenant and Tenant leases from Landlord the premises described in Paragraph 1 (A), above.

3. Term : The term shall commence on July 1, 2003, and shall continue for a period of fifteen (15) years, terminating on June 30, 2018.

4. Acceptance of Premises : Tenant acknowledges that the premises are in good condition, and accepts same on an “AS-IS” basis. Tenant, at its sole cost and expense shall construct all Tenant improvements required by Tenant to conduct its business in the premises. All Tenant improvements shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 9, below. As Tenant is the sole occupant of the premises and given the length of the term of this Lease, it is the intent of the parties to shift the risk of ownership of the premises to Tenant, and all provisions of this Lease Agreement shall be interpreted with this intent in mind.

5. Rental : Tenant agrees to pay, as rental for the use and occupancy of the premises, at the times and in the manner provided herein, the following sums of money:

A. Minimum Monthly Rent : Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as minimum monthly rent, without deduction, setoff, prior notice or demand, the sum of Eighty Six Thousand Dollars ($86,000.00) per month, payable in advance on the first (1st) day of each month, commencing on the commencement date, and continuing during the term. Minimum monthly rent for the first (1st) month shall be paid upon execution of this Lease Agreement.

 

1


All rent shall be paid to Landlord at the address to which notices to Landlord are given.

 

LOGO

B. Cost-of-Living Adjustment : The minimum monthly rent shall be adjusted at the commencement of the second (2nd) year of the term, and each Lease year thereafter (hereinafter referred to as the “adjustment date”), to reflect any increase in the cost-of- living over the preceding one (1) year period. The adjustment shall be calculated upon the basis of the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (hereinafter referred to as the “ Index ”), All Urban Consumers, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose Metropolitan Area, All Items (1967 equals 100), as published by the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, as such Index was revised effective January, 1978. The Index published for the month closest to the adjustment date shall be compared with the Index published for the month closest to the beginning of the immediately preceding Lease year to determine the percentage increase in rent for the next Lease year. If the Index is discontinued or revised during the term, such other government index or computation with which it is replaced shall be used in order to obtain substantially the same result as would be obtained if the Index had not been discontinued or revised.

C. Additional Charges : Tenant and Landlord agree that the rent accruing under this Lease shall be net to Landlord and that all taxes, costs, maintenance fees, expenses and charges of every kind and nature arising in connection with or relating to the Premises, shall be at the sole cost and expense of Tenant. Accordingly, Tenant shall pay, as additional rent, all sums of money required to be paid pursuant to the terms of Paragraphs (6)(B) (Real Property Taxes) and 13 (Insurance Premiums). If such amounts or charges are not paid at the time provided in this Lease Agreement, they shall, nevertheless, be collectible as additional rent with the next installment of minimum monthly rental thereafter falling due; however, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to suspend or delay the payment of any amount of money or charge at the time the same becomes due and payable hereunder, or limit any other remedy of Landlord.

6. Taxes; Assessments :

A. Personal Property Taxes : Tenant shall pay before delinquency all taxes, assessments, license fees, and other charges (“ personal property taxes ”) that are levied and assessed against Tenant’s trade fixtures, leasehold improvements, merchandise and other personal property installed or located in or on the premises, and that become payable during the term. On demand by Landlord, Tenant shall, upon request, furnish Landlord with satisfactory evidence of these payments.

 

2


B. Real Property Taxes : Tenant shall pay, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the tax bill from the County Tax Collector, all real property taxes levied and assessed against the premises which accrue during the term hereof, together with any other assessments made against the real property. Landlord shall use its best efforts to cause the tax bills to be sent directly to Tenant from tax collector.

Tenant at its cost shall have a right at any time, to seek a reduction in the assessed valuation of the premises or to contest any real property taxes which are to be paid by Tenant. If Tenant seeks a reduction or contests the real property tax, the failure on Tenant’s part to pay the real property taxes shall not constitute a default as long as Tenant complies with the provisions of this paragraph. Landlord shall not be required to join in any proceedings or contests brought by Tenant unless the provisions of any law require that the proceeding or contest be brought by or in the name of Landlord or any owner of the premises. In that case, Landlord shall join in the proceeding or contest or permit it to be brought in Landlord’s name as long as Landlord is not required to bear any costs. Tenant, on final determination of the proceeding or contest, shall immediately pay or discharge any decision or judgment rendered together with all costs, charges, interest, and penalties incidental to the decision or judgment.

Landlord appoints Tenant during the term of this Lease as its agent for the sole purpose of making payment to the tax collector, obtaining information and other data from the County or City Assessor, and instituting and maintaining any proceeding or contest allowed under this paragraph with respect to all real property taxes in connection with the premises.

C. Substitute Taxes : Tenant shall not be required to pay any municipal, county, state, or federal income or franchise taxes of Landlord, or any municipal, county, state, or federal estate, succession, inheritance, or transfer taxes of Landlord. If at any time during the term the laws concerning the methods of real property taxation prevailing at the commencement of the term are changed so that a tax or excise on rents or any other such tax, however described, is levied or assessed against Landlord as a direct substitution in whole or in part for any real property taxes, Tenant shall pay before delinquency (but only to the extent that it can be ascertained that there has been a substitution and that as a result Tenant has been relieved from the payment of real property taxes it would otherwise have been obligated to pay) the substitute tax or excise on rents. Tenant’s share of any tax or excise on rent shall be substantially the same as, and a substitute for, the payment of such real property taxes as provided in this Lease.

7. Use : Tenant shall use the premises for office, manufacturing, research and development, and warehouse, in its normal business operations, and for no other use without Landlord’s prior written consent.

A. Limitations on Use : Tenant’s use of the premises as provided in this Lease shall be in accordance with the following:

(1) Cancellation of Insurance/Increase in Insurance Rates : Tenant shall not do, bring, or keep anything in or about the premises that will cause a cancellation of any insurance covering the building, and will, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, comply with any and all requirements pertaining to the use of the premises of any insurance organization or company necessary for the maintenance of reasonable fire and public liability insurance covering the premises.

 

3


(2) Compliance With Laws : Tenant shall, throughout the Lease Term, at its sole cost and expense, comply with all laws and regulations of federal, state, municipal and local governments, departments, commissions and boards pursuant to law, or directives or orders issued pursuant thereto, including without limitation all Environmental Laws and the Americans With Disabilities Act, with respect to, regarding, or pertaining to the premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section, contest or appeal such requirements or orders. To the extent any such contest or appeal by Tenant suspends any and all obligations on the part of Tenant, Landlord, or the premises to comply with such requirements or orders, and suspends any and all applicability of such requirements or orders to the premises, Tenant shall not be required to comply with any such laws, regulations, orders, requirements or rules. In no event shall any such appeals, contests or proceedings pursued by Tenant subject Landlord to criminal liability or material civil liability. Upon final resolution of any such appeal, proceeding or contest pursued by Tenant, Tenant shall comply with the judgment, finding or order of the governmental authority so resolving such appeal, proceeding or contest, and shall be liable in full for any and all fines, penalties, charges or costs of any type whatsoever which accrue during the pendency of any contest or appeal.

(3) Waste; Nuisance : Tenant shall not use the premises in any manner that will constitute waste, nuisance, or unreasonable annoyance.

(4) Signs : Tenant shall not place any signs without the prior written approval of Landlord, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

8. Repairs and Maintenance : Tenant agrees at all times during the term hereof and at its own cost and expense to keep, repair and maintain the demised premises and every part thereof, structural and nonstructural, including without limitation, the building, landscape areas, driveways, and parking areas, in good and sanitary order and condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted. The term “ repairs ” shall include all such replacements, renewals, alterations, additions and betterments necessary for Tenant to properly maintain the Premises in good order and condition.

9. Alterations : Tenant shall not make any alterations to the premises without Landlord’s consent. Any alterations made shall remain and be surrendered with the premises on expiration or termination of the term, except that the Landlord can elect within sixty (60) days before expiration of the term, or within fifteen (15) days after termination of the term, to require Tenant to remove any alterations that Tenant has made to the premises. If Landlord so elects, Tenant at its cost shall restore the premises to the condition in which Tenant accepted such premises, fair wear and tear excepted, before the last day of the term, or within thirty (30) days after notice of election is given, whichever is later.

 

4


If Tenant makes any alterations to the premises as provided in this paragraph, the alterations shall not be commenced until twenty (20) days after Landlord has received notice from Tenant stating the date the installation of the alterations is to commence so that Landlord can post and record an appropriate notice of nonresponsibility.

All such alterations, additions, or changes to be made to the demised premises shall be under the supervision of a competent architect or competent licensed structural engineer and made in accordance with plans and specifications with respect thereto approved by the Landlord before the commencement of such work. All work with respect to any such alterations, additions and changes must be done in a good and workmanlike manner and diligently prosecuted to completion. Any such changes, alterations and improvements shall be performed and done strictly in accordance with the laws and ordinances relating thereto.

10. Mechanic’s Liens : Tenant shall pay all costs for construction done by it or caused to be done by it on the premises as permitted by this Lease. Tenant shall keep the premises free and clear of all mechanics’ liens resulting from construction done by or for Tenant.

Tenant shall have the right to contest the correctness or the validity of any such lien if, immediately on demand by Landlord, Tenant procures and records a lien release bond issued by a corporation authorized to issue surety bonds in California in an amount equal to one and one- half (1-1/2) times the amount of the claim of lien. The bond shall meet the requirements of Civil Code §3143 and shall provide for the payment of any sum that the claimant may recover on the claim (together with costs of suit, if it recovers in the action).

11. Utilities : Tenant shall make all arrangements for and pay for all utilities and services furnished to or used by it, including, without limitation, gas, electricity, water, telephone service, and trash collection, for all connection charges.

12. Indemnity-Insurance By Tenant : Tenant covenants and agrees with Landlord that Landlord shall not be liable for any damage or liability of any kind or for any damage or injury to persons or property during the term of this Lease, from any cause whatsoever by reason of the use, occupation and enjoyment of the demised premises by Tenant or any person thereon or holding under Tenant, and that Tenant will indemnify and save harmless Landlord from all liability whatsoever, on account of any such damage or injury and from all liens, claims and demands arising out of the use of the demised premises, and its facilities, or any repairs or alterations which Tenant may make upon said demised premises, or from any act, omission, or negligence of Tenant, or its contractors, licensees, agents, servants, employees, business invitees, or any person thereon, or holding under Tenant.

Tenant further covenants and agrees that it will carry and maintain, during the entire term hereof, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, the following types of insurance, in the amounts specified and in the form hereinafter provided for:

 

5


A. Public Liability and Property Damage : During the term of this Lease, the Tenant shall procure and maintain in full force and effect, at its sole cost, policy or policies of comprehensive liability insurance, including without limitation, bodily injury liability insurance, with limits of not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) per person, and Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) per occurrence insuring against any and all liability of the Tenant with respect to the premises or arising out of the maintenance, use or occupancy thereof. The Tenant agrees also to procure and maintain property damage liability insurance with a limit of not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) per accident. All such bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance shall specifically ensure the performance by Tenant of the indemnity agreement as to liability for injury to or death of persons or injury or damage to property in this paragraph contained. The minimum limits provided above shall be subject to upward adjustment no more frequently than every third (3rd) year of the Lease term, in order to meet the possible effects of inflation and to respond to increases in jury awards or legislative enactments affecting claims. The adjustment and new limits shall be in the sole judgment of Landlord, which judgment shall not be unreasonably exercised.

B. Fire Insurance : Tenant shall, at its own expense, during the term of this Lease, maintain in full force a policy or policies of full standard fire extended coverage and vandalism insurance covering the leasehold improvements and in an amount equal to at least one hundred percent (100%) of the replacement value of said leasehold improvements.

C. Business Interruption Insurance : Tenant, at its cost, shall maintain business interruption insurance, ensuring that the minimum monthly rent will be paid to Landlord for a period of up to twelve (12) months if the premises are destroyed or rendered inaccessible by a risk insured against by a policy of standard fire and special extended coverage insurance, with vandalism and malicious mischief endorsements.

D. Policy Form : All policies of insurance provided for herein shall be issued by good, responsible and standard companies, reasonably acceptable to Landlord, and shall be issued in the names of the Tenant, lender on the construction or take-out loans, and the Landlord and for the mutual and joint benefit and protection of the parties, and executed copies of such policies of insurance or certificates thereof shall be delivered to Landlord. All public liability and property damage policies shall contain a provision that Landlord, although named as an insured, shall nevertheless be entitled to recovery under said policies for any loss occasioned to it, its servants, agents and employees by reason of the negligence of Tenant. As often as any such policy shall expire or terminate, renewal or additional policies shall be procured and maintained by Tenant in like manner and to like extent. All policies of insurance delivered to Landlord must contain a provision that the company writing said policy will give to the Landlord ten (10) days written notice in advance of any cancellation or the effective date of any reduction in the amounts of insurance.

All public liability, property damage and other casualty policies shall be written as primary policies and not contributing with or be in excess of the coverage which Landlord may carry.

 

6


Notwithstanding anything to the contrary within this paragraph, Tenant’s obligations to carry the insurance provided for herein may be brought within the coverage of a so-called blanket policy or policies of insurance carried and maintained by Tenant; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Landlord, and Landlord’s lender, shall be named as an additional assured thereunder, as its interest may appear and that the coverage afforded Landlord will not be reduced or diminished by reason of the use of such blanket policy of insurance, and provided further that all of the requirements of this paragraph are otherwise satisfied. Certificates of said policies shall be furnished Landlord.

In the event that Tenant shall make any alterations, additions or improvements to the demised premises under the terms and provisions of this Lease, Tenant agrees upon its part to carry such insurance as it may determine advisable covering such alterations, additions or improvements, it being expressly understood and agreed that none of such alterations, additions or improvements shall be insured by Landlord under such insurance as it may carry upon the demised premises, nor shall Landlord be required under any provision for reconstruction of the demised premises to reinstall any such alterations, improvements or additions.

13. Insurance; Landlord : Landlord shall maintain on the building and other improvements in which are part of the premises, a policy of standard fire and extended coverage insurance, with vandalism and malicious mischief endorsements, to the extent of at least one hundred percent (100%) of full replacement value. The insurance policy shall be issued in the names of Landlord, Tenant, and Landlord’s lender, if any, as their interests appear. The insurance policy shall provide that any proceeds shall be made payable to Landlord. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the premiums paid by Landlord for maintaining the insurance required in this paragraph. Reimbursement shall be made by Tenant within ten (10) days after Tenant receives a copy of the premium notice.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Landlord’s lender requires Landlord to impound insurance premiums on a periodic basis during the term, Tenant, on notice from Landlord indicating this requirement, shall pay a sum of money toward its liability under this paragraph to Landlord on a periodic basis in accordance with the lender’s requirements. Landlord shall impound the insurance premiums received from Tenant in accordance with the requirements of the lender.

Landlord shall cause the insurance policy obtained by it to provide that the insurance company waives all right of recovery by way of subrogation against Tenant in connection with any damage covered by an policy. Tenant shall not be liable to Landlord for any damage caused by fire and any other risk insured against under any insurance policy required by this Lease.

14. Destruction :

A. Destruction Due to Risk Covered by Insurance : If, during the term, the premises are totally or partially destroyed from a risk covered by the insurance described in Paragraph 13, above, rendering the premises totally or partially inaccessible or unusable, Landlord shall restore the premises to substantially the same condition as they were in immediately before destruction, excepting Landlord shall have no obligation to restore Tenant’s alterations, additions or improvements. Such destruction shall not terminate this Lease. If the existing laws do not permit the restoration, either party can terminate this Lease immediately by giving notice to the other party.

 

7


If the cost of the restoration of the premises exceeds the amount of proceeds received from the insurance required under Paragraph 13, above, Landlord can elect to terminate this Lease by giving notice to Tenant within thirty (30) days after determining that the restoration cost will exceed the insurance proceeds. In the case of destruction to the premises only, whereby the cost of the restoration of the premises exceeds the amount of proceeds received from the insurance required under Paragraph 13, above, and if Landlord elects to terminate this Lease Tenant, within fifteen (15) days after receiving Landlord’s notice to terminate, can elect to pay to Landlord, at the time Tenant notifies Landlord of its election, the difference between the amount of insurance proceeds and the cost of restoration, in which case Landlord shall restore the premises, and Tenant shall diligently restore its improvements, alterations and additions. Landlord shall give Tenant satisfactory evidence that all sums contributed by Tenant as provided in this paragraph have been expended by Landlord in paying the cost of restoration.

If Landlord elects to terminate this Lease and Tenant does not elect to contribute toward the cost of restoration as provided in this paragraph, this Lease shall terminate.

B. Destruction Due to Risk Not Covered by Insurance : If, during the term, the premises are totally or partially destroyed from a risk not covered by the insurance described in Paragraph 13, rendering the premises totally or partially inaccessible or unusable, Landlord shall restore the premises to substantially the same condition as they were in immediately before destruction, excepting for Tenant’s improvements, alterations and additions. Such destruction shall not terminate this Lease. If the existing laws do not permit the restoration, either party can terminate this Lease immediately by giving notice to the other party.

If the cost of restoration exceeds five percent (5%) of the then replacement value of the premises or the building and other improvements in which the premises are located that are destroyed, Landlord can elect to terminate this Lease by giving notice to Tenant within thirty (30) days after determining the restoration cost and replacement value.

In the case of destruction to the premises only, if Landlord elects to terminate this Lease Tenant, within fifteen (15) days after receiving Landlord’s notice to terminate, can elect to pay to Landlord, at the time Tenant notifies Landlord of its election, the difference between five percent (5%) of the then replacement value of the premises and the actual cost of restoration, in which case Landlord shall restore the premises. Landlord shall give Tenant satisfactory evidence that all sums contributed by Tenant as provided in this paragraph have been expended by Landlord in paying the cost of restoration.

If Landlord elects to terminate this Lease and Tenant does not elect to perform the restoration or contribute toward the cost of restoration as provided in this paragraph, this Lease shall terminate.

 

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C. Abatement or Reduction of Rent : In case of destruction there shall be no abatement or reduction of rent.

D. Loss During Last Part of Term : If destruction to the premises occurs during the last year of the term, either party can terminate this Lease by giving notice to the other party, not more than ninety (90) days after the destruction.

E. Waiver of Civil Code Sections : Tenant waives the provisions of Civil Code §1932(2) and Civil Code §1933(4) with respect to any destruction of the premises.

15. Condemnation :

A. Definitions :

(1) “ Condemnation ” means: (a) the exercise of any governmental power, whether by legal proceedings or otherwise, by a condemnor; and (b) a voluntary sale or transfer by Landlord to any condemnor, either under threat of condemnation or while legal proceedings for condemnation are pending.

(2) “ Date of taking ” means the date the condemnor has the right to possession of the property being condemned.

(3) “ Award ” means all compensation, sums, or anything of value awarded, paid or received on a total or partial condemnation.

(4) “ Condemnor ” means any public or quasi-public authority, or private corporation or individual, having the power of condemnation.

If, during the term or during the period of time between the execution of this Lease and the date the term commences, there is any taking of all or any part of the building, other improvements, or land of which the premises are a part or any interest in this Lease by condemnation, the rights and obligations of the parties shall be determined pursuant to this Paragraph 15.

B. Total Taking : If the premises are totally taken by condemnation, this Lease shall terminate on the date of taking.

C. Partial Taking : If any portion of the premises is taken by condemnation this Lease shall remain in effect, except that Tenant can elect to terminate this Lease if the remaining portion of the premises is rendered unsuitable for Tenant’s continued use of the premises. If Tenant elects to terminate this Lease, Tenant must exercise its right to terminate pursuant to this paragraph by giving notice to Landlord within twenty (20) days after the nature and the extent of the taking have been finally determined. If Tenant elects to terminate this Lease as provided in this paragraph, Tenant also shall notify Landlord of the date of termination, which date shall not be earlier than thirty (30) days nor later than sixty (60) days after Tenant has notified Landlord of its election to terminate; except that

 

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this Lease shall terminate on the date of taking if the date of taking falls on a date before the date of termination as designated by Tenant. If Tenant does not terminate this Lease within the twenty (20) day period, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, except that minimum monthly rent shall be reduced pursuant to Paragraph 15(D).

D. Effect on Rent : If any portion of the premises is taken by condemnation and this Lease remains in full force and effect, on the date of taking the minimum monthly rent shall be reduced by an amount that is in the same ratio to minimum monthly rent as the value for the area or the portion of the premises taken bears to the total value of the premises immediately before the date of taking.

E. Award-Distribution : The award shall belong to and be paid to Landlord, except that Tenant shall receive from the award the following:

A sum attributable to Tenant’s improvements or alterations made to the premises by Tenant in accordance with this Lease, which Tenant’s improvements or alterations Tenant has the right to remove from the premises pursuant to the provisions of this Lease but elects not to remove.

Tenant shall have the right to independently pursue a Tenant award.

16. Assignment : Tenant may not voluntarily or involuntarily assign or encumber its interest in this Lease or in the premises, or sublease all or any part of the premises, or allow any other person or entity to occupy or use all or any part of the premises, without first obtaining Landlord’s consent which consent may be denied in Landlord’s sole discretion.

17. Default :

A. Tenant’s Default : The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute a material default by Tenant:

(1) Failure to pay rent when due, if the failure continues for three (3) days after written notice has been given to Tenant.

(2) Abandonment and vacation of the premises (failure to occupy and operate the premises for ten (10) consecutive days shall be deemed an abandonment and vacation).

(3) Failure to perform any other provision of this Lease if the failure to perform is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice has been given to Tenant. If the default cannot reasonably be cured within thirty (30) days, Tenant shall not be in default of this Lease if Tenant commences to cure the default within the thirty (30) day period and diligently and in good faith continues to cure the default.

 

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Notices given under this paragraph shall specify the alleged default and the applicable Lease provisions, and shall demand that Tenant perform the provisions of this Lease or pay the rent that is in arrears, as the case may be, within the applicable period of time, or quit the premises. No such notice shall be deemed a forfeiture or a termination of this Lease unless Landlord so elects in the notice.

B. Landlord’s Remedies : Landlord shall have the following remedies if Tenant commits a default. These remedies are not exclusive; they are cumulative in addition to any remedies now or later allowed by law.

(1) Tenant’s Right to Possession Not Terminated : Landlord can continue this Lease in full force and effect, and the Lease will continue in effect as long as Landlord does not terminate Tenant’s right to possession, and Landlord shall have the right to collect rent when due. During the period Tenant is in default, Landlord can enter the premises and relet them, or any part of them, to third parties for Tenant’s account. Tenant shall be liable immediately to Landlord for all costs Landlord incurs in reletting the premises, including, without limitation, brokers’ commissions, expenses of remodeling the premises required by the reletting, and like costs. Reletting can be for a period shorter or longer than the remaining term of this Lease. Tenant shall pay to Landlord the rent due under this Lease on the dates the rent is due, less the rent Landlord receives from any reletting. No act by Landlord allowed by this paragraph shall terminate this Lease unless Landlord notifies Tenant that Landlord elects to terminate this Lease. After Tenant’s default and for as long as Landlord does not terminate Tenant’s right to possession of the premises, if Tenant obtains Landlord’s consent Tenant shall have the right to assign or sublet its interest in this Lease, but Tenant shall not be released from liability. Landlord’s consent to a proposed assignment or subletting shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(2) Termination of Tenant’s Right to Possession : Landlord can terminate Tenant’s right to possession of the premises at any time. No act by Landlord other than giving notice to Tenant shall terminate this Lease. Acts of maintenance, efforts to relet the premises, or the appointment of a receiver on Landlord’s initiative to protect Landlord’s interest under this Lease shall not constitute a termination of Tenant’s right to possession. On termination, Landlord has the right to recover from Tenant:

(a) The worth, at the time of the award of the unpaid rent that had been earned at the time of termination of this Lease;

(b) The worth, at the time of the award of the amount by which the unpaid rent that would have been earned after the date of termination of this Lease until the time of award exceeds the amount of the loss of rent that Tenant proves could have been reasonably avoided;

(c) The worth, at the time of the award of the amount by which the unpaid rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of the loss of rent that Tenant proves could have been reasonably avoided; and

 

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(d) Any other amount, and court costs, necessary to compensate Landlord for all detriment proximately caused by Tenant’s default.

“The worth, at the time of the award,” as used in Subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph, is to be computed by allowing interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum. “The worth, at the time of the award,” as referred to in Subparagraph (c) of this paragraph, is to be computed by discounting the amount at the discount rate of ten percent (10%).

C. Landlord’s Right to Cure Tenant’s Default : Landlord, at any time after Tenant commits a default, can cure the default at Tenant’s cost. If Landlord at any time, by reason of Tenant’s default, pays any sum or does any act that requires the payment of any sum, the sum paid by Landlord shall be due immediately from Tenant to Landlord at the time the sum is paid, and if paid at a later date shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date the sum is paid by Landlord until Landlord is reimbursed by Tenant. The sum, together with interest on it, shall be additional rent.

D. Interest on Unpaid Rent : Rent not paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of fifteen percent (15%) per annum from the date due until paid.

18. Landlord’s Entry on Premises : Landlord and its authorized representatives shall have the right to enter the premises during all reasonable times, for any of the following purposes:

(1) To determine whether the premises are in good condition and whether Tenant is complying with its obligations under this Lease;

(2) To do any necessary maintenance and to make any restoration to the premises or the building and other improvements in which the premises are located that Landlord has the right or obligation to perform;

(3) To serve, post, or keep posted any notices required or allowed under the provisions of this Lease;

(4) To post “for sale”, “for rent” or “for lease” signs during the last three (3) months of the term, or during any period while Tenant is in default;

(5) To show the premises to prospective brokers, agents, buyers, Tenants, or persons interested in an exchange, at any time during the term with prior appointment;

(6) To shore the foundations, footings, and walls of the premises or the building in which the premises are located and to erect scaffolding and protective barricades around and about the premises, but not so as to prevent entry to the premises, and to do any other act or thing necessary for the safety or preservation of the premises or the building and other

 

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improvements in which the premises are located if any excavation or other construction is undertaken or is about to be undertaken on any adjacent property or nearby street. Landlord’s right under this provision extends to the owner of the adjacent property on which excavation or construction is to take place and the adjacent property owner’s authorized representatives.

Landlord shall not be liable in any manner for any inconvenience, disturbance, loss of business, nuisance, or other damage arising out of Landlord’s entry on the premises as provided in this paragraph, except damage resulting from the acts or missions of Landlord or its authorized representatives.

Tenant shall not be entitled to an abatement or reduction of rent if Landlord exercises any rights reserved in this paragraph.

Landlord shall conduct its activities on the premises as allowed in this paragraph in a reasonable manner, so that it will cause the least possible inconvenience, annoyance, or disturbance to Tenant.

19. Subordination, Estoppel :

A. Subordination : This Lease is and shall be subordinate to any encumbrance now of record or recorded after the date of this Lease affecting the building, other improvements, and land of which the premises are a part.

Such subordination is effective without any further act of Tenant. Tenant shall from time to time on request from Landlord execute and deliver any documents or instruments that may be required by a lender to effectuate any subordination. If Tenant fails to execute and deliver any such documents or instruments, Tenant irrevocably constitutes and appoints Landlord as Tenant’s special attorney-in-fact to execute and deliver any such documents or instruments.

Any lender, now or in the future, shall recognize said leasehold interest in said premises.

B. Right to Estoppel Certificates : Each party, within twenty (20) days after notice from the other party, shall execute and deliver to the other party, in recordable form, a certificate stating that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect, or in full force and effect as modified, and stating the modifications. The certificate also shall state the amount of minimum monthly rent, the dates to which the rent has been paid in advance, and the amount of any security deposit or prepaid rent.

Failure to deliver the certificate within the twenty (20) days shall be conclusive upon the party failing to deliver the certificate for the benefit of the party requesting the certificate and any successor to the party requesting the certificate, that this Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified except as may be represented by the party requesting the certificate.

 

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If a party fails to deliver the certificate within the twenty (20) days, the party failing to deliver the certificate irrevocably constitutes and appoints the other party as its special attorney-in-fact to execute and deliver the certificate to any third party.

20. Notice : Any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, or communication that either party desires or is required to give to the other party or any other person shall be in writing and by prepaid, certified first-class mail. Any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, or communication that either party desires or is required to give to the other party shall be addressed to the other party at the address set forth below:

 

  Landlord: Robert C. Fox, Jr.
       20411 Kent Way
       Los Gatos, CA 95030

 

  Tenant: Fox Factory, Inc.
       130 Hangar Way
       Watsonville, CA 95076

Either party may change its address by notifying the other party of the change of address. Notice shall be deemed communicated within forty-eight (48) hours from the time of mailing if mailed as provided in this paragraph.

21. Waiver : No delay or omission in the exercise of any right or remedy of Landlord on any default by Tenant shall impair such a right or remedy or be construed as a waiver.

The receipt and acceptance by Landlord of delinquent rent shall not constitute a waiver of any other default; it shall constitute only a waiver of timely payment for the particular rent payment involved.

No act or conduct of Landlord, including, without limitation, the acceptance of the keys to the premises, shall constitute an acceptance of the surrender of the premises by Tenant before the expiration of the term. Only a notice from Landlord to Tenant shall constitute acceptance of the surrender of the premises and accomplish a termination of the Lease.

Landlord’s consent to or approval of any act by Tenant requiring Landlord’s consent or approval shall not be deemed to waive or render unnecessary Landlord’s consent to or approval of any subsequent act by Tenant.

Any waiver by Landlord of any default must be in writing and shall not be a waiver of any other default concerning the same or any other provision of the Lease.

 

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22. Recordation; Quitclaim Deed :

A. Recordation : This Lease shall not be recorded, except that if either party requests the other party to do so, the parties shall execute a memorandum of lease in recordable form.

B. Quitclaim Deed : Tenant shall execute and deliver to Landlord on the expiration or termination of this Lease, immediately upon Landlord’s request, a quitclaim deed to the premises, in recordable form, designating Landlord as transferee.

23. Sale or Transfer of Premise : If Landlord sells or transfers all or any portion of the building, other improvements, and land of which the premises are a part Landlord, on consummation of the sale or transfer, shall be released from any liability thereafter accruing under this Lease if Landlord’s successor has assumed in writing, for the benefit of Tenant, Landlord’s obligations under this Lease. If any security deposit or prepaid rent has been paid by Tenant, Landlord can transfer the security deposit or prepaid rent to Landlord’s successor and on such transfer Landlord shall be discharged from any further liability in reference to the security deposit or prepaid rent.

24. Attorneys’ Fees : If either party becomes a party to any litigation concerning this Lease, the premises, or the building or other improvements in which the premises are located, by reason of any act or omission of the other party or its authorized representatives, and not by any act or omission of the party that becomes a party to that litigation or any act or omission of its authorized representatives, the party that causes the other party to become involved in the litigation shall be liable to that party for reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs incurred by it in the litigation.

If either party commences an action against the other party arising out of or in connection with this Lease, the prevailing party shall be entitled to have and recover from the losing party reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of suit.

25. Surrender of Premises, Holding Over :

A. Surrender of Premises : On expiration of the term, Tenant shall surrender to Landlord the premises and all Tenant’s improvements and alterations in good condition (except for ordinary wear and tear occurring after the last necessary maintenance made by Tenant and destruction to the premises covered by Paragraph 14), except for alterations that Tenant has the right to remove or is obligated to remove under the provisions of this Lease. Tenant shall remove all its personal property, including, but not limited to, trade fixtures and furnishings, within the above stated time. Tenant shall perform all restoration made necessary by the removal of any alterations or Tenant’s personal property within the time periods stated in this paragraph.

 

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Landlord can elect to retain or dispose of in any manner any alterations or Tenant’s personal property that Tenant does not remove from the premises on expiration or termination of the term as allowed or required by this Lease by giving at least ten (10) days notice to Tenant. Title to any such alterations or Tenant’s personal property that Landlord elects to retain or dispose of on expiration of the ten (10) day period shall vest in Landlord. Tenant waives all claims against Landlord for any damage to Tenant resulting from Landlord’s retention or disposition of any such alterations or Tenant’s personal property. Tenant shall be liable to Landlord for Landlord’s costs for storing, removing, and disposing of any alterations or Tenant’s personal property.

If Tenant fails to surrender the premises to Landlord on expiration of the term as required by this paragraph, Tenant shall hold Landlord harmless from all damages resulting from Tenant’s failure to surrender the premises, including, without limitation, claims made by a succeeding Tenant resulting from Tenant’s failure to surrender the premises.

B. Holding Over : If Tenant, with Landlord’s consent, remains in possession of the premises after expiration or termination of the term, or after the date in any notice given by Landlord to Tenant terminating this Lease, such possession by Tenant shall be deemed to be a month-to-month tenancy terminable on thirty (30) days notice given at any time by either party. During any such month-to-month tenancy, Tenant shall pay all rent required by this Lease. All provisions of this Lease except those pertaining to term shall apply to the month- to-month tenancy.

26. Environmental Indemnity : Tenant warrants that all equipment and material installed or maintained on the premises shall be environmentally safe and shall comply with all current and future federal, state and local statutes, ordinances and regulations and shall comply with local industry standards for health, safety, and environmental cleanliness; Tenant shall promptly remove any equipment and material from the premises which ceases to be in compliance with any current or future statute, ordinance and/or regulation. Tenant warrants that no contamination, environmental damage, or toxic waste (as such terms are now or hereafter defined by federal, state, or local statutes, ordinances, and/or regulations) shall occur as a result of any use of the premises by Tenant. Tenant agrees to indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from any and all costs, claims and damages arising from any use of the premises by Tenant, whether such costs, claims or damages are the result of a claim of damage by any person or entity, are a result of remedial action required by any governmental agency, or whether remedial action is required to be performed by Landlord in order to bring any property up to current legal standards of environmental cleanliness.

27. Miscellaneous Provisions :

A. Time of Essence : Time is of the essence of each provisions of this Lease.

B. Successors and Assigns : This Lease shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and assigns.

C. Rent Payable in U.S. Money : Rent and all other sums payable under this Lease must be paid in lawful money of the United States of America.

 

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D. California Law : The parties desire and agree that this Lease shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

E. Integrated Agreement; Modification : This Lease contains all the agreements of the parties and cannot be amended or modified except by a written agreement.

F. Captions; Table of Contents : The captions and table of contents of this Lease shall have no effect on its interpretation.

G. Singular and Plural : When required by the context of this Lease, the singular shall include the plural.

H. Severability : The unenforceability, invalidity, or illegality of any provision shall not render the other provisions unenforceable, invalid, or illegal.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Lease Agreement as of the date and year first above written, at San Jose, California.

 

Landlord:     Tenant:
   

Fox Factory, Inc., a California

corporation

/s/ Robert C. Fox, Jr.

    By:  

/s/ Robert C. Fox, Jr.

Robert C. Fox, Jr.     Title:   President
     

 

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Exhibit 10.14

LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS LEASE executed in duplicate, is made on June 13, 2006, by and between Freedom Associates, LLC, Lessor, and Fox Racing Shox, Lessee, who for the consideration of their mutual promises herein agree as follows:

1. PROPERTY LEASED: Lessor hereby leases and Lessee hereby hires, upon the terms and conditions, covenants, restrictions and easements, the real property, more particularly described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto, and herein-after referred to as the leased premises or property.

2. TERM: The term of this Lease shall be for a period of Two years commencing on July 1, 2006. Provided Lessee is not in default hereunder, Lessee shall have two options to extend the lease term for two additional years each. Immediately following the initial term the rent shall be Eight Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Four Dollars and 49/100 ($8,674.49) or .67 per s/f under the same terms and conditions except for this option and except for the rent which shall be adjusted as provided below. This option may only be exercised by written notice to Lessor at least 90 days prior to the end of the original Lease term.

3. RENT: Lessee shall pay to Lessor rent as follows:

a. Eight Thousand Four Hundred Fifteen and 55/100 ($8,415.55) per month in advance on the first day of each month, beginning on August 1, 2006. The rent called for hereunder for any partial month shall be prorated at the rate of one-thirtieth of the current monthly rent per day.

b. Security Deposit: Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor a Security Deposit of Eight Thousand Four Hundred Fifteen and 55/100 ($8,415.55), which shall be returned to Lessee upon vacating the property without interest, less any sums due the Lessor. The Security Deposit will secure the full and faithful performance of each provision of the lease to be performed by the Lessee. Lessor may use and commingle the Security Deposit with other funds of the Lessor’s. If Lessee fails to perform any of Lessee’s obligations under this lease, Lessor may immediately apply all or any portion of the Security Deposit toward the fulfillment of Lessee’s unperformed obligations. If Lessor does apply the Security Deposit, Lessee must immediately pay Lessor sufficient cash to restore the Security Deposit to the full original amount. All deductions from the security deposit shall be itemized as required by Civil Code 1950.7. Lessor agrees to accept as such deposit a savings account or certificate of deposit in Lessor’s name the interest on which shall be paid to Lessee.

c. Cost of Living: The rent called for under this lease shall be adjusted, using the Revised All Urban Consumer Price Index (all items) for the San Francisco-Oakland Metropolitan Area, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, (hereinafter called CPI).

The adjustments shall be calculated as follows:

1) The first and second year’s monthly rent shall be that quoted in Item 3a of the above mentioned lease.

2) The rent for the third year shall be that quoted in Item 2 ($8,674.49) of the above mentioned lease and succeeding years shall be calculated as follows: the rent payable for the first month of the term of this lease shall be multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which shall be the CPI of the calendar month during which the adjustment is to take place, and the denominator of which shall be the CPI for the June 2008.

This adjustment shall be effective July 1st of each year. The monthly rent as so adjusted shall never be less than the monthly rent for the period immediately preceding the adjustment.

In the event that the publication of the above-mentioned CPI is discontinued then a similar index shall be substituted

d. Late payment of rent will cause an immediate default of the terms of this lease. A late charge of six percent (6%) of amount overdue shall be added to each rental installment received eleven (11) or more days late. The parties hereto agree that this charge is reasonable to them, and is equal to the amount of damage sustained by late payment, and it is impractical to fix actual damage. The acceptance of late rent hereunder by lessor shall not be a waiver of any preceding breach by lessee of any provision hereof, other than the failure of the lessee to pay the particular rent so accepted.

 

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e. Rent shall be paid to Lessor at 21 Brennan Street, #16, Watsonville, CA 95076, or at such other place as Lessor may from time to time designate in writing.

f. The rental for any extended term shall be as agreed between the parties herein.

g. Any amounts payable by Lessee to Lessor under this lease, for any purpose whatsoever, shall be considered rent.

4. UTILITIES: Lessee shall pay before delinquency all charges made for water, gas, electricity, telephone, garbage, sewage, janitorial and any similar utilities and services supplied to the property, together with any taxes thereon. If any such services are not separately metered to the leased premises, Lessee shall pay, at Lessor’s option, either Lessee’s share based upon 1) the proportion of square footage occupied, or 2) a reasonable proportion to be determined by Lessor of all charges jointly metered with other units on the property.

5. USE OF PROPERTY: Lessee agrees to use the property solely for the purpose of manufacturing, storage and related activities and for no other purpose without first obtaining Lessor’s written consent. Lessee agrees to comply with all applicable ordinances, laws, regulations and orders of governmental authorities and agrees not to cause or permit any violation thereof. Furthermore, Lessee shall not cause or permit: (1) any waste of the property; (2) and public or private nuisance thereon; or (3) any condition which violates any standard form policy of fire insurance covering the property. If Lessee fails to comply with any such ordinances, law, regulation, rule or use, Lessor reserves the right to terminate this lease or to take any other necessary remedial measures at Lessee’s expense, for which Lessee agrees to reimburse Lessor on demand.

Lessee agrees to comply with any Federal or California OSHA requirements, and to install and maintain any fire extinguisher required by any governmental authority.

6. SIGNS: Lessee shall erect no signs on the outside of the building on the property except in accordance with all applicable ordinances and after first obtaining Lessor’s written consent to the proposed sign. No such sign shall be painted directly on the building, but shall be attached in such a manner that it can be removed for the purpose of painting the building surface underneath.

7. ENTRY BY LESSOR: Lessee shall permit Lessor, Lessor’s agents and assigns, during all business hours, or at any other reasonable time, to enter the property for purposes of inspecting to determine compliance with the terms of this lease, exercising all rights under this lease, posting notices, and all other lawful purposes, including the right to place and maintain “for rent” signs in conspicuous places on the property for thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the term of this lease or any extension thereof, and the right to show the premises to prospective tenants.

8. PARKING: Lessor gives Lessee a nonexclusive license to use any common parking area adjacent to the building of which the leased premises is a part for the accommodation and parking of automobiles of Lessee, Lessee’s agents and employees and Lessee’s clients or customers while such clients or customers are on the leased premises.

Lessor agrees to and shall operate, and maintain said parking area, shall carry liability insurance on said area and hold Lessee harmless from any liability arising out of the operation and maintenance of said area, excepting any liability arising out of the act of negligence of Lessee and Lessee’s agents and employees. Lessee agrees to pay any charges made for maintenance of said parking lot, as called for under section 25 ‘CARE OF COMMON AREAS’ of this lease.

9. CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY: By entry under this lease Lessee accepts the property in its present condition as is, and Lessee acknowledges that Lessor makes no warranties of any kind concerning the physical condition of the property. Lessee agrees, on the last day of the term or sooner termination of this lease, to surrender the property and all appurtenances thereto, to Lessor in the same or better condition as when received, reasonable use, wear, acts of God and the elements excepted, except as hereinafter provided. Lessee agrees to remove all of Lessee’s personal property and trade fixture from the property upon any termination of this lease; any such personal property or trade fixtures not removed upon termination of this lease shall be deemed abandoned, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for the cost of any removal thereof.

 

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10. HOLDING OVER: Any holding over after the expiration of the term of this lease, or any extension hereof, shall with Lessor’s consent, be treated as a tenancy from month to month, at a rental to be then determined by Lessor (written notice of which shall be given to Lessee) and shall otherwise be on the same terms and conditions specified in this lease, as far as applicable.

11. TAXES: Lessor shall pay all ad valorem real property taxes (including special assessments) levied or assessed upon the property during the term of this lease provided however that Lessee shall pay as additional rent, within ten (10) days following written notification thereof, all portions of such taxes and assessments which exceed those for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.

Lessee’s portion of any such tax increase of assessment shall be a percentage equal to the percentage the leased premises’ square footage bears to the total square feet of all buildings on tax parcel of which the premises are a part.

In the event, by Lessee’s actions or alterations to the building, the taxes are raised beyond that allowed by Proposition 13, Lessee agrees to pay, upon billing by Lessor, all of said increase caused by Lessee’s actions or alterations to building.

Lessee shall pay, before delinquency, all business inventory and personal property taxes and other charges of every description which may be levied or assessed during the term of this lease upon or against Lessee’s business, personal property, or trade fixtures together with any interest and penalties which may be incurred. In the event Lessee fails to pay any of the foregoing, Lessor may pay same together with any interest and penalties and Lessee agrees to reimburse Lessor as provided herein.

Lessor retains the option to pay any assessment in full before any bonded indebtedness shall accrue; in the event Lessor pays such assessment, Lessor may charge Lessee with a proportionate share of such assessments as if such assessments became a bonded indebtedness.

12. REIMBURSEMENT: If Lessee fails to make any payment or take any action required of Lessee in this lease, Lessee agrees to reimburse Lessor upon demand for all expenditures made by Lessor for the account of or benefit of Lessee, together with interest thereon from the date of such expenditure until repaid at the interest rate of 1.25% per month.

13. CONDEMNATION: If the entire or any part of the property is taken or damaged for a public use, this lease shall terminate as to the part taken or damaged on the date thereof. If only a part of the property is damaged or taken and the remainder thereof is susceptible of occupancy by Lessee, this lease shall continue in force as to said remainder. Lessee hereby irrevocably assigns and transfers to Lessor any right to compensation or damages arising from the taking or damaging of the leased property or any part thereof, provided that Lessee shall be entitled to compensation or damages for the taking or damaging of any improvements or personal property placed on the property by Lessee.

14. CARE OF THE PROPERTY: Except as to those portions of the property which Lessor below specifically agrees to maintain and repair, Lessee shall keep and maintain the property and every part thereof, in good order, condition, and repair, including but not limited to fixtures, interior walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, plumbing systems (including all plumbing leaks and stoppages), interior electrical and lighting systems, ventilation, heating and air conditions systems, exterior and interior of all windows, glazing and doors, including any damage caused by trespassers or vandals, and all damage or deterioration caused by any act(s) of Lessee or Lessee’s employees, agents, invitees, licensees, or contractors. In the event Lessee fails to comply with the foregoing, Lessor, following ten (10) days’ written notification to Lessee, may enter the property and undertake such repairs for which Lessee shall reimburse Lessor as herein provided. Subject to Lessee’s duty to maintain and repair set forth above, Lessor shall keep in good order and repair the foundations, exterior walls, and roof; provided however that Lessor shall not be obligated to repair any damage or deterioration caused by any act(s) or negligence of Lessee or Lessee’s employees, agents, invitees, licensees, or contractors. Lessor shall not be obligated to make any such repairs until after ten (10) days’ written notification from Lessee describing the need for such repairs or maintenance. Lessee’s sole remedy in the event Lessor fails to commence such repairs or maintenance shall be to cause such repairs to be made or such maintenance to be performed and to deduct the reasonable value thereof from the rental due hereunder.

a. PAINTING: Lessee agrees to repaint the interior of the building from time to time as reasonably necessary at Lessee’s expense.

 

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b. NOTICE OF REPAIRS OR ALTERATIONS AFTER LESSEE ACCEPTS POSSESSION OF PROPERTY: After taking possession of the property, Lessee shall not make any repairs, alterations or improvements to the property which exceed a total cost of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) without first giving Lessor written notice of his intention to make such repairs, alterations, or improvements and obtaining Lessor’s prior written consent, at least five (5) days before the commencement of the work. Lessee shall not make any alterations to the property which might diminish the structural strength of any part of the building thereon.

c. INSTALLATION: Lessee shall have the right to place or install in and on said premises such fixtures and equipment as Lessee shall deem desirable for the conduct of Lessee’s business therein at any time during the term of this lease, or any extension or renewal thereof. Lessee, if not then in default hereunder, may remove from said leased property at any time during the term of this lease, or any extension or renewal thereof, or any holding over by Lessee or at the termination thereof, all personal property and fixtures which were placed by him or by any subtenant, on or in said property, even though placed therein prior to the commencement of this lease, including but not limited to, all merchandise, store fixtures, fans, lighting fixtures, awnings, signs, machinery, equipment and all other things installed by Lessee at his own expense, whether nailed, screwed or otherwise fastened to the premises. Lessee agrees to repair any holes or other damages resulting from the removal of Lessee’s personal property and-or fixtures pursuant to this paragraph, and to restore the parts of the premises affected thereby to their original condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

15. DESTRUCTION:

a. Partial Destruction: Should the building situated upon the property and the leasehold improvements be damaged or destroyed by fire, earthquake, casualty or hazard, then if damage is so slight as not to interfere substantially with the Lessee’s use of the property, then Lessee shall notify Lessor, who shall immediately undertake to make repairs to the building and improvements and restore the same to substantially the same condition as they were in immediately preceding such damage or destruction. Such work shall be done as rapidly as conditions permit. In the event such damage is so slight as not to interfere substantially with Lessee’s use of the property, there shall be no abatement of rent.

b. Total or Substantial Destruction: Should there be total or substantial destruction of the building and improvements so that the property is rendered unusable, either in whole or in part, either party shall have the right to terminate this lease by written notice to the other.

c. Determination of Damage: Unless the parties to this lease can and do agree forthwith upon the extent and amount of such damage or destruction, Lessor promptly shall designate a certified architect, registered engineer, or licensed building contractor who shall determine such matters, and the determination of such architect engineer or building contractor shall be final and binding upon the parties to this lease.

d. Rebuilding by Lessor: In the event neither party elects to terminate this lease, Lessor shall, to the extent of available insurance proceeds, repair or rebuild such buildings and improvements to substantially the same condition that they were in immediately preceding such damage or destruction. If the damage is uninsured or if the insurance proceeds are not available for rebuilding, then either party may terminate this lease by written notice to the other.

e. Reduction in Rent: Lessee shall be entitled to a reasonable suspension or diminution of the fixed rent payable hereunder during the time required for restoration and repair according to the portion of the premises rendered unusable, taking into consideration the time and extent of interference with the usual conduct of Lessee’s business. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to abate or diminish percentage rent if provided for in this lease.

f. Continuation of Operations: Lessee agrees to continue Lessee’s use of the property to the extent reasonably practicable during any period of reconstruction or repair.

g. Excuse for Non-Repair: In the event Lessor is obligated to repair or rebuild the leased property or any part of the building of which the leased property form a part, Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee for any loss or damage sustained, or liability incurred by Lessee by reason of Lessor’s failure to make such repairs or of Lessor’s delay in commencing, prosecuting, or completing such repairs, if such failure or delay is caused by (1) strike, (2) inclement weather, (3) inability to obtain necessary materials

 

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equipment or labor, (4) governmental restriction, limitation or prohibition of construction or of the purchase of use of materials, equipment or labor, (5) injunction, (6) sub-division restrictions or municipal zoning or building regulations, (7) war, invasion, or civil disturbance, (8) evacuation of the area in which the property is located or (9) by other cause beyond Lessor’s control.

16. MECHANIC’S LIENS: Lessee shall keep the property free from any liens arising out of any work performed, materials furnished or obligation incurred by Lessee. Lessee shall give Lessor five (5) days’ notice in writing prior to commencing any construction on the leased premises in excess of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or prior to hiring any mechanic materialman, or contractor to perform work upon or deliver materials to the leased property in excess of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for any one job. Lessor may, at Lessor’s option, pay and discharge any such lien which Lessee may cause to accrue against the property, and all such amounts shall be reimbursed to Lessor as herein provided.

17. INDEMNITY AND NON-LIABILITY OF LESSOR: Lessee shall indemnify and hold harmless Lessor from and against any and all claims arising from Lessee’s use of the property and common areas thereof, or from the conduct of Lessee’s business or from any activity, work or things done, permitted or suffered by Lessee in or about the premises or elsewhere and shall further indemnify and hold harmless Lessor from and against any and all claims arising from any breach or default in the performance of any obligation on Lessee’s part to be performed under the terms of this lease, or arising from any act or omission of Lessee, or any of Lessee’s agents, contractors, or employees and from and against all costs, attorney’s fees, expenses and liabilities incurred in the defense of any such claim or any action or proceeding brought thereon; and in case any action or proceeding be brought against Lessor by reason of any such claim. Lessee upon notice from Lessor shall defend the same at Lessee’s expense by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Lessor and Lessor shall cooperate with Lessee in such defense. Lessee, as a material part of the consideration to Lessor, hereby assumes all risk of damage to property of Lessee or injury to persons, in, upon or about the property, and common area thereof, arising from any cause and Lessee hereby waives all claims in respect thereof against Lessor.

Lessee hereby agrees that Lessor shall not be liable for injury to Lessee’s business, or any loss of income therefrom or for damage to the goods, wares, merchandise, or other property of Lessee, Lessee’s employees, invitees, customers, or any other person in or about the premises or common areas thereof, nor shall Lessor be liable for injury to the person of Lessee, Lessee’s employees, agents or contractors, whether such damage or injury is caused by or results from fire, steam, electricity, gas, water or rain, or from the breakage, leakage, obstruction or other defects of pipes, sprinklers, wires, appliances, plumbing, air conditioning, or lighting fixtures, or from any other cause, whether said damage or injury results from conditions arising upon the premises or other portions of the property, or common areas thereof, or from other sources or places and regardless of whether the cause of such damage or injury or the means of repairing the same is inaccessible to Lessee. Lessor shall not be liable for any damages arising from any act or neglect of any other Lessee occupant or user of the property or the common areas thereof, nor from the failure of Lessor to enforce the provisions of any other lease of the property of which the leased premises are a part. Lessee expressly waives all potential liability of Lessor under this paragraph and agrees to indemnify Lessor from any claim under this paragraph.

18. INSURANCE: Lessor and Lessee agree that neither shall be liable to the other for any damage or loss for which either has insured against, and agree that each party will look solely to their respective insurers for recovery. Lessor and Lessee hereby grant to each other, on behalf of any insurer providing insurance to either of them with respect to the property, a waiver of any right of subrogation which any such insurer of one party may acquire against the other by reason of the payment of any loss under such insurance.

Lessor may insure any improvements on the property for their full insurable value, with fire and earthquake insurance, and the proceeds payable for any loss shall be paid to Lessor, and any holders of deeds of trust on the property, as their interest may appear.

 

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Lessee shall maintain public liability insurance with a company having an A.M. Best Rating of A- 12 or better, approved by Lessor for protection against liability to the public arising as an incident to the use of, or any interest in, the property leased hereunder. The limits of liability under this insurance shall not be less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence for a policy of Combined Single Limit Bodily Injury and Property Damage insuring both Lessee and Lessor. Such insurance shall insure the contingent liability of Lessor.

Should Lessee fail to maintain such insurance, Lessor may obtain same on behalf of Lessee and the cost thereof shall be delivered to and held by Lessor, or a certificate of such insurance shall be provided to Lessor. All such insurance companies shall be obligated to notify Lessor at least ten (10) days prior to any change or cancellation thereof.

19. INCREASE IN INSURANCE PREMIUMS: Lessee agrees that amounts so paid by Lessor for property insurance which exceed the cost of such insurance for the base year beginning on the date of commencement described in paragraph 2 above may be charged against Lessee as additional rent in subsequent years, such amounts to be paid to Lessor by Lessee within thirty (30) days after written notification of such charges has been given Lessee.

If anything shall be done or kept by Lessee on the leased premises, the effect of which shall be to increase the rate of fire or other insurance premium thereon above than normally charged, such increase in such premium shall be paid by Lessee.

20. TERMINATION: Lessee shall be in default in the event that: (1) Lessee fails to pay Lessor any rent when due; (2) Lessee fails to pay Lessor any other sum in the amount, manner, and at the time required; or (3) Lessee breaches this lease for any other cause. This lease shall terminate: (1) if notices are required by law, upon the expiration of any notice required to terminate this lease, otherwise upon any material breach by Lessee, at the option of Lessor; (2) upon the effective date of any assignment by Lessee for the benefit of creditors, or any adjudication of bankruptcy, voluntary or involuntary; and (3) upon the effective date of the appointment of any receiver for Lessee’s property, or upon the date any interest herein passes to any trustee appointed under the Bankruptcy Act, or any trustee, assignee, or receiver for creditors. Upon the termination of this lease for any cause, Lessor may at once enter the leased property without notice or demand to Lessee and remove all persons and all of Lessee’s property therefrom.

On such termination in addition to other remedies provided by law, Lessor may recover from Lessee all damage specified in California Civil Code Section 1951.2, including the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of rental loss for the same period that Lessee proves could be reasonably avoided.

Lessor may mitigate damages caused by Lessee’s breach by reletting the leased property prior to the time of award or judgment; any such reletting, unless proved by Lessee to be not in good faith, shall be conclusive upon all parties as to the rental loss for the balance of the term. Any efforts by Lessor to mitigate damages by reletting shall not waive Lessor’s right to recover any damages. Nor shall anything in this paragraph affect Lessor’s right to indemnification for liability arising prior to the termination of this lease for personal injuries or property damage as provided above.

21. CONTINUATION OF LEASE AFTER BREACH: Even though Lessee breaches this lease, it shall continue in effect for so long as Lessor does not terminate Lessee’s right to possession, and Lessor may enforce all Lessor’s rights and remedies under this lease, including the right to recover rent as it becomes due hereunder. Unless Lessee is otherwise notified, the following shall not constitute a termination of Lessee’s right to possession:

a. Acts of maintenance or preservation or efforts to relet the property;

b. The appointment of a receiver on Lessor’s initiative to protect Lessor’s interest under this lease.

22. ASSIGNMENT: Lessee shall be entitled to assign or sublet the leased property on the following conditions:

a. The assignment or sublease shall be in writing and require the assignee or subtenant to perform all the terms and satisfy all of the conditions of this lease, and to assume all obligations of Lessee under this lease.

 

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b. Lessee guarantees in writing the performance by assignee or subtenant of the terms of this lease.

c. Lessor’s consent to such assignment or subletting is obtained in writing prior to the effective date thereof, provided that such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

d. Lessee pays all Lessor’s cost in connection with any such assignment, including any attorney’s fees incurred by Lessor.

e. Sublessee’s or assignee’s use of the leased premises shall be the same as use specified in paragraph 5 of this lease.

f. Lessee transfers all interest in rentals and income due to Lessor from any sublease or assignment.

g. Any sublessee or assignee cannot further assign or sublet leased premises without Lessor’s prior written consent.

h. Any assignment or subletting made in violation of this paragraph 22 is voidable at Lessor’s option.

23. NOTICE: Any notice or demand herein or by law required or permitted to be given or made by either Lessee or Lessor shall be in writing and may be personally served upon the party to whom the same may be addressed, or may be sent to such party by registered or certified United States mail, addressed to such party at the address given below. When served by mail the date of service shall be the date of mailing.

 

  LESSOR: FREEDOM ASSOCIATES, LLC

21 BRENNAN STREET, SUITE 16

WATSONVILLE, CA 95076

 

  LESSEE: FOX RACING SHOX

130 HANGAR WAY

WATSONVILLE, CA 95076

24. ATTORNEY’S FEES AND WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY: In the event legal proceedings by either party hereto are necessary by reason of the breach of any covenant or condition hereof, or arising out of this lease, then and in that event the prevailing party shall be entitled to have and recover of and from the other, actual attorney’s fees and costs of such proceeding.

The respective parties hereto shall and they do hereby waive trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties hereto against the other on any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this lease, the relationship of Lessor and Lessee, Lessee’s use or occupancy of the premises, or any claim of injury or damage or the enforcement of any remedy under any statute, emergency or otherwise.

25. CARE OF COMMON AREA AND OPERATING EXPENSES: The common areas shall be maintained in a clean and reasonable condition. Services required, including but not limited to: care of landscaping; lighting of common areas; sweeping of paved areas; fire detection system maintenance and monitoring; cost of water, gas and electricity to service the common area; shall all be arranged for by Lessor, and Lessee shall pay monthly or as billed for its portion of such expenses.

26. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE:

a. Each party (as “responding party”) shall at any time upon not less than ten (10) days’ prior written notice from the other party (“requesting party”) execute, acknowledge and deliver to the requesting party a statement in writing (1) certifying that this lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or, if modified, stating the nature of such modification and certifying that this lease, as so modified, is in full force and effect) and the date to which the rent and other charges paid in advance, if any; and (ii) acknowledging that there are not, to the responding party’s knowledge any uncured defaults, on the part of the requesting party, or specifying such defaults if any are claimed. Any such statement may be conclusively relied upon by any prospective purchaser or encumbrancer of the premises or of the business requesting party.

 

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b. At the requesting party’s option, the failure to deliver such statement within such time shall be a material default of this lease by the party who is to respond, without any further notice to such party, or it shall be conclusive upon such party that: (i) this lease is in full force and effect, without modification except as may be represented by the requesting party; (ii) there are no uncured defaults in the requesting party’s performance; and (iii) if Lessor is the requesting party, nor more than one month’s rent has been paid in advance.

c. If Lessor desires to finance, refinance, or sell the property, or any part thereof, Lessee hereby agrees to deliver to any lender or purchaser designated by Lessor such financial statements of Lessee as may be reasonably required by such lender or purchaser. Such statements shall include the past three (3) years financial statements of Lessee. All such financial statements shall be received by Lessor and such lender or purchaser in confidence and shall be used only for the purposes herein set forth.

27. SUBORDINATION:

a. This lease and any option granted hereby, at Lessor’s option, shall be subordinate to any ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust, or any other hypothecation or security now or hereafter placed upon the property and to any and all advances made on the security thereof and to all renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements and extensions thereof. Notwithstanding such subordination, Lessee’s right to quiet possession of the premises shall not be disturbed if Lessee is not in default and so long as Lessee shall pay the rent and observe and perform all of the provisions of this lease, unless this lease is otherwise terminated pursuant to its terms. If any mortgagee, trustee, or ground Lessor shall elect to have this lease and any options granted hereby prior to the lien of its mortgage, deed of trust, or ground lease, and shall give written notice thereof to Lessee, this lease and such options shall be deemed prior to such mortgage, deed of trust or ground lease, whether this lease or such options are dated prior or subsequent to the date of said mortgage deed of trust or ground lease or the date of recording thereof.

b. Lessee agrees to execute any documents required to effectuate an attornment, a subordination, or to make this lease or any option granted herein prior to the lien of any mortgage, deed of trust or ground lease, as the case may be. Lessee’s failure to execute such documents within ten (10) days after written demand shall constitute a material default by Lessee hereunder and without further notice to Lessee, or at Lessor’s option, Lessor shall execute such documents on behalf of Lessee as Lessee’s attorney-in-fact. Lessee does hereby make, constitute and irrevocably appoint Lessor as Lessee’s attorney-in-fact and in Lessee’s name, place and stead to execute such documents in accordance with this paragraph 27(b).

28. SEVERABILITY: The invalidity of any provision of this lease as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall in no way affect the validity of any other provision hereof.

29. RULES AND REGULATIONS: Lessor reserves the right to promulgate and enforce such reasonable rules and regulations relating to the use of all common areas including, but not necessarily limited to, parking areas, entrances roadways, and landscaping as Lessor may deem appropriate and for the best interests of the tenants. Lessee shall abide by such rules and regulations and cooperate in their enforcement. Rules and regulations may be amended by Lessor from time to time with or without advance notice and all amendments shall be effective upon delivery of a copy of them to Lessee

30. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES:

(a) Hazardous Substances includes without limitation:

Those substances included within the definitions of hazardous substance, hazardous waste, hazardous material, toxic substance, solid waste, or pollutant or contaminant in CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA, HMTA, or under any other Environmental Law;

Those substances listed in the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Table [49 CFR 172 . 101], or by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or any successor agency, as hazardous substances [40 CFR Part 302];

 

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Other substances, materials, and wastes that are or become regulated or classified as hazardous or toxic under federal, state, or local laws or regulations; and

Any material, waste, or substance that is

 

  (i) a petroleum or refined petroleum product,

 

  (ii) asbestos,

 

  (iii) polychlorinated biphenyl,

 

  (iv) designated as a hazardous substance pursuant to 33 USCS § 1321 or listed pursuant to 33 USCS § 1317,

 

  (v) a flammable explosive, or

 

  (vi) a radioactive material.

(b) Lessee agrees that any and all handling, transportation, storage, treatment, disposal, or use of Hazardous Substances by Lessee, it’s agents, contractors, invitees and permitees in or about the Premises shall strictly comply with all applicable Environmental Laws.

(c) Lessee agrees to indemnify and defend Lessor harmless from any liabilities, losses, claims, damages, penalties, fines, attorney fees, expert fees, court costs, remediation costs, investigation costs, or other expenses resulting from or arising out of the use, storage, treatment, transportation, release, or disposal of Hazardous Substances on or about the Premises during Lessee’s use or possession of the Premises.

(d) Lessor agrees to indemnify and defend Lessee harmless from any liabilities, losses, claims, damages, penalties, fines, attorney fees, expert fees, court costs, remediation costs, investigation costs, or other expenses resulting from or arising out of the use, storage, treatment, transportation, release, or disposal of Hazardous Substances on or about the Premises prior to the commencement of this Lease, or Lessee’s use or possession of the Premises, which ever is earlier.

(e) If the presence of Hazardous Substances on the Premises caused by Lessee, its agents, contractors, invitees and permitees, results in the contamination or deterioration of the Premises or any water or soil beneath the Premises, Lessee shall promptly take all action necessary to investigate and remedy that contamination.

(f) Lessor and Lessee each agree to promptly notify the other of any communication received from any governmental entity concerning Hazardous Substances or the violation of Environmental Laws that relate to the Premises.

(g) Lessee shall not use, handle, store, transport, generate, release, or dispose of any Hazardous Substances on, under, or about the Premises, except that Lessee may use (i) small quantities of common chemicals such as adhesives, lubricants, and cleaning fluids in order to conduct business at the Premises and (ii) other Hazardous Substances that are necessary for the operation of Lessee’s business and for which Lessor gives written consent, which shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed, prior to the Hazardous Substances being brought onto the Premises. At any time during the term of this Lease, Lessee shall, within ten (10) days after written request from Lessor, disclose in writing all Hazardous Substances that are being used by Lessee on the Premises, the nature of the use, and the manner of storage and disposal.

(h) At any time and upon prior written notice to Lessee, Lessor may require testing wells to be drilled on the Premises and may require the ground water to be tested to detect the presence of Hazardous Substances by the use of any tests that are then customarily used for those purposes. Lessor shall supply Lessee with copies of the test results. The cost of these tests and of the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of the wells shall be paid by Lessor unless the tests disclose the existence of facts that give rise to liability of Lessee pursuant to this Section 30., in which event such costs shall be paid by Lessee.

 

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31. IMPROVEMENTS:.

Lessee shall have early access to premises for desired improvements, provided initial rent/deposit are paid and insurance is in place.

32. LEGAL EFFECT: All covenants of Lessee contained in this lease are expressly made conditions precedent to Lessor’s continued duty to perform hereunder. Time is of the essence hereof. No waiver, benefit, privilege, or service voluntarily granted or performed by Lessor to or for Lessee, shall be construed to vest any contractual right in Lessee by custom, estoppel, or otherwise. No waiver by Lessor of a default by Lessee under this lease shall constitute a waiver of subsequent default and after waiver, expressed or implied, no notice need be given that strict compliance in the future will be required. This lease contains the complete agreement between Lessor and Lessee, and no supplement, amendment, or other commitment will be binding unless in writing and signed by the obligated party.

READ AND AGREED TO AT WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA

 

DATED: 6/20/06     BY:  

/s/    [Illegible]

    TITLE:  

 

    FOR:   FREEDOM ASSOCIATES, LLC
DATED: 6/14/06     BY:  

/s/    Elizabeth Fox

    TITLE:  

Director of Finance

    FOR:   FOX RACING SHOX

 

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EXHIBIT A

Page 1 of 2

The leased premises are described as:

That certain building space known as 78 Hangar Way., Watsonville, CA 95076 that is within the city limits of Watsonville, zoned Light Industrial, (IP) and consisting of +/- 12,947 Sq. Ft. of building space in the building, as shown on page 2.

 

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LOGO

 

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LEASE ADDENDUM

THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS LEASE ADDENDUM dated March 21, 2008(“Addendum”), are incorporated in, supplement and modify the terms and conditions of that certain Lease Agreement dated June 13, 2006, and all addendums thereto, by and between Freedom Associates, LLC, Lessor and Fox Racing Shox, Lessee, and regarding property described as: 78 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076, and more particularly described in said lease.

THE UNDERSIGNED LESSOR AND LESSEE HEREBY AGREE to the following terms and conditions:

 

1) The Lease shall be extended two years to June 30, 2010.

 

2) The rent for the first year shall be $8,674.49 per month.

 

3) The rent shall be adjusted annually as provided in Section 3.c. of the lease with the exception that the denominator used shall be the CPI for June 2008.

 

4) All other terms and conditions to remain the same.

READ AND AGREED IN WATSONVILLE, CA

 

Date: 4/15/08     By:   /s/    [Illegible]
    Title:   Authorized Partner
    For:   Freedom Associates LLC, Lessor
Date: April 2, 2008     By:   /s/    Elizabeth Fox
    Title:   Director of Finance
    For:   Fox Racing Shox

 

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LEASE ADDENDUM

THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS LEASE ADDENDUM dated March 09, 2010 (“Addendum”), are incorporated in, supplement and modify the terms and conditions of that certain Lease Agreement dated June 13, 2006, and all addendums thereto, by and between Freedom Associates, LLC, Lessor and Fox Racing Shox, Lessee, and regarding property described as: 78 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076, and more particularly described in said lease.

THE UNDERSIGNED LESSOR AND LESSEE HEREBY AGREE to the following terms and conditions:

 

  1. The Lease shall be extended two years to June 30, 2012

 

  2. The rent for shall increase to .77 per SF or $9,969.19 per month.

 

  3. The rent shall be adjusted annually as provided in Section 3.c. of the lease with the exception that the denominator used shall be the CPI for June 2010.

 

  4. All other terms and conditions to remain the same.

READ AND AGREED IN WATSONVILLE, CA

 

Date: 3/30/10     By:   /s/    [Illegible]
    Title:   Authorized Signer
    For:   Freedom Associates, LlC
Date: March 22, 2010     By:   /s/    Elizabeth Fox
    Title:   Director of Finance
    For:   Fox Racing Shox

 

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LEASE ADDENDUM

THE TERMS AND PROVISION OF THIS LEASE ADDENDUM dated February 14, 2012 (“Addendum”), are incorporated in, supplement and modify the terms and conditions of that certain Lease Agreement dated June 13, 2006, and all addendums thereto, by and between Freedom Associates, LLC, Lessor and Fox Factory, Inc., and regarding property described as: 78 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076, and more particularly described in said lease.

THE UNDERSIGNED LESSOR AND LESSEE HEREBY AGREE to the following terms and conditions:

 

  1. The lease shall be extended one year to May 31, 2013 in exchange for terminating the lease at 310 Anna Street one year early.

 

  2. The rent shall remain the same at .77 per SF or $9,969.19 per month.

 

  3. All other terms and conditions to remain the same.

READ AND AGREED IN WATSONVILLE, CA

 

Date: 2/29/12     By:   /s/    [Illegible]
    Title:   Property Manager
    For:   Freedom Associates LLC, Lessor
Date: 2/29/12     By:   /s/    Larry L. Enterline
    Title:   Chief Executive Officer
    For:   Fox Factory, Inc.

 

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LEASE ADDENDUM

THE TERMS AND PROVISION OF THIS LEASE ADDENDUM dated February 25, 2013 (“Addendum”), are incorporated in, supplement and modify the terms and conditions of that certain Lease Agreement dated June 13, 2006, and all addendums thereto, by and between Freedom Associates, LLC, Lessor and Fox Racing Shox, and regarding property described as: 78 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076, and more particularly described in said lease.

THE UNDERSIGNED LESSOR AND LESSEE HEREBY AGREE to the following terms and conditions:

 

  1. The lease shall be extended nine months from June 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014.

 

  2. The rent shall remain the same at .77 per SF or $9,969.19 per month.

 

  3. All other terms and conditions to remain the same.

READ AND AGREED IN WATSONVILLE, CA

 

Date: 3/6/13     By:   /s/    [Illegible]
    Title:   Authorized Signer
    For:   Freedom Associates LLC, Lessor
Date: 2/26/13     By:   /s/    Zvi Glasman
    Title:   Chief Financial Officer
    For:   Fox Racing Shox

 

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Exhibit 10.15

 

LOGO

AIR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION

STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL MULTI-TENANT LEASE—NET

1. Basic Provisions (“Basic Provisions”).

1.1 Parties: This Lease (“ Lease ”), dated for reference purposes only April 19, 2012, is made by and between NORTH JOHNSON VERNON PROPERTY, LLC a Delaware limited liability company (“ Lessor ”) and FOX FACTORY, INC., a California corporation (“ Lessee ”), (collectively the “ Parties ”, or individually a “ Party ”).

1.2(a) Premises : That certain portion of the Project (as defined below), including all improvements therein or to be provided by Lessor under the terms of this Lease, commonly known by the street address of 750 VERNON WAY, SUITES 100 & 101 , located in the City of EL CAJON, County of SAN DIEGO , State of CALIFORNIA , with zip code 92020 , as outlined on Exhibit A attached hereto (“ Premises ”) and generally described as (describe briefly the nature of the Premises): approximately 30,152 SF of warehouse and office space. In addition to Lessee’s rights to use and occupy the Premises as hereinafter specified, Lessee shall have non-exclusive rights to any utility raceways of the building containing the Premises (“ Building ”) and to the common Areas (as defined in Paragraph 2.7 below), but shall not have any rights to the roof or exterior walls of the Building or to any other buildings in the Project. The Premises, the Building, the Common Areas, the land upon which they are located, along with all other buildings and improvements thereon, are herein collectively referred to as the “ Project .” (See also Paragraph 2)

1.2(b) Parking : 60 unreserved vehicle parking spaces. (See also Paragraph 2.6)

1.3 Term : 5 years and six (6) months (“ Original Term ”) commencing August 1, 2012 (“ Commencement Date ”) and ending January 31, 2018 (“ Expiration Date ”). (See also Paragraph 3)

1.4 Early Possession : If the Premises are available Lessee may have non-exclusive possession of the Premises commencing Upon mutual execution by Lessor and Lessee (“ Early Possession Date ”).

( See also Paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3 )

1.5 Base Rent : $.65 PSF NNN per month (“ Base Rent ”), payable on the 1 st day of each month commencing August 1, 2012. (See also Paragraph 4) þ If this box is checked, there are provisions in this Lease for the Base Rent to be adjusted. See Paragraph 50.

1.6 Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses : Twenty Two percent (22 %) (“ Lessee’s Share ”). Lessee’s Share is based upon the square footage of the Premises (30,152 square feet) divided by the total square footage of the 1290 North Johnson Building, 750 Vernon Way Building and 900 Vernon Way Building (135,770 square feet). In the event that the size of the Premises and/or the Project are modified during the term of this Lease, Lessor shall recalculate Lessee’s Share to reflect such modification. 2012 Common Area Operating Expenses estimated to be $.19/PSF or $5,728,88 per month, subject to adjustment pursuant to Paragraph 4.2.

1.7 Base Rent and Other Monies Paid Upon Execution:

 

  (a) Base Rent: $19,599.00 for the period August 1, 2012 to August 31, 2012.

 

  (b) Common Area Operating Expenses: $5,728.88 for the period 8/01/12 to 8/31/12.

 

  (c) Security Deposit: $25,327.88 (“ Security Deposit ”). (See also Paragraph 5)

 

  (d) Other: $                      for                      .

 

  (e) Total Due Upon Execution of this Lease : $50,655.76.

1.8 Agreed Use : General office, manufacturing, distribution, warehouse use and other permitted uses per the zoning of the City of El Cajon. (See also Paragraph 6)

1.9 Insuring Party . Lessor is the “ Insuring Party ”. (See also Paragraph 8)

1.10 Real Estate Brokers : (See also Paragraph 15 and 25)

(a) Representation: The following real estate brokers (the “ Brokers ”) and brokerage relationships exist in this transaction (check applicable boxes):

 

þ Cassidy Turley BRE Commercial represents Lessor exclusively (“ Lessor’s Broker ”);

 

¨              represents Lessee exclusively (“ Lessee’s Broker ”); or

 

þ Inland Pacific Commercial Properties represents both Lessor and Lessee (“ Dual Agency ”).

(b) Payment to Brokers : Upon execution and delivery of this Lease by both Parties, Lessor shall pay to the Brokers for the brokerage services rendered by the Brokers the fee agreed to in the attached a separate written agreement or if no such agreement is attached, the sum of              or              % of the total Base Rent payable for the Original Term, the sum of              or              of the total Base Rent payable during any period of time that the Lessee occupies the Premises subsequent to the Original Term, and/or the sum of              or              % of the purchase price in the event that the Lessee or anyone affiliated with Lessee acquires from Lessor any rights to the Premises.

1.11 Guarantor . The obligations of the Lessee under this Lease are to be guaranteed by N/A (“ Guarantor ”). (See also Paragraph 37)

 

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1.12 Attachments . Attached hereto are the following, all of which constitute a part of this Lease:

 

þ an Addendum consisting of Paragraphs 50 through 61;

 

¨ a site plan depicting the Premises;

 

¨ a site plan depicting the Project;

 

¨ a current set of the Rules and Regulations for the Project;

 

¨ a current set of the Rules and Regulations adopted by the owners’ association;

 

¨ a Work Letter;

 

¨ other (specify);              .

 

  2. Premises .

2.1 Letting . Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, the Premises, for the term, at the rental, and upon all of the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in this Lease. While the approximate square footage of the Premises may have been used in the marketing of the Premises for purposes of comparison, the Base Rent stated herein is NOT tied to square footage and is not subject to adjustment should the actual size be determined to be different. NOTE: Lessee is advised to verify the actual size prior to executing this Lease .

2.2 Condition . Lessor shall deliver that portion of the Premises contained within the Building (“ Unit ”) to Lessee broom clean and free of debris on the Commencement Date or the Early Possession Date, whichever first occurs (“ Start Date ”), and, so long as the required service contracts described in Paragraph 7.1(b) below are obtained by Lessee and in effect within thirty days following the Start Date, warrants that the existing electrical, plumbing, fire sprinkler, lighting, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (“ HVAC ”), loading doors, sump pumps, if any, and all other such elements in the Unit, other than those constructed by Lessee, shall be in good operating condition on said date, that the structural elements of the roof, bearing walls and foundation of the Unit shall be free of material defects, and that the Unit does not contain hazardous levels of any mold or fungi defined as toxic under applicable state or federal law. If a non-compliance with such warranty exists as of the Start Date, or if one of such systems or elements should malfunction or fail within the appropriate warranty period, Lessor shall, as Lessor’s sole obligation with respect to such matter, except as otherwise provided in this Lease, promptly after receipt of written notice from Lessee setting forth with specificity the nature and extent of such non-compliance, malfunction or failure, rectify same at Lessor’s expense. The warranty periods shall be as follows: (i) 6 months as to the HVAC systems, and (ii) 30 days as to the remaining systems and other elements of the Unit. If Lessee does not give Lessor the required notice within the appropriate warranty period, correction of any such non-compliance, malfunction or failure shall be the obligation of Lessee at Lessee’s sole cost and expense (except for the repairs to the fire sprinkler systems, roof, foundations, and/or bearing walls—see Paragraph 7).

2.3 Compliance . Lessor warrants that to the best of its knowledge the improvements on the Premises and the Common Areas comply with the building codes that were in effect at the time that each such improvement, or portion thereof, was constructed, and also with all applicable laws, covenants or restrictions of record, regulations, and ordinances in effect on the Start Date (“ Applicable Requirements ”). Said warranty does not apply to the use to which Lessee will put the Premises, modifications which may be required by the Americans with Disabilities Act or any similar laws as a result of Lessee’s use (see Paragraph 49), or to any Alterations or Utility Installations (as defined in Paragraph 7.3(a)) made or to be made by Lessee. NOTE: Lessee is responsible for determining whether or not the Applicable Requirements and especially the zoning are appropriate for Lessee’s intended use, and acknowledges that past uses of the Premises may no longer be allowed . If the Premises do not comply with said warranty, Lessor shall, except as otherwise provided, promptly after receipt of written notice from Lessee setting forth with specificity the nature and extent of such non-compliance, rectify the same at Lessor’s expense. If Lessee does not give Lessor written notice of a non-compliance with this warranty within 6 months following the Start Date, correction of that non-compliance shall be the obligation of Lessee at Lessee’s sole cost and expense. If the Applicable Requirements are hereafter changed so as to require during the term of this Lease the construction of an addition to or an alteration of the Unit, Premises and/or Building, the remediation of any Hazardous Substance, or the reinforcement or other physical modification of the Unit, Premises and/or Building (“ Capital Expenditure ”), Lessor and Lessee shall allocate the cost of such work as follows:

(a) Subject to Paragraph 2.3(c) below, if such Capital Expenditures are required as a result of the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee as compared with uses by tenants in general, Lessee shall be fully responsible for the cost thereof, provided, however that if such Capita! Expenditure is required during the last 2 years of this Lease and the cost thereof exceeds 6 months’ Base Rent, Lessee may instead terminate this Lease unless Lessor notifies Lessee, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessee’s termination notice that Lessor has elected to pay the difference between the actual cost thereof and the amount equal to 6 months’ Base Rent. If Lessee elects termination, Lessee shall immediately cease the use of the Premises which requires such Capital Expenditure and deliver to Lessor written notice specifying a termination date at least 90 days thereafter. Such termination date shall, however, in no event be earlier than the last day that Lessee could legally utilize the Premises without commencing such Capital Expenditure.

(b) If such Capital Expenditure is not the result of the specific and unique use of the Premises by Lessee (such as, governmentally mandated seismic modifications), then Lessor shall pay for such Capital Expenditure and Lessee shall only be obligated to pay, each month during the remainder of the term of this Lease or any extension thereof, on the date that on which the Base Rent is due, an amount equal to 1/144th of the portion of such costs reasonably attributable to the Premises. Lessee shall pay Interest on the balance but may prepay its obligation at any time. If, however, such Capital Expenditure is required during the last 2 years of this Lease or if Lessor reasonably determines that it is not economically feasible to pay its share thereof, Lessor shall have the option to terminate this Lease upon 90 days prior written notice to Lessee unless Lessee notifies Lessor, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of Lessor’s termination notice that Lessee will pay for such Capital Expenditure. If Lessor does not elect to terminate, and fails to tender its share of any such Capital Expenditure, Lessee may advance such funds and deduct same, with Interest, from Rent until Lessor’s share of such costs have been fully paid. If Lessee is unable to finance Lessor’s share, or if the balance of the Rent due and payable for the remainder of this Lease is not sufficient to fully reimburse Lessee on an offset basis, Lessee shall have the right to terminate this Lease upon 30 days written notice to Lessor.

(c) Notwithstanding the above, the provisions concerning Capital Expenditures are intended to apply only to non-voluntary, unexpected, and new Applicable Requirements. If the Capital Expenditures are instead triggered by Lessee as a result of an actual or proposed change in use, change in intensity of use, or modification to the Premises then, and in that event, Lessee shall either: (i) immediately cease such changed use or intensity of use and/or take such other steps as may be necessary to eliminate the requirement for such Capital Expenditure, or (ii) complete such Capital Expenditure at its own expense. Lessee shall not have any right to terminate this Lease.

2.4 Acknowledgements . Lessee acknowledges that: (a) it has been given an opportunity to inspect and measure the Premises, (b) it has been advised by Lessor and/or Brokers to satisfy itself with respect to the size and condition of the Premises (including but not limited to the electrical, HVAC and fire sprinkler systems, security, environmental aspects, and compliance with Applicable Requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act), and their suitability for Lessee’s intended use, (c) Lessee has made such investigation as it deems necessary with reference to such matters and assumes all responsibility therefor as the same relate to its occupancy of the Premises, (d) it is not relying on any representation as to the size of the Premises made by Brokers or Lessor, (e) the square footage of the Premises was not material to Lessee’s decision to lease the Premises and pay the Rent stated herein, and (f) neither Lessor, Lessor’s agents, nor Brokers have made any oral or written representations or warranties with respect to said matters other than as set forth in this Lease. In addition, Lessor acknowledges that: (i) Brokers have made no representations, promises or warranties concerning Lessee’s ability to honor the Lease or suitability to occupy the Premises, and (ii) it is Lessor’s sole responsibility to investigate the financial capability and/or suitability of all proposed tenants.

 

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2.5 Lessee as Prior Owner/Occupant . The warranties made by Lessor in Paragraph 2 shall be of no force or effect if immediately prior to the Start Date Lessee was the owner or occupant of the Premises. In such event, Lessee shall be responsible for any necessary corrective work.

2.6 Vehicle Parking . Lessee shall be entitled to use the number of parking spaces specified in Paragraph 1.2(b) on those portions of the Common Areas designated from time to time by Lessor for parking. Lessee shall not use more parking spaces than said number. Said parking spaces shall be used for parking by vehicles no larger than full-size passenger automobiles or pick-up trucks, herein called “ Permitted Size Vehicles. ” Lessor may regulate the loading and unloading of vehicles by adopting Rules and Regulations as provided in Paragraph 2.9. No vehicles other than Permitted Size Vehicles may be parked in the Common Area without the prior written permission of Lessor. In addition:

(a) Lessee shall not permit or allow any vehicles that belong to or are controlled by Lessee or Lessee’s employees, suppliers, shippers, customers, contractors or invitees to be loaded, unloaded, or parked in areas other than those designated by Lessor for such activities.

(b) Lessee shall not service or store any vehicles in the Common Areas.

(c) lf Lessee permits or allows any of the prohibited activities described in this Paragraph 2.6, then Lessor shall have the right, without notice, in addition to such other rights and remedies that it may have, to remove or tow away the vehicle involved and charge the cost to Lessee, which cost shall be immediately payable upon demand by Lessor.

2.7 Common Areas—Definition . The term “ Common Areas ” is defined as all areas and facilities outside the Premises and within the exterior boundary line of the Project and interior utility raceways and installations within the Unit that are provided and designated by the Lessor from time to time for the general non-exclusive use of Lessor, Lessee and other tenants of the Project and their respective employees, suppliers, shippers, customers, contractors and invitees, including parking areas, loading and unloading areas, trash areas, roadways, walkways, driveways and landscaped areas.

2.8 Common Areas—Lessee’s Rights . Lessor grants to Lessee, for the benefit of Lessee and its employees, suppliers, shippers, contractors, customers and invitees, during the term of this Lease, the non-exclusive right to use, in common with others entitled to such use, the Common Areas as they exist from time to time, subject to any rights, powers, and privileges reserved by Lessor under the terms hereof or under the terms of any rules and regulations or restrictions governing the use of the Project. Under no circumstances shall the right herein granted to use the Common Areas be deemed to include the right to store any property, temporarily or permanently, in the Common Areas. Any such storage shall be permitted only by the prior written consent of Lessor or Lessor’s designated agent, which consent may be revoked at any time. In the event that any unauthorized storage shall occur then Lessor shall have the right, without notice, in addition to such other rights and remedies that it may have, to remove the property and charge the cost to Lessee, which cost shall be immediately payable upon demand by Lessor.

2.9 Common Areas—Rules and Regulations . Lessor or such other person(s) as Lessor may appoint shall have the exclusive control and management of the Common Areas and shall have the right, from time to time, to establish, modify, amend and enforce reasonable rules and regulations (“ Rules and Regulations ”) for the management, safety, care, and cleanliness of the grounds, the parking and unloading of vehicles and the preservation of good order, as well as for the convenience of other occupants or tenants of the Building and the Project and their invitees. Lessee agrees to abide by and conform to all such Rules and Regulations, and shall use its best efforts to cause its employees, suppliers, shippers, customers, contractors and invitees to so abide and conform. Lessor shall not be responsible to Lessee for the non-compliance with said Rules and Regulations by other tenants of the Project.

2.10 Common Areas—Changes . Lessor shall have the right, in Lessor’s sole discretion, from time to time:

(a) To make changes to the Common Areas, including, without limitation, changes in the location, size, shape and number of driveways, entrances, parking spaces, parking areas, loading and unloading areas, ingress, egress, direction of traffic, landscaped areas, walkways and utility raceways;

(b) To close temporarily any of the Common Areas for maintenance purposes so long as reasonable access to the Premises remains available;

(c) To designate other land outside the boundaries of the Project to be a part of the Common Areas;

(d) To add additional buildings and improvements to the Common Areas;

(e) To use the Common Areas while engaged in making additional improvements, repairs or alterations to the Project, or any portion thereof; and

(f) To do and perform such other acts and make such other changes in, to or with respect to the Common Areas and Project as Lessor may, in the exercise of sound business judgment, deem to be appropriate.

3. Term .

3.1 Term . The Commencement Date, Expiration Date and Original Term of this Lease are as specified in Paragraph 1.3.

3.2 Early Possession . Any provision herein granting Lessee Early Possession of the Premises is subject to and conditioned upon the Premises being available for such possession prior to the Commencement Date. Any grant of Early Possession only conveys a non-exclusive right to occupy the Premises. If Lessee totally or partially occupies the Premises prior to the Commencement Date, the obligation to pay Base Rent shall be abated for the period of such Early Possession. All other terms of this Lease (including but not limited to the obligations to pay Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses, Real Property Taxes and insurance premiums and to maintain the Premises) shall be in effect during such period. Any such Early Possession shall not affect the Expiration Date.

3.3 Delay In Possession . Lessor agrees to use its best commercially reasonable efforts to deliver possession of the Premises to Lessee by the Commencement Date. If, despite said efforts, Lessor is unable to deliver possession by such date, Lessor shall not be subject to any liability therefor, nor shall such failure affect the validity of this Lease or change the Expiration Date. Lessee shall not, however, be obligated to pay Rent or perform its other obligations until Lessor delivers possession of the Premises and any period of rent abatement that Lessee would otherwise have enjoyed shall run from the date of delivery of possession and continue for a period equal to what Lessee would otherwise have enjoyed under the terms hereof, but minus any days of delay caused by the acts or omissions of Lessee. If possession is not delivered within 60 days after the Commencement Date, as the same may be extended under the terms of any Work Letter executed be Parties, Lessee may, at its option, by notice in writing within 10 days after the end of such 60 day period, cancel this Lease, in which event the Parties shall be discharged from all obligations hereunder. If such written notice is not received by Lessor within said 10 day period, Lessee’s right to cancel shall terminate. If possession of the Premises is not delivered within 120 days after the Commencement Date, this Lease shall terminate unless other agreements are reached between Lessor and Lessee, in writing.

3.4 Lessee Compliance . Lessor shall not be required to tender possession of the Premises to Lessee until Lessee complies with its obligation to provide evidence of insurance (Paragraph 8.5). Pending delivery of such evidence, Lessee shall be required to perform all of its obligations under this Lease from and after the Start Date, including the payment of Rent, notwithstanding Lessor’s election to withhold possession pending receipt of such evidence of insurance. Further, if Lessee is required to perform any other conditions prior to or concurrent with the Start Date, the Start Date shall occur but Lessor may elect to withhold possession until such conditions are satisfied.

 

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4. Rent

4.1 Rent Defined . All monetary obligations of Lessee to Lessor under the terms of this Lease (except for the Security Deposit) are deemed to be rent (“ Rent ”).

4.2 Common Area operating Expenses . Lessee shall pay to Lessor during the term hereof, in addition to the Base Rent, Lessee’s Share (as specified in Paragraph 1.6) of all Common Area Operating Expenses, as hereinafter defined, during each calendar year of the term of this Lease, in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) “ Common Area Operating Expenses ” are defined, for purposes of this Lease, as all costs incurred by Lessor relating to the ownership and operation of the Project, including, but not limited to, the following;

(i) The operation, repair and maintenance, in neat, clean, good order and condition, and if necessary the replacement, of the following:

(aa) The Common Areas and Common Area improvements, including parking areas, loading and unloading areas, trash areas, roadways, parkways, walkways, driveways, landscaped areas, bumpers, irrigation systems, Common Area lighting facilities, fences and gates, elevators, roofs, exterior walls of the buildings, building systems and roof drainage systems.

(bb) Exterior signs and any tenant directories.

(cc) Any fire sprinkler systems.

(dd) All other areas and improvements that are within the exterior boundaries of the Project but outside of the Premises and/or any other space occupied by a tenant.

(ii) The cost of water, gas, electricity and telephone to service the Common Areas and any utilities not separately metered.

(iii) The cost of trash disposal, pest control services, property management, security services, owners’ association dues and fees, the cost to repaint the exterior of any structures and the cost of any environmental inspections.

(iv) Reserves set aside for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of Common Area improvements and equipment.

(v) Real Property Taxes (as defined in Paragraph 10).

(vi) The cost of the premiums for the insurance maintained by Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 8.

(vii) Any deductible portion of an insured loss concerning the Building or the Common Areas.

(viii) Auditors’, accountants’ and attorneys’ fees and costs related to the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of the Project.

(ix) The cost of any capital improvement to the Building or the Project not covered under the provisions of Paragraph 2.3 provided; however, that Lessor shall allocate the cost of any such capital improvement over a 12 year period and Lessee shall not be required to pay more than Lessee’s Share of 1/144th of the cost of such capital improvement in any given month.

(x) The cost of any other services to be provided by Lessor that are stated elsewhere in this Lease to be a Common Area Operating Expense.

(b) Any Common Area Operating Expenses and Real Property Taxes that are specifically attributable to the Unit, the Building or to any other building in the Project or to the operation, repair and maintenance thereof, shall be allocated entirely to such Unit, Building or other building. However, any Common Area Operating Expenses and Real Property Taxes that are not specifically attributable to the Building or to any other building or to the operation, repair and maintenance thereof, shall be equitably allocated by Lessor to all buildings in the Project.

(c) The inclusion of the improvements, facilities and services set forth in Subparagraph 4.2(a) shall not be deemed to impose an obligation upon Lessor to either have said improvements or facilities or to provide those services unless the Project already has the same, Lessor already provides the services, or Lessor has agreed elsewhere in this Lease to provide the same or some of them.

(d) Lessee’s Share of Common Area Operating Expenses is payable monthly on the same day as the Base Rent is due hereunder. The amount of such payments shall be based on Lessor’s estimate of the annual Common Area Operating Expenses. Within 60 days after written request (but not more than once each year) Lessor shall deliver to Lessee a reasonably detailed statement showing Lessee’s Share of the actual Common Area Operating Expenses for the preceding year. If Lessee’s payments during such year exceed Lessee’s Share, Lessor shall credit the amount of such over-payment against Lessee’s future payments. If Lessee’s payments during such year were less than Lessee’s Share, Lessee shall pay to Lessor the amount of the deficiency within 10 days after delivery by Lessor to Lessee of the statement.

(e) Common Area Operating Expenses shall not include any expenses paid by any tenant directly to third parties, or as to which Lessor is otherwise reimbursed by any third party, other tenant, or insurance proceeds.

4.3 Payment. Lessee shall cause payment of Rent to be received by Lessor in lawful money of the United States, without offset or deduction (except as specifically permitted in this Lease), on or before the day on which it is due. All monetary amounts shall be rounded to the nearest whole dollar. In the event that any invoice prepared by Lessor is inaccurate such inaccuracy shall not constitute a waiver and Lessee shall be obligated to pay the amount set forth in this Lease. Rent for any period during the term hereof which is for less than one full calendar month shall be prorated based upon the actual number of days of said month. Payment of Rent shall be made to Lessor at its address stated herein or to such other persons or place as Lessor may from time to time designate in writing. Acceptance of a payment which is less than the amount then due shall not be a waiver of Lessor’s rights to the balance of such Rent, regardless of Lessor’s endorsement of any check so stating. In the event that any check, draft, or other instrument of payment given by Lessee to Lessor is dishonored for any reason, Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the sum of $25 in addition to any Late Charge and Lessor, at its option, may require all future Rent be paid by cashier’s check. Payments will be applied first to accrued late charges and attorneys fees, second to accrued interest, then to Base Rent and Common Area Operating Expenses, and any remaining amount to any other outstanding charges or costs.

5. Security Deposit . Lessee shall deposit with Lessor upon execution hereof the Security Deposit as security for Lessee’s faithful performance of its obligations under this Lease. If Lessee fails to pay Rent, or otherwise Defaults under this Lease, Lessor may use, apply or retain all or any portion of said Security Deposit for the payment of any amount already due Lessor, for Rents which will be due in the future, and/ or to reimburse or compensate Lessor for any liability, expense, loss or damage which Lessor may suffer or incur by reason thereof. If Lessor uses or applies all or any portion of the Security Deposit, Lessee shall within 10 days after written request therefor deposit monies with Lessor sufficient to restore said Security Deposit to the full amount required by this Lease. If the Base Rent increases during the term of this Lease, Lessee shall, upon written request from Lessor, deposit additional monies with Lessor so that the total amount of the Security Deposit shall at all times bear the same proportion to the increased Base Rent as the initial Security Deposit bore to the initial Base Rent. Should the Agreed Use be amended to accommodate a material change in the business of Lessee or to accommodate a sublessee or assignee, Lessor shall have the right to increase the Security Deposit to the extent necessary, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, to account for any increased wear and tear that the Premises may suffer as a result thereof. If a change in control of Lessee occurs during this Lease and following such change the financial condition of Lessee is, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, significantly reduced, Lessee shall deposit such additional monies with Lessor as shall be sufficient to cause the Security Deposit to be at a commercially reasonable level based on such change in financial condition. Lessor shall not be required to keep the Security Deposit separate from its general accounts. Within 90 days after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessor shall return that portion of the Security Deposit not used or applied by Lessor. No part of the Security Deposit shall be considered to be held in trust, to bear interest or to be prepayment for any monies to be paid by Lessee under this Lease.

 

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6. Use .

6.1 Use . Lessee shall use and occupy the Premises only for the Agreed Use, or any other legal use which is reasonably comparable thereto, and for no other purpose. Lessee shall not use or permit the use of the Premises in a manner that is unlawful, creates damage, waste or a nuisance, or that disturbs occupants of or causes damage to neighboring premises or properties. Other than guide, signal and seeing eye dogs, Lessee shall not keep or allow in the Premises any pets, animals, birds, fish, or reptiles. Lessor shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to any written request for a modification of the Agreed Use, so long as the same will not impair the structural integrity of the Building or the mechanical or electrical systems therein, and/or is not significantly more burdensome to the Project. If Lessor elects to withhold consent, Lessor shall within 7 days after such request give written notification of same, which notice shall include an explanation of Lessor’s objections to the change in the Agreed Use.

6.2 Hazardous Substances .

(a) Reportable Uses Require Consent . The term “ Hazardous Substance ” as used in this Lease shall mean any product, substance, or waste whose presence, use, manufacture, disposal, transportation, or release, either by itself or in combination with other materials expected to be on the Premises, is either: (i) potentially injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, the environment or the Premises, (ii) regulated or monitored by any governmental authority, or (iii) a basis for potential liability of Lessor to any governmental agency or third party under any applicable statute or common law theory. Hazardous Substances shall include, but not be limited to, hydrocarbons, petroleum, gasoline, and/or crude oil or any products, by-products or fractions thereof. Lessee shall not engage in any activity in or on the Premises which constitutes a Reportable Use of Hazardous Substances without the express prior written consent of Lessor and timely compliance (at Lessee’s expense) with all Applicable Requirements. “ Reportable Use ” shall mean (i) the installation or use of any above or below ground storage tank, (ii) the generation, possession, storage, use, transportation, or disposal of a Hazardous Substance that requires a permit from, or with respect to which a report, notice, registration or business plan is required to be filed with, any governmental authority, and/or (iii) the presence at the Premises of a Hazardous Substance with respect to which any Applicable Requirements requires that a notice be given to persons entering or occupying the Premises or neighboring properties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may use any ordinary and customary materials reasonably required to be used in the normal course of the Agreed Use, ordinary office supplies (copier toner, liquid paper, glue, etc.) and common household cleaning materials, so long as such use is in compliance with all Applicable Requirements, is not a Reportable Use, and does not expose the Premises or neighboring property to any meaningful risk of contamination or damage or expose Lessor to any liability therefor. In addition, Lessor may condition its consent to any Reportable Use upon receiving such additional assurances as Lessor reasonably deems necessary to protect itself, the public, the Premises and/or the environment against damage, contamination, injury and/or liability, including, but not limited to, the installation (and removal on or before Lease expiration or termination) of protective modifications (such as concrete encasements) and/or increasing the Security Deposit.

(b) Duty to Inform Lessor . If Lessee knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that a Hazardous Substance has come to be located in, on, under or about the Premises, other than as previously consented to by Lessor, Lessee shall immediately give written notice of such fact to Lessor, and provide Lessor with a copy of any report, notice, claim or other documentation which it has concerning the presence of such Hazardous Substance.

(c) Lessee Remediation . Lessee shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Substance to be spilled or released in, on, under, or about the Premises (including through the plumbing or sanitary sewer system) and shall promptly, at Lessee’s expense, comply with all Applicable Requirements and take all investigatory and/or remedial action reasonably recommended, whether or not formally ordered or required, for the cleanup of any contamination of, and for the maintenance, security and/or monitoring of the Premises or neighboring properties, that was caused or materially contributed to by Lessee, or pertaining to or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises during the term of this Lease, by or for Lessee, or any third party.

(d) Lessee Indemnification . Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessor, its agents, employees, lenders and ground lessor, if any, harmless from and against any and all loss of rents and/or damages, liabilities, judgments, claims, expenses, penalties, and attorneys, and consultants’ fees arising out of or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party (provided, however, that Lessee shall have no liability under this Lease with respect to underground migration of any Hazardous Substance under the Premises from areas outside of the Project not caused or contributed to by Lessee). Lessee’s obligations shall include, but not be limited to, the effects of any contamination or injury to person, property or the environment created or suffered by Lessee, and the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement, and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease. No termination, cancellation or release agreement entered into by Lessor and Lessee shall release Lessee from its obligations under this Lease with respect to Hazardous Substances, unless specifically so agreed by Lessor in writing at the time of such agreement.

(e) Lessor Indemnification . Lessor and its successors and assigns shall indemnify, defend, reimburse and hold Lessee, its employees and lenders, harmless from and against any and all environmental damages, including the cost of remediation, which are suffered as a direct result of Hazardous Substances on the Premises prior to Lessee taking possession or which are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor, its agents or employees. Lessor’s obligations, as and when required by the Applicable Requirements, shall include, but not be limited to, the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement, and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.

(f) Investigations and Remediations . Lessor shall retain the responsibility and pay for any investigations or remediation measures required by governmental entities having jurisdiction with respect to the existence of Hazardous Substances on the Premises prior to the Lessee taking possession, unless such remediation measure is required as a result of Lessee’s use (including “Alterations”, as defined in paragraph 7.3(a) below) of the Premises, in which event Lessee shall be responsible for such payment. Lessee shall cooperate fully in any such activities at the request of Lessor, including allowing Lessor and Lessor’s agents to have reasonable access to the Premises at reasonable times in order to carry out Lessor’s investigative and remedial responsibilities.

(g) Lessor Termination Option . If a Hazardous Substance Condition (see Paragraph 9.1(e)) occurs during the term of this Lease, unless Lessee is legally responsible therefor (in which case Lessee shall make the investigation and remediation thereof required by the Applicable Requirements and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, but subject to Lessor’s rights under Paragraph 6.2(d) and Paragraph 13), Lessor may, at Lessor’s option, either (i) investigate and remediate such Hazardous Substance Condition, if required, as soon as reasonably possible at Lessor’s expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) if the estimated cost to remediate such condition exceeds 12 times the then monthly Base Rent or $100,000, whichever is greater, give written notice to Lessee, within 30 days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such Hazardous Substance Condition, of Lessor’s desire to terminate this Lease as of the date 60 days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to give a termination notice, Lessee may, within 10 days thereafter, give written notice to Lessor of Lessee’s commitment to pay the amount by which the cost of the remediation of such Hazardous Substance Condition exceeds an amount equal to 12 times the then monthly Base Rent or $100,000, whichever is greater. Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within 30 days following such commitment. In such event, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such remediation as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not give such notice and provide the required funds or assurance thereof within the time provided, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in Lessor’s notice of termination.

 

 

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6.3 Lessee’s Compliance with Applicable Requirements . Except as otherwise provided in this Lease, Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, fully, diligently and in a timely manner, materially comply with all Applicable Requirements, the requirements of any applicable fire insurance underwriter or rating bureau, and the recommendations of Lessor’s engineers and/or consultants which relate in any manner to such Requirements, without regard to whether said Requirements are now in effect or become effective after the Start Date. Lessee shall, within 10 days after receipt of Lessor’s written request, provide Lessor with copies of all permits and other documents, and other information evidencing Lessee’s compliance with any Applicable Requirements specified by Lessor, and shall immediately upon receipt, notify Lessor in writing (with copies of any documents involved) of any threatened or actual claim, notice, citation, warning, complaint or report pertaining to or involving the failure of Lessee or the Premises to comply with any Applicable Requirements. Likewise, Lessee shall immediately give written notice to Lessor of: (i) any water damage to the Premises and any suspected seepage, pooling, dampness or other condition conducive to the production of mold; or (ii) any mustiness or other odors that might indicate the presence of mold in the Premises.

6.4 Inspection; Compliance . Lessor and Lessor’s “ Lender ” (as defined in Paragraph 30) and consultants shall have the right to enter into Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times after reasonable notice, for the purpose of inspecting the condition of the Premises and for verifying compliance by Lessee with this Lease. The cost of any such inspections shall be paid by Lessor, unless a violation of Applicable Requirements, or a Hazardous Substance Condition (see Paragraph 9.1) is found to exist or be imminent or the inspection is requested or ordered by a governmental authority. In such case, Lessee shall upon request reimburse Lessor for the cost of such inspection, so long as such inspection is reasonably related to the violation or contamination. In addition, Lessee shall provide copies of all relevant material safety data sheets (MSDS) to Lessor within 10 days of the receipt of written request therefor.

7. Maintenance; Repairs, Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures and Alterations .

7.1 Lessee’s Obligations .

(a) In General . Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 6.3 (Lessee’s Compliance with Applicable Requirements), 7.2 (Lessor’s Obligations), 9 (Damage or Destruction), and 14 (Condemnation), Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, keep the Premises, Utility Installations (intended for Lessee’s exclusive use, no matter where located), and Alterations in good order, condition and repair (whether or not the portion of the Premises requiring repairs, or the means of repairing the same, are reasonably or readily accessible to Lessee, and whether or not the need for such repairs occurs as a result of Lessee’s use, any prior use, the elements or the age of such portion of the Premises), including, but not limited to, all equipment or facilities, such as plumbing, HVAC equipment electrical, lighting facilities, boilers, pressure vessels, fixtures, interior walls, interior surfaces of exterior walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, plate glass, and skylights but excluding any items which are the responsibility of Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 7.2. Lessee, in keeping the Premises in good order, condition and repair, shall exercise and perform good maintenance practices, specifically including the procurement and maintenance of the service contracts required by Paragraph 7.1(b) below. Lessee’s obligations shall include restorations, replacements or renewals when necessary to keep the Premises and all improvements thereon or a part thereof in good order, condition and state of repair.

(b) Service Contracts . Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole expense, procure and maintain contracts, with copies to Lessor, in customary form and substance for, and with contractors specializing and experienced in the maintenance of the following equipment and improvements, if any, if and when installed on the Premises: (i) HVAC equipment, (ii) boiler and pressure vessels, and (iii) clarifiers. However, Lessor reserves the right, upon notice to Lessee, to procure and maintain any or all of such service contracts, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor, upon demand, for the cost thereof.

(c) Failure to Perform . If Lessee fails to perform Lessee’s obligations under this Paragraph 7.1, Lessor may enter upon the Premises after 10 days’ prior written notice to Lessee (except in the case of an emergency, in which case no notice shall be required), perform such obligations on Lessee’s behalf, and put the Premises in good order, condition and repair, and Lessee shall promptly pay to Lessor a sum equal to 115% of the cost thereof.

(d) Replacement . Subject to Lessee’s indemnification of Lessor as set forth in Paragraph 8.7 below, and without relieving Lessee of liability resulting from Lessee’s failure to exercise and perform good maintenance practices, if an item described in Paragraph 7.1(b) cannot be repaired other than at a cost which is in excess of 50% of the cost of replacing such item, then such item shall be replaced by Lessor, and the cost thereof shall be prorated between the Parties and Lessee shall only be obligated to pay, each month during the remainder of the term of this Lease, on the date on which Base Rent is due, an amount equal to the product of multiplying the cost of such replacement by a fraction, the numerator of which is one, and the denominator of which is 144 (ie. 1/144th of the cost per month). Lessee shall pay Interest on the unamortized balance but may prepay its obligation at any time.

7.2 Lessor’s Obligations . Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 2.2 (Condition), 2.3 (Compliance), 4.2 (Common Area Operating Expenses), 6 (Use), 7.1 (Lessee’s Obligations), 9 (Damage or Destruction) and 14 (Condemnation), Lessor, subject to reimbursement pursuant to Paragraph 4.2, shall keep in good order, condition and repair the foundations, exterior walls, structural condition of interior bearing walls, exterior roof, fire sprinkler system, Common Area fire alarm and/or smoke detection systems, fire hydrants, parking lots, walkways, parkways, driveways, landscaping, fences, signs and utility systems serving the Common Areas and all parts thereof, as well as providing the services for which there is a Common Area Operating Expense pursuant to Paragraph 4.2. Lessor shall not be obligated to paint the exterior or interior surfaces of exterior walls nor shall Lessor be obligated to maintain, repair or replace windows, doors or plate glass of the Premises. Lessee expressly waives the benefit of any statute now or hereafter in effect to the extent it is inconsistent with the terms of this Lease.

7.3 Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures; Alterations .

(a) Definitions . The term “ Utility Installations ” refers to all floor and window coverings, air and/or vacuum lines, power panels, electrical distribution, security and fire protection systems, communication cabling, lighting fixtures, HVAC equipment, plumbing, and fencing in or on the Premises. The term “ Trade Fixtures ” shall mean Lessee’s machinery and equipment that can be removed without doing material damage to the Premises. The term “ Alterations ” shall mean any modification of the improvements, other than Utility Installations or Trade Fixtures, whether by addition or deletion. “ Lessee Owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations ” are defined as Alterations and/or Utility Installations made by Lessee that are not yet owned by Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 7.4(a).

(b) Consent . Lessee shall not make any Alterations or Utility Installations to the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent. Lessee may, however, make non-structural Alterations or Utility Installations to the interior of the Premises (excluding the roof) without such consent but upon notice to Lessor, as long as they are not visible from the outside, do not involve puncturing, relocating or removing the roof or any existing walls, will not affect the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and/or life safety systems, and the cumulative cost thereof during this Lease as extended does not exceed a sum equal to 3 month’s Base Rent in the aggregate or a sum equal to one month’s Base Rent in any one year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall not make or permit any roof penetrations and/or install anything on the roof without the prior written approval of Lessor. Lessor may, as a precondition to granting such approval, require Lessee to utilize a contractor chosen and/or approved by Lessor. Any Alterations or Utility Installations that Lessee shall desire to make and which require the consent of the Lessor shall be presented to Lessor in written form with detailed plans. Consent shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee’s: (i) acquiring all applicable governmental permits, (ii) furnishing Lessor with copies of both the permits and the plans and specifications prior to commencement of the work, and (iii) compliance with all conditions of said permits and other Applicable Requirements in a prompt and expeditious manner. Any Alterations or Utility Installations shall be performed in a workmanlike manner with good and sufficient materials. Lessee shall promptly upon completion furnish Lessor with as-built plans and specifications. For work which costs an amount in excess of one month’s Base Rent, Lessor may condition its consent upon Lessee providing a lien and completion bond in an amount equal to of the estimated cost of such Alteration or Utility Installation and/or upon Lessee’s posting an additional Security Deposit with Lessor.

 

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(c) Liens; Bonds . Lessee shall pay, when due, all claims for labor or materials furnished or alleged to have been furnished to or for Lessee at or for use on the Premises, which claims are or may be secured by any mechanic’s or materialman’s lien against the Premises or any interest therein. Lessee shall give Lessor not less than 10 days notice prior to the commencement of any work in, on or about the Premises and Lessor shall have the right to post notices of non-responsibility. If Lessee shall contest the validity of any such lien, claim or demand, then Lessee shall, at its sole expense defend and protect itself, Lessor and the Premises against the same and shall pay and satisfy any such adverse judgment that may be rendered thereon before the enforcement thereof. If Lessor shall require, Lessee shall furnish a surety bond in an amount equal to 150% of the amount of such contested lien, claim or demand, indemnifying Lessor against liability for the same. If Lessor elects to participate in any such action, Lessee shall pay Lessor’s attorneys’ fees and costs.

7.4 Ownership; Removal; Surrender; and Restoration .

(a) Ownership . Subject to Lessor’s right to require removal or elect ownership as hereinafter provided, all Alterations and Utility Installations made by Lessee shall be the property of Lessee, but considered a part of the Premises. Lessor may, at any time, elect in writing to be the owner of all or any specified part of the Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Unless otherwise instructed per paragraph 7.4(b) hereof, all Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations shall, at the expiration or termination of this Lease, become the property of Lessor and be surrendered by Lessee with the Premises.

(b) Removal . By delivery to Lessee of written notice from Lessor not earlier than 90 and not later than 30 days prior to the end of the term of this Lease, Lessor may require that any or all Lessee Owned Alterations or Utility Installations be removed by the expiration or termination of this Lease. Lessor may require the removal at any time of all or any part of any Lessee Owned Alterations or Utility Installations made without the required consent.

(c) Surrender; Restoration . Lessee shall surrender the Premises by the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date, with all of the improvements, parts and surfaces thereof broom clean and free of debris, and in good operating order, condition and state of repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted. “Ordinary wear and tear” shall not include any damage or deterioration that would have been prevented by good maintenance practice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Lease is for 12 months or less, then Lessee shall surrender the Premises in the same condition as delivered to Lessee on the Start Date with NO allowance for ordinary wear and tear. Lessee shall repair any damage occasioned by the installation, maintenance or removal of Trade Fixtures, Lessee owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations, furnishings, and equipment as well as the removal of any storage tank installed by or for Lessee. Lessee shall also completely remove from the Premises any and all Hazardous Substances brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party (except Hazardous Substances which were deposited via underground migration from areas outside of the Project) even if such removal would require Lessee to perform or pay for work that exceeds statutory requirements. Trade Fixtures shall remain the property of Lessee and shall be removed by Lessee. Any personal property of Lessee not removed on or before the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date shall be deemed to have been abandoned by Lessee and may be disposed of or retained by Lessor as Lessor may desire. The failure by Lessee to timely vacate the Premises pursuant to this Paragraph 7.4(c) without the express written consent of Lessor shall constitute a holdover under the provisions of Paragraph 26 below.

8. Insurance; indemnity .

8.1 Payment of Premiums . The cost of the premiums for the insurance policies required to be carried by Lessor, pursuant to Paragraphs 8.2(b), 8.3(a) and 8.3(b), shall be a Common Area Operating Expense. Premiums for policy periods commencing prior to, or extending beyond, the term of this Lease shall be prorated to coincide with the corresponding Start Date or Expiration Date.

8.2 Liability Insurance .

(a) Carried by Lessee . Lessee shall obtain and keep in force a Commercial General Liability policy of insurance protecting Lessee and Lessor as an additional insured against claims for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage based upon or arising out of the ownership, use, occupancy or maintenance of the Premises and all areas appurtenant thereto. Such insurance shall be on an occurrence basis providing single limit coverage in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence with an annual aggregate of not less than $2,000,000. Lessee shall add Lessor as an additional insured by means of an endorsement at least as broad as the Insurance Service Organization’s “Additional Insured-Managers or Lessors of Premises” Endorsement. The policy shall not contain any intra-insured exclusions as between insured persons or organizations, but shall include coverage for liability assumed under this Lease as an “ insured contract ” for the performance of Lessee’s indemnity obligations under this Lease. The limits of said insurance shall not, however, limit the liability of Lessee nor relieve Lessee of any obligation hereunder. Lessee shall provide an endorsement on its liability policy(ies) which provides that its insurance shall be primary to and not contributory with any similar insurance carried by Lessor, whose insurance shall be considered excess insurance only.

(b) Carried by Lessor . Lessor shall maintain liability insurance as described in Paragraph 8.2(a), in addition to, and not in lieu of, the insurance required to be maintained by Lessee. Lessee shall not be named as an additional insured therein.

8.3 Property Insurance—Building, Improvements and Rental Value .

(a) Building and Improvements . Lessor shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies of insurance in the name of Lessor, with loss payable to Lessor, any ground-lessor, and to any Lender insuring loss or damage to the Premises. The amount of such insurance shall be equal to the full insurable replacement cost of the Premises, as the same shall exist from time to time, or the amount required by any Lender, but in no event more than the commercially reasonable and available insurable value thereof. Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, and Lessee’s personal property shall be insured by Lessee not by Lessor. If the coverage is available and commercially appropriate, such policy or policies shall insure against all risks of direct physical loss or damage (except the perils of flood and/or earthquake unless required by a Lender), including coverage for debris removal and the enforcement of any Applicable Requirements requiring the upgrading, demolition, reconstruction or replacement of any portion of the Premises as the result of a covered loss. Said policy or policies shall also contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, waiver of subrogation, and inflation guard protection causing an increase in the annual property insurance coverage amount by a factor of not less than the adjusted U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the city nearest to where the Premises are located. If such insurance coverage has a deductible clause, the deductible amount shall not exceed $5,000 per occurrence.

(b) Rental Value . Lessor shall also obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor with loss payable to Lessor and any Lender, insuring the loss of the full Rent for one year with an extended period of indemnity for an additional 180 days ( “Rental Value insurance ”). Said insurance shall contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, and the amount of coverage shall be adjusted annually to reflect the projected Rent otherwise payable by Lessee, for the next 12 month period.

(c) Adjacent Premises . Lessee shall pay for any increase in the premiums for the property insurance of the Building and for the Common Areas or other buildings in the Project if said increase is caused by Lessee’s acts, omissions, use or occupancy of the Premises.

(d) Lessee’s Improvements . Since Lessor is the Insuring Party, Lessor shall not be required to insure Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations unless the item in question has become the property of Lessor under the terms of this Lease.

 

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8.4 Lessee’s Property; Business Interruption Insurance; Worker’s Compensation Insurance .

(a) Property Damage . Lessee shall obtain and maintain insurance coverage on all of Lessee’s personal property Trade Fixtures, and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Such insurance shall be full replacement cost coverage with a deductible of not to exceed $1,000 per occurrence. The proceeds from any such insurance shall be used by Lessee for the replacement of personal property, Trade Fixtures and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Lessee shall provide Lessor with written evidence that such insurance is in force.

(b) Business Interruption . Lessee shall obtain and maintain loss of income and extra expense insurance in amounts as will reimburse Lessee for direct or indirect loss of earnings attributable to all perils commonly insured against by prudent lessees in the business of Lessee or attributable to prevention of access to the Premises as a result of such perils.

(c) Worker’s Compensation Insurance . Less shall obtain and maintain Worker’s Compensation Insurance in such amount as may be required by Applicable Requirements.

(d) No Representation of Adequate Coverage . Lessor makes no representation that the limits or forms of coverage of insurance specified herein are adequate to cover Lessee’s property, business operations or obligations under this Lease.

8.5 Insurance Policies . Insurance required herein shall be by companies maintaining during the policy term a “General Policyholders Rating” of a least A-, VII, as set forth in the most current issue of “Best’s Insurance Guide”, or such other rating as may be required by a Lender. Lessee shall not do or permit to be done anything which invalidates the required insurance policies. Lessee shall, prior to the Start Date, deliver to Lessor certified copies of policies of such insurance or certificates with copies of the required endorsements evidencing the existence and amounts of the required insurance. No such policy shall be cancelable or subject to modification except after 30 days prior written notice to Lessor. Lessee shall, at least 10 days prior to the expiration of such policies, furnish Lessor with evidence of renewals or “insurance binders” evidencing renewal thereof, or Lessor may order such insurance and charge the cost thereof to Lessee, which amount shall be payable by Lessee to Lessor upon demand. Such policies shall be for a term of at least one year, or the length of the remaining term of this Lease, whichever is less. If either Party shall fail to procure and maintain the insurance required to be carried by it, the other Party may, but shall not be required to, procure and maintain the same.

8.6 Waiver of Subrogation . Without affecting any other rights or remedies, Lessee and Lessor each hereby release and relieve the other, and waive their entire right to recover damages against the other, for loss of or damage to its property arising out of or incident to the perils required to be insured against herein. The effect of such releases and waivers is not limited by the amount of insurance carried or required, or by any deductibles applicable hereto. The Parties agree to have their respective property damage insurance carriers waive any right to subrogation that such companies may have against Lessor or Lessee, as the case may be, so long as the insurance is not invalidated thereby.

8.7 Indemnity . Except for Lessor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, Lessee shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless the Premises, Lessor and its agents, Lessor’s master or ground lessor, partners and Lenders, from and against any and all claims, loss of rents and/or damages, liens, judgments, penalties, attorneys’ and consultants’ fees, expenses and/or liabilities arising out of, involving, or in connection with, the use and/or occupancy of the Premises by Lessee. If any action or proceeding is brought against Lessor by reason of any of the foregoing matters, Lessee shall upon notice defend the same at Lessee’s expense by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Lessor and Lessor shall cooperate with Lessee in such defense. Lessor need not have first paid any such claim in order to be defended or indemnified.

8.8 Exemption of Lessor and its Agents from Liability . Notwithstanding the negligence or breach of this Lease by Lessor or its agents, neither Lessor nor its agents shall be liable under any circumstances for: (i) injury or damage to the person or goods, wares, merchandise or other property of Lessee, Lessee’s employees, contractors, invitees, customers, or any other person in or about the Premises, whether such damage or injury is caused by or results from fire, steam, electricity, gas, water or rain, indoor air quality, the presence of mold or from the breakage, leakage, obstruction or other defects of pipes, fire sprinklers, wires, appliances, plumbing, HVAC or lighting fixtures, or from any other cause, whether the said injury or damage results from conditions arising upon the Premises or upon other portions of the Building, or from other sources or places, (ii) any damages arising from any act or neglect of any other tenant of Lessor or from the failure of Lessor or its agents to enforce the provisions of any other lease in the Project, or (iii) injury to Lessee’s business or for any loss of income or profit therefrom. Instead, it is intended that Lessee’s sole recourse in the event of such damages or injury be to file a claim on the insurance policy(ies) that Lessee is required to maintain pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 8.

8.9 Failure to Provide Insurance . Lessee acknowledges that any failure on its part to obtain or maintain the insurance required herein will expose Lessor to risks and potentially cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the extent of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, for any month or portion thereof that Lessee does not maintain the required insurance and/or does not provide Lessor with the required binders or certificates evidencing the existence of the required insurance, the Base Rent shall be automatically increased, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, by an amount equal to 10% of the then existing Base Rent or $100, whichever is greater. The parties agree that such increase in Base Rent represents fair and reasonable compensation for the additional risk/costs that Lessor will incur by reason of Lessee’s failure to maintain the required insurance. Such increase in Base Rent shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessee’s Default or Breach with respect to the failure to maintain such insurance, prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder, nor relieve Lessee of its obligation to maintain the insurance specified in this Lease.

9. Damage or Destruction .

9.1 Definitions .

(a) “ Premises Partial Damage ” shall mean damage or destruction to the improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, which can reasonably be repaired in 3 months or less from the date of the damage or destruction, and the cost thereof does not exceed a sum equal to 6 month’s Base Rent. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within 30 days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Premises Partial Damage shall not include damage to windows, doors, and/or other similar items which Lessee has the responsibility to repair or replace pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 7.1.

(b) “ Premises Total Destruction ” shall mean damage or destruction to the improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which cannot reasonably be repaired in 3 months or less from the date of the damage or destruction and/or the cost thereof exceeds a sum equal to 6 month’s Base Rent. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within 30 days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total.

(c) “ Insured Loss ” shall mean damage or destruction to improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which was caused by an event required to be covered by the insurance described in Paragraph 8.3(a), irrespective of any deductible amounts or coverage limits involved.

(d) “ Replacement Cost” shall mean the cost to repair or rebuild the improvements owned by Lessor at the time of the occurrence to their condition existing immediately prior thereto, including demolition, debris removal and upgrading required by the operation of Applicable Requirements, and without deduction for depreciation.

(e) “ Hazardous Substance Condition ” shall mean the occurrence or discovery of a condition involving the presence of, or a contamination by, a Hazardous Substance, in, on, or under the Premises which requires restoration.

 

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9.2 Partial Damage—Insured Loss . If a Premises Partial Damage that is an Insured Loss occurs, then Lessor shall, at Lessor’s expense, repair such damage (but not Lessee’s Trade Fixtures or Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations) as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect; provided, however, that Lessee shall, at Lessor’s election, make the repair of any damage or destruction the total cost to repair of which is $10,000 or less, and, in such event, Lessor shall make any applicable insurance proceeds available to Lessee on a reasonable basis for that purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the required insurance was not in force or the insurance proceeds are not sufficient to effect such repair, the Insuring Party shall promptly contribute the shortage in proceeds as and when required to complete said repairs. In the event, however, such shortage was due to the fact that, by reason of the unique nature of the improvements, full replacement cost insurance coverage was not commercially reasonable and available, Lessor shall have no obligation to pay for the shortage in insurance proceeds or to fully restore the unique aspects of the Premises unless Lessee provides Lessor with the funds to cover same, or adequate assurance thereof, within 10 days following receipt of written notice of such shortage and request therefor. If Lessor receives said funds or adequate assurance thereof within said 10 day period, the party responsible for making the repairs shall complete them as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall remain in full force and effect. If such funds or assurance are not received, Lessor may nevertheless elect by written notice to Lessee within 10 days thereafter to: (i) make such restoration and repair as is commercially reasonable with Lessor paying any shortage in proceeds, in which case this Lease shall remain in full force and effect, or (ii) have this Lease terminate 30 days thereafter. Lessee shall not be entitled to reimbursement of any funds contributed by Lessee to repair any such damage or destruction. Premises Partial Damage due to flood or earthquake shall be subject to Paragraph 9.3, notwithstanding that there may be some insurance coverage, but the net proceeds of any such insurance shall be made available for the repairs if made by either Party.

9.3 Partial Damage—Uninsured Loss . If a Premises Partial Damage that is not an Insured Loss occurs, unless caused by a negligent or willful act of Lessee (in which event Lessee shall make the repairs at Lessee’s expense), Lessor may either: (i) repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible at Lessor’s expense, in which event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, or (ii) terminate this Lease by giving written notice to Lessee within 30 days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such damage. Such termination shall be effective 60 days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to terminate this Lease, Lessee shall have the right within 10 days after receipt of the termination notice to give written notice to Lessor of Lessee’s commitment to pay for the repair of such damage without reimbursement from Lessor. Lessee shall provide Lessor with said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within 30 days after making such commitment. In such event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessor shall proceed to make such repairs as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not make the required commitment, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in the termination notice.

9.4 Total Destruction . Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, if a Premises Total Destruction occurs, this Lease shall terminate 60 days following such Destruction. If the damage or destruction was caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessee, Lessor shall have the right to recover Lessor’s damages from Lessee, except as provided in Paragraph 8.6.

9.5 Damage Near End of Term . If at any time during the last 6 months of this Lease there is damage for which the cost to repair exceeds one month’s Base Rent, whether or not an Insured Loss, Lessor may terminate this Lease effective 60 days following the date of occurrence of such damage by giving a written termination notice to Lessee within 30 days after the date of occurrence of such damage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Lessee at that time has an exercisable option to extend this Lease or to purchase the Premises, then Lessee may preserve this Lease by, (a) exercising such option and (b) providing Lessor with any shortage in insurance proceeds (or adequate assurance thereof) needed to make the repairs on or before the earlier of (i) the date which is 10 days after Lessee’s receipt of Lessor’s written notice purporting to terminate this Lease, or (ii) the day prior to the date upon which such option expires. If Lessee duly exercises such option during such period and provides Lessor with funds (or adequate assurance thereof) to cover any shortage in insurance proceeds, Lessor shall, at Lessor’s commercially reasonable expense, repair such damage as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. If Lessee fails to exercise such option and provide such funds or assurance during such period, then this Lease shall terminate on the date specified in the termination notice and Lessee’s option shall be extinguished.

9.6 Abatement of Rent; Lessee’s Remedies .

(a) Abatement . In the event of Premises Partial Damage or Premises Total Destruction or a Hazardous Substance Condition for which Lessee is not responsible under this Lease, the Rent payable by Lessee for the period required for the repair, remediation or restoration of such damage shall be abated in proportion to the degree to which Lessee’s use of the Premises is impaired, but not to exceed the proceeds received from the Rental Value insurance. All other obligations of Lessee hereunder shall be performed by Lessee, and Lessor shall have no liability for any such damage, destruction, remediation, repair or restoration except as provided herein.

(b) Remedies . If Lessor is obligated to repair or restore the Premises and does not commence, in a substantial and meaningful way, such repair or restoration within 90 days after such obligation shall accrue, Lessee may, at any time prior to the commencement of such repair or restoration, give written notice to Lessor and to any Lenders of which Lessee has actual notice, of Lessee’s election to terminate this Lease on a date not less than 60 days following the giving of such notice. If Lessee gives such notice and such repair or restoration is not commenced within 30 days thereafter, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in said notice. If the repair or restoration is commenced within such 30 days, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. “Commence” shall mean either the unconditional authorization of the preparation of the required plans, or the beginning of the actual work on the Premises, whichever first occurs.

9.7 Termination; Advance Payments . Upon termination of this Lease pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(g) or Paragraph 9, an equitable adjustment shall be made concerning advance Base Rent and any other advance payments made by Lessee to Lessor. Lessor shall, in addition, return to Lessee so much of Lessee’s Security Deposit as has not been, or is not then required to be, used by Lessor.

10. Real Properly Taxes .

10.1 Definition . As used herein, the term “ Real Property Taxes ” shall include any form of assessment; real estate, general, special, ordinary or extraordinary, or rental levy or tax (other than inheritance, personal income or estate taxes); improvement bond; and/or license fee imposed upon or levied against any legal or equitable interest of Lessor in the Project, Lessor’s right to other income therefrom, and/or Lessor’s business of leasing, by any authority having the direct or indirect power to tax and where the funds are generated with reference to the Project address and where the proceeds so generated are to be applied by the city, county or other local taxing authority of a jurisdiction within which the Project is located. The term “Real Property Taxes” shall also include any tax, fee, levy, assessment or charge, or any increase therein: (i) imposed by reason of events occurring during the term of this Lease, including but not limited to, a change in the ownership of the Project, (ii) a change in the improvements thereon, and/or (iii) levied or assessed on machinery or equipment provided by Lessor to Lessee pursuant to this Lease. In calculating Real Property Taxes for any calendar year, the Real Property Taxes for any real estate tax year shall be included in the calculation of Real Property Taxes for such calendar year based upon the number of days which such calendar year and tax year have in common.

10.2 Payment of Taxes . Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 10.3, Lessor shall pay the Real Property Taxes applicable to the Project, and said payments shall be included in the calculation of Common Area Operating Expenses in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 4.2.

10.3 Additional Improvements . Common Area Operating Expenses shall not include Real Property Taxes specified in the tax assessor’s records and work sheets as being caused by additional improvements placed upon the Project by other lessees or by Lessor for the exclusive enjoyment of such other lessees. Notwithstanding paragraph 10.2 hereof, Lessee shall, however, pay to Lessor at the time Common Area Operating Expenses are payable under Paragraph 4.2, the entirety of any increase in Real Property Taxes if assessed solely by reason of Alterations, Trade Fixtures or Utility Installations placed upon the Premises by Lessee or at Lessee’s request or by reason of any alterations or improvements to the Premises made by Lessor subsequent to the execution of this Lease by the Parties.

 

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10.4 Joint Assessment . If the Building is not separately assessed, Real Property Taxes allocated to the Building shall be an equitable proportion of the Real Property Taxes for all of the land and improvements included within the tax parcel assessed, such proportion to be determined by Lessor from the respective valuations assigned in the assessor’s work sheets or such other information as may be reasonably available. Lessor’s reasonable determination thereof, in good faith, shall be conclusive.

10.5 Personal Property Taxes . Lessee shall per prior to delinquency all taxes assessed against and levied upon Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all personal property of Lessee contained in the Premises. When possible, Lessee shall cause its Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all other personal property to be assessed and billed separately from the real property of Lessor. If any of Lessee’s said property shall be assessed with Lessor’s real property, Lessee shall pay Lessor the taxes attributable to Lessee’s property within 10 days after receipt of a written statement setting forth the taxes applicable to Lessee’s property.

11. Utilities and Services . Lessee shall pay for all water, gas, heat, light, power, telephone, trash disposal and other utilities and services supplied to the Premises, together with any taxes thereon. Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 4.2, if at any time in Lessor’s sole judgment Lessor determines that Lessee is using a disproportionate amount of water, electricity or other commonly metered utilities, or that Lessee is generating such a large volume of trash as to require an increase in the size of the trash receptacle and/or an increase in the number of times per month that it is emptied, then Lessor may increase Lessee’s Base Rent by an amount equal to such increased costs. There shall be no abatement of Rent and Lessor shall not be liable in any respect whatsoever for the inadequacy, stoppage, interruption or discontinuance of any utility or service due to riot, strike, labor dispute, breakdown, accident, repair or other cause beyond Lessor’s reasonable control or in cooperation with governmental request or directions.

12. Assignment and Subletting .

12.1 Lessor’s Consent Required .

(a) Lessee shall not voluntarily or by operation of law assign, transfer, mortgage or encumber (collectively, “ assign or assignment ”) or sublet all or any part of Lessee’s interest in this Lease or in the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent.

(b) Unless Lessee is a corporation and its stock is publicly traded on a national stock exchange, a change in the control of Lessee shall constitute an assignment requiring consent. The transfer, on a cumulative basis, of 25% or more of the voting control of Lessee shall constitute a change in control for this purpose.

(c) The involvement of Lessee or its assets in any transaction, or series of transactions (by way of merger, sale, acquisition, financing, transfer, leveraged buy-out or otherwise), whether or not a formal assignment or hypothecation of this Lease or Lessee’s assets occurs, which results or will result in a reduction of the Net Worth of Lessee by an amount greater than 25% of such Net Worth as it was represented at the time of the execution of this Lease or at the time of the most recent assignment to which Lessor has consented, or as it exists immediately prior to said transaction or transactions constituting such reduction, whichever was or is greater, shall be considered an assignment of this Lease to which Lessor may withhold its consent. “ Net Worth of Lessee ” shall mean the net worth of Lessee (excluding any guarantors) established under generally accepted accounting principles.

(d) An assignment or subletting without consent shall, at Lessor’s option, be a Default curable after notice per Paragraph 13.1(c), or a noncurable Breach without the necessity of any notice and grace period. If Lessor elects to treat such unapproved assignment or subletting as a noncurable Breach, Lessor may either: (i) terminate this Lease, or (ii) upon 30 days written notice, increase the monthly Base Rent to 110% of the Base Rent then in effect. Further, in the event of such Breach and rental adjustment, (i) the purchase price of any option to purchase the Premises held by Lessee shall be subject to similar adjustment to 110% of the price previously in effect, and (ii) all fixed and non-fixed rental adjustments scheduled during the remainder of the Lease term shall be increased to 110% of the scheduled adjusted rent.

(e) Lessee’s remedy for any breach of Paragraph 12.1 by Lessor shall be limited to compensatory damages and/or injunctive relief.

(f) Lessor may reasonably withhold consent to a proposed assignment or subletting if Lessee is in Default at the time consent is requested.

(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing, allowing a de minimis portion of the Premises, ie, 20 square feet or less, to be used by a third party vendor in connection with the installation of a vending machine or payphone shall not constitute a subletting.

12.2 Terms and Conditions Applicable to Assignment and Subletting .

(a) Regardless of Lessor’s consent, no assignment or subletting shall: (i) be effective without the express written assumption by such assignee or sublessee of the obligations of Lessee under this Lease, (ii) release Lessee of any obligations hereunder, or (iii) alter the primary liability of Lessee for the payment of Rent or for the performance of any other obligations to be performed by Lessee.

(b) Lessor may accept Rent or performance of Lessee’s obligations from any person other than Lessee pending approval or disapproval of an assignment. Neither a delay in the approval or disapproval of such assignment nor the acceptance of Rent or performance shall constitute a waiver or estoppel of Lessor’s right to exercise its remedies for Lessee’s Default or Breach.

(c) Lessor’s consent to any assignment or subletting shall not constitute consent to any subsequent assignment or subletting.

(d) In the event of any Default or Breach by Lessee, Lessor may proceed directly against Lessee, any Guarantors or anyone else responsible for the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, including any assignee or sublessee, without first exhausting Lessor’s remedies against any other person or entity responsible therefore to Lessor, or any security held by Lessor.

(e) Each request for consent to an assignment or subletting shall be in writing, accompanied by information relevant to Lessor’s determination as to the financial and operational responsibility and appropriateness of the proposed assignee or sublessee, including but not limited to the intended use and/or required modification of the Premises, if any, together with a fee of $500 as consideration for Lessor’s considering and processing said request. Lessee agrees to provide Lessor with such other or additional information and/or documentation as may be reasonably requested. (See also Paragraph 36)

(f) Any assignee of, or sublessee under, this Lease shall, by reason of accepting such assignment, entering into such sublease, or entering into possession of the Premises or any portion thereof, be deemed to have assumed and agreed to conform and comply with each and every term, covenant, condition and obligation herein to be observed or performed by Lessee during the term of said assignment or sublease, other than such obligations as are contrary to or inconsistent with provisions of an assignment or sublease to which Lessor has specifically consented to in writing.

(g) Lessor’s consent to any assignment or subletting shall not transfer to the assignee or sublessee any Option granted to the original Lessee by this Lease unless such transfer is specifically consented to by Lessor in writing. (See Paragraph 39.2)

12.3 Additional Terms and Conditions Applicable to Subletting . The following terms and conditions shall apply to any subletting by Lessee of all or any part of the Premises and shall be deemed included in all subleases under this Lease whether or not expressly incorporated therein:

 

 

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(a) Lessee hereby assigns and transfers to Lessor all of Lessee’s interest in all Rent payable on any sublease, and Lessor may collect such Rent and apply same toward Lessee’s obligations under this Lease; provided, however, that until a Breach shall occur in the performance of Lessee’s obligations, Lessee may collect said Rent. In the event that the amount collected by Lessor exceeds Lessee’s then outstanding obligations any such excess shall be refunded to Lessee. Lessor shall not, by reason of the foregoing or any assignment of such sublease, nor by reason of the collection of Rent, be deemed liable to the sublessee for any failure of Lessee to perform and comply with any of Lessee’s obligations to such sublessee. Lessee hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs any such sublessee, upon receipt of a written notice from Lessor stating that a Breach exists in the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease, to pay to Lessor all Rent due and to become due under the sublease. Sublessee shall rely upon any such notice from Lessor and shall pay all Rents to Lessor without any obligation or right to inquire as to whether such Breach exists, notwithstanding any claim from Lessee to the contrary.

(b) In the event of a Breach by Lessee, Lessor may, at its option, require sublessee to attorn to Lessor, in which event Lessor shall undertake the obligations of the sublessor under such sublease from the time of the exercise of said option to the expiration of such sublease; provided, however, Lessor shall not be liable for any prepaid rents or security deposit paid by such sublessee to such sublessor or for any prior Defaults or Breaches of such sublessor.

(c) Any matter requiring the consent of the sublessor under a sublease shall also require the consent of Lessor.

(d) No sublessee shall further assign or sublet all or any part of the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent.

(e) Lessor shall deliver a copy of any notice of Default or Breach by Lessee to the sublessee, who shall have the right to cure the Default of Lessee within the grace period, if any, specified in such notice. The sublessee shall have a right of reimbursement and offset from and against Lessee for any such Defaults cured by the sublessee.

13. Default; Breach; Remedies .

13.1 Default; Breach . A “ Default ” is defined as a failure by the Lessee to comply with or perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions or Rules and Regulations under this Lease. A “ Breach ” is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Defaults, and the failure of Lessee to cure such Default within any applicable grace period:

(a) The abandonment of the Premises; or the vacating of the Premises without providing a commercially reasonable level of security, or where the coverage of the property insurance described in Paragraph 8.3 is jeopardized as a result thereof, or without providing reasonable assurances to minimize potential vandalism.

(b) The failure of Lessee to make any payment of Rent or any Security Deposit required to be made by Lessee hereunder, whether to Lessor or to a third party, when due, to provide reasonable evidence of insurance or surety bond, or to fulfill any obligation under this Lease which endangers or threatens life or property, where such failure continues for a period of 3 business days following written notice to Lessee. THE ACCEPTANCE BY LESSOR OF A PARTIAL PAYMENT OF RENT OR SECURITY DEPOSIT SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF ANY OF LESSOR’S RIGHTS, INCLUDING LESSOR’S RIGHT TO RECOVER POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES.

(c) The failure of Lessee to allow Lessor and/or its agents access to the Premises or the commission of waste, act or acts constituting public or private nuisance, and/or an illegal activity on the Premises by Lessee, where such actions continue for a period of 3 business days following written notice to Lessee.

(d) The failure by Lessee to provide (i) reasonable written evidence of compliance with Applicable Requirements, (ii) the service contracts, (iii) the rescission of an unauthorized assignment or subletting, (iv) an Estoppel Certificate or financial statements, (v) a requested subordination, (vi) evidence concerning any guaranty and/or Guarantor, (vii) any document requested under Paragraph 41, (viii) material data safety sheets (MSDS), or (ix) any other documentation or information which Lessor may reasonably require of Lessee under the terms of this Lease, where any such failure continues for a period of 10 days following written notice to Lessee.

(e) A Default by Lessee as to the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease, or of the rules adopted under Paragraph 2.9 hereof, other than those described in subparagraphs 13.1(a), (b), (c) or (d), above, where such Default continues for a period of 30 days after written notice; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessee’s Default is such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its cure, then it shall not be deemed to be a Breach if Lessee commences such cure within said 30 day period and thereafter diligently prosecutes such cure to completion.

(f) The occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the making of any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; (ii) becoming a “ debtor ” as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101 or any successor statute thereto (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Lessee, the same is dismissed within 60 days); (iii) the appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of Lessee’s assets located at the Premises or of Lessee’s interest in this Lease, where possession is not restored to Lessee within 30 days; or (iv) the attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of substantially all of Lessee’s assets located at the Premises or of Lessee’s interest in this Lease, where such seizure is not discharged within 30 days; provided, however, in the event that any provision of this subparagraph is contrary to any applicable law, such provision shall be of no force or effect, and not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

(g) The discovery that any financial statement of Lessee or of any Guarantor given to Lessor was materially false.

(h) If the performance of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease is guaranteed: (i) the death of a Guarantor, (ii) the termination of a Guarantor’s liability with respect to this Lease other than in accordance with the terms of such guaranty, (iii) a Guarantor’s becoming insolvent or the subject of a bankruptcy filing, (iv) a Guarantor’s refusal to honor the guaranty, or (v) a Guarantor’s breach of its guaranty obligation on an anticipatory basis, and Lessee’s failure, within 60 days following written notice of any such event, to provide written alternative assurance or security, which, when coupled with the then existing resources of Lessee, equals or exceeds the combined financial resources of Lessee and the Guarantors that existed at the time of execution of this Lease.

13.2 Remedies . If Lessee fails to perform any of its affirmative duties or obligations, within 10 days after written notice (or in case of an emergency, without notice), Lessor may, at its option, perform such duty or obligation on Lessee’s behalf, including but not limited to the obtaining of reasonably required bonds, insurance policies, or governmental licenses, permits or approvals. Lessee shall pay to Lessor an amount equal to 115% of the costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in such performance upon receipt of an invoice therefor. In the event of a Breach, Lessor may, with or without further notice or demand, and without limiting Lessor in the exercise of any right or remedy which Lessor may have by reason of such Breach:

(a) Terminate Lessee’s right to possession of the Premises by any lawful means, in which case this Lease shall terminate and Lessee shall immediately surrender possession to Lessor. In such event Lessor shall be entitled to recover from Lessee: (i) the unpaid Rent which had been earned at the time of termination; (ii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent which would have been earned after termination until the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the Lessee proves could have been reasonably avoided; (iii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the Lessee proves could be reasonably avoided; and (iv) any other amount necessary to compensate Lessor for all the detriment proximately caused by the Lessee’s failure to perform its obligations under this Lease or which in the ordinary course of things would be likely to result therefrom, including but not limited to the cost of recovering possession of the Premises, expenses of reletting, including necessary renovation and alteration of the Premises, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and that portion of any leasing commission paid by Lessor in connection with this Lease applicable to the unexpired term of this Lease. The worth at the time of award of the amount referred to in provision (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be computed by discounting such amount at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of the District within which the Premises are

 

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located at the time of award plus one percent. Efforts by Lessor to mitigate damages caused by Lessee’s Breach of this Lease shall not waive Lessor’s right to recover damages under Paragraph 12. If termination of this Lease is obtained through the provisional remedy of unlawful detainer. Lessor shall have the right to recover in such proceeding any unpaid Rent and damages as are recoverable therein, or Lessor may reserve the right to recover all or any part thereof in a separate suit. If a notice and grace period required under Paragraph 13.1 was not previously given, a notice to pay rent or quit, or to perform or quit given to Lessee under the unlawful detainer statute shall also constitute the notice required by Paragraph 13.1. In such case, the applicable grace period required by Paragraph 13.1 and the unlawful detainer statute shall ran concurrently, and the failure of Lessee to cure the Default within the greater of the two such grace periods shall constitute both an unlawful detainer and a Breach of this Lease entitling Lessor to the remedies provided for in this Lease and/or by said statute.

(b) Continue the Lease and Lessee’s right to possession and recover the Rent as it becomes due, in which event lessee May sublet or assign, subject only to reasonable limitations. Acts of maintenance, efforts to relet, and/or the appointment of a receiver to protect the Lessors interests, shall not constitute a termination of the Lessee’s right to possession.

(c) Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available under the laws or judicial decisions of the state wherein the Premises are located. The expiration or termination of this Lease and/or the termination of Lessee’s right to possession shall not relieve Lessee from the liability under any indemnity provisions of this Lease as to matters occurring or accruing during the term hereof or by reason of Lessee’s occupancy of the Premises.

13.3 Inducement Recapture . Any agreement for free or abated rent or other charges, or for the giving or paying by Lessor to or for Lessee of any cash or other bonus, inducement or consideration for Lessee’s entering into this Lease, all of which concessions are hereinafter referred to as “ Inducement Provisions ”, shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee’s full and faithful performance of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease. Upon Breach of this Lease by Lessee, any such Inducement Provision shall automatically be deemed deleted from this Lease and of no further force or effect, and any rent, other charge, bonus, inducement or consideration theretofore abated, given or paid by Lessor under such an inducement Provision shall be immediately due and payable by Lessee to Lessor, notwithstanding any subsequent cure of said Breach by Lessee. The acceptance by Lessor of rent or the cure of the Breach which initiated the operation of this paragraph shall not be deemed a waiver by Lessor of the provisions of this paragraph unless specifically so stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such acceptance.

13.4 Late Charges . Lessee hereby acknowledges that late payment by Lessee of Rent will cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the exact amount of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Such costs include, but are not limited to, processing and accounting charges, and late charges which may be imposed upon Lessor by any Lender. Accordingly, if any Rent shall not be received by Lessor within 5 days after such amount shall be due, then, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, Lessee shall immediately pay to Lessor a one-time late charge equal to 10% of each such overdue amount or $100, whichever is greater. The parties hereby agree that such late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs Lessor will incur by reason of such late payment. Acceptance of such late charge by Lessor shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessee’s Default or Breach with respect to such overdue amount, nor prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder. In the event that a late charge is payable hereunder, whether or not collected, for 3 consecutive installments of Base Rent, then notwithstanding any provision of this Lease to the contrary, Base Rent shall, at Lessors option, become due and payable quarterly in advance.

13.5 Interest. Any monetary payment due Lessor hereunder, other than late charges, not received by Lessor, when due as to scheduled payments (such as Base Rent) or within 30 days following the date on which it was due for non-scheduled payment, shall bear interest from the date when due, as to scheduled payments, or the 31st day after it was due as to non-scheduled payments. The interest (“ Interest ”) charged shall be computed at the rate of 10% per annum but shall not exceed the maximum rate allowed by law. Interest is payable in addition to the potential late charge provided for in Paragraph 13.4.

13.6 Breach by Lessor .

(a) Notice of Breach . Lessor shall not be deemed in breach of this Lease unless Lessor fails within a reasonable time to perform an obligation required to be performed by Lessor. For purposes of this Paragraph, a reasonable time shall in no event be less than 30 days after receipt by Lessor, and any Lender whose name and address shall have been furnished Lessee in writing for such purpose, of written notice specifying wherein such obligation of Lessor has not been performed; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessor’s obligation is such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its performance, then Lessor shall not be in breach if performance is commenced within such 30 day period and thereafter diligently pursued to completion.

(b) Performance by Lessee on Behalf of Lessor . In the event that neither Lessor nor Lender cures said breach within 30 days after receipt of said notice, or if having commenced said cure they do not diligently pursue it to completion, then Lessee may elect to cure said breach at Lessee’s expense and offset from Rent the actual and reasonable cost to perform such cure, provided however, that such offset shall not exceed an amount equal to the greater of one month’s Base Rent or the Security Deposit, reserving Lessee’s right to reimbursement from Lessor for any such expense in excess of such offset. Lessee shall document the cost of said cure and supply said documentation to Lessor.

14. Condemnation . If the Premises or any portion thereof are taken under the power of eminent domain or sold under the threat of the exercise of said power (collectively “ Condemnation ”), this Lease shall terminate as to the part taken as of the date the condemning authority takes title or possession, whichever first occurs. If more than 10% of the floor area of the Unit, or more than 25% of the parking spaces is taken by Condemnation, Lessee may, at Lessee’s option, to be exercised in writing within 10 days after Lessor shall have given Lessee written notice of such taking (or in the absence of such notice, within 10 days after the condemning authority shall have taken possession) terminate this Lease as of the date the condemning authority takes such possession. If Lessee does not terminate this Lease in accordance with the foregoing, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect as to the portion of the Premises remaining, except that the Base Rent shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in utility of the Premises caused by such Condemnation. Condemnation awards and/or payments shall be the property of Lessor, whether such award shall be made as compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold, the value of the part taken, or for severance damages; provided, however, that Lessee shall be entitled to any compensation paid by the condemn or for Lessee’s relocation expenses, loss of business goodwill and/or Trade Fixtures, without regard to whether or not this Lease is terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph. All Alterations and Utility Installations made to the Premises by Lessee, for purposes of Condemnation only, shall be considered the property of the Lessee and Lessee shall be entitled to any and all compensation which is payable therefor. In the event that this Lease is not terminated by reason of the Condemnation, Lessor shall repair any damage to the Premises caused by such Condemnation.

15. Brokerage Fees .

15.1 Additional Commission . If a separate brokerage fee agreement is attached then in addition to the payments owed pursuant to Paragraph 1.10 above, and unless Lessor and the Brokers otherwise agree in writing, Lessor agrees that: (a) if Lessee exercises any Option, (b) if Lessee or anyone affiliated with Lessee acquires from Lessor any rights to the Premises or other premises owned by Lessor and located within the Project, (c) if Lessee remains in possession of the Premises, with the consent of Lessor, after the expiration of this Lease, or (d) if Base Rent is increased, whether by agreement or operation of an escalation clause herein, then, Lessor shall pay Brokers a fee in accordance with the schedule attached to such brokerage fee agreement.

15.2 Assumption of Obligations . Any buyer or transferee of Lessor’s interest in this Lease shall be deemed to have assumed Lessor’s obligation hereunder. Brokers shall be third party beneficiaries of the provisions of Paragraphs 1.10, 15, 22 and 31. If Lessor fails to pay to Brokers any amounts due as and for brokerage fees pertaining to this Lease when due, then such amounts shall accrue Interest. In addition, if Lessor

 

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fails to pay any amounts to Lessee’s Broker when due, Lessee’s Broker may send written notice to Lessor and Lessee of such failure and if Lessor fails to pay such amounts within 10 days after said notice, Lessee shall pay said monies to its Broker and offset such amounts against Rent. In addition, Lessee’s Broker shall be deemed to be a third party beneficiary of any commission agreement entered into by and/or between Lessor and Lessor’s Broker for the limited purpose of collecting any brokerage fee owed.

15.3 Representations and Indemnities of Broker Relationships . Lessee and Lessor each represent and warrant to the other that it has had no dealings with any person, firm, broker or finder (other than the Brokers, if any) in connection with this Lease, and that no one other than said named Brokers is entitled to any commission or finder’s fee in connection herewith. Lessee and Lessor do each hereby agree to indemnify, protect, defend and hold the other harmless from and against liability for compensation or charges which may be claimed by any such unnamed broker, finder or other similar party by reason of any dealings or actions of the indemnifying Party, including any costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred with respect thereto.

16. Estoppel Certificates .

(a) Each Party (as “ Responding Party ”) shall within 10 days after written notice from the other Party (the “ Requesting Party ”) execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Requesting Party a statement in writing in form similar to the then most current “ Estoppel Certificate ” form published by the AIR Commercial Real Estate Association, plus such additional information, confirmation and/or statements as may be reasonably requested by the Requesting Party.

(b) If the Responding Party shall fail to execute or deliver the Estoppel Certificate within such 10 day period, the Requesting Party may execute an Estoppel Certificate stating that: (i) the Lease is in full force and effect without modification except as may be represented by the Requesting Party, (ii) there are no uncured defaults in the Requesting Party’s performance, and (iii) if Lessor is the Requesting Party, not more than one month’s rent has been paid in advance. Prospective purchasers and encumbrancers may rely upon the Requesting Party’s Estoppel Certificate, and the Responding Party shall be estopped from denying the truth of the facts contained in said Certificate.

(c) If Lessor desires to finance, refinance, or sell the Premises, or any part thereof, Lessee and all Guarantors shall within 10 days after written notice from Lessor deliver to any potential lender or purchaser designated by Lessor such financial statements as may be reasonably required by such lender or purchaser, including but not limited to Lessee’s financial statements for the past 3 years. All such financial statements shall be received by Lessor and such lender or purchaser in confidence and shall be used only for the purposes herein set forth.

17. Definition of Lessor . The term “ Lessor ” as used herein shall mean the owner or owners at the time in question of the fee title to the Premises, or, if this is a sublease, of the Lessee’s interest in the prior lease. In the event of a transfer of Lessor’s title or interest in the Premises or this Lease, Lessor shall deliver to the transferee or assignee (in cash or by credit) any unused Security Deposit held by Lessor. Upon such transfer or assignment and delivery of the Security Deposit, as aforesaid, the prior Lessor shall be relieved of all liability with respect to the obligations and/or covenants under this Lease thereafter to be performed by the Lessor. Subject to the foregoing, the obligations and/or covenants in this Lease to be performed by the Lessor shall be binding only upon the Lessor as hereinabove defined.

18. Severability . The invalidity of any provision of this Lease, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall in no way affect the validity of any other provision hereof.

19. Days . Unless otherwise specifically indicated to the contrary, the word “ days ” as used in this Lease shall mean and refer to calendar days.

20. Limitation on Liability . The obligations of Lessor under this Lease shall not constitute personal obligations of Lessor, or its partners, members, directors, officers or shareholders, and Lessee shall look to the Premises, and to no other assets of Lessor, for the satisfaction of any liability of Lessor with respect to this Lease, and shall not seek recourse against Lessor’s partners, members, directors, officers or shareholders, or any of their personal assets for such satisfaction.

21. Time of Essence . Time is of the essence with respect to the performance of all obligations to be performed or observed by the Parties under this Lease.

22. No Prior or Other Agreements; Broker Disclaimer . This Lease contains all agreements between the Parties with respect to any matter mentioned herein, and no other prior or contemporaneous agreement or understanding shall be effective. Lessor and Lessee each represents and warrants to the Brokers that it has made, and is relying solely upon, its own investigation as to the nature, quality, character and financial responsibility of the other Party to this Lease and as to the use, nature, quality and character of the Premises. Brokers have no responsibility with respect thereto or with respect to any default or breach hereof by either Party.

23. Notices .

23.1 Notice Requirements . All notices required or permitted by this Lease or applicable law shall be in writing and may be delivered in person (by hand or by courier) or may be sent by regular, certified or registered mail or U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, with postage prepaid, or by facsimile transmission, and shall be deemed sufficiently given if served in a manner specified in this Paragraph 23. The addresses noted adjacent to a Party’s signature on this Lease shall be that Party’s address for delivery or mailing of notices. Either Party may by written notice to the other specify a different address for notice, except that upon Lessee’s taking possession of the Premises, the Premises shall constitute Lessee’s address for notice. A copy of all notices to Lessor shall be concurrently transmitted to such party or parties at such addresses as Lessor may from time to time hereafter designate in writing.

23.2 Date of Notice . Any notice sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed given on the date of delivery shown on the receipt card, or if no delivery date is shown, the postmark thereon. If sent by regular mail the notice shall be deemed given 72 hours after the same is addressed as required herein and mailed with postage prepaid. Notices delivered by United States Express Mail or overnight courier that guarantees next day delivery shall be deemed given 24 hours after delivery of the same to the Postal Service or courier. Notices transmitted by facsimile transmission or similar means shall be deemed delivered upon telephone confirmation of receipt (confirmation report from fax machine is sufficient), provided a copy is also delivered via delivery or mail. If notice is received on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it shall be deemed received on the next business day.

24. Waivers .

(a) No waiver by Lessor of the Default or Breach of any term, covenant or condition hereof by Lessee, shall be deemed a waiver of any other term, covenant or condition hereof, or of any subsequent Default or Breach by Lessee of the same or of any other term, covenant or condition hereof. Lessor’s consent to, or approval of, any act shall not be deemed to render unnecessary the obtaining of Lessor’s consent to, or approval of, any subsequent or similar act by Lessee, or be construed as the basis of an estoppel to enforce the provision or provisions of this Lease requiring such consent.

(b) The acceptance of Rent by Lessor shall not be a waiver of any Default or Breach by Lessee. Any payment by Lessee may be accepted by Lessor on account of moneys or damages due Lessor, notwithstanding any qualifying statements or conditions made by Lessee in connection therewith, which such statements and/or conditions shall be of no force or effect whatsoever unless specifically agreed to in writing by Lessor at or before the time of deposit of such payment.

(c) THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE SHALL GOVERN WITH REGARD TO ALL MATTERS RELATED THERETO AND HEREBY WAIVE THE PROVISIONS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE STATUTE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH STATUTE IS INCONSISTENT WITH THIS LEASE.

 

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  25. Disclosures Regarding The Nature of a Real Estate Agency Relationship .

(a) When entering into a discussion with a real estate agent regarding a real estate transaction, a Lessor or Lessee should from the outset understand what type of agency relationship or representation it has with the agent or agents in the transaction. Lessor and Lessee acknowledge being advised by the Brokers in this transaction, as follows:

(i) Lessor’s Agent. A Lessor’s agent under a listing agreement with the Lessor acts as the agent for the Lessor only. A Lessor’s agent or subagent has the following affirmative obligations: To the Lessor : A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty in dealings with the Lessor. To the Lessee and the Lessor : (a) Diligent exercise of reasonable skills and care in performance of the agent’s duties. (b) A duty of honest and fair dealing and good faith. (c) A duty to disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that are not known to, or within the diligent attention and observation of, the Parties. An agent is not obligated to reveal to either Party any confidential information obtained from the other Party which does not involve the affirmative duties set forth above.

(ii) Lessee’s Agent. An agent can agree to act as agent for the Lessee only. In these situations, the agent is not the Lessor’s agent, even if by agreement the agent may receive compensation for services rendered, either in full or in part from the Lessor. An agent acting only for a Lessee has the following affirmative obligations. To the Lessee : A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty in dealings with the Lessee. To the Lessee and the Lessor: (a) Diligent exercise of reasonable skills and care in performance of the agent’s duties. (b) A duty of honest and fair dealing and good faith. (c) A duty to disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that are not known to, or within the diligent attention and observation of, the Parties. An agent is not obligated to reveal to either Party any confidential information obtained from the other Party which does not involve the affirmative duties set forth above.

(iii) Agent Representing Both Lessor and Lessee. A real estate agent, either acting directly or through one or more associate licenses, can legally be the agent of both the Lessor and the Lessee in a transaction, but only with the knowledge and consent of both the Lessor and the Lessee. In a dual agency situation, the agent has the following affirmative obligations to both the Lessor and the Lessee: (a) A fiduciary duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty and loyalty in the dealings with either Lessor or the Lessee. (b) Other duties to the Lessor and the Lessee as stated above in subparagraphs (i) or (ii). In representing both Lessor and Lessee, the agent may not without the express permission of the respective Party, disclose to the other Party that the Lessor will accept rent in an amount less than that indicated in the listing or that the Lessee is willing to pay a higher rent than that offered. The above duties of the agent in a real estate transaction do not relieve a Lessor or Lessee from the responsibility to protect their own interests. Lessor and Lessee should carefully read all agreements to assure that they adequately express their understanding of the transaction. A real estate agent is a person qualified to advise about real estate. If legal or tax advice is desired, consult a competent professional.

(b) Brokers have no responsibility with respect to any Default or Breach hereof by either Party. The Parties agree that no lawsuit or other legal proceeding involving any breach of duty, error or omission relating to this Lease may be brought against Broker more than one year after the Start Date and that the liability (including court costs and attorneys’ fees), of any Broker with respect to any such lawsuit and/or legal proceeding shall not exceed the fee received by such Broker pursuant to this Lease; provided, however, that the foregoing limitation on each Broker’s liability shall not be applicable to any gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Broker.

(c) Lessor and Lessee agree to identify to Brokers as “Confidential” any communication or information given Brokers that is considered by such Party to be confidential.

26. No Right To Holdover . Lessee has no right to retain possession of the Premises or any part thereof beyond the expiration or termination of this Lease. In the event that Lessee holds over, then the Base Rent shall be increased to 150% of the Base Rent applicable immediately preceding the expiration or termination. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as consent by Lessor to any holding over by Lessee.

27. Cumulative Remedies . No remedy or election hereunder shall be deemed exclusive but shall, wherever possible, be cumulative with all other remedies at law or in equity.

28. Covenants and Conditions; Construction of Agreement . All provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessee are both covenants and conditions. In construing this Lease, all headings and titles are for the convenience of the Parties only and shall not be considered a part of this Lease. Whenever required by the context, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. This Lease shall not be construed as if prepared by one of the Parties, but rather according to its fair meaning as a whole, as if both Parties had prepared it.

29. Binding Effect; Choice of Law . This Lease shall be binding upon the parties, their personal representatives, successors and assigns and be governed by the laws of the State in which the Premises are located. Any litigation between the Parties hereto concerning this Lease shall be initiated in the county in which the Premises are located.

30. Subordination; Attornment; Non-Disturbance .

30.1 Subordination . This Lease and any Option granted hereby shall be subject and subordinate to any ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust, or other hypothecation or security device (collectively, “ Security Device ”), now or hereafter placed upon the Premises, to any and all advances made on the security thereof, and to all renewals, modifications, and extensions thereof. Lessee agrees that the holders of any such Security Devices (in this Lease together referred to as “ Lender ”) shall have no liability or obligation to perform any of the obligations of Lessor under this Lease. Any Lender may elect to have this Lease and/or any Option granted hereby superior to the lien of its Security Device by giving written notice thereof to Lessee, whereupon this Lease and such Options shall be deemed prior to such Security Device, notwithstanding the relative dates of the documentation or recordation thereof.

30.2 Attornment . In the event that Lessor transfers title to the Premises, or the Premises are acquired by another upon the foreclosure or termination of a Security Devise to which this Lease is subordinated (i) Lessee shall, subject to the non-disturbance provisions of Paragraph 30.3, attorn to such new owner, and upon request, enter into a new lease, containing all of the terms and provisions of this Lease, with such new owner for the remainder of the term hereof, or, at the election of the new owner, this Lease will automatically become a new lease between Lessee and such new owner, and (ii) Lessor shall thereafter be relieved of any further obligations hereunder and such new owner shall assume all of Lessor’s obligations, except that such new owner shall not: (a) be liable for any act or omission of any prior lessor or with respect to events occurring prior to acquisition of ownership; (b) be subject to any offsets or defenses which Lessee might have against any prior lessor, (c) be bound by prepayment of more than one month’s rent, or (d) be liable for the return of any security deposit paid to any prior lessor which was not paid or credited to such new owner.

30.3 Non-Disturbance . With respect to Security Devices entered into by Lessor after the execution of this Lease, Lessee’s subordination of this Lease shall be subject to receiving a commercially reasonable non-disturbance agreement (a “ Non-Disturbance Agreement ”) from the Lender which Non-Disturbance Agreement provides that Lessee’s possession of the Premises, and this Lease, including any options to extend the term hereof, will not be disturbed so long as Lessee is not in Breach hereof and attorns to the record owner of the Premises. Further, within 60 days after the execution of this Lease, Lessor shall, if requested by Lessee, use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Non-Disturbance Agreement from the holder of any pre-existing Security Device which is secured by the Premises. In the event that Lessor is unable to provide the Non-Disturbance Agreement within said 60 days, then Lessee may, at Lessee’s option, directly contact Lender and attempt to negotiate for the execution and delivery of a Non-Disturbance Agreement.

30.4 Self-Executing . The agreements contained in this Paragraph 30 shall be effective without the execution of any further documents; provided, however, that, upon written request from Lessor or a Lender in connection with a sale, financing or refinancing of the Premises, Lessee and Lessor shall execute such further writings as may be reasonably required to separately document any subordination, attornment and/or Non-Disturbance Agreement provided for herein.

 

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31. Attorneys’ Fees . If any Party or Broker brings an action or proceeding involving the Premises whether founded in tort, contract or equity, or to declare rights hereunder, the Prevailing Party (as hereafter defined) in any such proceeding, action, or appeal thereon, shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees. Such fees may be awarded in the same suit or recovered in a separate suit, whether or not such action or proceeding is pursued to decision or judgment. The term, “ Prevailing Party ” shall include, without limitation, a Party or Broker who substantially obtains or defeats the relief sought, as the case may be, whether by compromise, settlement, judgment, or the abandonment by the other Party or Broker of its claim or defense. The attorneys’ fees award shall not be computed in accordance with any court fee schedule, but shall be such as to fully reimburse all attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred. In addition, Lessor shall be entitled to attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred in the preparation and service of notices of Default and consultations in connection therewith, whether or not a legal action is subsequently commenced in connection with such Default or resulting Breach ($200 is a reasonable minimum per occurrence for such services and consultation).

32. Lessor’s Access; Showing Premises; Repairs . Lessor and Lessor’s agents shall have the right to enter the Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times after reasonable prior notice for the purpose of showing the same to prospective purchasers, lenders, or tenants, and making such alterations, repairs, improvements or additions to the Premises as Lessor may deem necessary or desirable and the erecting, using and maintaining of utilities, services, pipes and conduits through the Premises and/or other premises as long as there is no material adverse effect on Lessee’s use of the Premises. All such activities shall be without abatement of rent or liability to Lessee.

33. Auctions . Lessee shall not conduct, nor permit to be conducted, any auction upon the Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent. Lessor shall not be obligated to exercise any standard of reasonableness in determining whether to permit an auction.

34. Signs . Lessor may place on the Premises ordinary “For Sale” signs at any time and ordinary “For Lease” signs during the last 6 months of the term hereof. Except for ordinary “For Sublease” signs which may be placed only on the Premises, Lessee shall not place any sign upon the Project without Lessor’s prior written consent. All signs must comply with all Applicable Requirements.

35. Termination; Merger . Unless specifically stated otherwise in writing by Lessor, the voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Lessee, the mutual termination or cancellation hereof, or a termination hereof by Lessor for Breach by Lessee, shall automatically terminate any sublease or lesser estate in the Premises; provided, however, that Lessor may elect to continue any one or all existing subtenancies. Lessors failure within 10 days following any such event to elect to the contrary by written notice to the holder of any such lesser interest, shall constitute Lessor’s election to have such event constitute the termination of such interest.

36. Consents . Except as otherwise provided herein, wherever in this Lease the consent of a Party is required to an act by or for the other Party, such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Lessor’s actual reasonable costs and expenses (including but not limited to architects’, attorneys’, engineers’ and other consultants’ fees) incurred in the consideration of, or response to, a request by Lessee for any Lessor consent, including but not limited to consents to an assignment, a subletting or the presence or use of a Hazardous Substance, shall be paid by Lessee upon receipt of an invoice and supporting documentation therefor. Lessor’s consent to any act, assignment or subletting shall not constitute an acknowledgment that no Default or Breach by Lessee of this Lease exists, nor shall such consent be deemed a waiver of any then existing Default or Breach, except as may be otherwise specifically stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such consent. The failure to specify herein any particular condition to Lessor’s consent shall not preclude the imposition by Lessor at the time of consent of such further or other conditions as are then reasonable with reference to the particular matter for which consent is being given. In the event that either Party disagrees with any determination made by the other hereunder and reasonably requests the reasons for such determination, the determining party shall furnish its reasons in writing and in reasonable detail within 10 business days following such request.

37. Guarantor .

37.1 Execution . The Guarantors, if any, shall each execute a guaranty in the form most recently published by the AIR Commercial Real Estate Association.

37.2 Default . It shall constitute a Default of the Lessee if any Guarantor fails or refuses, upon request to provide: (a) evidence of the execution of the guaranty, including the authority of the party signing on Guarantor’s behalf to obligate Guarantor, and in the case of a corporate Guarantor, a certified copy of a resolution of its board of directors authorizing the making of such guaranty, (b) current financial statements, (c) an Estoppel Certificate, or (d) written confirmation that the guaranty is still in effect.

38. Quiet Possession . Subject to payment by Lessee of the Rent and performance of all of the covenants, conditions and provisions on Lessee’s part to be observed and performed under this Lease, Lessee shall have quiet possession and quiet enjoyment of the Premises during the term hereof.

39. Options . If Lessee is granted an option, as defined below, then the following provisions shall apply.

39.1 Definition . “ Option ” shall mean: (a) the right to extend or reduce the term of or renew this Lease or to extend or reduce the term of or renew any lease that Lessee has on other property of Lessor; (b) the right of first refusal or first offer to lease either the Premises or other property of Lessor; (c) the right to purchase, the right of first offer to purchase or the right of first refusal to purchase the Premises or other property of Lessor.

39.2 Options Personal To Original Lessee . Any Option granted to Lessee in this Lease is personal to the original Lessee, and cannot be assigned or exercised by anyone other than said original Lessee and only while the original Lessee is in full possession of the Premises and, if requested by Lessor, with Lessee certifying that Lessee has no intention of thereafter assigning or subletting.

39.3 Multiple Options . In the event that Lessee has any multiple Options to extend or renew this Lease, a later Option cannot be exercised unless the prior Options have been validly exercised.

39.4 Effect of Default on Options .

(a) Lessee shall have no right to exercise an Option: (i) during the period commencing with the giving of any notice of Default and continuing until said Default is cured, (ii) during the period of time any Rent is unpaid (without regard to whether notice thereof is given Lessee), (iii) during the time Lessee is in Breach of this Lease, or (iv) in the event that Lessee has been given 3 or more notices of separate Default, whether or not the Defaults are cured, during the 12 month period immediately preceding the exercise of the Option.

(b) The period of time within which an Option may be exercised shall not be extended or enlarged by reason of Lessee’s inability to exercise an Option because of the provisions of Paragraph 39.4(a).

(c) An Option shall terminate and be of no further force or effect, notwithstanding Lessee’s due and timely exercise of the Option, if, after such exercise and prior to the commencement of the extended term or completion of the purchase, (i) Lessee fails to pay Rent for a period of 30 days after such Rent becomes due (without any necessity of Lessor to give notice thereof),or (ii) if Lessee commits a Breach of this Lease.

40. Security Measures . Lessee hereby acknowledges that the Rent payable to Lessor hereunder does not include the cost of guard service or other security measures, and that Lessor shall have no obligation whatsoever to provide same. Lessee assumes all responsibility for the protection of the Premises, Lessee, its agents and invitees and their property from the acts of third parties.

41. Reservations . Lessor reserves the right: (i) to grant, without the consent or joinder of Lessee, such easements, rights and dedications that Lessor deems necessary, (ii) to cause the recordation of parcel maps and restrictions, and (iii) to create and/or install new utility raceways, so long as such easements, rights, dedications, maps, restrictions, and utility raceways do not unreasonably interfere with the use of the Premises by Lessee. Lessee agrees to sign any documents reasonably requested by Lessor to effectuate such rights.

 

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42. Performance Under Protest . If at any time a dispute shall arise as to any amount or sum of money to be paid by one Party to the other under the provisions hereof, the Party against whom the obligation to pay the money is asserted shall have the right to make payment “under protest” and such payment shall not be regarded as a voluntary payment and there shall survive the right on the part of said Party to institute suit for recovery of such sum. If it shall be adjudged that there was no legal obligation on the part of said Party to pay such sum or any part thereof, said Party shall be entitled to recover such sum or so much thereof as it was not legally required to pay. A Party who does not initiate suit for the recovery of sums paid “under protest” within 6 months shall be deemed to have waived its right to protest such payment.

43. Authority; Multiple Parties; Execution .

(a) If either Party hereto is a corporation, trust, limited liability company, partnership, or similar entity, each individual executing this Lease on behalf of such entity represents and warrants that he or she is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on its behalf. Each Party shall, within 30 days after request, deliver to the other Party satisfactory evidence of such authority.

(b) If this Lease is executed by more than one person or entity as “Lessee”, each such person or entity shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder. It is agreed that any one of the named Lessees shall be empowered to execute any amendment to this Lease, or other document ancillary thereto and bind all of the named Lessees, and Lessor may rely on the same as if all of the named Lessees had executed such document.

(c) This Lease may be executed by the Parties in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

44. Conflict . Any conflict between the printed provisions of this Lease and the typewritten or handwritten provisions shall be controlled by the typewritten or handwritten provisions.

45. Offer . Preparation of this Lease by either party or their agent and submission of same to the other Party shall not be deemed an offer to lease to the other Party. This Lease is not intended to be binding until executed and delivered by all Parties hereto.

46. Amendments . This Lease may be modified only in writing, signed by the Parties in interest at the time of the modification. As long as they do not materially change Lessee’s obligations hereunder, Lessee agrees to make such reasonable non-monetary modifications to this Lease as may be reasonably required by a Lender in connection with the obtaining of normal financing or refinancing of the Premises.

47. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING INVOLVING THE PROPERTY OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT .

48. Arbitration of Disputes . An Addendum requiring the Arbitration of all disputes between the Parties and/or Brokers arising out of this Lease    ¨ is    ¨ is not attached to this Lease.

49. Americans with Disabilities Act . Since compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is dependent upon Lessee’s specific use of the Premises, Lessor makes no warranty or representation as to whether or not the Premises comply with ADA or any similar legislation. In the event that Lessee’s use of the Premises requires modifications or additions to the Premises in order to be in ADA compliance, Lessee agrees to make any such necessary modifications and/or additions at Lessee’s expense.

LESSOR AND LESSEE HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND REVIEWED THIS LEASE AND EACH TERM AND PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND BY THE EXECUTION OF THIS LEASE SHOW THEIR INFORMED AND VOLUNTARY CONSENT THERETO. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE THAT, AT THE TIME THIS LEASE IS EXECUTED, THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE ARE COMMERCIALLY REASONABLE AND EFFECTUATE THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF LESSOR AND LESSEE WITH RESPECT TO THE PREMISES.

ATTENTION: NO REPRESENTATION OR RECOMMENDATION IS MADE BY THE AIR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION OR BY ANY BROKER AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY, LEGAL EFFECT, OR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS LEASE OR THE TRANSACTION TO WHICH IT RELATES. THE PARTIES ARE URGED TO:

1. SEEK ADVICE OF COUNSEL AS TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS LEASE.

2. RETAIN APPROPRIATE CONSULTANTS TO REVIEW AND INVESTIGATE THE CONDITION OF THE PREMISES. SAID INVESTIGATION SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: THE POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, THE ZONING OF THE PREMISES, THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY, THE CONDITION OF THE ROOF AND OPERATING SYSTEMS, COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AND THE SUITABILITY OF THE PREMISES FOR LESSEE’S INTENDED USE.

WARNING: IF THE PREMISES ARE LOCATED IN A STATE OTHER THAN CALIFORNIA, CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE LEASE MAY NEED TO BE REVISED TO COMPLY WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE IN WHICH THE PREMISES ARE LOCATED.

The parties hereto have executed this Lease at the place and on the dates specified above their respective signatures.

 

Executed at: EL Segundo, CA

    Executed at: SANTEE, CALIFORNIA

On: 4-25-12

    On: 4-20-2012

By LESSOR:

    By LESSEE:

NORTH JOHNSON VERNON PROPERTY, LLC, a

    FOX FACTORY, INC., a California corporation

Delaware limited liability company

     

By:

 

/s/ [Illegible]

    By:   /s/ John Marking

Name Printed:

        Name Printed: JOHN MARKING

Title:

        Title:   VP OFF ROAD / MILITARY

By:

 

/s/ [Illegible]

    By:    
Name Printed:         Name Printed:    
Title:         Title:    
Address: NORTH JOHNSON VERNON PROPERTIES, LLC     Address:  
c/o Westport Capital Partners          
2361 Rosecrans Ave, #375, El Segundo CA          

Telephone:(              )

        Telephone:(              )    

Facsimile:(              )

        Facsimile:(              )    
Email:         Email:    
Email:         Email:    
Federal ID No.         Federal ID No.    

 

PAGE 16 OF 17


BROKER:

    BROKER:
   
     
   
   

 

       
Attn:         Attn:    
Title:         Title:    
Address:         Address:    
   
   

 

       
Telephone:(          )         Telephone:(          )    
Facsimile:(          )         Facsimile:(          )    
Email:         Email:    
Federal ID No.         Federal ID No.    
Broker/Agent DRE License #:         Broker/Agent DRE License #:    
   
   

 

       
   
   

 

       
   

NOTICE: These forms are often modified to meet changing requirements of law and industry needs. Always write or call to make sure you are utilizing the most current form: AIR Commercial Real Estate Association, 800 W 6th Street, Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Telephone No. (213) 687-8777. Fax No.: (213) 687-8616.

© Copyright 1999 By AIR Commercial Real Estate Association.

All rights reserved. No part of these works may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing.

 

PAGE 17 OF 17


ADDENDUM TO STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL

MULTI-TENANT LEASE—NET

This ADDENDUM TO STANDARD INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL MULTI—TENANT LEASE—NET (this “ Addendum ”) is dated as of April 19, 2012 (the “ Effective Date ”).

In reference to the Standard Industrial/Commercial Multi-Tenant Lease—Net, dated as of April 19, 2012 (the “ Lease ”) between FOX FACTORY, INC., a California corporation (“ Lessee ”), and NORTH JOHNSON VERNON PROPERTY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Lessor ”), relating to certain real property located within Center Pointe Business Park and located at 750 Vernon Way, Suites 100 & 101, El Cajon, California (the “ Premises ”), notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease, the undersigned parties hereby agree as follows:

To the extent there is any inconsistency between the terms set forth in this Addendum and the terms of the Lease, the terms of this Addendum shall control. Any defined terms used in this Addendum that are not otherwise defined in this Addendum shall have the same meanings as ascribed thereto in the Lease. References in the Lease to “this Lease” and similar references shall mean and refer to this Addendum and the Lease, as modified by this Addendum. Any references herein to the “Agreement” shall mean and refer to this Addendum and the Lease, as modified by this Addendum and as otherwise amended and modified from time to time.

50. Rent Rate . The Base Rent shall be adjusted and payable according to the following schedule:

 

RENTAL PERIOD

   BASE RENT
PER MONTH
 

August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 (Months 1 through 12)

   $ 19,599.00   

August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 (Months 13 through 24)

   $ 21,106.00   

August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 (Months 25 through 36)

   $ 21,739.59   

August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 (Months 37 through 48)

   $ 22,391.78   

August 1, 2016 - January 31, 2018 (Months 49 through 66)

   $ 23,063.53   

 

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51. Partial Abatement of Base Rent . Subject to the provisions of this Paragraph, Lessor has agreed to abate the Base Rent in full for each of the full calendar Months 2, 3, 4, 13, 14 and 25, inclusive, of the Original Term (the “ Rent Abatement Concessions ”). If the Rent Abatement Concessions had not been given, Lessee would be responsible for paying Lessor additional Base Rent in the aggregate amount of $122,748.59. In the event of a Breach under the Agreement, the Rent Abatement Concessions shall automatically be deemed deleted from the Agreement, and of no further force or effect, and the Rent Abatement Concessions theretofore given shall be immediately due and payable by Lessee to Lessor, and recoverable on demand by Lessor as additional rent due under the Agreement, notwithstanding any subsequent cure by Lessee of its failure to perform. The acceptance by Lessor of rent or other charges or consideration, or the cure of Lessee’s failure to perform shall not be deemed a waiver by Lessor of the provisions of this Paragraph unless specifically so stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such acceptance. Except with respect to the abatement of Base Rent, as provided above, all payment and performance obligations of Lessee under the Agreement (including, without limitation, the obligation to pay Common Area Operating Expenses and separately metered utilities) shall remain in full force and effect, without reduction, delay or abatement. Lessee acknowledges and agrees that nothing in this Paragraph is intended to limit any other remedies available to Lessor in the event Lessee defaults under the Agreement.

52. Option to Further Extend Term .

(a) Provided that no Default by Lessee is outstanding under the Agreement on the date that Lessee exercises its Extension Option (as defined below) and no Default is outstanding at the end of the lease term then in effect, Lessee shall have one (1) option (the “ Extension Option ”) to extend the Term for an additional period of sixty (60) months (the “ Extended Term ”). To exercise Lessee’s option with respect to the Extended Term, Lessee shall give written notice to Lessor not more than twelve (12) months and not less than nine (9) months prior to the expiration of the Original Term (such notice being referred to herein as an “ Election Notice ”).

(b) If Lessee properly and timely exercises Lessee’s Extension Option pursuant to Paragraph 52(a)  above, the Extended Term shall be upon all of the same terms, covenants and conditions of the Agreement, except with respect to the following: (i) Lessor shall have no additional obligation for free rent, leasehold improvements or for any other tenant inducements or concessions for the Extended Term; (ii) the Base Rent applicable to the Premises for the Extended Term shall be adjusted to the Market Rent Value (as defined below) for space comparable to the Premises as of the commencement of such Extended Term; provided, however, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Paragraph 52 , the Base Rent for the first year of the Extended Term shall in no event be less than 100% of the Base Rent in effect under the Agreement immediately prior to the commencement of the Extended Term and the Base Rent for the balance of the Extended Term shall be increased annually by a fixed amount on each anniversary of the first day of the Extended Term. “ Market Rent Value ” shall mean the annual rental being charged for space comparable to the Premises in buildings comparable to the Building located in the East San Diego County submarket area, taking into account location, condition, existing improvements to the space, whether a leasing commission is payable by Lessor, and any improvements to fee made to the

 

2


Premises in connection with the Extended Term. The determination of Market Rent Value shall include the Base Rent for the first year of the Extended Term (subject to the minimum Base Rent referred to above in this Paragraph 52(b)) as well as fixed annual rent increases to take effect on each anniversary of the first day of the Extended Term.

(c) Within forty-five (45) days after the date of an Election Notice, Lessor and Lessee shall negotiate in good faith in an attempt to determine Market Rent Value for the Extended Term. If they are unable to agree within such forty-five (45) day period, then the Market Rent Value shall be determined by appraisal as provided below.

(d) If it becomes necessary to determine the Market Rent Value for the Premises by appraisal, the real estate appraiser(s) indicated in this Paragraph 52(d) , each of whom shall be members of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers and each of whom have at least five (5) years experience appraising industrial space located in the vicinity of the Premises, shall be appointed and shall act in accordance with the following procedures:

(i) If the parties are unable to agree on the Market Rent Value within the allowed time, either party may demand an appraisal by giving written notice to the other party, which demand to be effective must state the name, address and qualifications of an appraiser selected by the party demanding the appraisal (“ Notifying Party ”). Within ten (10) days following the Notifying Party’s appraisal demand, the other party (“ Non-Notifying Party ”) shall either approve the appraiser selected by the Notifying Party or select a second properly qualified appraiser by giving written notice of the name, address and qualification of said appraiser to the Notifying Party. If the Non-Notifying Party fails to select an appraiser within the ten (10) day period, the appraiser selected by the Notifying Party shall be deemed selected by both parties and no other appraiser shall be selected. If two (2) appraisers are selected, they shall select a third appropriately qualified appraiser within ten (10) days of selection of the second appraiser. If the two (2) appraisers fail to select a third qualified appraiser, the third appraiser shall be appointed by the then presiding judge of the county where the Premises are located upon application by either party.

(ii) If only one appraiser is selected, that appraiser shall notify the parties in simple letter form of its determination of the Market Rent Value for the Premises within fifteen (15) days following his or her selection, which appraisal shall be conclusively determinative and binding on the parties as the appraised Market Rent Value.

(iii) If multiple appraisers are selected, the appraisers shall meet not later than ten (10) days following the selection of the last appraiser. At such meeting, the appraisers shall attempt to determine the Market Rent Value for the Premises as of the commencement date of the Extended Term by the agreement of at least two (2) of the appraisers.

(iv) If two (2) or more of the appraisers agree on the Market Rent Value for the Premises at the initial meeting, such agreement shall be determinative and binding upon the parties hereto and the agreeing appraisers shall forthwith notify both Lessor and Lessee of the amount set by such agreement. If multiple appraisers are selected and two (2) appraisers

 

3


are unable to agree on the Market Rent Value for the Premises, each appraiser shall submit to Lessor and Lessee his or her respective independent appraisal of the Market Rent Value for the Premises, in simple letter form, within fifteen (15) days following appointment of the final appraiser. The parties shall then determine the Market Rent Value for the Premises by averaging the appraisals with respect to the Base Rent for the first year of the Extended Term and by averaging the appraisals with respect to each fixed annual increase in the Base Rent for the balance of the Extended Term; provided that any high or low appraisal of the Base Rent for the first year of the Extended Term or of any fixed annual increase in the Base Rent, as the case may be, differing from the middle appraisal by more than ten percent (10%) of the middle appraisal, shall be disregarded in calculating the average.

(v) If only one (1) appraiser is selected, then each party shall pay one-half (1/2) of the fees and expenses of that appraiser. If three (3) appraisers are selected, each party shall bear the fees and expenses of the appraiser it selects and one-half (1/2) of the fees and expenses of the third appraiser.

(e) The Extension Option is personal to Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, and shall not be transferred to, or exercised by, any other person or entity, whether in connection with any assignment or sublease or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Lessor with respect to the transfer of such Extension Option. Any attempt to transfer the Extension Option in contravention of this Paragraph shall be void. The Extension Option shall terminate upon the assignment or sublease of all or any portion of the Premises.

(f) Immediately after the Market Rent Value has been determined for the Extended Term, the parties shall enter into an amendment to the Agreement, setting forth the Base Rent for the Extended Term (subject to the minimum Base Rent and the fixed rent increase provisions contained in Paragraph 52(b)  above) and the new expiration date of the Term of the Agreement. Unless Lessor and Lessee expressly agree otherwise in writing, there shall be no further option to extend the Term after the Extended Term described in this Paragraph .

53. Common Area Operating Expenses .

(a) The last sentence of Paragraph 4.2(b)  of the Lease is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following sentence: “However, any Common Area Operating Expenses and Real Property Taxes that are not specifically attributable to the Building or to any other building or to the operation, repair and maintenance thereof, shall be allocated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.”

(b) Lessor agrees that the aggregate amount of Controllable Common Area Operating Expenses (as defined below) that is used in the calculation of Lessee’s Share of Common Area Expenses for any calendar year of the term of the Agreement (commencing with calendar year 2014) shall not exceed 103% of the aggregate amount of Controllable Area Operating Expenses that was used in the calculation of Lessee’s Share of Common Area Expenses for the immediately preceding calendar year. For purposes hereof, “ Controllable Common Area Operating Expenses ” shall mean expenses incurred by Lessor relating to

 

4


general repair and maintenance, onsite maintenance personnel, landscaping, management fees, common area utilities such as parking lot lighting, water, sewer and trash pickup, fire alarm monitoring, pest control and parking lot repairs; provided , however , Controllable Common Area Operating expenses shall in no event include taxes or insurance costs.

54. Hazardous Substances .

(a) Lessee acknowledges that the following Hazardous Substances (the “ Identified Substances ”) will be used in the Premises by Lessee and that the use of the Identified Substances constitutes a Reportable Use: (i) “shock oil” in a quantity at any time of up to 1,000 gallons, (ii) compressed nitrogen, and (iii) used oil. Lessor consents to Lessee’s use of the Identified Substances, provided that such use at all times complies with all Applicable Requirements, all applicable laws and regulations as in effect from time to time, and the requirements of the Agreement. Without limitation of Lessee’s obligations under the Agreement, Lessee hereby agrees that it shall, from time to time and upon Lessor’s reasonable request, provide to Lessor the additional assurances and take the additional actions referred to in the last sentence of Paragraph 6.2(a)  of the Lease, and that Lessee shall take such additional actions as Lessor may from time to time reasonably request in order to ensure that Lessee’s use of Hazardous Substances (including the Identified Substances) complies with all Applicable Requirements, all applicable laws and regulations as in effect from time to time, and the requirements of the Agreement.

(b) With respect to Lessee’s remediation and indemnification obligations set forth in Paragraphs 6.2(c)  and 4.2(d)  of the Lease, Lessor agrees that Lessee shall not be obligated to remediate or indemnify Lessor for Hazardous Substances which existed on the Premises prior to Lessee’s occupancy or for affirmative actions taken by Lessor or any of its agents, third party tenants, employees or contractors (Lessor, its agents, third party tenants, employees and contractors, collectively, “ Lessor Parties ”).

(c) Upon expiration of the term of the Agreement (as the same may be extended) or termination of the Agreement, Lessee shall fully clean the Premises and the common areas of the Project utilized by Lessee or any of its agents, employees or contractors (Lessee, its agents, employees and contractors, collectively, “ Lessee Parties ”) in such a manner that no residue of any Hazardous Substances brought onto the Premises or such common areas by or for Lessee or any third party (other than the Lessor Parties) shall remain on the Premises or such common areas.

(d) Lessee’s remediation and indemnification obligations set forth in Paragraphs 6.2(c)  and 6.2(d)  of the Lease shall survive the expiration or termination of the Agreement for a period of five (5) years from the date of such expiration or termination; provided, however, that Lessee’s remediation and indemnification obligations set forth in said Paragraphs 6.2(c)  and 6.2(d)  shall survive indefinitely with respect to any reasonable demand for remediation or indemnification that is presented to Lessee prior to the end of such five (5) year period (and with respect to the loss of rents and/or damages, liabilities, judgments, claims, expenses, penalties, attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and costs relating to such reasonable demand).

 

5


(e) Lessor’s indemnification obligations set forth in Paragraph 6.2(e)  of the Lease shall survive the expiration or termination of the Agreement for a period of five (5) years from the date of such expiration or termination; provided, however, that Lessor’s indemnification obligations set forth in said Paragraph 6.2(e)  shall survive indefinitely with respect to any reasonable demand for remediation or indemnification that is presented to Lessor prior to the end of such five (5) year period (and with respect to the environmental damages and costs relating to such reasonable demand).

(f) Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 54(d)  above, Lessor hereby releases Lessee from its obligations set forth in Paragraphs 6.2(c)  and 6.2(d)  of the Lease beyond the (5) year survival period referred to in Paragraph 54(d)  above, and, except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 54(e)  above, Lessee hereby releases Lessor from its obligations set forth in Paragraph 6.2(e)  of the Lease beyond the (5) year survival period referred to in Paragraph 54(e)  above, and each of Lessee and Lessor agrees to waive all benefits flowing from any statute, state or otherwise, which would negate or limit the scope of the foregoing releases, including, but not limited to, Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which provides:

“A general release does not extend to the claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing this release, which if known to him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.”

(g) Lessee agrees that (i) Lessee shall at all times during the term of the Agreement, as the same may be extended or renewed from time to time, maintain a comprehensive general liability policy (which may be supplemented by an umbrella liability insurance policy) providing not less than $10,000,000 in liability coverage per occurrence and otherwise complying with the requirements of the Lease, and (ii) Lessor and Lessor’s property management firm shall be named as additional insureds under each such policy.

55. Change in Control . The first sentence of Paragraph 12.1(b)  is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following sentence: “(b) Without limiting the provisions of Paragraph 12.1(a) , which provisions may require Lessor’s prior written consent, a change in the control of Lessee shall constitute an assignment that does not require Lessor’s consent.”

56. Signage . Lessee shall be permitted to install, as Lessee’s cost, building signage on the exterior of the building. All Lessee signage shall conform to all zoning and CC&Rs applicable to the building, and Lessor shall have prior review and approval rights with respect to all Lessee signage. All costs associated with the purchase, installation, maintenance and removal of all Lessee signage shall be borne by Lessee.

57. Condition of Premises; Refurbishment Allowance . Lessee has inspected the Premises and accepts them in “as is” condition as of the date hereof. Except as set forth in the Agreement, Lessor shall have no responsibility or obligation to effect or pay for any improvements, repairs, alterations or additions to the Premises and Lessor expressly disclaims any and all warranties with respect to the Premises, including, but not limited to, warranties of suitability and fitness for a particular purpose. Lessee hereby waives all rights, including

 

6


under Subsection 1 of Section 1932 and Sections 1941 and 1942 of the California Civil Code and under any similar law now or hereafter in effect, to make repairs which are Lessor’s obligation under the Agreement at the expense of Lessor or, except as set forth in the Agreement, to receive any setoff or abatement of rent or, in lieu thereof, to vacate the Premises or terminate the Agreement. Lessor agrees to paint, replace VCT and carpet the entire Premises at Lessor’s sole cost prior to the Commencement Date, utilizing building standard materials. In addition, Lessor represents and warrants that the roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, truck doors, concrete floors and windows shall be in proper working conditions on and as of the Commencement Date. Subject to the provisions of this Paragraph, Lessor shall provide a refurbishment allowance (the “ Refurbishment Allowance ”) in the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000). The Refurbishment Allowance shall be used to make improvements to the Premises. All improvements shall be completed in accordance with the terms of the Agreement (including, without limitation, Paragraph 7.3 of the Lease). Lessor shall have no obligation to pay or provide the Refurbishment Allowance at any time during which a Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or if a Breach has occurred, under the Agreement. Lessor shall pay the Refurbishment Allowance in a single, lump-sum payment within 30 days after Lessor reasonably determines, that all of the following requirements have been satisfied: (i) Lessor has received an affidavit from Lessee stating that all alterations to the Premises have been completed in accordance with the Agreement; (ii) Lessee has received (and delivered to Lessor) final, unconditional lien waivers (in such form as Lessor may reasonably require) executed by Lessee’s contractor and every subcontractor, sub-subcontractor, laborer and material supplier; (iii) Lessee has received (and delivered to Lessor) all certificates and approvals with respect to such alterations that may be required by any governmental authorities as a condition for the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the Premises, and such certificate of occupancy; (iv) Lessor has received a complete copy of the “as-built” plans approved by the applicable permitting authorities; and (v) Lessee is open and conducting its business at the Premises. Lessor agrees that any unused portion of the Refurbishment Allowance may be used as a credit to Lessee’s rent payment obligations under the Agreement and may be applied by Lessee, at Lessee’s discretion toward any rent or additional rent due. In the event a Breach occurs under the Agreement, Lessor’s obligation to provide the Refurbishment Allowance shall automatically terminate and any portion of the Refurbishment Allowance theretofore provided by Lessor shall be immediately due and payable by Lessee to Lessor, and recoverable on demand by Lessor as additional rent due under the Agreement, notwithstanding any subsequent cure by Lessee. The acceptance by Lessor of rent or other charges or consideration, or the subsequent cure of Lessee’s Breach, shall not be deemed a waiver by Lessor of the provisions of this paragraph unless specifically so stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such acceptance.

58. Notice and Cure Periods for Breach . The second sentence of Paragraph 13.1 of the Lease (which contains the definition of Breach) is hereby deleted and replaced by the following sentence: “A “ Breach ” is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Defaults, and the failure of Lessee to cure such Default within five (5) business days following written notice to Lessee or within such longer grace period as may be specified below in this Paragraph 13.1.”

 

7


59. Deleted Provisions . The following Paragraphs of the Lease are hereby deleted from the Agreement (provided that the defined terms set forth in the following Paragraphs are not deleted to the extent that such terms are used elsewhere in the Agreement): (i)  Paragraph 2.2 ; (ii)  Paragraph 2.3 (other than the first five sentences of said Paragraph 2.3 , which sentences shall not be deleted from the Agreement); (iii)  Paragraph 8.3(b) ; and (iv) last sentence of Paragraph 3.4 .

60. Changed Provision . The first sentence of Paragraph 9.6(a)  is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following sentence: “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Lease, in the event that Lessee’s use of the Premises is materially impaired in whole or in part by Premises Partial Damage or Premises Total Destruction or Applicable Requirements compliance or Condemnation or Damage Near End of Term or a Hazardous Substance Condition, and provided that Lessee is not responsible under this Lease for any such damage, destruction, compliance, condemnation or condition, the Rent payable by Lessee for the period of material impairment, including that period required for repair, remediation, resolution or restoration, shall be abated in proportion to the degree to which Lessee’s use of the Premises is impaired.”

61. Miscellaneous . Except as expressly set forth in this Addendum, all terms and conditions of the Lease shall remain unchanged and shall continue in full force and effect. Lessee’s failure to perform in any material respect any of its obligations under this Addendum shall constitute both a Default and, upon the failure of Lessee to cure such Default within five (5) business days following written notice to Lessee or within such longer grace period as may be applicable, a Breach under the Agreement. This Addendum shall not be construed against the party preparing it, but shall be construed as if all parties jointly prepared this Addendum and any uncertainty and ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any one party. The Lease and this Addendum may be signed in counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

[Signature page follows.]

 

8


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessor and Lessee have executed this Addendum as of the date first above written.

 

LESSOR:     LESSEE:

NORTH JOHNSON VERNON PROPERTY

LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

   

FOX FACTORY, INC.,

a California corporation

By   /s/ [Illegible]     By   /s/ John Marking
  Name:       Name:   John Marking
  Title:       Title:   VP OFF ROAD / MILITARY
By   /s/ [Illegible]        
 

Name:

Title:

       

 

9

Exhibit 10.16

Land and Factory Lease Agreement

 

The Lessor:   Hong-Ming Lee, Zhi-Ming Lee, Qing-Yu Lee, Fu-Zhong Lu, Yu-Wei Lu, and Guan-Lun Lu (“the Lessor”)
The Lessee:   FOX FACTORY, INC. (“FOX”)
  Legal Representative: Graham Sills

For lease of the real property, including the land and factory, the Parties by mutual agreement, enter the Lease Agreement with the following conditions:

I. Objects of the Lease

All the Use Scope of the factory (Nantun Baowen Section Building No.00185-000) and the land (Nantun Baowen Section Land No. 621-20, 621-21, 621-22) on which the factory resides at the address of Jing-Ke Liu Road No. 8, Nantun, Taichung, Taiwan (The Taichung City Precision Machinery Innovation Technology Park). The total area of usage is 5,252.55 square meter. The detailed Use Scope of the Lease is provided as one attachment.

II. Term

 

1. The period of lease is 5 years, starting from April 10, 2012 to April 9, 2017.

 

2. One party should notify the other party in writing two months before the Lease expire if the party will not continue or renew the Lease.

 

3. The Lessor agree that FOX enjoys the right of first offer to lease when the Lease expires. When FOX exercises such right, the Lessor agree to enter the new lease agreement with the same conditions of this Agreement.

III. Rent

 

1.

The monthly rent is NT$ 430,000. FOX will pay the rent by wiring cash on the 4 th day of the month into the bank account designated by the Lessor.

 

1


2. Information of the Lessor’s bank account

Bank Name:                                         

Account Name:                                         

Account Number:                                         

 

3. Starting from the fourth year of the Lease, the rent of the year will be adjusted according to the consumer price index in January of the year with 2012/ NT$ 430,000 as the base.

IV. Deposit

 

1. FOX agree to provide the Lessor with NT$ 1,290,000 of cash or check as deposit of the Lease at the time when executing the Agreement.

 

2. The Lessor should return the Deposit to FOX when FOX return the Objects of the Lease to the Lessor in compliance with the conditions in this Agreement at the time when the Lease expires or is terminated. The Lessor may deduct from the Deposit the expenses of Article V, Section 9, the penalty provided in this Agreement, or the repair cost for the damages resulting from FOX’ improper use of the Objects.

V. Use of Objects

 

1. The Objects are for FOX’ production or other business use.

 

2. FOX should exercise the due care of a good administrator when using the Objects. FOX bears the damage liability or public safety responsibility if the damage on the Objects is caused by FOX’ intent or gross negligence, except cause of force majeure.

 

3. FOX should not without the Lessor’s permission, sublease, lent out, transfer the whole or a portion of the Objects of the Lease, or in any other ways allow others to use the Objects of the Lease.

 

4. The Objects of the Lease should not be used for illegal purposes and should not be stored with dangerous items that will affect the public safety.

 

5. The Lessor should install a gate in front of the factory (gate drawing as the attachment). The cost of such installment is bore by the Lessor. The type or style of the gate should be decided by the Parties.

 

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6. The Lessor agree that FOX may renovate, partition, or redecorate the factory for the necessity of its operation. FOX should receive the Lessor’s written approval if such renovation will affect the architectural structure (the base and pillars) of the factory. The Lessor is made aware that FOX will build a second floor in the factory for its manufacturing business, and the structural security of such renovation will be certified by a licensed structure engineer. FOX agrees to notify the Lessor when the renovation starts and that the Lessor may be present at the site to observe the renovation. The lessor may request to suspend the renovation if FOX does not comply with the certified drawing of the renovation. By executing this Agreement, the Lessor agree FOX’ renovation plan is certified by structure engineer. The Lessor agree not to delay or reject FOX’ renovation plan without good cause. FOX bears the cost or expenses of the renovation.

 

7. The Lessor represent that the water or electricity system and fire fighting equipments on the Objects are in compliance with the fire control regulation, and is serviceable. FOX bears the cost or expenses if additional fire fighting equipments are required due to the renovation or the unique requirements in the industry which FOX is in. FOX is responsible for the maintenance or replacement of the water, electricity and fire fighting equipments during the Term of the Lease.

 

8. FOX’ business operation on the Objects should be in compliance with the fire control regulations or environment protection regulations.

 

9. FOX bears the expenses or fees of utilities, telephone service, public infrastructure maintenance and sewage disposal system during the Term of the Lease.

 

10. During the Term of the Lease, the Lessor is responsible for and bears the cost or expenses of repair on the damage caused by the rule of nature while FOX is responsible for and bears the cost or expenses of repair on the damage cause by other reasons. During the Term of the Lease, FOX is responsible for the replacement of the expendables.

 

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VI. Registration

 

1. The Lessor should cooperate with FOX in applying for factory registration.

 

2. FOX should request for change or cancelation of its company or factory registration when the Lease expires or is terminated.

VII. Tax and Insurance

 

1. The Lessor bear the tax relating to the Objects, including Land Tax, Land Value Tax, House Tax and their own Income Tax resulting from the Lease.

 

2. The Lessor bear the cost of building safety inspection and are responsible for purchasing fire insurance, typhoon insurance and earthquake insurance for the factory. The Lessor bear the insurance cost while FOX bears the cost of fire control inspection.

 

3. FOX bears the tax arising from its business operation.

 

4. FOX should purchase and bear the cost of property insurance and third party liability insurance for the equipments or facilities saved inside the Objects during the Term of Lease.

 

5. The Parties should incorporate with each other when the insurance company is conducting investigation, appraisal and compensation.

VIII. Representations and Warranties

 

1. The Lessor represent that they are the legal users of the Objects (including land and factory), and have the right to y lease the Objects for the exclusive use of FOX. The Lessor also warrant that FOX’ use on the Objects will not be affected by any existing flaw in the process of the Lessor’s obtaining their user right and will not be interrupted by any third party.

 

2. The Lessor warrant that their deposition or transfer of the Objects or any mortgages they put on the Objects during the Term of the Lease will not affect FOX’ use of the Objects or the validity of this Agreement.

 

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3. The Lessor guarantee not to claim any damage or right over the renovation that FOX will do on the Objects. The Lessor warrant that the owner of the land and/or the owner of the factory will not claim any damage or right if FOX renovates the Objects in accordance with the certified plan and the appearance of the Objects is not damaged.

 

4. The Lessor is liable for any damage resulting from the Lessor’s violation of the Representations and Warranties.

IX. Termination of the Agreement

 

1. The Lessor should give a two-month pre-notice in writing before it terminates the Lease. The Lessor is liable for compensating FOX’ damage resulting from the termination.

 

2. FOX should give a three-month pre-notice in writing if it wants to terminate the Lease.

 

3. The Lessor may terminate the Lease if FOX delays paying rent for more than 2 months. The Lessor may also terminate the Lease after sending a reminder notice of performance for FOX’ violation of the use restriction under Article V and FOX ignores the notice.

 

4. FOX should return the Objects when the Lease expires or is terminated. FOX is liable for the rent during the delay and the following penalties if it refuse to return:

(1) Delay for less than 1 month: 2% of monthly rent as penalty.

(2) Delay for more than 1 month and less than 2 months: 5% of monthly rent per month as penalty.

(3) Delay for more than 2 months and less than 3 months, 10% monthly rent per month as penalty.

(4) Delay for more than 3 months, 15% of monthly rent per month as penalty.

X. Return of Objects of Lease

 

1. When the Lease expires or is terminated, the Lessor should give FOX a 30 day notice for cleaning out the Objects. The Lessor are free to make any arrangement for the furniture, machines or other items that still remain on the Objects after the 30 day period. FOX bears the cost or expense for such arrangement. From the Lessor’s arrangement, FOX should not claim any damage for any precious items or by other excuses.

 

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2. The Lessor may request FOX to recover the Objects or to return the Objects in the status quo.

XI. Notice

 

1. All notices in this Agreement should be made in writing and to the address and telephone number listed in this Agreement. The Lessor agree that the notice made to Lee, Zhi-Ming is regarded as a notice to all the members of the Lessor.

 

2. One party should inform the other party promptly in writing of the change of such party’s address or telephone number. If the change is not notified in time and results in other party’ failure of notice, the date of sending out the notice to the post office is deemed as the arrival date of the notice.

XII. Force Majeure

If the Lease becomes impossible because of any act of God or other causes of force majeure, any party may terminate the Agreement or revise the Agreement with the other party’s consent. In the event that the whole or a part of the Objects becomes unsuitable for use because of any force majeure reason, FOX enjoys the right to terminate the Agreement or request abatement of rent based on the percentage of unusable space.

XIII. Modification, Interpretation and Jurisdiction

 

1. This Agreement becomes effective on the execution date and supersedes all prior writing or oral, express or implicit agreements relating to the Lease between the Parties. The modification or revision of this Agreement should be entered by the Parties in writing unless otherwise specified in this Agreement.

 

2. The Parties understand the provisions in this Agreement and agree to perform accordingly. Unsettled items will be interpreted according to the Civil Code of the Republic of China (Taiwan), customary law and good faith.

 

3. The attachments of this Agreement are part of this Agreement and form a complete contract between the Parties. The attachments have the same effect as the previsions of this Agreement. The Agreement governs if there is any conflict in the attachments.

 

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4. The Parties agree the Taichung District Court has jurisdiction over the disputes arising from this Agreement.

XIV. Form of Agreement

 

1. The Agreement should be notarized and the notarization fee is bore by the Parties.

 

2. There are 5 executed copies of this Agreement. The Lessor, FOX, and the witness (the Broker) each preserve a copy and the fifth copy will be preserved by the notary.

The Parties:

The Lessor:

1. Lee, Zhi-Ming

Id. No.: L121324103

Address:

Telephone:

 

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2. Lee, Hong-Ming

Id. No.: L121324096

3. Lee, Qing-Yu

Id. No.: L121325244

4. Lu, Fu-Zhong

Id. No.: F122153131

5. Lu, Yi-Wei

Id. No.: F122153159

6. Lu, Guan-Lun

Id. No.: F123570967

The Lessee:

FOX FACTORY, Inc.

The Legal Representative: Graham Sills

Corporate Id. No.: 53019078

Address:

Telephone:

Witness:

Real Estate Broker: Gong-Shang Real Estate Consultant Inc., Co. LOGO

Real Estate Agent: Luo, Fong-Lan

Agent’s License No.: (92) Chong-Shi-Chi No. 00358

Date: April 2, 2012

 

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Exhibit 10.17

SUBLEASE

This SUBLEASE, dated as of the 1 day of January, 2012 (“ Effective Date ”), is entered into and agreed between Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, having its headquarters at 915 Disk Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (“ Sublandlord ”), and Robert Fox Jr. an individual, having his residence at 20411 Kent Way, Los Gatos, California 95030 (“ Subtenant ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Sublandlord is the tenant of certain premises (the “ Subleased Premises ”) consisting of approximately 3,665 square feet of the first floor of the building located at 915 Disk Drive, Scotts Valley California 95066 (the entire structure being referred to as the “ Building ”), pursuant to a lease (the “ Prime Lease ”) commencing as of December 1, 2011, with Sammie Rae Abitbol LLC., as landlord (“ Prime Landlord ”). A copy of the Prime Lease is annexed hereto as Exhibit A ; and

WHEREAS, Subtenant wishes to sublet from Sublandlord the Subleased Premises as more particularly described as an area of the first floor of 915 Disk Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 including generally the numbered spaces 112-117, 119-122, A10-A23, and A25-A28 as shown on the floor plan annexed hereto in Exhibit A on page 51 of that Exhibit and being herein referred to as the “ Subleased Premises ”.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Sublandlord and Subtenant agree as follows:

1. Demise and Term .

(a) Subject to and in accordance with all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Sublease, Sublandlord hereby subleases the Subleased Premises to Subtenant, and Subtenant hires and accepts the Subleased Premises from Sublandlord, for a term (the “ Sublease Term ”) to commence on January 1, 2012 (the “ Sublease Commencement Date ”), and to expire on December 31, 2012 (the “ Sublease Expiration Date ”) unless early terminated in accordance herewith, both dates inclusive, unless the Sublease Term shall sooner end pursuant to any of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Sublease or the Prime Lease. Sublandlord and Subtenant acknowledge and agree that notwithstanding the fact this Sublease demises the Subleased Premises for up to the remainder of the term of the Prime Lease, this Sublease shall be deemed to be a sublease and not an assignment of the Prime Lease, and in the event that under any applicable rule of law this Sublease would be deemed to be an assignment of the Prime Lease by reason thereof, the term of this Sublease shall automatically be deemed to expire on the day immediately preceding the last day of the term of the Prime Lease so as to preserve the intention of the parties that this Sublease be construed as a sublease and not an assignment.

(b) In the event that Sublandlord is unable to deliver possession of the Subleased Premises to Subtenant on the Sublease Commencement Date due to factors beyond Sublandlord’s reasonable control, Sublandlord shall not be subject to any liability there for and the validity of this Sublease shall not be, impaired, but all Rent and other obligations of Subtenant attributable to the Subleased Premises shall be abated until such time as possession thereof is delivered to Subtenant.

(c) The date upon which Sublandlord actually delivers the Subleased Premises to Subtenant for the early entry period described herein shall be the “ Delivery Date ”.

2. Use . Subtenant shall use the Subleased Premises solely for those purpose(s) permitted pursuant to the Prime Lease and for no other purpose(s).


3. Rent .

(a) From and after the Sublease Commencement Date, Subtenant shall pay to Sublandlord the base rent specified in subsection (b) below (“ Base Rent ”). Base Rent and all other items of additional rent, charges and expenses payable by Subtenant hereunder (all of the foregoing except for Base Rent deemed, collectively, “ Additional Rent ”) shall be paid to Sublandlord on the first day of each calendar month, without deduction, abatement, counterclaim or setoff of any amount for any reason whatsoever. Rent shall be paid to Sublandlord in lawful money of the United States at its address set forth above, or to such other person, or at such other address, as Sublandlord may from time to time designate by notice to Subtenant. Any payment by Subtenant or receipt by Sublandlord of an amount less than the amount stipulated hereunder for any portion of Rent shall be deemed a payment on account of such amount(s) payable. An endorsement or statement by Subtenant on any check or letter shall not be deemed to create an accord and satisfaction, and Sublandlord may accept any such check or payment without prejudice to Sublandlord’s right to recover the balance due or to pursue any other remedy available to it. Any provision in the Prime Lease referring to “ Rent ” or “ rent ” (or words of similar meaning) incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to refer to all items of Base Rent and Additional Rent due under this Sublease. Base Rent and Additional Rent shall be referred to as “ Rent ”.

(b) Base Rent shall consist of the following amounts, and shall be paid by Subtenant to Sublandlord as herein provided: payable as $5,000.00 per month.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) above, Subtenant’s obligation to pay Rent shall commence on the Sublease Commencement Date, subject to any abatement of Rent pursuant to Paragraph 1.(b) above. The Rent payable for the calendar month in which the Sublease Commencement Date occurs shall be prorated to reflect the number of days of Subtenant’s occupancy during such calendar month and shall be payable on the Sublease Commencement Date.

(d) Rent payable hereunder shall be prorated on a daily basis in the case of any period of less than a full calendar year or, in the case of any monthly installment, any period less than a full calendar month. Subtenant shall pay all commercial rent or occupancy taxes imposed in connection with this Sublease, the Subleased Premises or the payment of Rent hereunder, if applicable.

4. Additional Rent:

(a) The Subtenant shall be responsible for paying directly to the provider all charges for all utilities, services, materials and other items provided to the Subleased Premises to the extent such utilities, services, materials and other items are not provided by Prime Landlord pursuant to the Prime Lease.

(b) The current Additional Rent payable under the Prime Lease (which sum may be adjusted annually pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Prime Lease) is $0.00 per month.

5. Security Deposit . Subtenant shall deposit the sum of $0.00 (the “ Security Deposit ”) with Sublandlord as security for the full and timely performance of Subtenant’s obligations under this Sublease.

6. Late Charges . If Subtenant shall fail to pay any installment of Rent or any other sum payable under this Sublease within five (5) days after the date when such amount is due, Subtenant shall pay to Sublandlord (in addition to such installment of Rent or other sum, as the case may be) as a late charge, an amount equal to (i) six percent (6%) of the amount unpaid plus (ii) eight percent (8%) per annum (the “ Interest Rate ”) of the amount unpaid, computed from the due date of such payment to and including the


date when such payment is actually made to Sublandlord; provided, however, that the total amount of such late charges shall not exceed the maximum late charge permitted by applicable law. The late charges for any month shall be paid to Sublandlord within ten (10) business days after receipt of written demand therefor. In the case of any uncured default in payment of any late charges by Subtenant, and in addition to all other remedies, Sublandlord shall have the same rights as provided in this Sublease (including the provisions incorporated by reference) for nonpayment of Rent. Nothing in this Paragraph, and no acceptance of late charges by Sublandlord, shall be deemed to extend or change the time for payment of Rent.

7. Subordination to the Prime Lease; Prime Landlord’s Consent .

(a) This Sublease is subject and subordinate to the Prime Lease and to each exception, encumbrance, lien or other matter to which the Prime Lease is or shall be subordinate. In the event of lawful termination, re-entry or dispossession by Prime Landlord under the Prime Lease, Prime Landlord may take over all of the right, title and interest of Sublandlord, as Sublandlord under this Sublease, and Subtenant shall attorn to Prime Landlord pursuant to the then executory provisions of this Sublease, except that the Prime Landlord shall not be (i) liable for any previous act or omission of Sublandlord under this Sublease, (ii) subject to any counterclaim, offset or defense not expressly provided in this Sublease (which theretofore accrued to Subtenant against Sublandlord) or (iii) bound by any previous prepayment of more than one (1) month’s Rent.

(b) Sublandlord shall pay to Prime Landlord any fee imposed on Sublandlord by the Prime Lease or otherwise in connection therewith.

8. Incorporation by Reference .

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Sublease, the terms and conditions of the Prime Lease (including, without limitation, the remedies thereunder) are hereby incorporated by this Sublease and made a part hereof with the same force and effect as if such terms and conditions were completely set forth herein, and as if the words “ Landlord ” and “ Tenant ”, or words of similar import, wherever the same appear in the Prime Lease, were construed to mean, respectively, Sublandlord and Subtenant under this Sublease, and as if the word “ Premises ”, or words of similar import, wherever the same appear in the Prime Lease, were construed to mean the Subleased Premises under this Sublease, and as if the word “ Lease ”, or words of similar import, wherever the same appear in the Prime Lease, were construed to mean this Sublease, and as if the word “ Term ”, or words or similar import, wherever the same appear in the Prime Lease, were construed to mean the Sublease Term under this Sublease. From and after the Sublease Commencement Date, Subtenant shall undertake to perform and observe all the terms, covenants and conditions of the tenant under the Prime Lease except for: (i) Sublandlord’s obligation to pay Rent and additional rent thereunder (so long as Subtenant pays all components of Rent pursuant to this Sublease); and (iii) those other terms, covenants and conditions which Sublandlord has expressly undertaken to perform or observe pursuant to the terms hereof. The time limits contained in the Prime Lease for the giving of notices, making of demands or performing any act, condition or covenant on the part of the tenant thereunder, or forthe exercise by the tenant thereunder of any right (including any right to cure a default), remedy or option, are changed for the purposes of incorporation herein by shortening the same by five (5) days in each instance, unless such time limit is five (5) days or less, in which event such period shall be shortened by two (2) days (but in no event shall such time limit be shortened pursuant to this subsection to less than three (3) days), so that notices may be given, demands made, any act, condition or covenant performed, and any right, remedy or option hereunder exercised by Sublandlord within the time limit relating thereto contained in the Prime Lease. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Sublease, if any of the express provisions of this Sublease shall conflict with any of the provisions of the Prime Lease incorporated herein by reference, as between Sublandlord and Subtenant, such conflict shall be resolved in every instance in favor of this Sublease; however, nothing contained in this Sublease shall be deemed, in any way, to modify any of the provisions of the Prime Lease.


(b) All capitalized words and phrases not otherwise defined or described in this Sublease shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prime Lease.

9. Performance by Sublandlord .

(a) Subtenant shall not have any rights in respect of the Subleased Premises greater than Sublandlord’s rights under the Prime Lease with respect thereto. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 10(b) below, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Sublease, Sublandlord shall have no liability to Subtenant by reason of any default of Prime Landlord (as to obligations of Sublandlord contained in this Sublease by the incorporation by reference of any provision of the Prime Lease), it being understood that if Sublandlord shall fail to fulfill any obligation of Prime Landlord hereunder and such failure is caused by the failure of Prime Landlord to comply with its obligations under the Prime Lease, then Sublandlord shall have no obligation or liability by reason of such failure. Subtenant expressly acknowledges that all of the services provided to the Building and the Subleased Premises are supplied by Prime Landlord, that Sublandlord has no control thereof and assumes no responsibility in connection therewith and that no such failure or interruption shall give rise to any (i) abatement, diminution or reduction of Subtenant’s obligations under this Sublease (except to the extent that Sublandlord is granted rent abatement under the Prime Lease), (ii) constructive eviction, whether in whole or in part, or (iii) liability on the part of Sublandlord, unless and to the extent such failure or interruption is directly attributable only to the negligence or willful misconduct of Sublandlord.

(b) Sublandlord shall not be required to make any payment or perform any obligation, and shall have no liability to Subtenant for any matter whatsoever, except for Sublandlord’s obligations:

 

  (i) to pay the Rent and Additional Rent due under the Prime Lease (provided Subtenant is not in default, beyond applicable notice and cure periods, in the payment of Rent payable under this Sublease);

 

  (ii) to use commercially reasonable good faith efforts, upon written request of Subtenant, to cause Prime Landlord to observe and perform its obligations under the Prime Lease with respect to the Subleased Premises (provided that Subtenant pays all costs incurred by Sublandlord in connection therewith) and provided that Sublandlord shall not be obligated to commence any litigation;

 

  (iii) provided that Subtenant is not in default under this Sublease beyond applicable notice and cure periods, not to take any action during the Sublease Term that would cause a default by Sublandlord as tenant under the Prime Lease. Sublandlord hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of Subtenant that, as of the date hereof, (i) the copy of the Prime Lease attached hereto as Exhibit A is a true and correct copy thereof and that no amendments or modifications have been executed by Sublandlord and Prime Landlord, and the Prime Lease is in full force and effect; (ii) Sublandlord has not received any notice of default from the Prime Landlord under the Prime Lease; and (iii) Sublandlord is in possession of the Subleased Premises; and

 

  (iv) Sublandlord promptly shall provide Subtenant with copies of all notices, including notices of default, received by Sublandlord from Prime Landlord.


10. No Breach of the Prime Lease . Subtenant shall not do, or permit to be done, during the Sublease Term, any act or thing which constitutes a breach or violation of any provision of the Prime Lease, whether or not such act or thing is permitted under the provisions of this Sublease.

11. Indemnification . Subtenant shall indemnify, defend and hold Sublandlord harmless from and against all third-party loss, cost, damage, expense and liability, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, which Sublandlord may incur by reason of: (i) any accident, damage or injury to any person or property occurring in, on or about the Subleased Premises from and after the Sublease Commencement Date; (ii) any breach or default under this Sublease by Subtenant; (iii) any work done in or to the Subleased Premises, either by or on behalf of Subtenant after the Sublease Commencement Date; or (iv) any act, omission or negligence by Subtenant or any of its officers, employees, agents, customers, licensees or invitees, or any person claiming through or under Subtenant; provided, however, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section, Subtenant shall not be obligated to indemnify Sublandlord against any such loss, cost, damage, expense or liability to the extent caused by Sublandlord’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or that of its agents, employees or contractors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Sublease or the Prime Lease, in no event shall either party be liable for any consequential damages incurred by the other (including, without limitation, any injury to a party’s business or loss of income or profit therefrom) in connection with this Sublease, the Subleased Premises or the Building or Project.

12. Condition of the Subleased Premises . Subtenant agrees to accept the Subleased Premises in its “ as is ” condition. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the foregoing, on the Sublease Commencement Date every system or item that is the obligation of Sublandlord to maintain and repair pursuant to the Prime Lease shall be in good working condition and repair, and if any system or item is not so delivered to Subtenant, Subtenant shall so notify Sublandlord and Sublandlord shall repair the item at no cost to Subtenant. If Subtenant notifies Sublandlord of a need for repair of any system or item that is the obligation of Prime Landlord to maintain and repair pursuant to the Prime Lease, Subtenant shall so notify Sublandlord and Sublandlord shall notify the Prime Landlord to initiate repairs to bring such condition into good working condition and repair. Sublandlord shall deliver the Subleased Premises to Subtenant in clean condition. Subtenant acknowledges that Sublandlord shall have no obligation to perform any work or to make any installations in order to prepare the Subleased Premises for Subtenant’s occupancy. Subtenant’s taking possession of the Subleased Premises shall be conclusive evidence as against Subtenant that, subject to Sublandlord’s obligations set forth in this Paragraph, as of such date the Subleased Premises and the relevant portions of the Building were in the condition required by this Paragraph.

13. Access . Prime Landlord, Sublandlord or either’s agents shall have the right to enter the Subleased Premises at all reasonable times, upon giving Subtenant reasonable advance notice, to examine the Subleased Premises and/or to maintain and repair any improvements installed therein by or on behalf of Prime Landlord or Sublandlord (if Subtenant has failed to do so as may be required pursuant to this Sublease). Subtenant shall have access to the Subleased Premises twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

14. Consents and Approvals . In any instance when Sublandlord’s consent or approval is required under this Sublease, Sublandlord’s refusal to consent to or approve any matter or thing shall be deemed reasonable if Prime Landlord’s consent also is required and Sublandlord has made a good faith effort to obtain the consent or approval to such matter or thing of Prime Landlord and such consent or approval was not obtained. If Subtenant shall seek the approval or consent by Sublandlord and Sublandlord shall fail or refuse to give such approval or consent, Subtenant’s sole remedy shall be an action for injunction or specific performance with respect thereto.


15. Assignment and Subletting .

(a) Subtenant shall not, by operation of law or otherwise, assign, sell, mortgage, pledge or in any manner transfer this Sublease or any interest therein, or sub-sublet any portion of the Subleased Premises, without the prior written consent of Sublandlord and Prime Landlord in each instance, and otherwise required in accordance with the provisions of the Prime Lease. To the extent the rentals or income derived from any sublease or assignment exceed the rentals due hereunder, one hundred percent (100%) of such excess rentals and income shall be paid to Sublandlord after Subtenant deducts its reasonable out of pocket costs incurred in connection with such sublease or assignment, including, without limitation, leasing commissions, leasehold improvements, costs and allowances and legal fees, to the extent the rent payable by the proposed transferee equals the rent being paid by Sublandlord under the Master Lease. Thereafter, any excess rentals and income shall be shared by the parties on a 50%/50% basis.

(b) If this Sublease shall be assigned or if the Subleased Premises or any portion thereof shall be sublet or occupied by any person(s) other than the original Subtenant named herein, then Sublandlord may collect rent from any such assignee, subtenant or occupant, and apply the net amounts collected to Rent payable pursuant to this Sublease, but no such assignment, occupancy or collection shall be deemed a waiver of any of the provisions of this Article, an acceptance of the assignee, subtenant or occupant as subtenant hereunder, or a release of any person from the further performance by such person of the obligations of Subtenant under this Sublease. The consent by Sublandlord and Prime Landlord to any assignment, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, transfer or subletting shall not constitute a waiver of the necessity for such consent to any subsequent assignment, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, transfer or subletting. No such assignment or subletting shall cause Subtenant to be released from its obligations under this Sublease unless expressly agreed to in writing by Sublandlord. Any proposed assignment or subletting shall be subject to the restrictions regarding assignment and subletting contained in the Prime Lease and the rights of Prime Landlord thereunder. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Prime Lease regarding Assignment and Subletting shall apply to any assignment or subletting hereunder by Subtenant.

16. Insurance . Without limiting any of the provisions of the Prime Lease, Subtenant shall maintain throughout the Sublease Term, for the benefit of Sublandlord and Prime Landlord as additional insureds, such insurance as Sublandlord may be required to provide pursuant to the Prime Lease, provided that Subtenant shall not be required to provide any insurance with respect to any portion of the Subleased Premises other than the Subleased Premises.

17. Alterations . Subtenant shall not make or cause or permit the making of, any alteration, addition, change, replacement, installation or addition in or to the Subleased Premises without obtaining the prior written consent of Sublandlord (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and Prime Landlord thereto in each instance. Any permitted changes shall be made only in compliance with the Prime Lease. If, upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Sublease, Subtenant shall surrender the Subleased Premises in the condition existing as of the Sublease Commencement Date, reasonable wear and tear, acts of God, casualty and condemnation excepted, and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of the Prime Lease. The provisions of this Paragraph shall survive the Sublease Expiration Date or earlier termination of this Sublease. In no event shall Subtenant be obligated to remove any alterations, additions or improvements installed in the Subleased Premises by Sublandlord or any predecessor-in-interest prior to the earlier of the Delivery Date or the Sublease Commencement Date.

18. Right to Cure Subtenant’s Default . If Subtenant shall default in the observance or performance of any term or covenant of this Sublease on Subtenant’s part to be observed or performed, and if such default has not been cured following ten (10) days’ notice to Subtenant, then Sublandlord may,


immediately or at any time thereafter, perform the same for the account of Subtenant. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Paragraph, if: (i) such default cannot reasonably be cured within such ten (10) day period; and (ii) such default does not involve Subtenant’s failure to pay any amount to Sublandlord pursuant to this Sublease, then Sublandlord shall not be entitled to exercise its remedies pursuant to this Paragraph if Subtenant shall commence curing such default within such ten (10) day period and shall thereafter cure such default with reasonable diligence (not to exceed, in any event, sixty (60) days). If Sublandlord makes any expenditure or incurs any obligation for the payment of money in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements, in instituting, prosecuting or defending any action or proceeding), then such sums paid, or obligations incurred, with interest at the Interest Rate shall be deemed to be additional rent under this Sublease and shall be paid by Subtenant to Sublandlord within five (5) days after Sublandlord’s demand therefor.

19. Brokerage . Each party to this Sublease represents that it dealt with no broker or other person who had any part, or was instrumental in any way, in bringing about this Sublease. Each party shall indemnify and hold harmless the other party from and against: (i) all claims made by any broker or other person for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or similar compensation, on behalf of the indemnifying party and by reason of or in connection with this Sublease; and (ii) all loss, cost, damage, expense or liability (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) in connection with such claims if such broker or other person claims to have dealt with or otherwise through the indemnifying party.

20. Notices . All notices, consents, approvals, demands, requests and other communications (collectively, “ Notices ”) which are required or desired to be given by either party to the other hereunder must be in writing and shall be personally delivered or sent by Federal Express or comparable courier for delivery on the morning of the next business day, and with all delivery or transmission charges prepaid. Notices delivered in the manner provided herein shall be deemed to have been given when delivered or when receipt therefor has been refused. Until such time as Sublandlord shall designate otherwise, all Notices given to Sublandlord shall be addressed to Sublandlord at 915 Disk Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, Attn: Gary Peters. All Notices given to Subtenant shall be addressed to Robert Fox Jr. at 20411 Kent Way, Los Gatos, California 95030. Sublandlord and Subtenant may from time to time change the names and/or addresses to which Notices given to such party shall be addressed and sent as aforesaid, by designating such other names and/or addresses in a notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph.

21. Waiver of Jury Trial and Right to Counterclaim . The parties hereby waive trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of them against the other on any matter arising out of or in any way connected with this Sublease, the relationship of Sublandlord and Subtenant, Subtenant’s use or occupancy of the Subleased Premises, any claim of injury or damage, or the enforcement of any remedy under any statute. If Sublandlord commences any summary proceeding for nonpayment of Rent required to be made under this Sublease, Subtenant will not interpose any counterclaim (except for mandatory or compulsory counterclaims) of any nature or description in any such proceeding.

22. No Waiver . The failure of Sublandlord or Subtenant to insist in any one or more cases upon the strict performance or observance of any obligation of the other party under this Sublease, or to exercise any right contained in this Sublease, shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment for the future of either any such obligation or any right of such party. Sublandlord’s or Subtenant’s receipt, and acceptance of performance, of any obligation by Sublandlord or Subtenant with the non-defaulting party’s knowledge of a breach by the defaulting party of any provision of this Sublease, shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach. No waiver by Sublandlord or Subtenant of any term, covenant or condition of this Sublease shall be deemed to have been made unless expressed in writing and signed by Sublandlord or Subtenant, as applicable.


23. Complete Agreement . There is no representation, agreement, arrangement or understanding, oral or written, between Sublandlord and Subtenant relating to the subject matter of this Sublease which is not fully expressed in this Sublease. This Sublease cannot be changed orally or in any manner other than by a written agreement executed by both parties.

24. Successors and Assigns . The provisions of this Sublease, except as herein otherwise specifically provided, shall extend to, bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. If Sublandlord assigns or transfers the leasehold estate under the Prime Lease, Sublandlord shall be entirely relieved and freed of all obligations under this Sublease from and after the date that such assignee or transferee agrees in writing to perform all of the obligations of Sublandlord hereunder from and after such date.

25. Interpretation . Irrespective of the place of execution of performance, this Sublease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of California applicable to agreements made and to be wholly performed within such venue. If any provision of this Sublease, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, then the remainder of this Sublease, and the application of that provision to the other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected but rather shall be enforced to the extent permitted by law. This Sublease shall be construed without regard to any presumption or other rule requiring construction against the party causing this Sublease to be drafted. If any words or phrases in this Sublease shall have been stricken out or otherwise eliminated, it shall be deemed that such words or phrases were never included in this Sublease and no implication or inference shall be drawn from the fact that said words or phrases were so stricken out or otherwise eliminated. Each covenant, agreement, obligation or other provision of this Sublease shall be deemed and construed as a separate and independent covenant of the party undertaking or making same (not dependent on any other provision of this Sublease unless otherwise expressly provided). All terms and words used in this Sublease, regardless of number or gender in which they are used, shall be deemed to include any other number and any other gender as the context may require. The word “ person ” as used in this Sublease shall mean a natural person or persons, a partnership, a corporation or any other form of business or legal association or entity.

26. No Offer . Submission of this Sublease for examination or signature by Subtenant does not constitute a reservation of option for or option to sublease, and such submission is not effective as a sublease or otherwise until execution and delivery by both Sublandlord and Subtenant, subject, however, to the provisions of Paragraph 8 above.

27. Authority . Each party to this Sublease represents that it is authorized to execute and to deliver the same and perform its obligations as set forth herein.

28. Amendment or Modification . Sublandlord and Prime Landlord shall not amend or modify the Prime Lease in any way so as to materially or adversely affect Subtenant or its interest hereunder, materially increase Subtenant’s obligations hereunder or materially restrict Subtenant’s rights hereunder, without the prior written consent of Subtenant.

29. Hazardous Materials . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Sublease or the Prime Lease, Subtenant, its agents, heirs, sublessees or assigns shall not be responsible for, and Sublandlord shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless Subtenant with respect to, any claim, remediation obligation, investigation obligation, removal obligation, monitoring obligation, liability, cause of action, penalty, attorneys’ fee, consultants’ cost, expense or damage owing or alleged to be owing with respect to any Hazardous Substance present on or about the Subleased Premises, the Building, or the soil, groundwater or surface water thereof, to the extent caused by Sublandlord, its agents, employees, contractors, sublessees, assignees or invitees. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary


contained in this Sublease or the Prime Lease, Sublandlord, its agents, employees, contractors, officers, directors, shareholders, successors, sublessees or assigns shall not be responsible for, and Subtenant shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless Sublandlord with respect to, any claim, remediation obligation, investigation obligation, removal obligation, monitoring obligation, liability, cause of action, penalty, attorneys’ fee, consultants’ cost, expense or damage owing or alleged to be owing with respect to any Hazardous Substance present on or about the Subleased Premises, the Building or the Project, or the soil, groundwater or surface water thereof, to the extent caused by Subtenant, its agents, employees, contractors, sublessees, assignees or invitees.

30. Termination of Sublease . Either of Sublandlord or Subtenant may terminate this Sublease, without penalty, prior to the Sublease Expiration Date by providing the other party thirty (30) days written notice of intent to terminate and such early termination will be effective upon the thirty first (31) day following such notice. Sublandlord shall not voluntarily terminate the Prime Lease during the Sublease Term unless and until Prime Landlord has agreed in writing to continue this Sublease in full force and effect as a direct lease between Prime Landlord and Subtenant upon and subject to all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Sublease for the balance of the Term hereof. If Prime Landlord so consents, Subtenant shall attorn to Prime Landlord in connection with any such voluntary termination and shall execute an attornment agreement in such form as may reasonably be requested by Prime Landlord; provided, however, that the attornment agreement does not materially adversely affect the use by Subtenant of the Premises in accordance with the terms of this Sublease, materially increase Subtenant’s obligations under this Sublease or materially decrease Subtenant’s rights under this Sublease.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Sublandlord and Subtenant have executed this Sublease to be effective as of the date first above written.

 

Fox Factory, Inc.,
By:  

/s/ Zvi Glasman            

  Name: Zvi Glasman
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
Robert Fox Jr.,
By:  

/s/ Robert Fox Jr.            

  Name: Robert Fox Jr.
  Title: Individual


SUBLEASE ADDENDUM

THE TERMS AND PROVISION OF THIS SUBLEASE ADDENDUM effective January 1, 2013 (“Addendum”), are incorporated in, supplement and modify the terms and conditions of that certain SUBLEASE dated January 1, 2012, by and between Fox Factory, Inc., Sublandlord, and Robert Fox Jr., Subtenant, and regarding the property described as a portion of 915 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA and more particularly described in the Sublease.

THE UNDERSIGNED SUBLANDLORD AND SUBTENANT HEREBY AGREE to the following terms and conditions:

1. The Sublease Term shall be extended uninterrupted from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013;

2. Subtenant shall not be required to maintain Insurance;

3. Subtenant shall not be liable for any Additional Rent;

4. All other terms and conditions of the Subleasse shall remain the same though the hereby extended Term.

 

   READ AND AGREED IN SCOITS VALLEY, CA         
By:   

/s/ Robert Fox

     

/s/ Larry L. Enterline

   Robert Fox       Name:    Larry L. Enterline
   Date: 6/26/2013       6/26/2013

Exhibit 10.18

SERVICES AND SECONDMENT AGREEMENT

THIS SERVICES AND SECONDMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of March 10, 2011 by and between Vulcan Holdings, Inc., a Georgia corporation (“ Vulcan ”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation (“ Fox ”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation and the sole shareholder of Fox (“Parent” and, collectively with Vulcan and Fox, the “ Parties ”).

WHEREAS, Vulcan desires to provide executive management services to Parent and Fox and, in connection therewith, an interim chief executive officer to Fox, and Parent and Fox desire to obtain such executive management services in furtherance of their business, commencing March 21, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”) and otherwise subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants herein contained and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Retention of Services . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement:

(a) Fox hereby retains Vulcan, and Vulcan hereby agrees to be retained by Fox, to provide such executive management services as may from time to time be requested by Parent or Fox (collectively, the “Services”). Vulcan acknowledges and agrees that it may, from time to time, be requested to perform Services, directly or indirectly, for Parent, Fox and/or any subsidiaries of Fox.

(b) In connection with the provision by Vulcan of the Services, Vulcan hereby agrees to second to Fox during the Retention Term (as defined in Section 4 hereof), and Fox hereby agrees to accept such secondment of, Larry L. Enterline (“ Enterline ”) as the interim Chief Executive Officer (“ Interim CEO ”) of Fox, and Enterline hereby agrees to so serve as Interim CEO. Vulcan further agrees that Enterline will be available to serve on the Board of Directors of Fox during the Retention Term.

(c) Fox agrees to cause Enterline to have all necessary power and authority to act as its Interim CEO and, for so long as Enterline serves as Interim CEO, Parent agrees to elect (or-reelect, as the case may be) Enterline to the Board of Directors of Fox.

(d) Enterline will be permitted to, and will, perform his duties and services as Interim CEO at either the principal executive offices of Fox located in Watsonville, California (or at any other office from time to time established by Fox as its principal executive offices) or at any office established by Vulcan within the United States.

2. Compensation and other Consideration . Subject to Section 5(a), in consideration of the Services, including the services and duties of Enterline as Interim CEO, during the Retention Term:

(a) Fox shall pay to Vulcan (or its designee or designees) an annual fee in readily available funds in an amount equal to $700,000 (the “ Annual Fee ”), payable in arrears in equal semi-monthly installments on or about the 15th and the last day of each calendar month (each a “ Payment Date ”) during the Retention Term, commencing on the first Payment Date following the Effective Date (the first installment to be pro rated from the Effective Date to the applicable Payment Date).


(b) Vulcan shall also be eligible to receive from Fox in respect of the secondment of Enterline the following incentive fees:

(i) an incentive fee payable annually (pro rated for each portion of a calendar year) (the “ Incentive Fee ”) equal to the sum of (A) an escalating percentage of $500,000 (the “ Maximum First Tier Incentive Fee ”) plus (B) an escalating percentage of $250,000 (the “ Maximum Second Tier Incentive Fee ”), where each such applicable escalating percentage is a function of actual EBITDA (as defined below) for the applicable calendar year (or pro rated portion thereof) as compared to EBITDA as budgeted for such calendar year and approved by the Board of Directors of Fox (“ Budgeted EBITDA ”), all as set forth in the table below (for purposes of this Section 2(b)(i), “ EBITDA ” shall mean, for each calendar year, consolidated net income of Fox and its subsidiaries for such year plus, to the extent deducted in determining such consolidated net income, interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization):

 

Achieved % of Budgeted

EBITDA

   Earned % of Maximum
First Tier Incentive Fee
  Earned % of Maximum
Second Tier Incentive Fee

£ 90%

   0%   0%

>90% but <100%

   (a)   0%

100%

   100%   0%

>100% but <110%

   100%   (b)

³ 110%

   100%   100%

 

(a) For each percentage increase (or the proportionate portion thereof) in the Achieved % of Budgeted EBITDA above 90%, the Earned Percentage of Maximum First Tier Incentive Fee is increased by 10% (or the proportionate portion thereof). For purposes of illustration, at an Achieved % of 95%, the Earned % would be 50% (resulting in a First Tier Incentive Fee of $250,000).
(b) For each percentage increase (or the proportionate portion thereof) in the Achieved % of Budgeted EBITDA above 100%, the Earned Percentage of Maximum Second Tier Incentive Fee is increased by 10% (or the proportionate portion thereof). For purposes of illustration, at an Achieved % of 105%, the Earned % would be 50% (resulting in a Second Tier Incentive Fee of $125,000 and a total Incentive Fee of $625,000).

and

(ii) a one-time end-of-Retention Term fee (the “ End-of-Term Fee ”) of up to $1,000,000 if, at the end of the Retention Term, the performance measures as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto have, in the reasonable discretion of the Board of Directors of Fox, been achieved.

 

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(c) In addition to the Annual Fee and to any Incentive Fee or End-of-Term Fee, Vulcan shall be granted options (the “ Options ”) to purchase, under the 2008 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan of Fox Factory Holding Corp. (the “ Option Plan ”), 17,864 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Fox Factory Holding Corp. (the “ Shares ”). The Option price per Share shall be the per Share fair market value of the Shares on the Effective Date as determined in accordance with the provisions of, and the Options shall in all respects be subject to, the Option Plan. The Option Agreement or Option Agreements (as defined in the Plan) pursuant to which the Options are granted would provide that (i) the Options would vest one-half (1/2) on the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date and one-half (1/2) on the two-year anniversary of the Effective Date (in each case, provided Enterline is then serving as Interim CEO), (ii) to the extent not already vested, all Options would automatically vest upon either a Change of Control (as such term is defined in existing Option Agreements under the Option Plan) or, as provided in Section 5(b)(iii), in connection with the termination of this Agreement by Fox without Cause, and (iii) Vulcan would have ten (10) years from the date of grant during which to exercise all vested Options.

(d) In addition to the Annual Fee, any Incentive Fee or End-of-Term Fee, and the Options, Fox shall (i) pay to Vulcan $2,500 per month to cover general and administrative costs incurred by Vulcan and/or Enterline in connection with the providing of the Services (“ Administrative Costs ”) and (ii) reimburse Enterline for all reasonable, ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred by him in connection with the performance of services as Interim CEO (which reimbursement will be governed by the business expense reimbursement policies of Fox as established from time to time) (“ Business Expenses ”).

(e) Fox shall cause Enterline, in his capacity as a director and officer of Fox, to be covered by indemnification and exculpation under any applicable provisions of Fox’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and to be covered under any D&O insurance policy in effect from time to time.

3. Covenants in Respect of Conflicts, Non-Solicitation, Non-Disparagement, Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality .

(a) Conflicts of Interest . During the term of this Agreement and for a period of three (3) years following its termination or expiration (the “ Restricted Period ”), Vulcan covenants and agrees not to provide, and to prohibit Enterline from providing, any services, of any type or nature (whether through its employees, agents, consultants or otherwise), directly or indirectly through any one or more intermediaries, to any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity (each a “ Person ”) that competes, directly or indirectly, with Fox and its subsidiaries or affiliates in any business conducted by Fox at any time during the Retention Term.

(b) Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement . During the Restricted Period, Vulcan covenants and agrees not to, and to cause Enterline not to, directly or indirectly:

(i) contact, approach or solicit for the purpose of offering employment to or hiring (whether as an employee, consultant, agent, independent contractor or otherwise) any person employed by Fox or any of its subsidiaries at any time during the Restricted Period, without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors of Fox;

 

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(ii) solicit or attempt to induce any customer or other business relation of Fox or any of its subsidiaries into any business relationship (including the termination or rescission of the relationship with Fox) which might materially harm Fox or any related, affiliated or subsidiary organization of Fox; or

(iii) participate or concur in any remarks or actions, other than with representatives of Fox or intended in good faith to further the business interests of Fox, that are disparaging or detrimental in any way to the business or personal reputation of Fox and any related, affiliated or subsidiary organization of Fox, or any directors, officers, employees or representatives of Fox or any such Person.

(c) Proprietary Rights .

(i) Fox or its applicable subsidiary (as applicable, the “ Owner ”) shall be the sole and exclusive owner of all products, devices, computer programs, techniques, procedures, discoveries, inventions, methodologies, improvements, know-how and original works of authorship, and all materials, texts, drawings, specifications, reports, data and other recorded information, in preliminary or final form, that result from or are suggested by Vulcan or Enterline during the Retention Term, or that are created, developed, conceived, reduced to practice, developed, discovered, invented or made by Vulcan or Enterline (whether solely or jointly with others) in connection with the performance of the Services. To the extent permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act (or any successor statute), all of the foregoing (the “ Proprietary Materials ”) will constitute “ works made for hire ,” and the ownership of such Proprietary Materials will vest in the Owner at the time they are created. To the extent the Proprietary Materials are not “ works made for hire ” under applicable copyright laws, Vulcan hereby assigns and transfers, and agrees to cause Enterline to assign and transfer, to Owner all right, title and interest that Vulcan or Enterline may now or hereafter have in the Proprietary Materials. Vulcan agrees to (i) promptly disclose to Fox the creation or existence of all Proprietary Materials, and (ii) take, and to cause Enterline to take, such action as Fox may reasonably request, at Fox’s expense, to evidence, transfer, vest or confirm Owner’s right, title and interest in the Proprietary Materials.

(ii) Title to any and all company property which is furnished or provided to, created by or obtained by Vulcan or Enterline hereunder shall remain in Owner.

 

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(d) Confidentiality .

(i) Nondisclosure of Confidential Information . In connection with the provision of the Services, Enterline and/or Vulcan may be entrusted with information, whether disclosed in written, verbal or visual form, relating to the business, strategy, technology, products, marketing plans, financial condition, employees, vendors, partners and/or customers of Fox and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“ Confidential Information ”). Such Confidential Information will be labeled as such or will be reasonably obvious from its contents. Vulcan and Enterline: (A) shall treat all such Confidential Information as strictly confidential; (B) shall use such Confidential Information only for the purposes contemplated in this Agreement; (C) shall protect such Confidential Information, whether in storage or in use, with the same degree of care as Vulcan uses to protect its own proprietary information against public disclosure, but in no case with less than reasonable care, (D) shall not disclose such Confidential Information to any third party except to such employees or agents of Vulcan on a need-to-know basis who shall (i) be advised by Vulcan or Enterline, as applicable, of the existence of this Agreement and (ii) agree to be bound by the provisions hereof, and (E) shall be responsible for any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information by such employees.

(ii) Exclusions . The provisions of Section 3(d)(i) shall not apply to any information which: (A) was in the public domain on the date hereof or comes into the public domain other than through the fault or negligence of Vulcan; (B) was lawfully obtained by Vulcan from a third party without breach of this Agreement and otherwise not in violation of Fox’s or its subsidiaries’ or affiliates’ rights; (C) was known to Vulcan at the time of disclosure as shown by Vulcan’s records in existence at the time of disclosure; or (D) is required to be disclosed, in the opinion of counsel to Vulcan, pursuant to applicable law, rule, regulation, stock exchange rule, subpoena or the order of any court or governmental agency.

(iii) Return . Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, and in any event upon Fox’s request at any time, Vulcan shall, and shall cause Enterline to, (A) return to Fox, or destroy in a manner acceptable to Fox, all company property, including, without limitation, any property (including any copies, extracts or summaries thereof) embodying Confidential Information, and (B) certify in writing to Fox, within 10 days following Fox’s request, that all such company property has been returned or destroyed.

(e) Enterline . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, during the Retention Term:

(i) Enterline shall (i) devote such of his time, attention and energies to the business of Fox as is necessary for him to diligently and to the best of his ability perform all duties incident to his service as Interim CEO hereunder; (ii) use his best efforts to promote the interests and goodwill of Fox; and (iii) perform such other duties commensurate with the position of Interim CEO as the Board of Directors of Fox may from time-to-time assign to him; and

 

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(ii) Enterline shall obtain the written consent of the Board of Directors of Fox prior to serving on public corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 3(e)(ii) shall not be construed as preventing Enterline from serving on the public corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees on which he currently serves, as listed on Exhibit B, provided, however, that in no event shall any such service or business activity require the provision of substantial services by Enterline to the operations or the affairs of such businesses or enterprises such that the provision thereof would interfere in any respect with the performance by Enterline of his duties hereunder.

4. Term . This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 5 hereof, shall continue until the date that is two (2) years after the Effective Date (such period, the “ Retention Term ”).

5. Termination; Effect of Termination .

(a) Termination . This Agreement may only be terminated as follows:

(i) by the mutual agreement of the Parties at any time during the Retention Term;

(ii) by Fox for Cause (as hereinafter defined) immediately upon written notice to Vulcan or as of such later date as such notice shall specify;

(iii) by Fox without Cause at any time during the Retention Term; or

(iv) by Vulcan voluntarily at any time during the Retention Term, provided that Vulcan shall give a minimum of 90 calendar days written notice of such election to voluntarily terminate this Agreement (the “ Notice Period ”).

(b) Effect of Termination .

(i) In the event that the Parties terminate this Agreement by mutual agreement pursuant to Section 5(a)(i), Fox shall solely be obligated to (and shall promptly) (A) pay to Vulcan in cash, in a lump sum, (I) any un-reimbursed Administrative Costs with respect to the period prior to the applicable date of termination of this Agreement (the “ Termination Date ”) due pursuant to Section 2(d) hereof (collectively, the “ Accrued Administrative Costs ”), (II) any unpaid amount of the Annual Fee due pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof with respect to the period commencing as of the prior applicable Payment Date and ending on the Termination Date (the “ Accrued Annual Fee ”), and (III) such other amounts, if any, as may be agreed in writing by the Parties, and (B) pay to Enterline in cash, in a lump sum, any un-reimbursed Business Expenses incurred prior to the Termination Date.

(ii) In the event that Fox terminates this Agreement for Cause pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii) or that Vulcan terminates this Agreement voluntarily pursuant to Section 5(a)(iv), Fox shall only be obligated to (and shall promptly) (A) pay to Vulcan in cash, in a lump sum, (I) any Accrued Administrative Costs and (II) any Accrued Annual Fee, and (B) pay to Enterline in cash, in a lump sum, any un-reimbursed Business Expenses incurred prior to the Termination Date.

 

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(iii) In the event that Fox terminates this Agreement without Cause pursuant to Section 5(a)(iii), Fox shall solely be obligated to (and shall promptly) (A) pay to Vulcan in cash, (I) in a lump sum, any accrued Administrative Costs and (II) on each applicable Payment Date to the end of the Retention Term, the amount of the Annual Fee due pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on each such Payment Date, and (B) pay to Enterline in cash, in a lump sum, any un-reimbursed Business Expenses incurred prior to the Termination Date, and, to the extent not already vested, all Options shall vest on the Termination Date.

(c) Definitions .

(i) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” means: (A) the failure of Vulcan to provide the Services or if, for any reason, Enterline is unable or unwilling to continue to serve as Interim CEO; (B) action by Enterline constituting gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or reckless disregard of his duties as Interim CEO and such action, individually or in the aggregate, caused or is reasonably likely to cause a material adverse effect to the business or operations of Fox and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (C) the willful or grossly negligent violation of any law by Enterline which causes material injury to the business or operations of Fox and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole or entry of a plea of nolo contendere (or similar plea) to a charge of such an offense; (D) conduct by Enterline which causes Fox or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates substantial public disgrace or disrepute; (E) refusal or failure by Enterline to comply with Fox’s reasonable orders or directives or the Company’s reasonable rules, regulation, policies, procedures or practices that are not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, in each case, which continues uncured for 30 days following written notice thereof from Fox to Vulcan, and (F) any material breach by Enterline of this Agreement, which, if curable, continues uncured for 30 days following written notice thereof from Fox to Vulcan.

6. Representations . Vulcan represents and warrants to Fox that: (x) Vulcan’s execution and performance of this Agreement will not violate any provision of, or conflict with, any agreement or obligation to which Vulcan may be bound; and (y) this Agreement, when executed, will constitute a valid and legally binding obligation of Vulcan, enforceable against Vulcan in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.

7. Miscellaneous .

(a) Independent Contractor . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, (i) Vulcan shall act solely as an independent contractor; and (ii) nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or interpreted to make Fox and Vulcan partners or joint venturers, or to make one an agent or representative of the other.

 

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(b) Employment Matters . Vulcan shall be solely responsible for all matters relating to employment matters of Enterline, including, without limitation, compliance with all applicable workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation and social security laws, and in respect of all withholding and all other federal, state and local laws and regulations governing such matters.

(c) Notices . All notices and other communications made in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if (i) delivered personally, (ii) telecopied (which is confirmed), (iii) dispatched by a nationally recognized overnight courier service or (iv) sent by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested and postage prepaid), to the Parties at the following respective addresses:

(A) if to Vulcan or Enterline:

Vulcan Holdings, Inc.

2699 Buford Highway

Buford, GA 30518

Attn: Larry L. Enterline

Facsimile:             

(B) if to Fox or Parent:

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

2010 Main, Suite 1020

Irvine, CA 92614

Attn: Patrick Maciariello

Facsimile: (949) 333-5043

or to such other address or to such other person or persons designated in writing by such Party or counsel, as the case may be. Notices delivered pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii) of this Section 7(c) shall be deemed given on the day delivered or transmitted, respectively; and notices delivered pursuant to clauses (iii) or (iv) of this Section 7(c) shall be deemed given on the second business day following the day sent, whether or not such notice was actually received on such business day.

(d) Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflicts of law rules thereof.

(e) Injunctive Relief . Fox and Vulcan acknowledge that the extent of damages in the event of the breach of any provision of Section 3 would be difficult or impossible to ascertain, and that there will be available no adequate remedy at law in the event of any such breach. Each party therefore agrees that in the event Vulcan breaches any provision of Section 3, Fox will be entitled to injunctive or other equitable relief, in addition to any other relief to which it may be entitled.

 

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(f) Severability . The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability or the other provisions hereof. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or entity or any circumstance, is invalid or unenforceable, (i) a suitable and equitable provision shall be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid or unenforceable provision; and (ii) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other persons or entities or circumstances shall not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, nor shall such invalidity or unenforceability affect the validity or enforceability of such provision, or the application thereof, in any other jurisdiction.

(g) Amendment, Waiver, etc . No amendment, modification or discharge of this Agreement, and no waiver hereunder, shall be valid or binding unless set forth in writing and duly executed by the Party against whom enforcement of such amendment, modification, discharge or waiver is sought.

(h) Entire Agreement, etc . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and/or negotiations (whether written or oral) between the Parties with respect to such subject matter.

(i) Survival . The rights and obligations contained in Sections 3 and 7 of this Agreement shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.

(j) Binding Effect, etc . This Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that neither Party shall assign this Agreement or the rights and obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other Party.

(k) Attorneys’ Fees . In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision of this Agreement is validly asserted as a defense, the prevailing Party, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall be entitled to recover reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees in addition to any other available remedy.

(l) Terminology and Construction .

(i) All words in this Agreement, regardless of the number and gender in which they are used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number (singular or plural) and any other gender (masculine, feminine or neuter), as the context of this Agreement may require.

(ii) Unless otherwise indicated herein, any reference in this Agreement to a Section shall mean the applicable section of this Agreement.

(iii) As used herein, the words “include”, “includes” or “including” shall not be construed to limit such statement, term or matter to the specific items or matters set forth immediately following such word or to similar items or matters, but rather shall be deemed to refer to all other items and matters that could reasonably fall within the broadest possible scope of such statement, term or matter.

 

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(iv) The headings in this Agreement are intended for reference purposes only and shall be given no effect in the construction and interpretation hereof.

(v) As used in this Agreement, the words “herein” , “hereof” and other similar words shall refer to this Agreement taken as a whole and not to a particular Section

(vi) The Parties and their respective legal counsel have participated jointly in the drafting and negotiation of this Agreement. In the event that an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall not be construed against (and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring) any Party.

(m) Counterparts, etc . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Facsimile signatures shall be sufficient to bind the Parties.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the date first written above.

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:  

/s/ Elias J. Sabo

  Name: Elias J. Sabo
  Title: Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary
FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:  

/s/ Elias J. Sabo

  Name: Elias J. Sabo
  Title: President
VULCAN HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Larry L. Enterline

  Name: Larry L. Enterline
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

Acknowledged and agree to by:

/s/ Larry L. Enterline

Larry L. Enterline

 

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EXHIBIT A

End-of-Term Fee

[to be determined/agreed]


EXHIBIT B

Business Activities

Public Boards

Concurrent Computer Corporation (CCUR)

Raptor Networks Technology Inc. (RPTN)

Major Philanthropic Involvement

The Enterline Foundation

 

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FIRST AMENDMENT TO SERVICES AND SECONDMENT AGREEMENT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO SERVICES AND SECONDMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is effective as of March 21, 2013 and amends that certain Services and Secondment Agreement by and between Vulcan Holdings, Inc., a Georgia corporation (“ Vulcan ”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation (“ Fox ”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation and the sole shareholder of Fox (“ Parent ” and, collectively with Vulcan and Fox, the “ Parties ”) dated as of March [21], 2011 (the “ Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Agreement expires by its terms on March 21, 2013; and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to extend the Retention Term as set forth in this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants herein contained and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Section 4 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“4. Term . This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 5 hereof, shall continue until June 22, 2013 (such period, the “ Retention Term ”).”

2. Except for the foregoing, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect as written.

3. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Facsimile and signatures via electronic transmission (including portable document format (.pdf)) shall be sufficient to bind the Parties.

{Signature Pages Follow}


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Amendment on the date first written above.

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By: /s/ Patrick A. Maciariello
Name: Patrick A. Maciariello
Title: Vice President
FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By: /s/ Patrick A. Maciariello
Name: Patrick A. Maciariello
Title: Vice President
VULCAN HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Larry L. Enterline
Name: Larry L. Enterline
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Acknowledged and agree to by:

/s/ Larry L. Enterline            

Larry L. Enterline

Exhibit 10.19

Execution Copy

FOX FACTORY, INC.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

(Zvi Glasman)

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of September 1, 2008, between Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Company ”), and Zvi Glasman (“ Executive ”).

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Employment . The Company shall employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company (or, as applicable, a Subsidiary), upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period beginning on the date hereof and ending as provided in paragraph 4 hereof (the Initial Period and the Extended Period (both as defined in paragraph 4), together the “ Employment Period ”).

2. Position and Duties .

(a) During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and shall have the normal duties, responsibilities, functions and authority customarily associated with such position and such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time to Executive by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, all subject to the power and authority of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) and Executive Committee of the Board (the “ Executive Committee ”) to expand or limit such duties, responsibilities, functions and authority and to overrule actions of officers of the Company.

(b) Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive shall devote Executive’s full-time energies and attention to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Executive shall perform Executive’s duties, responsibilities and functions to the Company and its Subsidiaries hereunder in a diligent, trustworthy, professional and efficient manner and shall comply with the policies and procedures of the Company and its Subsidiaries and will cooperate fully with the Board in the advancement of the best interests of the Company. So long as Executive is employed by the Company, Executive shall not, except as provided herein or without the prior written consent of the Board, render to any other person, corporation, firm, company, joint venture or other entity any services of any kind for compensation, or engage in any other activity that would compete with the Company or its Subsidiaries, and/or interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties for the Company and its Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding, Executive may engage in charitable, civic, fraternal and trade association activities that do not interfere materially with Executive’s obligations to the Company. Further, nothing in this Agreement shall limit Executive’s ability to: (i) serve as a member of any board of directors for any non-profit organization, so long as such membership does not interfere materially or conflict with Executive’s obligations to the Company; or (ii) as otherwise agreed by the Board in writing. As of the date hereof, Executive represents and warrants that Executive does not have any financial interest in any competitor, supplier or customer of the Company or its Subsidiaries; provided that passive ownership (i.e., Executive does not directly or indirectly participate in the business or management of the applicable entity) of less than 5% of the stock of a publicly-held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange shall not be deemed to be a financial interest in a competitor, supplier or customer of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

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(c) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Subsidiary ” shall mean any corporation or other entity of which the securities or other ownership interests having the voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other governing body are, now or hereafter, owned directly or indirectly by the Company.

3. Compensation and Benefits .

(a) Base Salary . During the Employment Period, Executive’s base salary shall be $250,000 per annum (the “ Base Salary ”), to be paid in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices. Executive’s Base Salary will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”) and adjusted, from time to time thereafter, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

(b) Performance Bonus . Beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 (or if the Company’s fiscal year is changed, with the first full fiscal year of the Company beginning after execution of this Agreement), Executive will be eligible to receive a bonus (the “ Performance Bonus ”) based on three levels: entry, target and distinguished. The bonus for Executive at each level will be comprised of an objective component, equal to 70% of the Performance Bonus, based on the achievement of EBITDA targets (the “ EBITDA Bonus ”) and a discretionary component, equal to 30% of the Performance Bonus, based on the achievement of individual performance objectives (the “ Individual MBO Criteria ”) established by the Compensation Committee (the “ MBO Bonus ”). The term “ EBITDA ” means the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of the Company, calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis; provided that any management fees paid to Compass Group Management LLC or any affiliate thereof and deducted from the calculation of EBITDA in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles shall be disregarded and added back to EBITDA for purposes of this Agreement. All determinations of EBITDA shall be derived from the Company’s annual audited financial statements and determined by the Compensation Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and final.

(i) Entry Level . If, for a particular year, the Company’s EBITDA for the year is less than Target EBITDA (as defined below) but equals or exceeds 85% of Target EBITDA, then Executive’s EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to the product of (i) 7.0% plus the product of 1.4% times each full one percentage point positive variance to 85% of Target EBITDA, times (ii) Executive’s Base Salary. For example, if actual EBITDA is 97.6% of Target EBITDA, then Executive’s EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to 23.8% times Executive’s Base Salary (7.0% + (1.4%x12) = 23.8%).

(ii) Target Level . If, for a particular year, the Company’s EBITDA for the year is more than Target EBITDA but less than 110% of Target EBITDA, then Executive’s EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to the product of (i) 28% plus the product of 1.4% times each full one percentage point positive variance to Target EBITDA, times (ii) Executive’s Base Salary. For example, if actual EBITDA is 107.6% of Target EBITDA, then Executive’s EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to 37.8% times Executive’s Base Salary (28% + (1.4%x7) = 37.8%).

(iii) Distinguished Level . If, for a particular year, the Company’s EBITDA for the year equals or exceeds 110% of Target EBITDA, then Executive’s EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to (i) 42% times (ii) Executive’s Base Salary.

(iv) MBO Bonus . If, for a particular year, the Company’s EBITDA for the year equals or exceeds 85% of Target EBITDA, then if the Compensation Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that Executive achieved the Individual MBO Criteria set forth for the year, then the Compensation Committee shall further determine, in its sole discretion, whether such achievement was at an entry, target

 

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or distinguished level. If the Compensation Committee so determines that Executive’s achievement of the Individual MBO Criteria was at an entry level, then Executive’s MBO Bonus shall be equal to the product of 6% times Executive’s Base Salary. If the Compensation Committee so determines that Executive’s achievement of the Individual MBO Criteria was at a target level, then Executive’s MBO Bonus shall be equal to the product of 12% times Executive’s Base Salary. If the Compensation Committee so determines that Executive’s achievement of the Individual MBO Criteria was at a distinguished level, then Executive’s MBO Bonus shall be equal to the product of 18% times Executive’s Base Salary.

(v) 2008 Bonuses Pro Rated . Executive’s EBITDA Bonus and MBO Bonus shall be pro rated for fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 to represent the period during which Executive provided services to the Company beginning September 1, 2008. The bonuses shall be pro rated based on calendar months and shall represent one-third (4 months divided by 12 months) of the bonuses Executive would otherwise have received if he had been an employee for the entire fiscal year.

(vi) Target EBITDA . For purposes of this Agreement, “ Target EBITDA ” means (i) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, $13,200,000, and (ii) for each fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2008, the EBITDA set forth in the operating budget of the Company, as approved by the Board, for the particular year.

(c) Employee Benefits . Executive shall be included, to the extent eligible under the terms and conditions, as such terms and conditions may be established or changed from time to time by the Board in its sole discretion, in any and all of the Company plans providing benefits for its executives. Nothing contained herein shall obligate the Company to adopt or maintain any benefit plan and nothing herein shall restrict the Company’s right in its sole discretion to adopt, modify or otherwise alter, in whole or in part, any and/or all of its benefit plans, provided that such adoption, abolition, modification or alteration is of general effect and applicable to all of the Company’s employees and/or officers under such plans.

(d) Paid Time Off . Executive shall be entitled to four weeks’ paid time off each fiscal year in accordance with the policies of the Company in effect for its executive officers from time to time. Executive shall take paid time off at such time or times as shall be approved by the Company, which approval shall not be withheld unreasonably.

(e) Business Expenses . During the Employment Period, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the course of performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement which are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses.

(f) Payroll Withholdings . From each payment to Executive of Base Salary and bonus, if any, the Company will report, withhold and pay to the proper governmental authorities any and all amounts required by law to be withheld for federal, state and local income and employment taxes, and any and all other amounts required by law to be reported and/or withheld from Executive’s wages. The Company will also deduct from Executive’s salary payments those sums authorized by Executive in writing and approved by the Company. The Company will make those payments and contributions, such as unemployment insurance premiums, workers’ compensation insurance premiums, the employer’s portion of state disability insurance premiums, and the employer’s portion of federal employment taxes, which are required by law to be made by the Company.

(g) Equity . Executive will be eligible to receive awards of stock options, restricted stock or other equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time. The Board or its committee will determine in its discretion whether Executive will be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any such award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time.

 

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4. Term . The Employment Period shall be for a period of three years commencing on the date of this Agreement (the “ Initial Period ”) and shall thereafter automatically renew for successive periods of one year each (collectively, the successive periods, the “ Extended Period ”), unless the Company provides at least 60 days written notice to Executive prior to the expiration of the Initial Period or Extended Period, as applicable, that this Agreement shall not be renewed. To the extent the Company provides Executive with any such advance written notice of non-renewal of this Agreement, such non-renewal by the Company shall be treated as a termination without Cause under paragraph 5(a)(iv) below.

5. Termination of Employment .

(a) Termination . This Agreement, the Employment Period and the employment of Executive by the Company may be terminated at any time as follows:

(i) By mutual agreement of the parties;

(ii) By the Company if Executive dies or becomes Disabled. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Disabled ” shall mean any mental or physical illness or disability that renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position for a period of 90 consecutive days or 180 days during any twelve month period;

(iii) By the Company for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean with respect to Executive, one or more of the following: (A) willful or grossly negligent violation of any law which causes material injury to the business of the Company or entry of a plea of nolo contendere (or similar plea) to a charge of such an offense, (B) conduct causing the Company or any of its Subsidiaries substantial public disgrace or disrepute, (C) any act or omission aiding or abetting a competitor, supplier or customer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the material disadvantage or detriment of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (D) Executive’s willful violation of Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company, including the duty of loyalty and the corporate opportunity doctrine, (E) commission of, or the indictment or conviction for, any act of fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or embezzlement, any felony or any other violation of law that causes material injury to the business of the Company, (F) refusal or failure to comply with the Company’s reasonable orders or directives (including refusal or failure to perform, other than as a result of death or Disability, assigned duties or responsibilities that are consistent with normal business practices and this Agreement) or the Company’s reasonable rules, regulation, policies, procedures or practices that are not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, in each case, which continues uncured for 15 days following written notice thereof from the Company to Executive, and (G) any material breach by Executive of this Agreement, which, if curable, continues uncured for 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company to Executive;

(iv) By the Company without Cause;

(v) By Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation from employment at any time within ninety (90) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following: (A) a reduction in Executive’s Base Salary below the amount on the date hereof (other than a substantially similar reduction applicable to all executives), (B) the Company requiring, orally or in writing, without Executive’s consent, that Executive relocate Executive’s primary residence; or (C) the breach by the Company of its material obligations or duties under this Agreement. Under this Agreement, Executive will not be able to resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice; or

 

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(vi) By Executive, voluntarily, at anytime during the Employment Period; provided that Executive agrees to give the Company not less than 90 days written notice of Executive’s resignation.

(b) Consequences of Termination . Executive shall be entitled to the following compensation in the event of termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to the terms of paragraph 5(a):

(i) Following any termination under paragraphs 5(a)(i), (ii), (iii) or (vi), Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to Executive’s accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination or death plus any authorized business expenses incurred and un-reimbursed as of the date of termination or death.

(ii) Following any termination under paragraphs 5(a)(iv) or (v), Executive shall be entitled to receive (A) lump sum payment in an amount equal to Executive’s accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination plus any authorized business expenses incurred and un-reimbursed as of the date of termination, (B) severance (“ Severance ”) in an amount equal to Executive’s per annum Base Salary as of the date of termination, unless Executive’s Base Salary was reduced in violation of paragraph 5(a)(v)(A), in which case it shall be an amount equal to Executive’s per annum Base Salary as in effect prior to such reduction, provided such amount is greater than Executive’s Base Salary on the date of termination, and payable over the twelve month period beginning on the date of termination in substantially equal monthly payments, and (C) a pro rata payment of Executive’s EBITDA Bonus (which Executive would have earned under this Agreement if Executive were employed for the entire fiscal year in which such termination from employment occurs, with such pro-rata portion being calculated as the product of that fiscal year’s EBITDA Bonus multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive is employed with the Company in the fiscal year in which Executive’s termination from employment occurs and the denominator of which is 365 days). Any EBITDA Bonus to be paid in connection with this paragraph 5(b)(ii) shall be paid only so long as the specific criteria that would have entitled Executive to such EBITDA Bonus, if Executive were employed for the entire fiscal year in which such termination from employment occurs, shall have been satisfied for the fiscal year in which such termination from employment occurs, and such payment shall be made within 30 days following the Company’s receipt of its audited financials for such fiscal year. Executive agrees that, as a condition to and in consideration of receiving any Severance pursuant to this paragraph, Executive will be deemed to have released and waived, and upon request of the Company will promptly execute a release that provides, in effect, that Executive thereby releases and waives, for Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns), all claims against the Company, its officers, directors, employees, agents, shareholders, future shareholders, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors, predecessors, representatives, attorneys, and assigns, and any persons acting with them (“ Releasees ”), from all claims (including claims for attorneys’ fees and costs), demands and causes of action, known or unknown, which Executive may have or claim to have against any Releasee, arising out of, or in any way relating to, Executive’s employment, or the termination of Executive’s employment, with the Company (including its Subsidiaries and affiliates), whether based on any act or omission to act or otherwise.

(iii) Any payment under paragraphs 5(b)(i) and (ii) shall be made in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, and, other than the payment of such amounts, the Company’s obligation to make any further payments of any kind or provide any benefits of any kind to Executive shall cease and terminate upon Executive’s date of termination.

 

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(c) Resignation Upon Termination . Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees and covenants that Executive shall immediately tender a resignation to the Company for any position held by Executive as a member of the Company’s and each of its subsidiary’s Boards of Directors and any committee thereof.

(d) Suspension of 409A Payments . Any payment or benefit under this Agreement that Company reasonably determines is subject to Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code shall be delayed to the extent required by Section 409A until a date that is six months and one day from the date of Executive’s Separation from Service (as such term is defined herein below) (the “ 409A Suspension Period ”). Within 10 days after the end of the 409A Suspension Period, Company shall pay to Executive a lump sum payment in cash equal to any payments, and any cash payments that the Company would otherwise have been required to provide, but for the imposition of the 409A Suspension Period. After the 409A Suspension Period, Executive shall receive any remaining cash payments or benefits in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (as if there had not been any 409A Suspension Period beforehand). For purposes of this Agreement, “ Separation from Service ” shall have the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1)(i); provided, however, that pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1)(ii), the parties hereby provide that a “separation from service” shall occur within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1)(i) and (ii) as of the first date coincident with or following a termination of employment that the Company and Executive reasonably anticipate a permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services that Executive will perform for Company (and any entity that would be considered the same “service recipient” as Company under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (collectively, the “ Service Recipient ”) in the future (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) will decrease to a level equal to twenty percent or less of the average level of bona fide services Executive provided to the Service Recipient in the 36 months immediately preceding such date (or the full period of service to the Service Recipient if Executive has been providing services to the Service Recipient for less than 36 months).

6. Confidential Information .

(a) Executive acknowledges that the continued success of the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates, depends upon the use and protection of a large body of confidential and proprietary information. All of such confidential and proprietary information now existing or to be developed in the future will be referred to in this Agreement as “ Confidential Information .” Confidential Information will be interpreted as broadly as possible to include all information of any sort (whether merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form) that is (i) related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or affiliates’ current or potential business or is disclosed to the Company or its Subsidiaries by any third party pursuant to a confidentiality agreement and (ii) is not generally or publicly known. Confidential Information includes, without specific limitation, information, observations and data obtained by Executive during the course of Executive’s performance of the services under this Agreement, information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or affiliates’ business or industry of which Executive becomes aware during the Employment Period, the persons or entities that are current, former or prospective suppliers or customers of any one or more of them during Executive’s course of performance of services under this Agreement, as well as development, transition and transformation plans, methodologies and methods of doing business, strategic marketing, product development and business expansion plans, including plans regarding planned and potential sales and financial projections, employee lists and telephone numbers, locations of sales representatives, product designs and specifications, including any future or proposed products, manufacturing techniques and information, integration processes and financial information and forecasts. Therefore, Executive agrees that Executive shall not at any time, directly or indirectly, (i) disclose or permit the disclosure of any Confidential Information to any person or firm other than Company or any person or firm to which such disclosure would be protected by a confidentiality agreement with the Company, or (ii)

 

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use or permit the use of any Confidential Information except in the ordinary course of performance of Executive’s duties. Executive agrees to deliver to the Company at the end of the Employment Period, or at any other time the Company may request in writing, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports and other documents relating to the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or affiliates (including, without limitation, all Confidential Information), whether on paper or in any other form or medium, and all copies thereof that Executive may then possess or have under Executive’s control.

(b) During the Employment Period, Executive shall not use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employers or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, and shall not bring onto the premises of the Company or its Subsidiaries or affiliates any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by the former employer or person. Executive shall use in the performance of Executive’s duties only information that is (i) generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to Executive’s and that is (x) common knowledge in the industry or (y) is otherwise legally in the public domain, (ii) otherwise provided or developed by the Company or its Subsidiaries or affiliates or (iii) in the case of materials, property or information belonging to any former employer or other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, approved for such use in writing by such former employer or person. If at any time during this employment with the Company or any Subsidiary, Executive believes Executive is being asked to engage in work that will, or will be likely to, jeopardize any confidentiality or other obligations Executive may have to former employers, Executive shall immediately advise the Board so that Executive’s duties can be modified appropriately.

(c) The obligations of Executive provided in this paragraph 6 shall last, as to any Confidential Information, for so long as that Confidential Information has proprietary value, whether during the Employment Period or after the termination of the Employment Period.

7. Intellectual Property, Inventions and Patents .

(a) Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patent applications, copyrightable works, mask works and moral rights (in each case, whether or not including any Confidential Information) and all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable or trademarkable) which (i)(A) are developed using the equipment, supplies, facilities or trade secrets of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or (B) relate to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ actual or demonstrably anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services, or (C) result from work performed by Executive for the Company or its Subsidiaries, and (ii) which are conceived, developed or made by Executive (whether solely or jointly with others) while employed by or as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, whether before or after the date of this Agreement (“ Work Product ”), belong to the Company or such Subsidiary. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Board and, at the Company’s expense, perform all actions reasonably requested by the Board (whether during or after the Employment Period) to establish, confirm and perfect such ownership in the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney, waivers of rights, including moral rights, and other instruments). Executive acknowledges that all original works of authorship protected by copyright included in the Work Product are “works made for hire” as defined in the United States Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §101.

(b) As further consideration for the Company’s entering into this Agreement, Executive hereby assigns to the Company all right, title and interest Executive owns or at any time may have to the Work Product (whether during the Employment Period or after the termination of the Employment Period),

 

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and to any and all other Work Product in which Executive may have any right, title, or interest or which was at any time used in the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries or its affiliates. At any time, whether during the Employment Period or after the termination of the Employment Period, upon reasonable request of the Company, Executive shall fully cooperate with and assist the Company to protect the Company’s right to and interest in the Work Product in any and all countries of the world, and, upon reasonable request of the Company, shall execute all documents and instruments and do all things that may be required in connection therewith. If Executive is involuntarily terminated, Executive’s subsequent cooperation with the Company will be coordinated, at the Company’s expense, with Executive’s then employment commitments.

8. Non-Solicitation . In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive hereunder, Executive acknowledges that during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries (including its predecessors) Executive has and shall become familiar with the Company’s trade secrets and with other Confidential Information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates and that Executive’s services have been and shall be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates, and, therefore, Executive agrees (i) that, from the date of this Agreement until two years after the termination of the Employment Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or induce, attempt to solicit or induce or assist any person soliciting or inducing any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary to leave the employ of the Company or such Subsidiary, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary and any employee thereof, and (ii) that, from the date of this Agreement until one year after the termination of the Employment Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or induce or attempt to solicit or induce any customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, franchisee or other substantial business relation of the Company or any Subsidiary to cease doing business with the Company or such Subsidiary, or in any way materially interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, franchisee or other business relation and the Company or any Subsidiary (including, without limitation, making any negative or disparaging statements or communications about the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or stockholders).

9. Severability; Remedies .

(a) Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any action in any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction to the extent required to be enforceable under applicable law. If, at the time of enforcement of paragraph 8, a court shall hold that the restrictions stated therein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree such restrictions are divisible and shall be reduced to the extent required to be enforceable under applicable law. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in paragraph 8 are reasonable and that Executive has reviewed this Agreement with Executive’s legal counsel.

(b) In the event of the breach or a threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of paragraphs 6, 7 or 8, the Company would suffer irreparable harm, and in addition and supplementary to other rights and remedies existing in its favor, the Company shall be entitled to specific performance and/or injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions thereof (without posting a bond or other security). Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it, at law or in equity, for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement (including, any of the provisions of paragraphs 6, 7 or 8) by Executive, including recovery of damages from Executive and forfeiture of any and all Severance.

 

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10. Executive’s Representations . Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Executive do not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which Executive is a party or by which Executive is bound, (b) Executive is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, noncompete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person or entity and (c) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be a legal, valid and binding obligation of Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Executive hereby acknowledges and represents that Executive has consulted with independent legal counsel regarding Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and that Executive fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Survival . Paragraphs 5 through 11 shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the termination of the Employment Period and this Agreement.

(b) Notices . Any notice provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service or mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address below indicated:

Notices to Executive:

 

    

Zvi Glasman

  
    

 

  
    

 

  

Notices to the Company:

Fox Factory, Inc.

c/o Fox Factory Holding Corp.

24422 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite 370

Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Attn: Counsel

Facsimile: (949) 420-0771

With a copy to:

Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.

221 East Fourth Street, Suite 2900

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Attention: Stephen C. Mahon, Esq.

Facsimile: (513) 361-1201

or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given when so delivered, sent or mailed.

(c) Complete Agreement . This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

 

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(d) No Strict Construction . The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

(e) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts (including by means of facsimile or portable document format (PDF)), each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.

(f) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the Company, including without limitation any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business or assets or interests of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor shall thereafter be deemed the “Company” for purposes of this Agreement). This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees and legatees, but otherwise will not otherwise be assignable, transferable or delegable by Executive. This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign, transfer or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as otherwise expressly provided in this paragraph 11(f).

(g) Choice of Law . All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California.

(h) Amendment and Waiver . The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company (as approved by the Board) and Executive, and no course of conduct or course of dealing or failure or delay by any party hereto in enforcing or exercising any of the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, the Company’s right to terminate the Employment Period with or without Cause) shall affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or be deemed to be an implied waiver of any provision of this Agreement.

(i) Insurance . The Company may procure in its own name and for its own benefit life and/or disability insurance on Executive in any amount or amounts considered advisable. Executive agrees to cooperate in any reasonable medical or other examination, supply any available information and execute and delivery any applications or other instruments in writing as may be reasonably necessary to obtain and maintain such insurance.

(j) Corporate Opportunity . During the Employment Period, Executive shall submit to the Company all business, commercial and investment opportunities or offers presented to Executive, or of which Executive becomes aware, at any time during the Employment Period which relate to the business of design, manufacture, distribution, marketing, assembly or sale of suspension products for vehicles, including mountain bikes, snow mobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and off-road automotive vehicles (“ Corporate Opportunities ”). Unless approved by the Board, Executive shall not accept or pursue, directly or indirectly, any Corporate Opportunities on Executive’s own behalf.

(k) Executive’s Cooperation . During the Employment Period and thereafter, Executive shall cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries in any internal investigation or administrative, regulatory or judicial proceeding as reasonably requested by the Company (including, without limitation, Executive being available to the Company upon reasonable notice for interviews and factual investigations, appearing at the Company’s request to give testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal

 

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process, volunteering to the Company all pertinent information and turning over to the Company copies of all relevant documents which are or may come into Executive’s possession to the extent they may be provided to the Company without civil or criminal penalty to Executive, all at times and on schedules that are reasonably consistent with Executive’s other permitted activities and commitments).

* * * * *

 

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

 

COMPANY
FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:   /s/ Robert Kaswen
Its:   Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE:

/s/ Zvi Glasman

Name: Zvi Glasman

 

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409A AMENDMENT

TO

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS 409A AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“ 409A Amendment ”) is executed effective as of December 31, 2008, by and between Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Company ”) and Zvi Glasman, an individual (“ Executive ”).

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive previously entered into an Employment Agreement as of January 4, 2008 (the “ Employment Agreement ”) that sets forth the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to amend the Employment Agreement to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the final regulations issued thereunder (“ Section 409A ”); and

WHEREAS, Section 11(h) of the Employment Agreement provides that the Employment Agreement may be amended pursuant to a written agreement between the Company and Executive; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and Executive hereby agree the Employment Agreement shall be amended as follows:

1. D EFINED T ERMS . Unless otherwise defined in this 409A Amendment, defined terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Employment Agreement.

2. R EIMBURSEMENTS A ND I N -K IND B ENEFITS . Notwithstanding any other provision of the applicable plans and programs, all reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under the Employment Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, including, where applicable, the requirement that (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement and the provision of benefits in kind during a calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or the provision of in-kind benefits in any other calendar year; (ii) the reimbursement for an eligible expense will be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense is incurred; (iii) the right to reimbursement or right to in-kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit; and (iv) each reimbursement payment or provision of in-kind benefit shall be one of a series of separate payments (and each shall be construed as a separate identified payment) for purposes of Section 409A.

3. S PECIAL S ECTION  409A P ROVISIONS . The following Section 409A amendments to the Employment Agreement shall be applicable:

A. The following new Section 2(d) is added at the end of Section 2 of the Employment Agreement:


“(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Section 409A ” shall mean Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the final regulations issued thereunder.”

B. Section 3(b) is amended by the addition of the following new paragraph at the end thereof:

“Each Performance Bonus under this Section 3(b) shall be paid in cash, in a lump sum, within the same calendar year in which the Company receives its audited financials for such fiscal year.”

C. Section 3(e) is amended by the addition of the following language at the end thereof:

“Notwithstanding any other provision of the policies or programs, (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year; (ii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (iii) the right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.”

D. Section 5(b)(i) is amended by the addition of “in cash” after “lump sum” and “within thirty (30) days after Executive’s Separation from Service” at the end thereof.

E. The first sentence of Section 5(b)(ii)(A) is amended by the addition of “in cash” after “lump sum payment” and “within thirty (30) days after Executive’s Separation from Service” at the end thereof.

F. The proviso of Section 5(b)(ii)(B) (relating to Severance) is amended as follows:

“; provided such amount is greater than Executive’s Base Salary on the date of termination, and provided further that such amount shall be payable in twelve substantially equal payments beginning, as provided in Section 5(b)(iii), on the first regular payroll date immediately following the eighth (8 th ) day following the Executive’s timely execution of a Release,”

G. The last part of the first full sentence of Section 5(b)(ii)(C) is amended as follows:

“, and such payment, if any, shall be made in a cash lump sum within the same calendar year in which the Company receives its audited financials for such fiscal year.”

 

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H. The second and third full sentences of Section 5(b)(ii) are deleted in their entirety and the following new Section 5(b)(iii) is added as follows:

“(iii) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Severance shall not be paid nor begun prior to the eighth (8 th ) day following the return by Executive to the Company of an executed release as described in the immediately following sentence (the “Release”)—and only if such Release is returned to the Company prior to the sixtieth (60 th ) day immediately following the Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A). Any “Release” shall provide, in effect, that Executive thereby releases and waives, for Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns), all claims against the Company, its officers, directors, employees, agents, shareholders, future shareholders, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors, predecessors, representatives, attorneys, and assigns, and any persons acting with them (“ Releasees ”), from all claims (including claims for attorneys’ fees and costs), demands and causes of action, known or unknown, which Executive may have or claim to have against any Releasee, arising out of, or in any way relating to, Executive’s employment, or the termination of Executive’s employment, with the Company (including its Subsidiaries and affiliates), whether based on any act or omission to act or otherwise.”

I. Former Section 5(b)(iii) is renumbered as Section 5(b)(iv) and amended by the addition of the following to the beginning thereof:

“Subject to Executive’s timely execution of a release, [a]ny….”

J. The following new Section 5(e) is added at the end of Section 5 of the Employment Agreement.

“(e) All payments to be made to Executive upon a termination of employment may only be made upon a Separation from Service of Executive. For purposes of Section 409A, (i) each payment made under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment; (ii) Executive may not, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of payment; and (iii) no acceleration of the time and form of payment of any nonqualified deferred compensation to Executive or any portion thereof, shall be permitted.”

K. For purposes of clarification, it is understood by the parties that Section 11(h) shall in no way invalidate Executive’s obligation to act within the sixty- (60-) day time limit of Section 5(b)(iii), as applied to Section 5(b)(ii)(B) and Section 5(b)(iv).

4. R ATIFICATION AND C ONFIRMATION . In all respects not modified by this 409A Amendment, the Employment Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed.

 

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5. C OUNTERPARTS . This 409A Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which, taken together, constitute one and the same agreement.

[T HE REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this 409A Amendment on the actual dates indicated below, to be effective as of December 31, 2008.

 

Fox Factory, Inc.
By:   /s/ Bob Kaswen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
Date:   12/18/2008
EXECUTIVE
Signature:   

/s/ Zvi Glasman

Date:   12/10/2008

 

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Exhibit 10.20

Execution Copy

FOX FACTORY, INC.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

(Mario Galasso)

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of January 4, 2008, between Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Company ”), and Mario Galasso (“ Executive ”).

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Employment . The Company shall employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company (or, as applicable, a Subsidiary), upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period beginning on the date hereof and ending as provided in paragraph 4 hereof (the Initial Period and the Extended Period (both as defined in paragraph 4), together the “ Employment Period ”).

2. Position and Duties .

(a) During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as the Vice President, Bicycle Division of the Company and shall have the normal duties, responsibilities, functions and authority customarily associated with such position and such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time to Executive by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, all subject to the power and authority of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) and Executive Committee of the Board (the “ Executive Committee ”) to expand or limit such duties, responsibilities, functions and authority and to overrule actions of officers of the Company.

(b) Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive shall devote Executive’s full-time energies and attention to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Executive shall perform Executive’s duties, responsibilities and functions to the Company and its Subsidiaries hereunder in a diligent, trustworthy, professional and efficient manner and shall comply with the policies and procedures of the Company and its Subsidiaries and will cooperate fully with the Board in the advancement of the best interests of the Company. So long as Executive is employed by the Company, Executive shall not, except as provided herein or without the prior written consent of the Board, render to any other person, corporation, firm, company, joint venture or other entity any services of any kind for compensation, or engage in any other activity that would compete with the Company or its Subsidiaries, and/or interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties for the Company and its Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding, Executive may engage in charitable, civic, fraternal and trade association activities that do not interfere materially with Executive’s obligations to the Company. As of the date hereof, Executive represents and warrants that Executive does not have any financial interest in any competitor, supplier or customer of the Company or its Subsidiaries; provided that passive ownership (i.e., Executive does not directly or indirectly participate in the business or management of the applicable entity) of less than 2% of the stock of a publicly-held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange shall not be deemed to be a financial interest in a competitor, supplier or customer of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

(c) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Subsidiary ” shall mean any corporation or other entity of which the securities or other ownership interests having the voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other governing body are, now or hereafter, owned directly or indirectly by the Company.

 

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3. Compensation and Benefits .

(a) Base Salary . During the Employment Period, Executive’s base salary shall be $205,000 per annum (the “ Base Salary ”), to be paid in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices. Executive’s Base Salary will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”) and adjusted, from time to time thereafter, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

(b) Performance Bonus . Beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 (or if the Company’s fiscal year is changed, with the first full fiscal year of the Company beginning after execution of this Agreement), Executive will be eligible to receive a bonus (the “ Performance Bonus ”) comprised of an objective component equal to 70% of the Performance Bonus and a discretionary component equal to 30% of the Performance Bonus. The objective component will be based on three levels, entry, target and distinguished, and will be determined as to 5/7ths by a component that is based on the achievement of company-wide EBITDA targets (the “ Company EBITDA Bonus ”) and as to 2/7ths by a component that is based on the achievement of Bicycle Division EBITDA targets (the “ Division EBITDA Bonus ”). The discretionary component will be based on the achievement of individual performance objectives (the “ Individual MBO Criteria ”) to be established from time to time by the Compensation Committee (the “ MBO Bonus ”). The term “ EBITDA ” means the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of the Company, calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis and, to the extent applied with reference to the Bicycle Division, means the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of the Bicycle Division of Company, calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis; provided that, in either case, any management fees paid to Compass Group Management LLC or any affiliate thereof and deducted from the calculation of EBITDA in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles shall be disregarded and added back to EBITDA for purposes of this Agreement. All determinations of EBITDA shall be derived from the Company’s annual audited financial statements and determined by the Compensation Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and final.

(i) Company EBITDA Bonus .

(1) Entry Level . If, for a particular year, the Company’s EBITDA for the year is less than Target Company EBITDA (as defined below) but equals or exceeds 85% of Target Company EBITDA, then Executive’s Company EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to the product of (i) 5% plus the product of 1% times each full one percentage point positive variance to 85% of Target Company EBITDA, times (ii) Executive’s Base Salary. For example, if actual EBITDA is 97.6% of Target Company EBITDA, then Executive’s Company EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to 17% times Executive’s Base Salary (5% + (1% x 12) = 17%).

(2) Target Level . If, for a particular year, the Company’s EBITDA for the year is more than Target Company EBITDA but less than 110% of Target Company EBITDA, then Executive’s Company EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to the product of (i) 20% plus the product of 1% times each full one percentage point positive variance to Target Company EBITDA, times (ii) Executive’s Base Salary. For example, if actual EBITDA is 107.6% of Target Company EBITDA, then Executive’s Company EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to 27% times Executive’s Base Salary (20% + (1% x 7) = 27%).

(3) Distinguished Level . If, for a particular year, the Company’s EBITDA for the year equals or exceeds 110% of Target Company EBITDA, then Executive’s Company EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to (i) 30% times (ii) Executive’s Base Salary.

 

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(ii) Division EBITDA Bonus .

(1) Entry Level . If, for a particular year, the Bicycle Division’s EBITDA for the year is less than Target Division EBITDA (as defined below) but equals or exceeds 85% of Target Division EBITDA, then Executive’s Division EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to the product of (i) 2% plus the product of 0.4% times each full one percentage point positive variance to 85% of Target Division EBITDA, times (ii) Executive’s Base Salary. For example, if actual Division EBITDA is 97.3% of Target Division EBITDA, then Executive’s Division EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to 6.8% times Executive’s Base Salary (2% + (0.4% x 12) = 6.8%).

(2) Target Level . If, for a particular year, the Bicycle Division’s EBITDA for the year is more than Target Division EBITDA but less than 110% of Target Division EBITDA, then Executive’s Division EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to the product of (i) 8% plus the product of 0.4% times each full one percentage point positive variance to Target Division EBITDA, times (ii) Executive’s Base Salary. For example, if actual Division EBITDA is 107.3% of Target Division EBITDA, then Executive’s Division EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to 10.8% times Executive’s Base Salary (8% + (0.4% x 7) = 10.8%).

(3) Distinguished Level . If, for a particular year, the Bicycle Division’s EBITDA for the year equals or exceeds 110% of Target Division EBITDA, then Executive’s Division EBITDA Bonus shall be equal to (i) 12% times (ii) Executive’s Base Salary.

(iii) MBO Bonus . If, for a particular year, the Company’s EBITDA for the year equals or exceeds 85% of Target EBITDA, then if the Compensation Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that Executive achieved the Individual MBO Criteria set forth for the year, then the Compensation Committee shall further determine, in its sole discretion, whether such achievement was at an entry, target or distinguished level. If the Compensation Committee so determines that Executive’s achievement of the Individual MBO Criteria was at an entry level, then Executive’s MBO Bonus shall be equal to the product of 6% times Executive’s Base Salary. If the Compensation Committee so determines that Executive’s achievement of the Individual MBO Criteria was at a target level, then Executive’s MBO Bonus shall be equal to the product of 12% times Executive’s Base Salary. If the Compensation Committee so determines that Executive’s achievement of the Individual MBO Criteria was at a distinguished level, then Executive’s MBO Bonus shall be equal to the product of 18% times Executive’s Base Salary.

(iv) Target EBITDA . For purposes of this Agreement, “ Target Company EBITDA ” means (i) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, $13,200,000, and (ii) for each fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2008, the EBITDA set forth in the operating budget of the Company, as approved by the Board, for the particular year. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Target Division EBITDA ” means (i) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, the Bicycle Division EBITDA determined by the Compensation Committee prior to March 31, 2008, and (ii) for each fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2008, the Bicycle Division EBITDA set forth in the operating budget of the Company, as approved by the Board, for the particular year.

(c) Employee Benefits . Executive shall be included, to the extent eligible under the terms and conditions, as such terms and conditions may be established or changed from time to time by the Board in its sole discretion, in any and all of the Company plans providing benefits for its executives; provided that, pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 4.5 of the Share Purchase Agreement, dated January 4, 2008, among Fox Factory Holding Corp. (“ Purchaser ”), the Company and Executive (the “ Share Purchase Agreement ”), Executive shall be, to the extent permitted by applicable law, immediately eligible to participate, without any waiting time, in any and all employee benefit plans sponsored by the Purchaser for the benefit of employees (such plans, collectively, the “ New Plans ”) to the extent coverage under such New

 

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Plans replaces coverage under a comparable plan in which such employee participated immediately before the Closing Date (as defined in the Share Purchase Agreement). Nothing contained herein shall obligate the Company to adopt or maintain any benefit plan and nothing herein shall restrict the Company’s right in its sole discretion to adopt, modify or otherwise alter, in whole or in part, any and/or all of its benefit plans, provided that such adoption, abolition, modification or alteration is of general effect and applicable to all of the Company’s employees and/or officers under such plans and is permissible under Section 4.5 of the Share Purchase Agreement.

(d) Paid Time Off . Executive shall be entitled to four weeks’ paid time off each fiscal year in accordance with the policies of the Company in effect for its executive officers from time to time. Executive shall take paid time off at such time or times as shall be approved by the Company, which approval shall not be withheld unreasonably.

(e) Business Expenses . During the Employment Period, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the course of performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement which are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses.

(f) Payroll Withholdings . From each payment to Executive of Base Salary and bonus, if any, the Company will report, withhold and pay to the proper governmental authorities any and all amounts required by law to be withheld for federal, state and local income and employment taxes, and any and all other amounts required by law to be reported and/or withheld from Executive’s wages. The Company will also deduct from Executive’s salary payments those sums authorized by Executive in writing and approved by the Company. The Company will make those payments and contributions, such as unemployment insurance premiums, workers’ compensation insurance premiums, the employer’s portion of state disability insurance premiums, and the employer’s portion of federal employment taxes, which are required by law to be made by the Company.

(g) Equity . Executive will be eligible to receive awards of stock options, restricted stock or other equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time. The Board or its committee will determine in its discretion whether Executive will be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any such award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time.

4. Term . The Employment Period shall be for a period of three years commencing on the date of this Agreement (the “ Initial Period ”) and shall thereafter automatically renew for successive periods of one year each (collectively, the successive periods, the “ Extended Period ”), unless the Company provides at least 60 days written notice to Executive prior to the expiration of the Initial Period or Extended Period, as applicable, that this Agreement shall not be renewed. To the extent the Company provides Executive with any such advance written notice of non-renewal of this Agreement, such non-renewal by the Company shall be treated as a termination without Cause under paragraph 5(a)(iv) below.

5. Termination of Employment .

(a) Termination . This Agreement, the Employment Period and the employment of Executive by the Company may be terminated at any time as follows:

(i) By mutual agreement of the parties;

 

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(ii) By the Company if Executive dies or becomes Disabled. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Disabled ” shall mean any mental or physical illness or disability that renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position for a period of 90 consecutive days or 150 days during any twelve month period;

(iii) By the Company for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean with respect to Executive, one or more of the following: (A) willful or grossly negligent violation of any law which causes material injury to the business of the Company or entry of a plea of nolo contendere (or similar plea) to a charge of such an offense, (B) conduct causing the Company or any of its Subsidiaries substantial public disgrace or disrepute, (C) any act or omission aiding or abetting a competitor, supplier or customer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the material disadvantage or detriment of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (D) Executive’s willful violation of Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company, including the duty of loyalty and the corporate opportunity doctrine, (E) commission of, or the indictment or conviction for, any act of fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or embezzlement, any felony or any other violation of law that causes material injury to the business of the Company, (F) refusal or failure to comply with the Company’s reasonable orders or directives (including refusal or failure to perform, other than as a result of death or Disability, assigned duties or responsibilities that are consistent with normal business practices and this Agreement) or the Company’s reasonable rules, regulation, policies, procedures or practices that are not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, in each case, which continues uncured for 15 days following written notice thereof from the Company to Executive, and (G) any material breach by Executive of this Agreement, which, if curable, continues uncured for 30 days following written notice thereof from the Company to Executive;

(iv) By the Company without Cause;

(v) By Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation from employment at any time within ninety (90) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following: (A) a reduction in Executive’s Base Salary below the amount on the date hereof (other than a substantially similar reduction applicable to all executives), (B) the Company requiring, without Executive’s consent, that Executive relocate Executive’s principal place of business outside a 30-mile radius from the Company’s current location at 130 Hangar Way, Watsonville, California or such other location as consented to by Executive; or (C) the breach by the Company of its material obligations or duties under this Agreement. Under this Agreement, Executive will not be able to resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice; or

(vi) By Executive, voluntarily, at anytime during the Employment Period; provided that Executive agrees to give the Company not less than 90 days written notice of Executive’s resignation.

(b) Consequences of Termination . Executive shall be entitled to the following compensation in the event of termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to the terms of paragraph 5(a):

(i) Following any termination under paragraphs 5(a)(i), (ii), (iii) or (vi), Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to Executive’s accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination or death plus any authorized business expenses incurred and un-reimbursed as of the date of termination or death.

 

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(ii) Following any termination under paragraphs 5(a)(iv) or (v), Executive shall be entitled to receive (A) lump sum payment in an amount equal to Executive’s accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination plus any authorized business expenses incurred and un-reimbursed as of the date of termination, (B) severance (“ Severance ”) in an amount equal to Executive’s per annum Base Salary as of the date of termination, unless Executive’s Base Salary was reduced in violation of paragraph 5(a)(v)(A), in which case it shall be an amount equal to Executive’s per annum Base Salary as in effect prior to such reduction, provided such amount is greater than Executive’s Base Salary on the date of termination, and payable over the twelve month period beginning on the date of termination in substantially equal monthly payments, and (C) a pro rata payment of Executive’s EBITDA Bonus (which Executive would have earned under this Agreement if Executive were employed for the entire fiscal year in which such termination from employment occurs, with such pro-rata portion being calculated as the product of that fiscal year’s EBITDA Bonus multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive is employed with the Company in the fiscal year in which Executive’s termination from employment occurs and the denominator of which is 365 days). Any EBITDA Bonus to be paid in connection with this paragraph 5(b)(ii) shall be paid only so long as the specific criteria that would have entitled Executive to such EBITDA Bonus, if Executive were employed for the entire fiscal year in which such termination from employment occurs, shall have been satisfied for the fiscal year in which such termination from employment occurs, and such payment shall be made within 30 days following the Company’s receipt of its audited financials for such fiscal year. Executive agrees that, as a condition to and in consideration of receiving any Severance pursuant to this paragraph, Executive will be deemed to have released and waived, and upon request of the Company will promptly execute a release that provides, in effect, that Executive thereby releases and waives, for Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns), all claims against the Company, its officers, directors, employees, agents, shareholders, future shareholders, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors, predecessors, representatives, attorneys, and assigns, and any persons acting with them (“ Releasees ”), from all claims (including claims for attorneys’ fees and costs), demands and causes of action, known or unknown, which Executive may have or claim to have against any Releasee, arising out of, or in any way relating to, Executive’s employment, or the termination of Executive’s employment, with the Company (including its Subsidiaries and affiliates), whether based on any act or omission to act or otherwise.

(iii) Any payment under paragraphs 5(b)(i) and (ii) shall be made in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, and, other than the payment of such amounts, the Company’s obligation to make any further payments of any kind or provide any benefits of any kind to Executive shall cease and terminate upon Executive’s date of termination.

(c) Resignation Upon Termination . Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees and covenants that Executive shall immediately tender a resignation to the Company for any position held by Executive as a member of the Company’s and each of its subsidiary’s Boards of Directors and any committee thereof.

(d) Suspension of 409A Payments . Any payment or benefit under this Agreement that Company reasonably determines is subject to Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code shall be delayed to the extent required by Section 409A until a date that is six months and one day from the date of Executive’s Separation from Service (as such term is defined herein below) (the “ 409A Suspension Period ”). Within 10 days after the end of the 409A Suspension Period, Company shall pay to Executive a lump sum payment in cash equal to any payments, and any cash payments that the Company would otherwise have been required to provide, but for the imposition of the 409A Suspension Period. After the 409A Suspension Period, Executive shall receive any remaining cash payments or benefits in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (as if there had not been any 409A Suspension Period beforehand). For purposes of this Agreement, “ Separation from Service ” shall have the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1)(i); provided, however, that pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section

 

- 6 -


1.409A-1(h)(1)(ii), the parties hereby provide that a “separation from service” shall occur within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1)(i) and (ii) as of the first date coincident with or following a termination of employment that the Company and Executive reasonably anticipate a permanent reduction in the level of bona fide services that Executive will perform for Company (and any entity that would be considered the same “service recipient” as Company under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (collectively, the “ Service Recipient ”) in the future (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) will decrease to a level equal to twenty percent or less of the average level of bona fide services Executive provided to the Service Recipient in the 36 months immediately preceding such date (or the full period of service to the Service Recipient if Executive has been providing services to the Service Recipient for less than 36 months).

6. Confidential Information .

(a) Executive acknowledges that the continued success of the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates, depends upon the use and protection of a large body of confidential and proprietary information. All of such confidential and proprietary information now existing or to be developed in the future will be referred to in this Agreement as “ Confidential Information .” Confidential Information will be interpreted as broadly as possible to include all information of any sort (whether merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form) that is (i) related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or affiliates’ current or potential business or is disclosed to the Company or its Subsidiaries by any third party pursuant to a confidentiality agreement and (ii) is not generally or publicly known. Confidential Information includes, without specific limitation, information, observations and data obtained by Executive during the course of Executive’s performance of the services under this Agreement, information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or affiliates’ business or industry of which Executive becomes aware during the Employment Period, the persons or entities that are current, former or prospective suppliers or customers of any one or more of them during Executive’s course of performance of services under this Agreement, as well as development, transition and transformation plans, methodologies and methods of doing business, strategic marketing, product development and business expansion plans, including plans regarding planned and potential sales and financial projections, employee lists and telephone numbers, locations of sales representatives, product designs and specifications, including any future or proposed products, manufacturing techniques and information, integration processes and financial information and forecasts. Therefore, Executive agrees that Executive shall not at any time, directly or indirectly, (i) disclose or permit the disclosure of any Confidential Information to any person or firm other than Company or any person or firm to which such disclosure would be protected by a confidentiality agreement with the Company, or (ii) use or permit the use of any Confidential Information except in the ordinary course of performance of Executive’s duties. Executive agrees to deliver to the Company at the end of the Employment Period, or at any other time the Company may request in writing, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports and other documents relating to the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or affiliates (including, without limitation, all Confidential Information), whether on paper or in any other form or medium, and all copies thereof that Executive may then possess or have under Executive’s control.

(b) During the Employment Period, Executive shall not use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employers or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, and shall not bring onto the premises of the Company or its Subsidiaries or affiliates any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by the former employer or person. Executive shall use in the performance of Executive’s duties only information that is (i) generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to Executive’s and that is (x) common knowledge in the industry or (y) is otherwise legally in the public domain, (ii) otherwise provided or developed by the Company or its Subsidiaries or affiliates or (iii) in the case of materials,

 

- 7 -


property or information belonging to any former employer or other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, approved for such use in writing by such former employer or person. If at any time during this employment with the Company or any Subsidiary, Executive believes Executive is being asked to engage in work that will, or will be likely to, jeopardize any confidentiality or other obligations Executive may have to former employers, Executive shall immediately advise the Board so that Executive’s duties can be modified appropriately.

(c) The obligations of Executive provided in this paragraph 6 shall last, as to any Confidential Information, for so long as that Confidential Information has proprietary value, whether during the Employment Period or after the termination of the Employment Period.

7. Intellectual Property, Inventions and Patents .

(a) Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patent applications, copyrightable works, mask works and moral rights (in each case, whether or not including any Confidential Information) and all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable or trademarkable) which (i)(A) are developed using the equipment, supplies, facilities or trade secrets of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or (B) relate to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ actual or demonstrably anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services, or (C) result from work performed by Executive for the Company or its Subsidiaries, and (ii) which are conceived, developed or made by Executive (whether solely or jointly with others) while employed by or as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, whether before or after the date of this Agreement (“ Work Product ”), belong to the Company or such Subsidiary. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Board and, at the Company’s expense, perform all actions reasonably requested by the Board (whether during or after the Employment Period) to establish, confirm and perfect such ownership in the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney, waivers of rights, including moral rights, and other instruments). Executive acknowledges that all original works of authorship protected by copyright included in the Work Product are “works made for hire” as defined in the United States Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §101.

(b) As further consideration for the Company’s entering into this Agreement, Executive hereby assigns to the Company all right, title and interest Executive owns or at any time may have to the Work Product (whether during the Employment Period or after the termination of the Employment Period), and to any and all other Work Product in which Executive may have any right, title, or interest or which was at any time used in the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries or its affiliates. At any time, whether during the Employment Period or after the termination of the Employment Period, upon reasonable request of the Company, Executive shall fully cooperate with and assist the Company to protect the Company’s right to and interest in the Work Product in any and all countries of the world, and, upon reasonable request of the Company, shall execute all documents and instruments and do all things that may be required in connection therewith. If Executive is involuntarily terminated, Executive’s subsequent cooperation with the Company will be coordinated, at the Company’s expense, with Executive’s then employment commitments.

8. Non-Solicitation . In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive hereunder, Executive acknowledges that during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries (including its predecessors) Executive has and shall become familiar with the Company’s trade secrets and with other Confidential Information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates and that Executive’s services have been and shall be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates, and, therefore, Executive agrees

 

- 8 -


(i) that, from the date of this Agreement until two years after the termination of the Employment Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or induce, attempt to solicit or induce or assist any person soliciting or inducing any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary to leave the employ of the Company or such Subsidiary, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary and any employee thereof, and (ii) that, from the date of this Agreement until one year after the termination of the Employment Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or induce or attempt to solicit or induce any customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, franchisee or other substantial business relation of the Company or any Subsidiary to cease doing business with the Company or such Subsidiary, or in any way materially interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, franchisee or other business relation and the Company or any Subsidiary (including, without limitation, making any negative or disparaging statements or communications about the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or stockholders).

9. Severability; Remedies .

(a) Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any action in any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction to the extent required to be enforceable under applicable law. If, at the time of enforcement of paragraph 8, a court shall hold that the restrictions stated therein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree such restrictions are divisible and shall be reduced to the extent required to be enforceable under applicable law. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in paragraph 8 are reasonable and that Executive has reviewed this Agreement with Executive’s legal counsel.

(b) In the event of the breach or a threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of paragraphs 6, 7 or 8, the Company would suffer irreparable harm, and in addition and supplementary to other rights and remedies existing in its favor, the Company shall be entitled to specific performance and/or injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions thereof (without posting a bond or other security). Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it, at law or in equity, for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement (including, any of the provisions of paragraphs 6, 7 or 8) by Executive, including recovery of damages from Executive and forfeiture of any and all Severance.

10. Executive’s Representations . Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Executive do not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which Executive is a party or by which Executive is bound, (b) Executive is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, noncompete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person or entity and (c) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be a legal, valid and binding obligation of Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Executive hereby acknowledges and represents that Executive has consulted with independent legal counsel regarding Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and that Executive fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Survival . Paragraphs 5 through 11 shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the termination of the Employment Period and this Agreement.

 

- 9 -


(b) Notices . Any notice provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service or mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address below indicated:

Notices to Executive:

 

Mario Galasso      
       
       

Notices to the Company:

Fox Factory, Inc.

c/o Fox Factory Holding Corp.

24422 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite 370

Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Attn: Counsel

Facsimile: (949) 420-0771

With a copy to:

Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.

221 East Fourth Street, Suite 2900

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Attention: Stephen C. Mahon, Esq.

Facsimile: (513) 361-1201

or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given when so delivered, sent or mailed.

(c) Complete Agreement . This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

(d) No Strict Construction . The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

(e) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts (including by means of facsimile or portable document format (PDF)), each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.

(f) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the Company, including without limitation any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business or assets or interests of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor shall thereafter be deemed the “Company” for purposes of this Agreement). This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees and legatees, but otherwise will not otherwise be assignable, transferable or delegable by Executive. This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign, transfer or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as otherwise expressly provided in this paragraph 11(f).

 

- 10 -


(g) Choice of Law . All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California.

(h) Amendment and Waiver . The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company (as approved by the Board) and Executive, and no course of conduct or course of dealing or failure or delay by any party hereto in enforcing or exercising any of the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, the Company’s right to terminate the Employment Period with or without Cause) shall affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or be deemed to be an implied waiver of any provision of this Agreement.

(i) Insurance . The Company may procure in its own name and for its own benefit life and/or disability insurance on Executive in any amount or amounts considered advisable. Executive agrees to cooperate in any reasonable medical or other examination, supply any available information and execute and delivery any applications or other instruments in writing as may be reasonably necessary to obtain and maintain such insurance.

(j) Corporate Opportunity . During the Employment Period, Executive shall submit to the Company all business, commercial and investment opportunities or offers presented to Executive, or of which Executive becomes aware, at any time during the Employment Period which relate to the business of design, manufacture, distribution, marketing, assembly or sale of suspension products for vehicles, including mountain bikes, snow mobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and off-road automotive vehicles (“ Corporate Opportunities ”). Unless approved by the Board, Executive shall not accept or pursue, directly or indirectly, any Corporate Opportunities on Executive’s own behalf.

(k) Executive’s Cooperation . During the Employment Period and thereafter, Executive shall cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries in any internal investigation or administrative, regulatory or judicial proceeding as reasonably requested by the Company (including, without limitation, Executive being available to the Company upon reasonable notice for interviews and factual investigations, appearing at the Company’s request to give testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal process, volunteering to the Company all pertinent information and turning over to the Company copies of all relevant documents which are or may come into Executive’s possession to the extent they may be provided to the Company without civil or criminal penalty to Executive, all at times and on schedules that are reasonably consistent with Executive’s other permitted activities and commitments).

* * * * *

 

- 11 -


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

 

COMPANY
FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:   Robert C. Fox, Jr.
Its:   President and Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Mario Galasso
Name: Mario Galasso

 

- 12 -


409A AMENDMENT

TO

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS 409A AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“ 409A Amendment ”) is executed effective as of December 31, 2008, by and between Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation (the “ Company ”) and Mario Galasso, an individual (“ Executive ”).

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive previously entered into an Employment Agreement as of January 4, 2008 (the “ Employment Agreement ”) that sets forth the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to amend the Employment Agreement to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the final regulations issued thereunder (“ Section 409A ”); and

WHEREAS, Section 11(h) of the Employment Agreement provides that the Employment Agreement may be amended pursuant to a written agreement between the Company and Executive; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and Executive hereby agree the Employment Agreement shall be amended as follows:

1. D EFINED T ERMS . Unless otherwise defined in this 409A Amendment, defined terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Employment Agreement.

2. R EIMBURSEMENTS A ND I N -K IND B ENEFITS . Notwithstanding any other provision of the applicable plans and programs, all reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under the Employment Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A, including, where applicable, the requirement that (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement and the provision of benefits in kind during a calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or the provision of in-kind benefits in any other calendar year; (ii) the reimbursement for an eligible expense will be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense is incurred; (iii) the right to reimbursement or right to in-kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit; and (iv) each reimbursement payment or provision of in-kind benefit shall be one of a series of separate payments (and each shall be construed as a separate identified payment) for purposes of Section 409A.

3. S PECIAL S ECTION  409A P ROVISIONS . The following Section 409A amendments to the Employment Agreement shall be applicable:

A. The following new Section 2(d) is added at the end of Section 2 of the Employment Agreement:


“(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Section 409A ” shall mean Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the final regulations issued thereunder.”

B. Section 3(b) is amended by the addition of the following new paragraph at the end thereof:

“Each Performance Bonus under this Section 3(b) shall be paid in cash, in a lump sum, within the same calendar year in which the Company receives its audited financials for such fiscal year.”

C. Section 3(e) is amended by the addition of the following language at the end thereof:

“Notwithstanding any other provision of the policies or programs, (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year; (ii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (iii) the right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.”

D. Section 5(b)(i) is amended by the addition of “in cash” after “lump sum” and “within thirty (30) days after Executive’s Separation from Service” at the end thereof.

E. The first sentence of Section 5(b)(ii)(A) is amended by the addition of “in cash” after “lump sum payment” and “within thirty (30) days after Executive’s Separation from Service” at the end thereof.

F. The proviso of Section 5(b)(ii)(B) (relating to Severance) is amended as follows:

“; provided such amount is greater than Executive’s Base Salary on the date of termination, and provided further that such amount shall be payable in twelve substantially equal payments beginning, as provided in Section 5(b)(iii), on the first regular payroll date immediately following the eighth (8 th ) day following the Executive’s timely execution of a Release,”

G. The last part of the first full sentence of Section 5(b)(ii)(C) is amended as follows:

“, and such payment, if any, shall be made in a cash lump sum within the same calendar year in which the Company receives its audited financials for such fiscal year.”

 

- 2 -


H. The second and third full sentences of Section 5(b)(ii) are deleted in their entirety and the following new Section 5(b)(iii) is added as follows:

“(iii) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Severance shall not be paid nor begun prior to the eighth (8 th ) day following the return by Executive to the Company of an executed release as described in the immediately following sentence (the “Release”)—and only if such Release is returned to the Company prior to the sixtieth (60 th ) day immediately following the Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A). Any “Release” shall provide, in effect, that Executive thereby releases and waives, for Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns), all claims against the Company, its officers, directors, employees, agents, shareholders, future shareholders, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors, predecessors, representatives, attorneys, and assigns, and any persons acting with them (“ Releasees ”), from all claims (including claims for attorneys’ fees and costs), demands and causes of action, known or unknown, which Executive may have or claim to have against any Releasee, arising out of, or in any way relating to, Executive’s employment, or the termination of Executive’s employment, with the Company (including its Subsidiaries and affiliates), whether based on any act or omission to act or otherwise.”

I. Former Section 5(b)(iii) is renumbered as Section 5(b)(iv) and amended by the addition of the following to the beginning thereof:

“Subject to Executive’s timely execution of a release, [a]ny….”

J. The following new Section 5(e) is added at the end of Section 5 of the Employment Agreement.

“(e) All payments to be made to Executive upon a termination of employment may only be made upon a Separation from Service of Executive. For purposes of Section 409A, (i) each payment made under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment; (ii) Executive may not, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of payment; and (iii) no acceleration of the time and form of payment of any nonqualified deferred compensation to Executive or any portion thereof, shall be permitted.”

K. For purposes of clarification, it is understood by the parties that Section 11(h) shall in no way invalidate Executive’s obligation to act within the sixty- (60-) day time limit of Section 5(b)(iii), as applied to Section 5(b)(ii)(B) and Section 5(b)(iv).

4. R ATIFICATION AND C ONFIRMATION . In all respects not modified by this 409A Amendment, the Employment Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed.

 

- 3 -


5. C OUNTERPARTS . This 409A Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which, taken together, constitute one and the same agreement.

[T HE REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK ]

 

- 4 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this 409A Amendment on the actual dates indicated below, to be effective as of December 31, 2008.

 

Fox Factory, Inc.
By:   /s/ Mario Galasso
  Title: Vice President; Bike Division
Date: 12/24/08

 

EXECUTIVE
Signature:   /s/ Mario Galasso
Date: 12/29/08

 

- 5 -

Exhibit 10.21

 

December 15, 2010

 

  LOGO

Dear John:

I am pleased to offer you a position as Chief Operating Officer at FOX Racing Shox (Fox Factory, Inc.) beginning January 4, 2011. Your starting base salary will be $240,000.00 (two-hundred-forty-thousand-dollars) per year. This position will include duties and responsibilities discussed in interviews with myself, Mario Galasso, Wes Allinger and Zvi Glasman. A formal employment agreement will be drafted upon your acceptance of this offer.

Your employment package will include the following:

 

  1. Annual Bonus. You will be eligible for a year-end, cash bonus based on achieving certain company EBITDA levels and performance against specific MBOs assigned to you. Your bonus will be triggered upon reaching a minimum EBITDA established annually by the Board and will range between 20% and 60% depending on EBITDA performance above the minimum. Details regarding the bonus plan will be defined further within a formal employment agreement. For calendar year 2011, $25,000.00 (twenty-five-thousand-dollars) of this bonus will be guaranteed and payable on June 30, 2011. The details of this payment will also be further defined in the formal employment agreement.

 

  2. Relocation Expenses and Temporary Housing. FOX will reimburse you for costs associated with your relocation to the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area and six months related temporary housing costs

Relocation and temporary housing costs described above will be reimbursed provided original receipts are received, to a maximum of $95,000. (ninety five-thousand-dollars) in total. As discussed, although $95,000 is the maximum, we will jointly work with you to reduce those costs where there are appropriate savings opportunities

 

  3. Options. You will be granted options to purchase 4,500 (four-thousand-five-hundred) shares at the current strike price. The options will vest over a five year period with a one-year cliff.

 

  4. FOX 401 (k) Plan. You will be eligible for participation in the FOX FACTORY, Inc. 401 (k) retirement program. Participation in the 401 (k) Plan requires one complete year of employment at the time of the quarterly open enrollment periods. The terms of the Plan may be revised from time to time, but FOX currently provides a limited contribution to match a portion of employee contributions.

 

  5. Medical Dental Insurance Coverage. You will be entitled to participate in one of our group medical and dental insurance plans. FOX will pay a share of the cost of your participation in a medical and dental plan, as well as dependents qualifying under the terms of the policy. Eligibility for medical and dental insurance will begin on the first day of the month following 30 days of continuous employment.

 

  6. Paid Time Off. You will begin accruing PTO at the rate of 20 days per year.


  7.

Paid Holidays. We offer the following paid holidays: New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, 4 th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

 

  8. Severance. You will receive severance of 6 months of base compensation in the event you are terminated for any reason other than Cause during your first year of service. You will receive 12 months of base compensation in the event you are terminated for any reason other than Cause after one complete year of service. “Cause” will be further defined in a formal employment agreement.

John, I hope you find this offer attractive. I think FOX can offer you exciting challenges and opportunities, and we are looking forward to having you join the FOX team.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.

Sincerely,

Bob Kaswen

Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.26

Execution Version

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of January 4, 2008

among

FOX FACTORY, INC.,

as Borrower,

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.,

as Co-Borrower,

and

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC,

as Lender

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION.

     - 1 -   
 

1.1

   Definitions.      - 1 -   
 

1.2

   Interpretation.      - 19 -   

SECTION 2. CREDIT FACILITIES.

     - 20 -   
 

2.1

   Commitments.      - 20 -   
 

2.2

   Loan Procedures.      - 20 -   
 

2.3

   Letters of Credit.      - 22 -   
 

2.4

   Certain Conditions.      - 23 -   
 

2.5

   Loan Accounting.      - 23 -   
 

2.6

   Interest.      - 23 -   
 

2.7

   Fees.      - 24 -   
 

2.8

   Commitment Reduction.      - 25 -   
 

2.9

   Prepayment.      - 25 -   
 

2.10

   Repayment.      - 27 -   
 

2.11

   Payment.      - 27 -   

SECTION 3. YIELD PROTECTION.

     - 30 -   
 

3.1

   Taxes.      - 30 -   
 

3.2

   Increased Cost.      - 31 -   
 

3.3

   Inadequate or Unfair Basis.      - 31 -   
 

3.4

   Change in Law.      - 32 -   
 

3.5

   Funding Losses.      - 32 -   
 

3.6

   Conclusiveness of Statements; Survival.      - 32 -   

SECTION 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

     - 33 -   
 

4.1

   Initial Credit Extension.      - 33 -   
 

4.2

   All Credit Extensions.      - 35 -   

SECTION 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

     - 35 -   
 

5.1

   Organization.      - 35 -   
 

5.2

   Authorization; No Conflict.      - 35 -   
 

5.3

   Validity; Binding Nature.      - 36 -   
 

5.4

   Financial Condition.      - 36 -   
 

5.5

   No Material Adverse Change.      - 36 -   
 

5.6

   Litigation.      - 37 -   
 

5.7

   Ownership of Properties; Liens.      - 37 -   
 

5.8

   Capitalization.      - 37 -   
 

5.9

   Pension Plans.      - 37 -   
 

5.10  

   Investment Company Act.      - 38 -   
 

5.11

   Public Utility Holding Company Act.      - 38 -   
 

5.12

   Margin Stock.      - 38 -   
 

5.13

   Taxes.      - 38 -   
 

5.14

   Solvency.      - 38 -   
 

5.15

   Environmental Matters.      - 39 -   
 

5.16

   Insurance.      - 39 -   

 

i


 

5.17

   Information.      - 39 -   
 

5.18

   Intellectual Property.      - 40 -   
 

5.19

   Restrictive Provisions.      - 40 -   
 

5.20

   Labor Matters.      - 40 -   
 

5.21

   No Default.      - 41 -   
 

5.22

   Compliance with Law.      - 41 -   
 

5.23

   Permits, etc.      - 41 -   
 

5.24

   Customers and Suppliers.      - 41 -   

SECTION 6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

     - 41 -   
 

6.1

   Information.      - 41 -   
 

6.2

   Books; Records; Inspections.      - 44 -   
 

6.3

   Maintenance of Property; Insurance.      - 45 -   
 

6.4

   Compliance with Laws; Payment of Taxes and Liabilities.      - 46 -   
 

6.5

   Maintenance of Existence.      - 46 -   
 

6.6

   Employee Benefit Plans.      - 46 -   
 

6.7

   Environmental Matters.      - 46 -   
 

6.8

   Obtaining of Permits, Etc.      - 47 -   
 

6.9

   Collateral Access Agreements.      - 47 -   
 

6.10

   Blocked Accounts.      - 47 -   
 

6.11

   Further Assurances; Post-Closing Items.      - 48 -   

SECTION 7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

     - 49 -   
 

7.1

   Debt.      - 49 -   
 

7.2

   Liens.      - 50 -   
 

7.3

   Operating Leases.      - 51 -   
 

7.4

   Restricted Payments.      - 51 -   
 

7.5

   Mergers; Consolidations; Asset Sales.      - 51 -   
 

7.6

   Modification of Organizational Documents.      - 52 -   
 

7.7

   Use of Proceeds.      - 52 -   
 

7.8

   Transactions with Affiliates.      - 52 -   
 

7.9

   Inconsistent Agreements.      - 52 -   
 

7.10

   Business Activities.      - 52 -   
 

7.11

   Investments.      - 53 -   
 

7.12

   Restriction of Amendments to Certain Documents.      - 53 -   
 

7.13

   Fiscal Year.      - 53 -   
 

7.14

   Financial Covenants.      - 54 -   
 

7.15

   Bank Accounts.      - 54 -   
 

7.16  

   Subsidiaries.      - 55 -   

SECTION 8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES.

     - 55 -   
 

8.1

   Events of Default.      - 55 -   
 

8.2

   Remedies.      - 57 -   

SECTION 9. MISCELLANEOUS.

     - 58 -   
 

9.1

   Waiver; Amendments.      - 58 -   
 

9.2

   Notices.      - 58 -   
 

9.3

   Computations.      - 58 -   
 

9.4

   Costs; Expenses.      - 58 -   

 

ii


 

9.5

   Indemnification by Borrower.      - 59 -   
 

9.6

   Marshaling; Payments Set Aside.      - 59 -   
 

9.7

   Nonliability of Lender.      - 60 -   
 

9.8

   Assignments; Participations.      - 60 -   
 

9.9

   Confidentiality.      - 61 -   
 

9.10  

   Captions.      - 62 -   
 

9.11

   Nature of Remedies.      - 62 -   
 

9.12

   Counterparts.      - 62 -   
 

9.13

   Severability.      - 63 -   
 

9.14

   Entire Agreement.      - 63 -   
 

9.15

   Successors; Assigns.      - 63 -   
 

9.16

   Governing Law.      - 63 -   
 

9.17

   Forum Selection; Consent to Jurisdiction.      - 63 -   
 

9.18

   Waiver of Jury Trial.      - 64 -   

 

iii


CREDIT AGREEMENT

This Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), is made and entered into by and among Fox Factory, Inc., a California Corporation (“Borrower”), Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Co- Borrower ”), and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, (together with its successors and assigns, “ Lender ”), as lender.

In consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1.     Definitions; Interpretation.

1.1      Definitions .

When used herein the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Acceleration Event means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) an Event of Default under Section 8.1.3 ; (ii) an Event of Default under Section 8.1.1 and the termination of the Commitments; or (iii) any other Event of Default under Section 8.1 and the election by the Lender to declare the Obligations to be due and payable or to terminate the Revolving Loan Commitment.

Account has the meaning set forth in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement.

Account Debtor means any Person who is obligated to Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect to any Account, Chattel Paper or General Intangible.

Acquisition means any transaction or series of related transactions for the purpose of or resulting, directly or indirectly, in (a) the acquisition of all or a substantial portion of the assets of a Person, or of all or a substantial portion of any business or division of a Person, (b) the acquisition of in excess of 50% of the capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests or equity of any Person, or otherwise causing any Person to become a Subsidiary, or (c) a merger or consolidation or any other combination with another Person (other than a Person that is already a Subsidiary).

Affiliate of any Person means (a) any other Person which, directly or indirectly, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, (b) any officer or director of such Person and (c) with respect to Lender, any entity administered or managed by Lender or an Affiliate or investment advisor thereof which is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans. A Person shall be deemed to be “controlled by” any other Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, power to vote 10% or more of the securities (on a fully diluted basis) having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or managers or power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by contract or otherwise. Unless expressly stated otherwise herein, Lender shall not be deemed an Affiliate of Borrower or of any Subsidiary.

 

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Agreement has the meaning set forth in the Preamble .

Applicable Margin means the applicable rate per annum as set forth in the following table:

 

Level

  

Total Debt to

EBITDA Ratio

  

Revolving Loans

  

Term A Loans

     

Base Rate

   LIBOR   

Base Rate

  

LIBOR

1    Less than 3.0: 1.0    1.75    3.25    1.75    3.25
2    Greater than 3.0: 1.0 but less than 4.0: 1.0    2.00    3.50    2.00    3.50
3    Greater than 4.0: 1.0    2.25    3.75    2.25    3.75

The Applicable Margin in respect of the Revolving Loans and Term A Loans shall be adjusted quarterly, to the extent applicable, on the date financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1.2 with respect to the last fiscal month of a Fiscal Quarter (or, in the case of the last Fiscal Quarter of each Fiscal Year, Section 6.1.1 ) after the end of each related Fiscal Quarter (each, an “Interest Determination Date”) based on the Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio as of the last day of such Fiscal Quarter. Such Applicable Margin shall be effective from such Interest Determination Date until the next Interest Determination Date. Initially, each Applicable Margin shall be that percentage set forth above for Level 3 in the table above. After March 31, 2008, each Applicable Margin shall be equal to the applicable rate per annum set forth in the table above opposite the applicable Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio.

Assignee has the meaning set forth in Section 9.8.1 .

Assignment Agreement means an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A .

Balance Sheet Date has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4 .

Bankruptcy Code means the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. 101 et. seq .), as amended, and any successor statute.

Base Rate means, for any day, the greater of (a) the rate of interest which is identified as the “Prime Rate” and normally published in the Money Rates Section of The Wall Street Journal (or, if such rate ceases to be so published, as quoted from such other generally available and recognizable source as Lender may select) and (b) the sum of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%. Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in such Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate shall be effective on the effective date of such change in such Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate.

Base Rate Loan means any Loan which bears interest at or by reference to the Base Rate.

Blocked Account has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10 .

 

- 2 -


Blocked Account Bank has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10 .

Borrower has the meaning set forth in the Preamble .

Borrowing Availability means, at the time of determination, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Revolving Loan Commitment and (b) the sum of (i) 85% of the unpaid amount of all Eligible Accounts plus (ii) 55% of the unpaid amount of all Eligible Inventory valued at the lower of cost (on a FIFO basis) or market, in each case less an obsolescence reserve established by Borrower from time to time on its balance sheet, in accordance with GAAP and reasonably satisfactory to Lender.

Borrowing Base Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C .

Borrowing Notice means a notice in substantially the form of Exhibit E .

Business Day means any day other than any Saturday and Sunday on which commercial banks are open for commercial banking business in New York, New York, and, in the case of a Business Day which relates to a LIBOR Loan, any day on which dealings are carried out in the London interbank Eurodollar market.

Capital Expenditures means all expenditures (other than for leasehold improvements not to exceed $300,000 per year ) which, in accordance with GAAP, would be required to be capitalized and shown on the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower, but excluding expenditures made in connection with the replacement, substitution or restoration of assets to the extent financed (a) from insurance proceeds (or other similar recoveries) paid on account of the loss of or damage to the assets being replaced or restored, (b) with cash awards of compensation arising from the taking by eminent domain or condemnation of the assets being replaced or (c) with cash proceeds of Dispositions that are reinvested in accordance with Section 2.9.2(a)(i) .

Capital Lease means, with respect to any Person, any lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) any real or personal property by such Person that, (i) in conformity with GAAP, is accounted for as a capital lease on the balance sheet of such Person, or (ii) is a transaction of a type commonly known as a “synthetic lease” (i.e. a lease transaction that is treated as an operating lease for accounting purposes but with respect to which payments of rent are intended to be treated as payments of principal and interest on a loan for Federal income tax purposes).

Cash Equivalent Investment means, at any time, (a) any evidence of Debt, maturing not more than one year after such time, issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or any agency thereof, (b) commercial paper, or corporate demand notes, in each case (unless issued by a Lender or its holding company) rated at least A-l by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or P-l by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., (c) any certificate of deposit (or time deposit represented by a certificate of deposit) or banker’s acceptance maturing not more than one year after such time, or any overnight Federal Funds transaction that is issued or sold by Lender (or by a commercial banking institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve System and has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000),

 

- 3 -


(d) any repurchase agreement entered into with Lender (or commercial banking institution of the nature referred to in clause (c) above) which (i) is secured by a fully perfected security interest in any obligation of the type described in any of clauses (a) through (c) above and (ii) has a market value at the time such repurchase agreement is entered into of not less than 100% of the repurchase obligation of Lender (or other commercial banking institution) thereunder, (e) money market accounts or mutual funds which invest exclusively in assets satisfying the foregoing requirements and (f) other short term liquid investments approved in writing by Lender.

Chattel Paper has the meaning set forth in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement.

Closing Date means the date on which all conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.1 have been satisfied or waived in writing by Lender.

Closing Date Transaction Services Fee means the fee payable to Manager pursuant to that certain Transaction Services Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between Borrower and the Manager in an amount not to exceed $850,000.

Co-Borrower has the meaning set forth in the Preamble .

Collateral has the meaning set forth in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement.

Collateral Access Agreement means an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender pursuant to which a mortgagee or lessor of real property on which Collateral is stored or otherwise located, or a warehouseman, processor or other bailee of Inventory or other property owned by Borrower or any Subsidiary, acknowledges the Liens of Lender and waives (or, if approved by Lender, subordinates) any Liens held by such Person on such property, and, in the case of any such agreement with a mortgagee or lessor, permits Lender reasonable access to and use of such real property during the continuance of an Event of Default to assemble, complete and sell any Collateral stored or otherwise located thereon.

Collateral Documents means, collectively, the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, each Mortgage (if any), each Collateral Access Agreement, and each other agreement or instrument pursuant to or in connection with which any Loan Party or any other Person grants a security interest in any Collateral to Lender in order to secure the Obligations, each as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Commitments means the Revolving Loan Commitment, the Term A Loan Commitment and the Term B Loan Commitment.

Commitment Fee means the fee payable by Borrower to Lender pursuant to Section 2.7.1 .

Compliance Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B .

Computation Period means each period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending on the last day of a Fiscal Quarter.

 

- 4 -


Consolidated Net Income means, with respect to Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries for such period, excluding any gains or non-cash losses from Dispositions, any extraordinary or non-recurring gains or extraordinary or non-recurring non-cash losses and any gains or non-cash losses from discontinued operations.

Contingent Obligation means any agreement, undertaking or arrangement by which any Person guarantees, endorses or otherwise becomes or is contingently liable upon (by direct or indirect agreement, contingent or otherwise, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to or otherwise to invest in a debtor, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss) any indebtedness, obligation or other liability of any other Person (other than by endorsements of instruments in the course of collection), or guarantees the payment of dividends or other distributions upon the shares of any other Person. The amount of any Person’s obligation in respect of any Contingent Obligation shall (subject to any limitation set forth therein) be deemed to be the principal amount of the debt, obligation or other liability supported thereby.

Controlled Group means all members of a controlled group of corporations and all members of a controlled group of trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control which, together with Borrower, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the IRC or Section 4001 of ERISA.

Conversion/Continuation Notice means a notice in substantially the form of Exhibit F .

Debt of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (b) all obligations of such Person as lessee under Capital Leases which have been or should be recorded as liabilities on a balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP, (c) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business and not outstanding for more than 90 days after the date such trade account payable was created or for more than 60 days after the due date thereof), (d) all indebtedness secured by a Lien on the property of such Person, whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person (with the amount thereof being measured as the fair market value of such property), (e) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, with respect to the face amount of all letters of credit (whether or not drawn) and banker’s acceptances issued for the account of such Person, (f) all Hedging Obligations of such Person, (g) all Contingent Obligations of such Person, (h) all indebtedness of any partnership of which such Person is a general partner, (i) all monetary obligations under any receivables factoring, receivable sales or similar transactions and all obligations of such Person under any synthetic lease transaction, where such obligations are considered borrowed money indebtedness for tax purposes but the transaction is classified as an operating lease in accordance with GAAP and (j) all reimbursement, payment or other obligations and liabilities of such Person created or arising under any conditional sales or other title retention agreement with respect to property used or acquired by such Person, even though the rights and remedies of the lessor, seller or lender thereunder may be limited to repossession or sale of such property.

Debt to be Repaid means the Debt listed on Schedule 4.1.3 .

 

- 5 -


Default means any event that, if it continues uncured, will, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, constitute an Event of Default.

Disposition means, as to any asset or right of Borrower or any Subsidiary, (a) any sale, lease, assignment or other transfer (other than to Borrower or any Subsidiary), (b) any loss, destruction or damage thereof or (c) any actual or threatened condemnation, confiscation, requisition, seizure or taking thereof, in each case excluding (i) assets subject to a Disposition which are replaced within 180 days with assets performing the same or a similar function, and (ii) the sale or other transfer of Inventory in the ordinary course of business.

Dollar and $ mean lawful money of the United States of America.

Domestic Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that is incorporated or organized under the laws of a State within the United States of America or the District of Columbia. Unless the context otherwise requires, each reference to Domestic Subsidiary or Domestic Subsidiaries herein shall be a reference to Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of Borrower.

EBITDA means, for any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus, to the extent deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, (i) Interest Expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization for such period, (ii) management fees paid to or accrued for the benefit of Manager in such period to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 7.4 , (iii) any extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring gains or losses or charges or credits, including cash closing fees and expenses in connection with closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and (iv) any gain or loss associated with the sale or write-down of assets not in the ordinary course of business; provided , that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, for each calendar quarter listed below, EBITDA shall be deemed to be the amount set forth below opposite such quarter:

 

Calendar Quarter

   EBITDA  

June 30, 2007

   $ 3,404,603   

September 30, 2007

   $ 5,244,633   

December 31, 2007

   $ 2,431,042   

ECF Percentage means, for any Fiscal Year, 90%.

Eligible Account means all Accounts owing to Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary other than:

(a) Accounts which remain unpaid for more than ninety (90) days after their invoice dates and Accounts which are not due and payable within ninety (90) days after their invoice dates;

(b) Accounts owing by a single Account Debtor, including a current Account, if Twenty-Five Percent (25%) or more of the balance owing by said Account Debtor upon said Accounts is ineligible pursuant to clause (a) above;

 

- 6 -


(c) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is an officer, director, shareholder or partner of the Borrower or of any Subsidiary or is an Affiliate;

(d) Accounts with respect to which payment by the Account Debtor is or may be conditional and Accounts commonly known as bill and hold Accounts or Accounts of a similar or like arrangement;

(e) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is located outside of the continental United States of America or Canada, unless such Accounts are backed in full by an irrevocable letter of credit in form and substance satisfactory to Lender issued by a domestic commercial bank acceptable to Lender;

(f) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is the United States of America, any state of the United States or any other governmental body or any department, agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, unless such Accounts are duly assigned to Lender in accordance with all applicable governmental and regulatory rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended, if applicable) so that Lender is recognized by the Account Debtor to have all of the rights of an assignee of such Accounts;

(g) Accounts with respect to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is or may become liable to the Account Debtor for goods sold or services rendered by such Account Debtor to Borrower or such Subsidiary, but only to the extent of Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ then aggregate liability to such Account Debtor (i.e. the excess of the aggregate face amount of Accounts of such Account Debtor over the aggregate liability of Borrower and its Subsidiaries to such Account Debtor shall constitute an Eligible Account unless otherwise excepted under this definition of Eligible Accounts);

(h) Accounts with respect to which the goods giving rise thereto have not been shipped and delivered to and accepted as satisfactory by the Account Debtor thereof or with respect to which the services performed giving rise thereto have not been completed and accepted as satisfactory by the Account Debtor thereof;

(i) Accounts which are not invoiced (and dated as of such date) and sent to the Account Debtor thereof concurrently with or not later than ten (10) Business Days after the shipment and delivery to said Account Debtor of the goods giving rise thereto or the performance of the services giving rise thereto;

(j) Accounts with respect to which possession and/or control of the goods sold giving rise thereto is held, maintained or retained by Borrower or any Subsidiary (or by any agent or custodian of Borrower or any Subsidiary) for the account of or subject to further and/or future direction from the Account Debtor thereof;

(k) Accounts arising from a consignment sale, a “guaranteed sale”, a “sale on approval” or a “sale or return”;

 

- 7 -


(l) Accounts as to which Lender, at any time or times hereafter, determines, in good faith, that the prospects of payment or performance by the Account Debtor is or will be impaired in any material respect;

(m) Accounts of an Account Debtor to the extent, but only to the extent, that the same exceed a credit limit determined by Lender in its good faith discretion, at any time or times hereafter;

(n) Accounts which are subject to any dispute, offset, counterclaim, discount (except for prompt payment discounts that do not exceed Two Percent (2%) of the invoice amount) or other claim or defense on the part of the Account Debtor or to any claim on the part of the Account Debtor contesting or denying liability under such Account;

(o) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is located in the State of New Jersey, the State of Minnesota or the State of West Virginia; provided, however, that such restriction shall not apply if the Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable for such Accounts, (i) has filed and has effective (A) in respect of Account Debtors located in the State of New Jersey, a Notice of Business Activities Report with the State of New Jersey Division of Taxation for the then current year, (B) in respect of Account Debtors located in the State of Minnesota, a Minnesota Business Activity Report with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for the then current year or (C) in respect of Account Debtors located in the State of West Virginia, a West Virginia Business Activity Report with the West Virginia Department of Tax and Revenue for the then current year, as applicable, or (ii) is otherwise exempt from such reporting requirements under the laws of such State(s);

(p) Accounts which are not subject to a first priority perfected security interest in favor of Lender;

(q) Accounts which are not lawfully owned by the Borrower free and clear of any Lien (other than the Lien granted by Borrower in favor of Lender) and otherwise continues to be in full conformity with all representations and warranties made by Borrower to Lender with respect thereto in the Loan Documents; and

(r) Accounts with respect to which the relevant Account Debtor (i) has filed a petition for bankruptcy or any other relief under the Bankruptcy Code or any other law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, made an assignment for the benefit of creditors, had filed against it any petition or other application for relief under the Bankruptcy Code or any such other law, (ii) has failed, suspended business operations, or called a meeting of its creditors for the purpose of obtaining any financial concession or accommodation, (iii) has had or suffered to be appointed a receiver or a trustee for all or a significant portion of its assets or affairs or (iv) in the case of an Account Debtor who is an individual, has died or been declared incompetent.

An Account which is at any time an Eligible Account, but which subsequently fails to meet any of the foregoing requirements, shall forthwith cease to be an Eligible Account until such time, if any, as it again meets all of the foregoing requirements.

 

- 8 -


Eligible Institution means (a) any Person that (i) is organized for the purpose of making equity or debt investments in one or more other Persons and (ii) is an Affiliate of Lender or Manager, (b) any Person that invests in, or extends credit pursuant to, commercial loans in the ordinary course of business, or (c) any finance company, insurance company or other financial institution which temporarily warehouses Loans for Lender or any Person described in clauses (a) or (b) above.

Eligible Inventory means Inventory of Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary which meets each of the following requirements:

(a) it (i) is lawfully owned by the Borrower or such Domestic Subsidiary, (ii) is subject to a perfected Lien in favor of Lender and (iii) is not subject to any other assignment, claim or Lien;

(b) it is not held on consignment and may be lawfully sold;

(c) it arose or was acquired in the ordinary course of the business of the Borrower or such Domestic Subsidiary and does not represent damaged, obsolete or non-salable goods;

(d) no Account or document of title has been created or issued with respect to such Inventory;

(e) if such Inventory consists of finished goods Inventory sold under a licensed trademark or if such Inventory contains or uses a medium subject to a copyright (i) the Lender shall have entered into a waiver letter, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender, with the licensor with respect to the rights of the Lender to use the licensed trademark or copyright to sell or otherwise dispose of such Inventory or (B) the Lender shall otherwise be satisfied, in its sole discretion, that the Lender has rights to sell or dispose of such Inventory;

(f) it is in the possession and control of Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary and it is stored and held in facilities in the United States owned by Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary or, if such facilities are not so owned, Lender is in possession of a Collateral Access Agreement with respect thereto;

(g) it is not Inventory produced in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act and subject to the “hot goods” provisions contained in Title 29 U.S.C. §215;

(h) it is not subject to any agreement which would restrict Lender’s ability to sell or otherwise dispose of such Inventory;

(i) it is located in the United States or in any territory or possession of the United States that has adopted Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code;

(j) it is not “in transit” to Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary or held or delivered by Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary on consignment;

 

- 9 -


(k) it is not “work-in progress”, “supplies” or “packaging” Inventory; and

(l) Lender shall not have determined in its reasonable discretion that it is unacceptable due to age, type, category, quality, quantity and/or any other reason whatsoever.

Inventory which is at any time Eligible Inventory but which subsequently fails to meet any of the foregoing requirements shall forthwith cease to be Eligible Inventory until such time, if any, as it again meets all of the foregoing requirements.

Environmental Claims means all claims, however asserted, by any governmental, regulatory or judicial authority or other Person alleging potential liability or responsibility for violation of any Environmental Law, or for release or injury to the environment or any Person or property.

Environmental Laws means all present or future federal, state or local laws, statutes, common law duties, rules, regulations, ordinances and codes, together with all administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case relating to any matter arising out of or relating to health and safety, or pollution or protection of the environment or workplace, including any of the foregoing relating to the presence, use, production, generation, handling, transport, treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, discharge, release, control or cleanup of any Hazardous Substance.

ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Event of Default means any of the events described in Section 8.1 .

Excess Cash means, with respect to Co-Borrower, Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the excess of (i) the combined cash and Cash Equivalent Investments of Co-Borrower, Borrower and such Subsidiaries (exclusive of cash required to cover then outstanding checks) over (ii) $250,000.

Excess Cash Flow means, with respect to each Fiscal Year, the EBITDA for such Fiscal Year, minus the sum, without duplication, of (i) scheduled repayments of principal of Term Loans and other Debt (other than Revolving Loans) of Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries (in respect of Debt permitted in accordance with Section 7.1 ) made during such Fiscal Year, (ii) voluntary prepayments of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.9.1 during such Fiscal Year, (iii) cash payments (not financed with the proceeds of Debt other than Revolving Loans) made in such Fiscal Year with respect to Capital Expenditures permitted under Section 7.14.4 , (iv) all federal, state, local and foreign income taxes paid in cash by Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries during such Fiscal Year or payable with respect to such Fiscal Year by any of them within 75 days after the last day of such Fiscal Year, (v) all Interest Expense in respect of Debt permitted in accordance with Section 7.1 paid in cash by Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries during such Fiscal Year or payable with respect to such Fiscal Year by any of them within 30 days after the last day of such Fiscal Year, (vi) to the

 

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extent permitted under Section 7.4 , management fees (other than the Closing Date Transaction Services Fee) paid in cash to Manager during such Fiscal Year or payable to Manager with respect to such Fiscal Year within 30 days of the last day of such Fiscal Year, (vii) any extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring gains or losses or charges or credits, including cash closing expenses in connection with closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (viii) any gain or loss associated with the sale or write-down of assets not in the ordinary course of business.

Extraordinary Receipts means any cash received by Co-Borrower, Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not in the ordinary course of business (and not consisting of proceeds of Dispositions or Indebtedness), including (i) foreign, United States, state or local tax refunds, (ii) pension plan reversions, (iii) proceeds of insurance, (iv) judgments, proceeds of settlements or other consideration of any kind in connection with any cause of action, (v) condemnation awards (and payments in lieu thereof), (vi) indemnity payments and (vii) any purchase price adjustment received in connection with any purchase agreement and any amounts received from escrow arrangements in connection with any purchase agreement.

Federal Funds Rate means, for any day, a rate per annum (rounded upward to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) 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, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for the day of such transactions received by the Lender from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Fiscal Quarter means a fiscal quarter of a Fiscal Year.

Fiscal Year means the fiscal year of Borrower and the Subsidiaries, which period shall be the 12-month period ending on December 31 of each year (or, for the fiscal year of Borrower ending December 31, 2008, the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on December 31, 2008).

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio means for each Computation Period the ratio of (a) the total for such period of EBITDA minus the sum for such period of (i) all income taxes paid by Borrower and the Subsidiaries within 75 days of the end of such period, (ii) all Capital Expenditures and (iii) management fees (other than the Closing Date Transaction Services Fee paid in cash to Manager during such period or payable to Manager within 30 days of the end of such period) to (b) the sum for such period of (i) Interest Expense paid in cash by Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries, plus (ii) required payments of principal of Debt (including the Term Loans but excluding the Revolving Loans). In determining the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for a particular period, the calculation of the income tax liabilities of Co-Borrower, Borrower and its Subsidiaries described above shall be made without giving effect to any tax refunds, tax receivables, net operating losses or other net tax benefits that were received or receivable during such Computation Period on account of any prior Computation Period.

Foreign Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that is not incorporated or organized under the laws of a State within the United States of America or the District of Columbia.

 

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FRB means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any successor thereto.

Funded Debt means, as to any Person, all Debt of such Person that matures more than one year from the date of its creation (or is renewable or extendible, at the option of such Person, to a date more than one year from such date).

GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States of America set forth from time to time 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 agencies with similar functions of comparable stature and authority within the U.S. accounting profession), which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination.

General Intangible has the meaning set forth in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement.

Governmental Authority means any nation or government, any Federal, state, city, town, municipality, county, local or other political subdivision thereof or thereto and any department, commission, board, bureau, instrumentality, agency or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

Guarantee and Collateral Agreement means the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by each Loan Party in favor of Lender, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Hazardous Substances means (a) any element, compound or chemical that is defined, listed or otherwise classified as a contaminant, pollutant, toxic pollutant, toxic or hazardous substance, extremely hazardous substance or chemical, hazardous waste, special waste, or solid waste under Environmental Laws or that is likely to cause immediately, or at some future time, harm to or have an adverse effect on, the environment or risk to human health or safety, including any pollutant, contaminant, waste, hazardous waste, toxic substance or dangerous good which is defined or identified in any Environmental Law and which is present in the environment in such quantity or state that it contravenes any Environmental Law; (b) petroleum and its refined products; (c) polychlorinated biphenyls; (d) any substance exhibiting a hazardous waste characteristic, including corrosivity, ignitability, toxicity or reactivity as well as any radioactive or explosive materials; and (e) any raw materials, building components (including asbestos-containing materials) and manufactured products containing hazardous substances listed or classified as such under Environmental Laws.

Hedging Obligation means, with respect to any Person, any liability of such Person under any interest rate, currency or commodity swap agreement, cap agreement or collar agreement, and any other agreement or arrangement designed to protect a Person against fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices. The amount of any Person’s obligation in respect of any Hedging Obligation shall be deemed to be the incremental obligation that would be reflected in the financial statements of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Interest Expense means for any period the consolidated interest expense of Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries for such period (including all imputed interest on Capital Leases).

Interest Period means, as to any LIBOR Loan, the period commencing on the date such Loan is borrowed or continued as, or converted into, a LIBOR Loan and ending on the date one, two or three months thereafter, as selected by Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2.2 or 2.2.3 , as the case may be; provided, that: (a) if any Interest Period would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the following Business Day unless the result of such extension would be to carry such Interest Period into another calendar month, in which event such Interest Period shall end on the preceding Business Day; (b) any Interest Period that begins on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; (c) Borrower may not select any Interest Period for a Revolving Loan which would extend beyond the scheduled Termination Date; and (d) Borrower may not select any Interest Period for a Term Loan if, after giving effect to such selection, the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans having Interest Periods ending after any date on which an installment of the Term Loans is scheduled to be repaid would exceed the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans scheduled to be outstanding after giving effect to such repayment.

Inventory has the meaning set forth in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement.

Investment means, with respect to any Person, (a) the purchase of any debt or equity security of any other Person, (b) the making of any loan or advance to any other Person, (c) becoming obligated with respect to a Contingent Obligation in respect of obligations of any other Person (other than travel and similar advances to employees in the ordinary course of business) or (d) the making of an Acquisition.

Investment Affiliate means, with respect to Manager, any fund or investment vehicle that (a) is organized by Manager for the purpose of making equity or debt investments in one or more companies and (b) is controlled by Manager. For purposes of this definition “control” means the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of a Person, whether by contract or otherwise.

IRC means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Legal Costs means, with respect to any Person, (a) all reasonable fees and charges of any counsel (including counsel employed by such Person), accountants, auditors, appraisers, consultants and other professionals to such Person, and (b) all court costs and similar legal expenses.

Lender has the meaning set forth in the Preamble .

Letter of Credit has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3 .

 

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LIBOR Loan means any Loan which bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the LIBOR Rate.

LIBOR Rate means, with respect to any LIBOR Loan for any Interest Period, a rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/10,000 of 1%) equal to (i) the offered rate for deposits in Dollars for the applicable Interest Period and for the amount of the applicable LIBOR Loan that appears on Telerate Page 3750 at 11:00 a.m. London time (or, if not so appearing, as published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal or another national publication selected by Lender) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, divided by (ii) the sum of one minus the daily average during such Interest Period of the aggregate maximum reserve requirement (expressed as a decimal) then imposed under Regulation D of the FRB for “Eurocurrency Liabilities” (as defined therein).

Lien means, with respect to any Person, any interest granted by such Person in any real or personal property, asset or other right owned or being purchased or acquired by such Person which secures payment or performance of any obligation and shall include any mortgage, lien, pledge, encumbrance, charge or other security interest of any kind, whether arising by contract, as a matter of law, by judicial process or otherwise.

Loan Documents means this Agreement, the Notes, the Collateral Documents and all documents, instruments and agreements delivered in connection with the foregoing, all as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Loan Party means Borrower, Co-Borrower and each Subsidiary.

Loans means Revolving Loans and Term Loans.

Management Agreement means the Management Agreement, dated as of even date herewith, by and between the Manager and the Borrower.

Manager means Compass Group Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Margin Stock means any “margin stock” as defined in Regulation T, U or X of the FRB.

Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, (a) the financial condition, operations, assets, business, properties or prospects of Loan Parties taken as a whole, (b) the ability of any Loan Party to perform any of its Obligations under any Loan Document, or (c) the validity, perfection or priority of any Lien in favor of Lender on any substantial portion of the Collateral under the Collateral Documents or upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document, in each case taken as a whole; provided, however, that the following events, changes, conditions or effects shall not be deemed to have a “Material Adverse Effect”: (a) any event change, condition or effect occurring generally in the industry in which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries operates; (b) changes in events, conditions or effects in connection with general economic or political conditions; (c) any adverse change in the financial condition, operations, assets, business, properties or prospects of Loan Parties taken as a whole that does not impact the

 

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long term economic prospects and performance of the Loan Parties taken as a whole; or (d) a failure to meet internal projections or forecasts.

Mortgage means a mortgage, deed of trust, leasehold mortgage or similar instrument granting Lender a Lien on a real property interest of any Loan Party, each as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Multiemployer Pension Plan means a multiemployer plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group may have any liability.

Net Cash Proceeds means:

(a) with respect to any Disposition, the aggregate cash proceeds (including cash proceeds received pursuant to policies of insurance and by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note, installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received) received by any Loan Party pursuant to such Disposition net of (i) the reasonable direct costs relating to such Disposition (including sales commissions and legal, accounting and investment banking fees, commissions and expenses and, in the case of a Disposition of any asset, costs of preparing such asset for sale), (ii) any portion of such proceeds deposited in an escrow account pursuant to the documentation relating to such Disposition (provided that such amounts shall be treated as Net Cash Proceeds upon their release from such escrow account to the applicable Loan Party), (iii) taxes paid or reasonably estimated by Co-Borrower and/or Borrower to be payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), (iv) amounts required to be applied to the repayment of any Debt secured by a Lien prior to the Lien of Lender on the asset subject to such Disposition and (v) with respect to any Disposition, all money actually applied within 180 days to repair, replace or reconstruct damaged property or property affected by loss, destruction, damage, condemnation, confiscation, requisition, seizure or taking, all of the costs and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the collection of such proceeds, award or other payments, and any amounts retained by or paid to parties having superior rights to such proceeds, awards or other payments; and

(b) with respect to any issuance of equity securities, the aggregate cash proceeds received by Co-Borrower, Borrower or any Subsidiary pursuant to such issuance, net of the reasonable direct costs relating to such issuance (including reasonable sales and underwriter’s commission).

Non-Senior Debt means the Term B Loans plus any unsecured Debt of Co-Borrower, Borrower or a Subsidiary which has subordination terms, covenants, pricing and other terms which have been approved in writing by Lender.

Note means a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit D , as the same may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Obligations means all liabilities, indebtedness and obligations (monetary (including post-petition interest, allowed or not) or otherwise) of any Loan Party under this

 

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Agreement, any other Loan Document, any Collateral Document or any other document or instrument executed in connection herewith or therewith and all Hedging Obligations permitted hereunder which are owed to Lender or its Affiliates, in each case howsoever created, arising or evidenced, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, disputed or undisputed, legal or equitable, secured or unsecured, now or hereafter existing, or due or to become due, and whether or not a claim for any of the foregoing is allowed in whole or in part in any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code with respect to any Loan Party.

OFAC has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4 .

Operating Lease means any lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) any real or personal property by Co-Borrower, Borrower or any Subsidiary, as lessee, other than any Capital Lease.

Paid in Full means, with respect to any Obligations, (a) the payment in full in cash and performance of all such Obligations, and (b) the termination of all Commitments relating to such Obligations.

PBGC means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

Pension Plan means a “pension plan”, as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Pension Plan), and to which Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group may have any liability, including any liability by reason of having been a substantial employer within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA at any time during the preceding five years, or by reason of being deemed to be a contributing sponsor under Section 4069 of ERISA.

Permitted Management Fees means management or consulting fees payable pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000 in any Fiscal Year.

Permitted Transaction Services Fees means the Closing Date Transaction Services Fee and all other management or consulting fees payable to the Manager pursuant to the terms of transaction services agreements, if any, between Borrower and the Manager relating to the performance by the Manager of certain transaction-related services in connection with the acquisitions of target businesses by the Co-Borrower, Borrower or its Subsidiaries or dispositions of the Co-Borrower’s, Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ property or assets, which transaction services agreements shall contain market terms and conditions and will be approved by the Board of Directors of the Co-Borrower and the nominating and corporate governance committee of Lender.

Person means any natural person, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association, Governmental Authority or unit, or any other entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.

Pro Rata Revolving Share means, with respect to Lender or any Assignee, the applicable percentage (as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof)

 

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specified opposite such Person’s name on Annex I which corresponds to the Revolving Loan Commitment, which percentage shall be with respect to Revolving Loans outstanding if the Revolving Loan Commitment has terminated.

Pro Rata Share means, with respect to Lender or any Assignee, the applicable percentage (as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof) obtained by dividing (a) the sum of such Person’s (i) Pro Rata Revolving Share of the Revolving Loan Commitment (or if the Revolving Loan Commitment has terminated, such Person’s Pro Rata Revolving Share of the Revolving Loans outstanding), (ii) Pro Rata Term A Loan Share of the Term A Loans) and (iii) Pro Rata Term B Loan Share of the Term B Loans, by (b) the Total Loan Commitment.

Pro Rata Term A Loan Share means, with respect to Lender or any Assignee, the applicable percentage (as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof) specified opposite such Person’s name on Annex I which corresponds to the Term A Loans.

Pro Rata Term B Loan Share means, with respect to Lender or any Assignee, the applicable percentage (as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof) specified opposite such Person’s name on Annex I which corresponds to the Term B Loans.

Purchase Agreement means that certain Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of even date herewith, by and among Co-Borrower, as purchaser, Borrower and Robert C. Fox, Jr., as the sole shareholder of Borrower immediately prior to the transactions contemplated thereby.

Related Transactions means the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement.

Revolving Loan Commitment means $22,000,000 (as reduced from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof), plus such additional amounts, if any, that Lender may, in its sole discretion, from time to time commit to advance as Revolving Loans in connection with one or more Acquisitions; provided, however, that no advance in respect of any such additional Revolving Loan Commitment shall exceed that amount that would result in Borrower’s: (i) Senior Debt to EBITDA Ratio exceeding 3.0 to 1.0; or (ii) Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio exceeding 4.5 to 1.0, with both such ratios calculated as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter immediately proceeding the Fiscal Quarter in which such additional amount is to be advanced and on a pro forma basis based on EBITDA for the Computation Period as if the applicable Acquisition had been consummated on the calculation date, with such adjustments thereto as may be determined necessary or appropriate by Lender.

Revolving Loans has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.1 .

Securitization has the meaning set forth in Section 9.9 .

Senior Debt means, as of any day, the Revolving Loans, to the extent outstanding at the end of such day, plus the aggregate principal amount of the Term A Loans outstanding at the end of such day, plus all obligations, contingent or otherwise, with respect to the face amount of all letters of credit (whether or not drawn) and banker’s acceptances, if any, issued for the account of Borrower and outstanding at the end of such day.

 

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Senior Debt to EBITDA Ratio means, as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter, the ratio of (i) Senior Debt as of such day to (ii) EBITDA for the Computation Period ending on such day.

Stated Amount means, with respect to any Letter of Credit at any date of determination, (a) the maximum aggregate amount available for drawing thereunder under any and all circumstances, plus (b) the aggregate amount of all unreimbursed payments and disbursements under such Letter of Credit.

Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which such Person owns, directly or indirectly, such number of outstanding shares or other equity interests as to have more than 50% of the ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other managers of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity. Unless the context otherwise requires, each reference to Subsidiary or Subsidiaries herein shall be a reference to Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of Borrower.

Term A Loan Commitment means $23,000,000 plus, after the Closing Date, such additional amounts, if any, that Lender may, in its sole discretion, from time to time advance as Term A Loans in connection with one or more Acquisitions; provided, however, that no such additional Term A Loan Commitment shall exceed that amount which would result in Borrower’s: (i) Senior Debt to EBITDA Ratio exceeding 3.0 to 1.0; or (ii) Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio exceeding 4.5 to 1.0, with both such ratios calculated as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter immediately proceeding the Fiscal Quarter in which such additional amount is to be advanced and on a pro forma basis based on EBITDA for the Computation Period as if the applicable Acquisition had been consummated on the calculation date, with such adjustments thereto as may be determined necessary or appropriate by Lender.

Term A Loan Maturity Date means January 4, 2014 or such earlier date on which the Commitments terminate pursuant to Section 8 .

Term A Loans means a loan from Lender to Co-Borrower and Borrower in the principal amount of the Term A Loan Commitment on the Closing Date, together with such other loans, if any, pursuant to the Term A Loan Commitment.

Term B Loan Commitment means $20,000,000 plus, after the Closing Date, such additional amounts, if any, that Lender may, in its sole discretion, from time to time advance as Term B Loans in connection with one or more Acquisitions; provided, however, that no such additional Term B Loan Commitment shall exceed that amount which would result in Borrower’s Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio exceeding 4.5 to 1.0, with such ratio to be calculated as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter immediately proceeding the Fiscal Quarter in which such additional amount is to be advanced and on a pro forma basis based on EBITDA for the Computation Period as if the applicable Acquisition had been consummated on the calculation date, with such adjustments thereto as may be determined necessary or appropriate by Lender.

Term B Loan Maturity Date means January 4, 2015 or such earlier date on which the Commitments terminate pursuant to Section 8 .

 

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Term B Loans means a loan from Lender to Co-Borrower and Borrower in the principal amount of the Term B Loan Commitment on the Closing Date, together with such other loans, if any, pursuant to the Term B Loan Commitment.

Term Loan Commitments means the Term A Loan Commitment and the Term B Loan Commitment, collectively.

Term Loans means the Term A Loans and the Term B Loans, collectively.

Termination Date means January 4, 2014 or such earlier date on which the Revolving Loan Commitment terminates pursuant to Section 2.9 or Section 8 .

Total Debt means, as of any day, all Debt (other than Debt described in clause (g) of the definition thereof and Debt of any Loan Party to another Loan Party) of Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries at the end of such day, determined on a consolidated basis.

Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio means, as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter, the ratio of (a) Total Debt as of such day to (b) EBITDA for the Computation Period ending on such day.

Total Loan Commitment means at any date of determination, the sum of (i) the Revolving Loan Commitment (or if the Revolving Loan Commitment has terminated, the Revolving Loans then outstanding) at the end of such date plus (ii) the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loans at the end of such date plus (iii) to the extent, if any, that the Term Loan Commitments remain unused and in effect, the amount of such remaining Term Loan Commitments.

Unused Availability Fee means the fee payable by Co-Borrower and Borrower to Lender pursuant to Section 2.7.2 .

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary means, as to any Person, another Person all of the equity interests of which (except directors’ qualifying shares) are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person and/or another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of such Person. Unless the context otherwise requires, each reference to Wholly-Owned Subsidiary or Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries herein shall be a reference to Wholly-Owned Subsidiary or Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of Borrower.

1.2     Interpretation .

In the case of this Agreement and each other Loan Document, (a) the meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms; (b) Annex, Exhibit, Schedule and Section references are to such Loan Document unless otherwise specified; (c) the term “including” is not limiting and means “including but not limited to”; (d) 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”; (e) unless otherwise expressly provided in such Loan Document, (i) references to agreements and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments and other modifications thereto, but only

 

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to the extent such amendments and other modifications are not prohibited by the terms of any Loan Document, and (ii) references to any statute or regulation shall be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such statute or regulation; (f) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may use several different limitations, tests or measurements to regulate the same or similar matters, all of which are cumulative and each shall be performed in accordance with its terms; (g) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are the result of negotiations among and have been reviewed by counsel to Lender, Borrower and the other parties thereto and are the products of all parties; accordingly, they shall not be construed against Lender merely because of Lender’s involvement in their preparation; and (h) the term “or” has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.”

Section 2.    Credit Facilities.

2.1     Commitments .

On and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Lender agrees as follows:

2.1.1     Revolving Loan Commitment s.

Lender will make loans to Borrower and Co-Borrower on a revolving basis (“ Revolving Loans ”) from time to time and Borrower may repay such loans from time to time until the Termination Date in such amounts as Borrower may request from Lender; provided, that after giving effect to such Revolving Loans, the Revolving Loans outstanding will not at any time exceed the lesser of (i) the Revolving Loan Commitment minus the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit or (ii) the Borrowing Availability minus the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

2.1.2     Term Loan Commitments .

Lender agrees to make (a) a Term A Loan to Borrower and Co-Borrower on the Closing Date in an amount equal to the Term A Loan Commitment as of the Closing Date, and (b) a Term B Loan to Borrower and Co-Borrower on the Closing Date in an amount equal to the Term B Loan Commitment as of the Closing Date. The Lender shall have no obligation to make Term Loans after the Closing Date. Term Loans which are repaid or prepaid by Borrower or Co-Borrower, in whole or in part, may not be re-borrowed.

2.2     Loan Procedures .

2.2.1     Loan Types .

Each Loan shall be either a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan, as Borrower shall specify in the related notice of borrowing or conversion pursuant to Section 2.2.2 or  2.2.3 . Base Rate Loans and LIBOR Loans may be outstanding at the same time, provided that not more than three different Interest Periods shall exist among outstanding LIBOR Loans at any one time. All borrowings, conversions and repayments of Revolving Loans shall be effected so that Lender and each Assignee will have a ratable share (according to its Pro Rata Revolving Share) of all

 

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Revolving Loans and all Interest Periods of LIBOR Loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, Borrower may not make, and Lender shall not be obligated to fund, more than two (2) Revolving Loan borrowings during any single calendar week; provided, however, Borrower may from time to time request additional Revolving Loan borrowings for emergency funding purposes and Lender shall use its best efforts to fund such emergency Revolving Loan borrowings.

2.2.2     Borrowing .

Borrower shall give written (including via email) notice or telephonic notice (followed immediately by written confirmation thereof) to Lender of each proposed borrowing of a Revolving Loan not later than (a) in the case of a Base Rate borrowing, 11:00 a.m. New York City time at least two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed date of such borrowing, and (b) in the case of a LIBOR borrowing, 11:00 a.m. New York City time at least four (4) Business Days prior to the proposed date of such borrowing. Each such notice shall be effective upon receipt by Lender, shall be irrevocable, and shall specify, in the form of a Borrowing Notice, the date, amount and type of borrowing and, in the case of LIBOR borrowing, the initial Interest Period therefor. So long as Borrower’s request is timely made and the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 with respect to such borrowing have been satisfied, Lender shall pay over the proceeds of such borrowing request to Borrower on the requested borrowing date. Each borrowing shall be on a Business Day. Each Base Rate borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount of $250,000 or of any integral multiple of $50,000 in excess thereof, and each LIBOR borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount of $250,000 or of any integral multiple of $50,000 in excess thereof.

2.2.3     Conversion; Continuation .

(a) Subject to Section 2.2.1 , Borrower may, upon irrevocable written (including via email) notice to Lender in accordance with clause (b) below, elect (i) as of any Business Day, to convert any Loans (or any part thereof in an aggregate amount of not less than $250,000 or a higher integral multiple of $50,000) into Loans of the other type or (ii) as of the last day of the applicable Interest Period, to continue any LIBOR Loans having Interest Periods expiring on such day (or any part thereof in an aggregate amount not less than $250,000 or a higher integral multiple of $50,000) for a new Interest Period; provided, that any conversion of a LIBOR Loan on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period therefor shall be subject to Section 3 .

(b) Borrower shall give written (including via email) or telephonic notice (followed immediately by written confirmation thereof) to Lender of each proposed conversion or continuation not later than (i) in the case of conversion into Base Rate Loans, 11:00 a.m. New York City time at least one Business Day prior to the proposed date of such conversion and (ii) in the case of conversion into or continuation of LIBOR Loans, 11:00 a.m. New York City time at least four Business Days prior to the proposed date of such conversion or continuation, specifying in each case in the form of a Conversion/Continuation Notice: (i) the proposed date of conversion or continuation; (ii) the aggregate amount of Loans to be converted or continued; (iii) the type of Loans resulting from the proposed conversion or continuation; and (iv) in the case of conversion into, or continuation of, LIBOR Loans, the duration of the requested Interest Period therefor.

 

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(c) If upon the expiration of any Interest Period applicable to LIBOR Loans, Borrower has failed to select timely a new Interest Period to be applicable to such LIBOR Loans, Borrower shall be deemed to have elected to convert such LIBOR Loans into Base Rate Loans effective on the last day of such Interest Period.

2.3     Letters of Credit .

2.3.1 At the request of Borrower, Lender may issue, or cause to be issued, from time to time before the date which is 30 days prior to the Termination Date standby letters of credit, or participation agreements confirming payment to issuers (reasonably acceptable to Lender) of standby letters of credit, in each case for the account of Borrower or any Subsidiary and containing terms and conditions which are consistent with this Agreement and reasonably satisfactory to Lender (each such standby letter of credit and participation agreement, a “Letter of Credit”). With respect to the outstanding face amount drawn on each such Letter of Credit, Borrower shall pay to Lender a fee equal to the Applicable Margin per annum for LIBOR Rate Revolving Loans, calculated based upon a year of 365 days for actual days outstanding and payable on the last day of each calendar quarter in arrears. In addition, with respect to each Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall pay to or as directed by Lender such additional customary fees as Borrower and Lender may from time to time agree. After giving effect to each such issuance, the aggregate Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit shall not at any time exceed the least of (a) $1,000,000, (b) the Revolving Loan Commitment minus the aggregate amount of all outstanding Revolving Loans and (c) the Borrowing Availability minus the aggregate amount of all outstanding Revolving Loans. Borrower shall give notice to Lender of the proposed issuance of each Letter of Credit on a Business Day which is at least ten (10) Business Days (or such lesser number of days as Lender shall agree) prior to the proposed date of issuance of such Letter of Credit. Each such notice shall be accompanied by a Letter of Credit application in form reasonably acceptable to Lender, duly executed by Borrower, together with such other documentation as Lender may request in support thereof, it being understood that each Letter of Credit application shall specify, among other things, the date on which the proposed Letter of Credit is to be issued, and the expiration date of such Letter of Credit (which shall not be later than the earlier to occur of (a) one year after the date of issuance thereof and (b) 30 days prior to the scheduled Termination Date.

2.3.2 Borrower hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees to reimburse Lender for each payment or disbursement made by Lender under any Letter of Credit honoring any demand for payment made thereunder, in each case on the date that such payment or disbursement is made. Lender shall promptly notify Borrower whenever any demand for payment is made under any Letter of Credit; provided, that the failure of Lender to so notify Borrower shall not affect the rights of Lender in any manner whatsoever. Any amount not reimbursed on the date of such payment or disbursement shall bear interest from the date of such payment or disbursement to the date that Lender is reimbursed by Borrower therefor, payable on demand, at the interest rate per annum from time to time in effect for Revolving Loans which are Base Rate Loans.

2.3.3 Borrower’s reimbursement obligations hereunder shall be irrevocable and unconditional under all circumstances, including (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which any Loan Party may have at any time against a beneficiary

 

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named in a Letter of Credit, any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such transferee may be acting), Lender or any other Person, whether in connection with any Letter of Credit, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transactions (including any underlying transaction between any Loan Party and the beneficiary named in any Letter of Credit), (iii) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of any document which Lender (or, as applicable, the issuer of any underlying letter of credit) has determined complies on its face with the terms of the applicable Letter of Credit (or, if applicable, underlying letter of credit), even if such document should later prove to have been forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein shall have been untrue or inaccurate in any respect, or (iv) the surrender or impairment of any security for the performance or observance of any of the terms hereof.

2.4     Certain Conditions .

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Lender shall not have an obligation to make any Loan, or to permit the continuation of any expiring LIBOR Loan as a LIBOR Loan, or to permit any conversion into any LIBOR Loans, if an Event of Default or Default exists.

2.5     Loan Accounting .

2.5.1     Recordkeeping .

Lender shall record in its records the date and amount of each Loan made and each repayment or conversion thereof and, in the case of each LIBOR Loan, the dates on which each Interest Period for such Loan shall begin and end. The aggregate unpaid principal amount so recorded shall be rebuttably presumptive evidence of the principal amount of the Loans owing and unpaid. The failure to so record any such amount or any error in so recording any such amount shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the Obligations of Borrower hereunder or under any Note to repay the principal amount of the Loans hereunder, together with all interest accruing thereon.

2.6     Interest .

2.6.1     Interest Rates .

Borrower and Co-Borrower promise to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan for the period commencing on the date of such Loan until such Loan is paid in full as follows: (a) at all times which such Revolving Loan or Term A Loan is a Base Rate Loan, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate from time to time in effect plus the Applicable Margin; (b) at all times while such Revolving Loan or Term A Loan is a LIBOR Loan, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the LIBOR Rate applicable to each Interest Period for such Loan plus the Applicable Margin, and (c) with respect to Term B Loans, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the LIBOR Rate applicable to each Interest Period for such Loan plus 7.50%; provided, that (i) at any time an Event of Default exists, if requested by Lender, the Applicable Margin corresponding to each Loan (other than Term B Loans) shall be increased by two percentage points per annum and, in the case of Term B Loans, such Loans shall bear interest at the rate per annum equal to the sum of the LIBOR Rate applicable to each Interest

 

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Period for such Loan plus 9.50%), (ii) any such increase may thereafter be rescinded by Lender, and (iii) upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under Section 8.1.1 or 8.1.3 , any such increase described in the foregoing clause (i) shall occur automatically. In no event shall interest payable by Borrower and Co-Borrower to Lender hereunder exceed the maximum rate permitted under applicable law, and if any such provision of this Agreement is in contravention of any such law, such provision shall be deemed modified to limit such interest to the maximum rate permitted under such law.

2.6.2     Interest Payment Dates .

Accrued interest on each Base Rate Loan shall be payable in arrears on the first day of each calendar month and at maturity in cash. Accrued interest on each LIBOR Loan shall be payable (a) on the last day of each Interest Period relating to such Loan, (b) upon a prepayment of such Loan in accordance with Section 2.9 and (c) at maturity in cash. After maturity and at any time an Event of Default exists, all accrued interest on all Loans shall be payable in cash on demand at the rates specified in Section 2.6.1 .

2.6.3     Setting and Notice of LIBOR Rates .

The applicable LIBOR Rate for each Interest Period shall be determined by Lender, and notice thereof shall be given by Lender promptly to Borrower. Each determination of the applicable LIBOR Rate by Lender shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto, in the absence of demonstrable error. Lender shall, upon written request of Borrower, deliver to Borrower a statement showing the computations used by Lender in determining any applicable LIBOR Rate hereunder.

2.6.4     Computation of Interest .

Interest shall be computed by Lender for the actual number of days elapsed on the basis of a year of (a) 365/366 days for interest calculated at the Base Rate and (b) 360 days for interest calculated at the LIBOR Rate. The applicable interest rate for each Base Rate Loan shall change simultaneously with each change in the Base Rate. Lender shall determine each interest rate applicable to the Loans and its determination thereof, and its computation of interest thereon, shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

2.7     Fees .

2.7.1     Commitment Fee .

Borrower and Co-Borrower agree to pay to Lender on the Closing Date a commitment fee (the “ Commitment Fee ”) equal to 2.0% multiplied by the Total Loan Commitments.

2.7.2     Unused Availability Fee .

For the period from the Closing Date to the Termination Date, Borrower and Co-Borrower agree to pay to Lender a fee (the “ Unused Availability Fee ”) equal to 0.5% multiplied by the amount by which the Revolving Loan Commitment exceeds the average daily Revolving

 

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Loans outstanding plus the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit. The Unused Availability Fee shall be payable in arrears on the first day of each calendar quarter and on the Termination Date for any period then ending for which the Unused Availability Fee shall not have previously been paid. The Unused Availability Fee shall be computed by Lender for the actual number of days elapsed on the basis of a year of 360 days.

2.7.3     Additional Commitment Fees .

Borrower and Co-Borrower agree to pay to Lender on each date, if any, on which (i) additional Term A Loan commitments are made (or additional Term A Loans advanced) or Revolving Loan commitments are made, in each case after the Closing Date, an amount equal to 1.0% multiplied by the amount of each such post-Closing Date advance or commitment, and (ii) additional Term B Loan commitments are made (or additional Term A Loans advanced) after the Closing Date an amount equal to 2.0% multiplied by the amount of each such post-Closing Date advance or commitment.

2.8     Commitment Reduction .

2.8.1     Voluntary Reduction or Termination of Revolving Loan Commitment .

Borrower may from time to time on at least five Business Days’ prior written notice received by Lender permanently reduce the Revolving Loan Commitment to an amount not less than the sum of (i) Revolving Loans outstanding plus (ii) the aggregate Stated Value of all outstanding Letters of Credit. Any such reduction shall be in an amount not less than $500,000 or a higher integral multiple of $100,000. Concurrently with any reduction of the Revolving Loan Commitment to zero, Borrower shall pay all interest on the Revolving Loans and all accrued and unpaid fees owing in respect thereof, including any Unused Availability Fee.

2.9     Prepayment .

2.9.1     Voluntary Prepayment .

Borrower and Co-Borrower may from time to time, on at least one Business Day’s written (including via email) notice or telephonic notice (if a telephonic notice, followed immediately by written confirmation thereof) to Lender not later than 11:00 a.m. New York City time on such day, prepay the Term Loans in whole or in part; provided that Borrower may not prepay all or any portion of the Term B Loans if, either immediately prior to or after giving effect to any such prepayment, any portion of the Revolving Loans or Term A Loans are outstanding. Such notice to Lender shall specify the Loans to be prepaid and the date and amount of prepayment. Any such partial prepayment shall be in an amount equal to $500,000 or a higher integral multiple of $100,000. All prepayments of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.9.1 shall be applied pursuant to Section 2.9.3 .

2.9.2     Mandatory Prepayment .

(a) Subject to Section 2.9.2(c) , Borrower and Co-Borrower shall prepay, first, the Term A Loans until Paid in Full, second, the Term B Loans until Paid in Full (in each case in the

 

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inverse order of maturity to the remaining installments thereof), and third, the Revolving Loans until paid in full, at the following times and in the following amounts:

(i) concurrently with receipt by Borrower, Co-Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Net Cash Proceeds from any Disposition, in an amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds;

(ii) concurrently with receipt by Borrower, Co-Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Net Cash Proceeds from any issuance of its equity securities (other than equity securities that are issued pursuant to Section 7.11(a) ) or the issuance of Debt (other than Debt permitted by Section 7.1 , in an amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds;

(iii) within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year (commencing with Fiscal Year 2007), in an amount equal to the ECF Percentage of Excess Cash Flow for such Fiscal Year; and

(iv) concurrently with the receipt by Borrower, Co-Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Extraordinary Receipts, in an amount equal to such Extraordinary Receipts.

(b) If on any day the sum of (i) the Revolving Loans then outstanding plus (ii) the Stated Amount of the outstanding Letters of Credit exceeds the Borrowing Availability, whether pursuant to a reduction of the Revolving Loan Commitment pursuant to Section 2.8.1 or otherwise, Borrower and Co-Borrower shall immediately prepay Revolving Loans in an amount sufficient to eliminate such excess.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 2.9.2(a) , on each Monday during the term of the Revolving Loan Commitment and for so long as there are Revolving Loans outstanding, Borrower and Co-Borrower shall prepay the Revolving Loans until Paid in Full in an amount equal to the Excess Cash at the time of such payment. Payments pursuant to this Section 2.9.2(c) shall not result in a reduction in the Revolving Loan Commitment.

2.9.3     All Prepayments .

(a) Any prepayment of a LIBOR Loan on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period therefor shall include interest on the principal amount being repaid and shall be subject to Section 3 . All prepayments of a Loan shall be applied first to that portion of such Loan comprised of Base Rate Loans and then to that portion of such Loan comprised of LIBOR Loans, in direct order of Interest Period maturities. All prepayments of Term Loans shall be applied first to Term A Loans until Paid in Full and then to Term B Loans and, in each case, in the inverse order of maturity to the remaining installments thereof.

(b) Borrower shall give written (including via email) notice or telephonic notice (followed immediately by written confirmation thereof) to Lender not later than 11:00 a.m. New York City time at least one Business Day prior to each mandatory prepayment pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2.9.2 .

 

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2.10     Repayment .

2.10.1     Revolving Loans .

The Revolving Loans then outstanding shall be paid, for the account of Lender and any Assignee according to its respective Pro Rata Revolving Share, in full on the Termination Date.

2.10.2     Term A Loans .

The Term A Loans shall amortize as provided in the following table, with each annualized amount being due and payable in equal quarterly installments on the last day of each Fiscal Quarter, commencing March 31, 2008 and continuing to the Term Loan A Maturity Date, on which date the then outstanding Term A Loans shall be paid in full:

 

Year

  

Annual Amortization

  

1

   $1,150,000

2

   $1,150,000

3

   $1,150,000

4

   $1,150,000

5

   $1,150,000

6

   $17,250,000

2.10.3     Term B Loans .

The Term B Loans shall be paid in full on the Term B Loan Maturity Date.

2.11     Payment .

2.11.1     Making Payments .

All payments of principal of or interest on the Notes, and of all fees, shall be made by Borrower to Lender without setoff, recoupment or counterclaim and in immediately available funds by wire transfer initiated by Borrower by not later than 11:00 a.m. New York City time on the date due. Any such wire of funds not received by Lender prior to 2:00 p.m. New York City time shall be deemed to have been received by Lender on the following Business Day.

2.11.2     Application of Payments and Proceeds .

(a) Except as set forth in Section 2.9.2 and Section 2.9.3 , and subject to the provisions of Sections 2.11.2(b) and 2.11.2(c) below, each payment of principal shall be applied to such Loans as Borrower shall direct by notice to be received by Lender on or before the date of such payment or, in the absence of such notice, as Lender shall determine in its discretion.

 

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(b) If an Acceleration Event shall have occurred and be continuing, notwithstanding anything herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, Lender shall apply all or any part of payments in respect of the Obligations and proceeds of Collateral, in each case as received by Lender, to the payment of the Obligations in the following order:

(i) FIRST, to the payment of all fees, costs, expenses and indemnities due and owing to Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and any other Obligations owing to Lender in respect of sums advanced by Lender to preserve or protect the Collateral or to preserve or protect its security interest in the Collateral (whether or not such Obligations are then due and owing to Lender), until Paid in Full;

(ii) SECOND, to the payment of all other fees, costs, expenses and indemnities due and owing to Lender, other than in respect of Term B Loans, until Paid in Full;

(iii) THIRD, to the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest due and owing to Lender, other than in respect of Term B Loans, until Paid in Full;

(iv) FOURTH, to the payment of all principal of the Loans, other than Term B Loans, due and owing until Paid in Full;

(v) FIFTH, to the payment of all other Obligations owing to Lender, other than Obligations owing in respect of Term B Loans, until Paid in Full;

(vi) SIXTH, to the payment of all fees, costs, expenses and indemnities due and owing to Lender in respect of Term B Loans until Paid in Full;

(vii) SEVENTH, to the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest due and owing to Lender in respect of Term B Loans until Paid in Full;

(viii) EIGHTH, to the payment of all principal of Term B Loans due and owing until Paid in Full; and

(ix) NINTH, to the payment of all other Obligations owing to Lender in respect of Term B Loans until Paid in Full.

(c) If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing but an Acceleration Event shall not exist, notwithstanding anything herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, Lender shall apply all or any part of payments in respect of the obligations and proceeds of Collateral, in each case as received by Lender, to the payment of the Obligations in such order as Lender may elect. In the absence of a specific determination by Lender, payments in respect of the Obligations and proceeds of Collateral received by Lender shall be applied in the following order:

(i) FIRST, to the payment of all fees, costs, expenses and indemnities due and owing to Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and any other Obligations owing to Lender in respect of sums advanced by Lender to preserve or

 

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protect the Collateral or to preserve or protect its security interest in the Collateral (whether or not such Obligations are then due and owing to Lender), until Paid in Full;

(ii) SECOND, to the payment of all other fees, costs, expenses and indemnities due and owing to Lender, other than in respect of Term B Loans, until Paid in Full;

(iii) THIRD, to the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest due and owing to Lender, other than in respect of Term B Loans, until Paid in Full;

(iv) FOURTH, to the payment of all principal of the Loans, other than Term B Loans, then due and owing until Paid in Full;

(v) FIFTH, to the payment of all other Obligations owing to Lender, other than Obligations owing in respect of Term B Loans, until Paid in Full;

(vi) SIXTH, to the payment of all fees, costs, expenses and indemnities due and owing to Lender in respect of Term Loans until Paid in Full;

(vii) SEVENTH, to the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest due and owing to Lender in respect of Term B Loans until Paid in Full;

(viii) EIGHTH, to cash collateralize Obligations consisting of Term B Loans not yet due and owing until Paid in Full; and

(ix) NINTH, to the payment of all other Obligations owing to Lender in respect of Term B Loans until Paid in Full.

2.11.3     Payment Dates .

If any payment of principal or interest with respect to any of the Loans, or of any fees, falls due on a day which is not a Business Day, then such due date shall be extended to the immediately following Business Day (unless, in the case of a LIBOR Loan, such immediately following Business Day is the first Business Day of a calendar month, in which case such due date shall be the immediately preceding Business Day) and, in the case of principal, additional interest shall accrue and be payable for the period of any such extension.

2.11.4     Set-off .

Borrower and Co-Borrower agree that Lender and its Affiliates have all rights of set-off and bankers’ lien provided by applicable law, and in addition thereto, Borrower and Co-Borrower agree that at any time an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Lender may apply to the payment of any Obligations of Borrower hereunder, whether or not then due, any and all balances, credits, deposits, accounts or moneys of Borrower then or thereafter with Lender.

 

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Section 3.     Yield Protection.

3.1     Taxes .

(a) All payments of principal and interest on the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any present or future income, excise, stamp, documentary, property or franchise taxes and other taxes, fees, duties, levies, withholdings or other charges of any nature whatsoever imposed by any taxing authority, excluding taxes imposed on or measured by Lender’s net income by the jurisdiction under which Lender is organized or conducts business (all non-excluded items being called “ Taxes ”). If any withholding or deduction from any payment to be made by Borrower or Co-Borrower hereunder is required in respect of any Taxes pursuant to any applicable law, rule or regulation, then Borrower will: (i) pay directly to the relevant authority the full amount required to be so withheld or deducted; (ii) promptly forward to Lender an official receipt or other documentation satisfactory to Lender evidencing such payment to such authority; and (iii) pay to Lender such additional amount or amounts as is necessary to ensure that the net amount actually received by Lender will equal the full amount Lender would have received had no such withholding or deduction been required. If any Taxes are directly asserted against Lender with respect to any payment received by Lender hereunder, Lender may pay such Taxes and Borrower will promptly pay such additional amounts (including any penalty, interest or expense) as is necessary in order that the net amount received by such Person after the payment of such Taxes (including any Taxes on such additional amount) shall equal the amount such Person would have received had such Taxes not been asserted so long as such amounts have accrued on or after the day which is 180 days prior to the date on which Lender first made demand therefor; provided, that if the event giving rise to such costs or reductions has retroactive effect, such 180 day period shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect.

(b) If Borrower or Co-Borrower fails to pay any Taxes when due to the appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit to Lender the required receipts or other required documentary evidence, Borrower shall indemnify Lender for any incremental Taxes, interest or penalties that may become payable by Lender as a result of any such failure.

(c) Each Assignee that (i) is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America and (ii) becomes an assignee of an interest under this Agreement under Section 9.8.1 after the Closing Date (unless such Person was already a Lender hereunder immediately prior to such assignment) shall execute and deliver to Borrower and Lender one or more (as Borrower or Lender may reasonably request) Forms W-8ECI, W-8BEN, W-8IMY (as applicable) or other applicable form, certificate or document prescribed by the United States Internal Revenue Service certifying as to such Person’s entitlement to exemption from withholding or deduction of Taxes. Borrower shall not be required to pay additional amounts to any Person pursuant to this Section 3.1 to the extent that the obligation to pay such additional amounts would not have arisen but for the failure of such Person or Lender to comply with this paragraph.

 

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3.2     Increased Cost .

(a) If, after the Closing Date, the adoption of, or any change in, any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration of any applicable law, rule or regulation by any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by Lender with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency shall impose on Lender any other condition affecting its LIBOR Loans, its Note or its obligation to make LIBOR Loans; and the result of anything described above is to increase the cost to (or to impose a cost on) Lender of making or maintaining any LIBOR Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by Lender under this Agreement or under its Note with respect thereto, then upon demand by Lender (which demand shall be accompanied by a statement setting forth the basis for such demand and a calculation of the amount thereof in reasonable detail), Borrower shall pay directly to Lender such additional amount as will compensate Lender for such increased cost or such reduction, so long as such amounts have accrued on or after the day which is 180 days prior to the date on which Lender first made demand therefor; provided, that if the event giving rise to such costs or reductions has retroactive effect, such 180 day period shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect.

(b) If Lender shall reasonably determine that any change in, or the adoption or phase-in of, any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or the compliance by Lender or any Person controlling Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on Lender’s or such controlling Person’s capital as a consequence of Lender’s obligations hereunder to a level below that which Lender or such controlling Person could have achieved but for such change, adoption, phase-in or compliance (taking into consideration Lender’s or such controlling Person’s policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by Lender or such controlling Person to be material, then from time to time, upon demand by Lender (which demand shall be accompanied by a statement setting forth the basis for such demand and a calculation of the amount thereof in reasonable detail), Borrower shall pay to Lender such additional amount as will compensate Lender or such controlling Person for such reduction, so long as such amounts have accrued on or after the day which is 180 days prior to the date on which Lender first made demand therefor; provided, that if the event giving rise to such costs or reductions has retroactive effect, such 180 day period shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect.

3.3     Inadequate or Unfair Basis .

If Lender reasonably determines (which determination shall be binding and conclusive on Borrower and Co-Borrower) that, by reason of circumstances affecting the interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable LIBOR Rate, then Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower thereof and, so long as such circumstances shall continue, (a) Lender shall be under no obligation to make or convert any Base Rate Loans into LIBOR Loans and (b) on the last day of the current Interest Period for each LIBOR Loan, such Loan shall, unless then repaid in full, automatically convert to a Base Rate Loan.

 

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3.4     Change in Law .

If any change in, or the adoption of any new, law or regulation, or any change in the interpretation of any applicable law or regulation by any governmental or other regulatory body charged with the administration thereof, would make it (or in the good faith judgment of Lender cause a substantial question as to whether it is) unlawful for Lender to make, maintain or fund LIBOR Loans, then Lender shall promptly notify each of the other parties hereto and, so long as such circumstances shall continue, (a) Lender shall have no obligation to make or convert any Base Rate Loan into a LIBOR Loan (but shall make Base Rate Loans in each case in an amount equal to the amount of LIBOR Loans which would be made or converted into by Lender at such time in the absence of such circumstances) and (b) on the last day of the current Interest Period for each LIBOR Loan of Lender (or, in any event, on such earlier date as may be required by the relevant law, regulation or interpretation), such LIBOR Loan shall, unless then repaid in full, automatically convert to a Base Rate Loan. Each Base Rate Loan made by Lender which, but for the circumstances described in the foregoing sentence, would be a LIBOR Loan shall remain outstanding for the period corresponding to the Interest Period originally applicable to such LIBOR Loan absent such circumstances.

3.5     Funding Losses .

Borrower hereby agrees that upon demand by Lender (which demand shall be accompanied by a statement setting forth the basis for the amount being claimed), Borrower will indemnify Lender against any net loss or expense which Lender may sustain or incur (including any net loss or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by Lender to fund or maintain any LIBOR Loan), as reasonably determined by Lender, as a result of (a) any payment, prepayment or conversion of any LIBOR Loan of Lender on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period for such Loan (including any conversion pursuant to Section 3.3 or 3.4 ) or (b) any failure of Borrower to borrow, convert or continue any Loan on a date specified therefor in a notice of borrowing, conversion or continuation pursuant to this Agreement. For the purposes of this Section 3.5 , all determinations shall be made as if Lender had actually funded and maintained each LIBOR Loan during each Interest Period for such Loan through the purchase of deposits having a maturity corresponding to such Interest Period and bearing an interest rate equal to the LIBOR Rate for such Interest Period.

3.6     Conclusiveness of Statements; Survival .

Determinations and statements of Lender pursuant to this Section  3 shall be conclusive absent demonstrable error. Lender may use reasonable averaging and attribution methods in determining compensation under this Section  3 and the provisions of such Sections shall survive repayment of the Loans, cancellation of the Notes and termination of this Agreement.

 

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Section 4.     Conditions Precedent.

The obligation of Lender to make its Loans is subject to the following conditions precedent:

4.1     Initial Credit Extension .

The obligation of Lender to make the initial Loans hereunder is, in addition to the conditions precedent specified in Section 4.2 , subject to the following conditions precedent, each of which shall be satisfactory in all respects to Lender:

4.1.1     EBITDA .

EBITDA, as adjusted by adjustments satisfactory to Lender, for the 12 month period ending November 30, 2007 shall not be less than $10,000,000.

4.1.2     Initial Loans; Availability .

Not more than $13,500,000 in Revolving Loans shall be advanced or issued (as applicable) on the Closing Date, and after giving effect to the consummation of the Related Transactions and funding of the initial Loans on the Closing Date, Borrowing Availability shall exceed the sum of the outstanding Revolving Loans by at least $3,000,000.

4.1.3     Debt to be Repaid .

The Debt to be Repaid has been (or concurrently with the initial borrowing will be) paid in full.

4.1.4     Fees .

Borrower shall have paid all fees, costs and expenses due and payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents on the Closing Date.

4.1.5     Delivery of Loan Documents .

Borrower shall have delivered the following documents in form and substance satisfactory to Lender (and, as applicable, duly executed by each Loan Party a party thereto and dated the Closing Date or an earlier date satisfactory to Lender):

(a) Agreement . This Agreement.

(b) Notes . Notes in favor of Lender representing the Loans.

(c) Collateral Documents . The Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, all other Collateral Documents, and all instruments, documents, certificates and agreements executed or delivered pursuant thereto (including intellectual property assignments and pledged Collateral, with undated irrevocable transfer powers executed in blank).

 

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(d) Financing Statements . Properly completed Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and other filings and documents required by law or the Loan Documents to provide Lender perfected Liens (subject only to Liens permitted pursuant to Section 7.2 ) in the Collateral.

(e) Lien Searches . Copies of Uniform Commercial Code search reports listing all effective financing statements filed against any Loan Party, with copies of such financing statements, which reports shall not evidence any filings with respect to Liens that are not permitted by Section 7.2 .

(f) Reserved .

(g) Collateral Access Agreements . Collateral Access Agreements reasonably requested by Lender with respect to the Collateral.

(h) Payoff; Release . Payoff letters evidencing repayment in full of all Debt to be Repaid, termination of all agreements relating thereto and the release of all Liens granted in connection therewith, with Uniform Commercial Code or other appropriate termination statements and documents effective to evidence the foregoing.

(i) Letter of Direction . A letter of direction containing funds flow information, with respect to the proceeds of the Loans on the Closing Date.

(j) Authorization Documents . For each Loan Party, such Person’s (i) charter (or similar formation document), certified by the appropriate Governmental Authority, (ii) good standing certificates in its state of incorporation (or formation) and in each other state requested by Lender, (iii) bylaws (or similar governing document), (iv) resolutions of its board of directors (or similar governing body) approving and authorizing such Person’s execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is party and the transactions contemplated thereby, and (v) signature and incumbency certificates of its officers executing any of the Loan Documents, all certified by its secretary or an assistant secretary (or similar officer) as being in full force and effect without modification.

(k) Insurance . Certificates or other evidence of insurance in effect as required by Section 6.3(b) , with endorsements naming Lender as loss payee and/or additional insured, as applicable, unless prohibited by law or the relevant insurance policy.

(l) Financials . The financial statements, projections and pro forma balance sheet described in Section 5.4 .

(m) Appraisals . Appraisals of Collateral as reasonably requested by Lender, prepared by appraisers reasonably satisfactory to Lender.

(n) Environmental Reports . Environmental site assessment reports reasonably requested by Lender, prepared by environmental engineers reasonably satisfactory to Lender.

(o) Consents . Evidence that all necessary consents, permits and approvals (governmental or otherwise, including pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and all related state

 

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anti-trust laws and regulations) required for the execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents and the Related Transactions have been duly obtained and are in full force and effect.

(p) Legal Opinion . Opinions of counsel with respect to such matters as Lender shall require, which are in form and substance satisfactory to Lender.

(q) Borrowing Base Certificate . Borrowing Base Certificate reflecting required information as of December 31, 2007.

(r) Other Documents . Such other certificates, documents and agreements as Lender may reasonably request.

4.2     All Credit Extensions .

The obligation of Lender to make each Loan is subject to the additional conditions precedent that (unless such conditions are waived by Lender), both before and after giving effect to any borrowing, (a) the representations and warranties of Borrower and each other Loan Party set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as if then made (except to the extent stated to relate to a specific earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such earlier date) and (b) no Event of Default or Default shall have then occurred and be continuing. Each request by Borrower for the making of a Loan shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by Borrower that the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.2 will be satisfied at the time of the making of such Loan.

Section 5.     Representations and Warranties.

To induce Lender to enter into this Agreement and to induce Lender to make Loans hereunder, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender that, both before and after giving effect to the Related Transactions:

5.1     Organization .

Borrower is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of California; Co-Borrower is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware; each other Loan Party is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization; and each Loan Party is duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction where, because of the nature of its activities or properties, such qualification is required, except for such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.2     Authorization; No Conflict .

Each of Borrower and each other Loan Party is duly authorized to execute and deliver each Loan Document and each agreement memorializing the Related Transactions to which it is a party, Borrower and Co-Borrower are duly authorized to borrow monies hereunder, and each of Borrower and each other Loan Party is duly authorized to perform its Obligations

 

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under each Loan Document to which it is a party. The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower and Co-Borrower of this Agreement and by each of Borrower and each other Loan Party of each Loan Document to which it is a party, and the borrowings by Borrower and Co-Borrower hereunder, do not and will not (a) require any consent or approval of any Governmental Authority (other than any consent or approval which has been obtained and is in full force and effect), (b) conflict with (i) any provision of applicable law, (ii) the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of Borrower or any other Loan Party or (iii) any agreement, indenture, instrument or other document, or any judgment, order or decree, which is binding upon Borrower or any other Loan Party or any of their respective properties or (c) require, or result in, the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party (other than Liens in favor of Lender created pursuant to the Collateral Documents).

5.3     Validity; Binding Nature .

Each of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which Borrower or any other Loan Party is a party is the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity.

5.4     Financial Condition .

(a) The audited consolidated financial statements of Borrower and the Subsidiaries as at its Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2006 (the “ Balance Sheet Date ”), and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Borrower and the Subsidiaries as at September 30, 2007 copies of each of which have been delivered pursuant hereto, were prepared in accordance with GAAP (subject, in the case of such unaudited statements, to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end adjustments) and present fairly the consolidated financial condition of such Persons as at such dates and the results of their operations for the periods then ended.

(b) The consolidated financial projections (including an operating budget and a cash flow budget) of Borrower and the Subsidiaries for the four (4) year period commencing January 1, 2008 delivered to Lender on or prior to the Closing Date (i) were prepared by Borrower in good faith and (ii) were prepared in accordance with assumptions for which Borrower has a reasonable basis, and the accompanying consolidated pro forma balance sheet of Borrower and the Subsidiaries as at the Closing Date, adjusted to give effect to the consummation of the Related Transactions and the financings contemplated hereby as if such transactions had occurred on such date, is consistent in all material respects with such projections.

5.5     No Material Adverse Change .

Since the Balance Sheet Date, no event has occurred that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Loan Parties.

 

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5.6     Litigation .

No litigation (including derivative actions), arbitration proceeding or governmental investigation or proceeding is pending or, to Borrower’s knowledge, threatened against any Loan Party which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in Schedule 5.6 . As of the Closing Date, other than any liability incident to such litigation or proceedings, neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party has any material Contingent Obligations not listed on Schedule 7.1 .

5.7     Ownership of Properties; Liens .

Each of Borrower and each other Loan Party owns good and, in the case of real property, marketable title to all of its properties and assets, real and personal, tangible and intangible, of any nature whatsoever (including patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks and copyrights), free and clear of all Liens, charges and claims (including infringement claims with respect to patents, trademarks, service marks, copyrights and the like), except as permitted by Section 7.2 .

5.8     Capitalization .

All issued and outstanding equity securities of Borrower and the other Loan Parties are duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable, and free and clear of all Liens other than those in favor of Lender, and such securities were issued in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws concerning the issuance of securities. Schedule 5.8 sets forth the authorized equity securities of each Loan Party as of the Closing Date. All of the issued and outstanding equity of Borrower is owned as set forth on Schedule 5.8 as of the Closing Date, and all of the issued and outstanding equity of each Subsidiary is, directly or indirectly, owned by Borrower. As of the Closing Date, except as set forth on Schedule 5.8 , there are no pre-emptive or other outstanding rights, options, warrants, conversion rights or other similar agreements or understandings for the purchase or acquisition of any equity interests of Borrower or any other Loan Party.

5.9     Pension Plans .

During the twenty-four consecutive month period prior to the Closing Date or the making of any Loan, (i) no steps have been taken to terminate any Pension Plan and (ii) no contribution failure has occurred with respect to any Pension Plan sufficient to give rise to a Lien under Section 302(f) of ERISA. No condition exists or event or transaction has occurred with respect to any Pension Plan which could result in the incurrence by Borrower or any other Loan Party of any material liability, fine or penalty. All contributions (if any) have been made to any Multiemployer Pension Plan that are required to be made by any Loan Party or any other member of the Controlled Group under the terms of the plan or of any collective bargaining agreement or by applicable law; neither any Loan Party nor any member of the Controlled Group has withdrawn or partially withdrawn from any Multiemployer Pension Plan, incurred any withdrawal liability with respect to any such plan or received notice of any claim or demand for withdrawal liability or partial withdrawal liability from any such plan, and no condition has

 

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occurred which, if continued, could result in a withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any such plan, and neither any Loan Party nor any member of the Controlled Group has received any notice that any Multiemployer Pension Plan is in reorganization, that increased contributions may be required to avoid a reduction in plan benefits or the imposition of any excise tax, that any such plan is or has been funded at a rate less than that required under Section 412 of the IRC, that any such plan is or may be terminated, or that any such plan is or may become insolvent.

5.10     Investment Company Act .

Neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party is an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

5.11     Public Utility Holding Company Act .

Neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party is a “holding company”, or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company”, or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or of a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company”, within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

5.12     Margin Stock .

Neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock. No portion of the Obligations is secured directly or indirectly by Margin Stock.

5.13     Taxes .

Each of Borrower and each other Loan Party has filed all tax returns and reports required by law to have been filed by it and has paid all taxes and governmental charges thereby shown to be owing, except any such taxes or charges which are being diligently contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings which stay the imposition of any penalty, fine or Lien resulting from the non-payment thereof and for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP shall have been set aside on its books.

5.14     Solvency .

On the Closing Date, and immediately prior to and after giving effect to each borrowing hereunder and the use of the proceeds thereof, with respect to each of Borrower and each other Loan Party, individually, (a) the fair value of its assets is greater than the amount of its liabilities (including disputed, contingent and unliquidated liabilities) as such value is established and liabilities evaluated, (b) the present fair saleable value of its assets is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) it is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts and other liabilities (including disputed, contingent and unliquidated liabilities) as they mature in the normal course of business, (d) it does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond its ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature and (e) it is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which its property would constitute unreasonably small capital.

 

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5.15     Environmental Matters .

Except as set forth in Schedule 5.15 :

(a) The on-going operations of Borrower and each other Loan Party comply in all respects with all Environmental Laws, except such non-compliance which could not (if enforced in accordance therewith) reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Borrower and each other Loan Party have obtained, and maintained in good standing, all licenses, permits, authorizations and registrations required under any Environmental Law and necessary for their respective ordinary course operations, and Borrower and each other Loan Party are in compliance with all material terms and conditions thereof, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in material liability to Borrower or any other Loan Party and could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) None of Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective properties or operations is subject to any outstanding written order from or agreement with any Federal, state or local Governmental Authority, nor subject to any judicial or docketed administrative proceeding, respecting any Environmental Law, Environmental Claim or Hazardous Substance.

(d) There are no Hazardous Substances or other conditions or circumstances existing with respect to any property, or arising from operations prior to the Closing Date, of Borrower or any other Loan Party that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party has any underground storage tanks that are not properly registered or permitted under applicable Environmental Laws or that are leaking or disposing of Hazardous Substances.

5.16     Insurance .

Borrower and each other Loan Party and their respective properties are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies which are not Affiliates of Borrower, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where Borrower or such other Loan Party operates. A true and complete listing of such insurance as of the Closing Date, including issuers, coverages and deductibles, is set forth on Schedule 5.16 .

5.17     Information .

Borrower has disclosed to the Lender all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which any Loan Party is subject, and all other matters known to any Loan Party, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. All information heretofore or contemporaneously herewith furnished in writing by Borrower or any other Loan Party to Lender for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby is, and all written information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of Borrower or any Loan Party to Lender pursuant hereto or in connection herewith will be, true and accurate in every material respect on the date as of which

 

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such information is dated or certified, and none of such information is or will be incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make such information not misleading in light of the circumstances under which made (it being recognized by Lender that any projections and forecasts provided by Borrower are based on good faith estimates and assumptions believed by Borrower to be reasonable as of the date of the applicable projections or assumptions and that actual results during the period or periods covered by any such projections and forecasts may differ from projected or forecasted results).

5.18     Intellectual Property .

Except as set forth on Part 1 of Schedule 5.18 , Borrower and each other Loan Party owns and possesses or has a license or other right to use all patents, patent rights, trademarks, trademark rights, trade names, trade name rights, service marks, service mark rights and copyrights as are necessary for the conduct of the business of Borrower and the other Loan Parties, without any infringement upon rights of others which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Set forth on Part 2 of Schedule 5.18 is a complete and accurate list as of the Closing Date of all such material licenses, permits, patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, tradenames, copyrights, copyright applications, franchises, authorizations, non-governmental licenses and permits and other intellectual property rights of each Loan Party. No slogan or other advertising device, product, process, method, substance, part or other material now employed, or now contemplated to be employed, by any Loan Party infringes upon or conflicts with any rights owned by any other Person, and no claim or litigation regarding any of the foregoing is pending or threatened, except for such infringements and conflicts which could not reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of Borrower, no patent, invention, device, application, principle or any statute, law, rule, regulation, standard or code is pending or proposed, which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

5.19     Restrictive Provisions .

Neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party is a party to any agreement or contract or subject to any restriction contained in its operative documents which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.20     Labor Matters .

Except as set forth on Schedule 5.20 , neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party is subject to any labor or collective bargaining agreement. There are no existing or threatened strikes, lockouts or other labor disputes involving Borrower or any other Loan Party that singly or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Hours worked by and payment made to employees of Borrower and the other Loan Parties are not in any material respect in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable law, rule or regulation dealing with such matters.

 

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5.21     No Default .

No Event of Default or Default exists or would result from the incurrence by any Loan Party of any Debt hereunder or under any other Loan Document.

5.22     Compliance with Law .

No Loan Party is in violation of its organizational documents, any law, rule, regulation, judgment or order of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or any of its property or assets, or any term of any material agreement or instrument binding on or otherwise affecting it or any of its properties, which violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.23     Permits, etc .

Each Loan Party has, and is in compliance with, all material permits, licenses, authorizations, approvals, entitlements and accreditations required for such Person lawfully to own, lease, manage or operate, or to acquire, each business currently owned, leased, managed or operated, or to be acquired, by such Person. No condition exists or event has occurred which, in itself or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would result in the suspension, revocation, impairment, forfeiture or non-renewal of any such material permit, license, authorization, approval, entitlement or accreditation, and there is no claim that any thereof is not in full force and effect.

5.24     Customers and Suppliers .

There exists no actual or, to Borrower’s knowledge, threatened termination, cancellation or limitation of, or modification to or change in, the business relationship between (i) any Loan Party, on the one hand, and any customer or any group thereof, on the other hand, whose agreements with any Loan Party are individually or in the aggregate material to the business or operations of such Loan Party, or (ii) any Loan Party, on the one hand, and any material supplier thereof, on the other hand.

Section 6.     Affirmative Covenants.

Until the expiration or termination of the Commitments and thereafter until all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted) are Paid in Full, Borrower and Co-Borrower agree that, unless at any time Lender shall otherwise expressly consent in writing, they will:

6.1     Information .

Furnish to Lender:

6.1.1     Annual Report .

As soon as available and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year of Borrower, consolidated balance sheets of Co-Borrower, Borrower and its

 

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Subsidiaries as of the end of such Fiscal Year and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case, in comparative form, the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all such financial statements to be prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and audited by and accompanied by the unqualified opinion of Grant Thornton LLP or other independent certified public accountants selected by Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Lender (which opinion shall be without (a) a “going concern” or like qualification or exception, (b) any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit, or (c) any qualification which relates to the treatment or classification of any item and which, as a condition to the removal of such qualification, would require an adjustment to such item, the effect of which would be to cause any noncompliance with the provisions of Section 7.14 ) together with (A) a certificate from such accountants to the effect that, in making the examination necessary for the signing of such annual audit report, such accountants have not become aware of any Default or Event of Default that has occurred and is continuing, or, if such accountants have become aware of any such event, describing it and the steps, if any, being taken to cure it and (B) the computations of such accountants evidencing Borrower’s compliance with the financial covenants contained in Section 7.14 of this Agreement.

6.1.2     Interim Reports .

As soon as available and in any event within twenty (20) days after the end of each month of each Fiscal Year of Borrower, the consolidated balance sheet of Co-Borrower, Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal month and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for the portion of Borrower’s Fiscal Year ended at the end of such fiscal month (and the consolidating statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of Co-Borrower, Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal month and for the portion of Borrower’s Fiscal Year ended at the end of such fiscal month), setting forth in each case in comparative form, (A) the figures for the corresponding fiscal month and the corresponding portion of Borrower’s previous Fiscal Year and (b) Borrower’s budgeted projections for such fiscal month and for the portion of Borrower’s Fiscal Year ended at the end of such fiscal month, all in reasonable detail and satisfactory in form to the Lender and certified, except as to projections (subject to normal year-end adjustments and footnote disclosures) as to fairness of presentation, GAAP and consistency by the President or the chief financial officer or controller of Borrower.

6.1.3     Compliance Certificate .

Simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial statements referred to in Section 6.1.1 above and simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial statements referred to in Section 6.1.2 above with respect to the last fiscal month of a Fiscal Quarter of Borrower, a certificate of the President or the chief financial officer or controller of Borrower in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated herein by reference, accompanied by supporting financial work sheets where appropriate, (A) evidencing Borrower’s compliance with the financial covenants contained in Section 7.14 of this Agreement, (B) stating whether there exists on the date of such certificate any Default or Event of Default and, if any Default or Event of Default then exists, setting forth the details thereof and the action which Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and (C) certifying that all of the representations and warranties of Borrower and/or any other Loan Party contained in this Agreement and/or in any of

 

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the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such certificate as if made on and as of the date of such certificate.

6.1.4     Notice of Default; Litigation; ERISA Matters .

Promptly upon becoming aware of any of the following, written notice describing the same and the steps being taken by Borrower or the applicable Loan Party affected thereby with respect thereto:

(a) the occurrence of an Event of Default or a Default;

(b) any litigation, arbitration or governmental investigation or proceeding not previously disclosed by Borrower to Lender which has been instituted or, to the knowledge of Borrower, is threatened against Borrower or any other Loan Party or to which any of the properties of any thereof is subject which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c) the institution of any steps by any member of the Controlled Group or any other Person to terminate any Pension Plan, or the failure of any member of the Controlled Group to make a required contribution to any Pension Plan (if such failure is sufficient to give rise to a Lien under Section 302(f) of ERISA) or to any Multiemployer Pension Plan, or the taking of any action with respect to a Pension Plan which could result in the requirement that Borrower or any other Loan Party furnish a bond or other security to the PBGC or such Pension Plan, or the occurrence of any event with respect to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Pension Plan which could result in the incurrence by any member of the Controlled Group of any material liability, fine or penalty (including any claim or demand for withdrawal liability or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Pension Plan), or any material increase in the contingent liability of Borrower or any other Loan Party with respect to any post-retirement welfare plan benefit, or any notice that any Multiemployer Pension Plan is in reorganization, that increased contributions may be required to avoid a reduction in plan benefits or the imposition of an excise tax, that any such plan is or has been funded at a rate less than that required under Section 412 of the IRC, that any such plan is or may be terminated, or that any such plan is or may become insolvent;

(d) any cancellation or material change in any insurance maintained by Borrower or any other Loan Party; or

(e) any other event (including (i) any violation of any Environmental Law or the assertion of any Environmental Claim or (ii) the enactment or effectiveness of any law, rule or regulation) which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.1.5     Management Report .

Promptly upon receipt thereof, any reports (including, without limitation, any management letters) submitted to Co-Borrower, Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than reports previously delivered pursuant to Sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 above) by independent accountants in connection with any annual, interim or special audit made by them of the books of Co-Borrower, Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

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6.1.6     Accounts Trial Balance .

Within fifteen (15) days after the end of each fiscal month of Borrower, (A) an Accounts trial balance of Borrower indicating which Accounts are up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and 90 days or more past the due date and including, if requested by the Lender, a listing of the names and addresses of all applicable Account Debtors and (B) a summary of accounts payable of Borrower showing which accounts payable are current, up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and 90 days or more past due and including, if requested by the Lender, a listing of the names and addresses of applicable creditors, all in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Lender and certified as being true, correct and complete by the President or the chief financial officer or controller of Borrower.

6.1.7     Budgets .

As soon as available and in any event within fifteen (15) days after the beginning of each Fiscal Year of Borrower, consolidated balance sheet, budgeted income statement and cash flow projections for Co-Borrower, Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year on a month-by-month basis, all in form and detail reasonably acceptable to the Lender.

6.1.8     Non-Senior Debt Notices .

Promptly following receipt, copies of any notices (including notices of default or acceleration) received from any holder or trustee of, under or with respect to any Non-Senior Debt.

6.1.9     Other Information .

Promptly from time to time, such other information concerning Borrower and any other Loan Party as Lender may reasonably request.

6.1.10     Borrowing Base Certificate .

On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of each month, commencing with the next such delivery on or before February 15, 2008, a Borrowing Base Certificate (together with such supporting information as the Lender may reasonably request in connection therewith).

6.2     Books; Records; Inspections .

Keep, and cause each other Loan Party to keep, its books and records in accordance with sound business practices sufficient to allow the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP; permit, and cause each other Loan Party to permit, Lender or any representative thereof to inspect the properties and operations of Borrower or such other Loan Party; and permit, and cause each other Loan Party to permit, at any reasonable time and with reasonable notice (or at any time without notice if an Event of Default exists), Lender or any representative thereof to visit any or all of its offices, to discuss its financial matters with its officers and its independent auditors (and Borrower hereby authorizes such independent auditors to discuss such financial matters with Lender or any representative thereof), and to examine (and, at the expense of Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, photocopy extracts from) any of its

 

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books or other records; and permit, and cause each other Loan Party to permit, Lender and its representatives to inspect the Collateral and other tangible assets of Borrower or such Loan Party, to perform appraisals of the assets of Borrower or such Loan Party, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (and if requested by Lender, Phase II Environmental Site Assessments) and to inspect, audit, check and make copies of and extracts from the books, records, computer data, computer programs, journals, orders, receipts, correspondence and other data relating to any Collateral. All such inspections or audits by Lender shall be at Borrower’s expense; provided, however, that if an Event of Default or Default has not occurred and is not then continuing, Borrower shall not be required to reimburse Lender for more than one such audit(s) during any Fiscal Year.

6.3     Maintenance of Property; Insurance .

(a) Keep, and cause each other Loan Party to keep, all property useful and necessary in the business of Borrower or such other Loan Party in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, at all times with the material provisions of all leases to which it is a party as lessee or under which it occupies property.

(b) Maintain, and cause each other Loan Party to maintain, with responsible insurance companies, such insurance coverage as shall be required by all laws, governmental regulations and court decrees and orders applicable to it and such other insurance, to such extent and against such hazards and liabilities, as is customarily maintained by companies similarly situated; provided that in any event, such insurance shall insure against all risks and liabilities of the type insured against as of the Closing Date and shall have insured amounts no less than, and deductibles no higher than, those amounts provided for as of the Closing Date. Upon request of Lender, Borrower shall furnish to Lender a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the nature and extent of all insurance maintained by Borrower and each other Loan Party. Borrower shall cause each issuer of an insurance policy to provide Lender with an endorsement (i) showing Lender as a loss payee with respect to each policy of property or casualty insurance and naming Lender as an additional insured with respect to each policy of liability insurance, (ii) providing that 30 days’ notice will be given to Lender prior to any cancellation of, or reduction or change in coverage provided by or other material modification to such policy and (iii) reasonably acceptable in all other respects to Lender. Borrower shall execute and deliver to Lender a collateral assignment, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, of each business interruption insurance policy maintained by the Loan Parties.

(c) Unless Borrower provides Lender with evidence of the continuing insurance coverage required by this Agreement, Lender may purchase insurance at Borrower’s expense to protect Lender’s interests in the Collateral. This insurance may, but need not, protect Borrower’s and each other Loan Party’s interests. The coverage that Lender purchases may, but need not, pay any claim that is made against Borrower or any other Loan Party in connection with the Collateral. Borrower may later cancel any insurance purchased by Lender, but only after providing Lender with evidence that Borrower has obtained the insurance coverage required by this Agreement. If Lender purchases insurance for the Collateral, as set forth above, Borrower will be responsible for the costs of that insurance, including interest and any other charges that may be imposed with the placement of the insurance, until the effective date of the cancellation or expiration of the insurance and the costs of the insurance may be added to the principal amount of the Loans owing hereunder.

 

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6.4     Compliance with Laws; Payment of Taxes and Liabilities .

(a) Comply, and cause each other Loan Party to comply, in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, decrees, orders, judgments, licenses and permits, except where failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) without limiting clause (a) above, ensure, and cause each other Loan Party to ensure, that no person who owns a controlling interest in or otherwise controls a Loan Party is or shall be (i) listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC ”), Department of the Treasury, and/or any other similar lists maintained by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing statute, Executive Order or regulation or (ii) a person designated under Section 1(b), (c) or (d) or Executive Order No. 13224 (September 23, 2001), any related enabling legislation or any other similar Executive Orders; (c) without limiting clause (a) above, comply and cause each other Loan Party to comply, with all applicable Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws and regulations and (d) pay, and cause each other Loan Party to pay, prior to delinquency, all taxes and other governmental charges against it or any of its property, as well as claims of any kind which, if unpaid, could become a Lien on any of its property; provided that the foregoing shall not require Borrower or any other Loan Party to pay any such tax or charge so long as it shall contest the validity thereof in good faith by appropriate proceedings which stay the imposition of any penalty, fine or Lien resulting from the non-payment thereof and shall set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.

6.5     Maintenance of Existence .

Maintain and preserve, and (subject to Section 7.5 ) cause each other Loan Party to maintain and preserve, (a) its existence and good standing in the jurisdiction of its organization and (b) its qualification to do business and good standing in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business makes such qualification necessary, other than any such jurisdiction where the failure to be qualified or in good standing could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.6     Employee Benefit Plans .

Maintain, and cause each other Loan Party to maintain, each Pension Plan in substantial compliance with all applicable requirements of law and regulations.

6.7     Environmental Matter s.

If any release or disposal of Hazardous Substances shall occur or shall have occurred on any real property or any other assets of Borrower or any other Loan Party, cause, or direct the applicable Loan Party to cause, the prompt containment and removal of such Hazardous Substances and the remediation of such real property or other assets as is necessary to comply with all Environmental Laws and to preserve the value of such real property or other assets. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Borrower shall, and shall cause each other Loan Party to, comply with each valid Federal or state judicial or administrative order

 

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requiring the performance at any real property by Borrower or any other Loan Party of activities in response to the release or threatened release of a Hazardous Substance and shall keep any property either owned or operated by it or any of its Subsidiaries free of any Liens which secure Environmental Claims.

6.8     Obtaining of Permits, Etc.

Obtain, maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to obtain, maintain and preserve, and take all necessary action to timely renew, all permits, licenses, authorizations, approvals, entitlements and accreditations which are necessary in the proper conduct of its business.

6.9     Collateral Access Agreements .

Promptly notify Lender any time any Collateral with a book value in excess of $100,000 is located on any real property of the Borrower or any other Loan Party (whether such real property is now existing or acquired after the Effective Date) which is not owned by the Borrower or any other Loan Party, and, if requested by Lender, use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly obtain written subordinations or waivers, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, of all present and future Liens to which the owner or lessor of such premises may be entitled to assert against the Collateral.

6.10     Blocked Accounts .

(a) Borrower will, on or before the date that is thirty (30) days after the date of this Agreement, establish and, during the term of this Agreement, maintain blocked accounts (the “ Blocked Accounts ”) with respect to all of Borrower’s principal deposit or other concentration accounts (including each such account identified as a deposit or concentration account on Schedule 7.15) with the financial institutions at which those accounts are maintained (each a “ Blocked Account Bank ”), and enter into a control agreement relating to the Blocked Accounts with the Borrower, Lender and the applicable Blocked Account Bank.

(b) After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Lender may send a notice of assignment or notice of security interest to any and all of the Borrower’s Account Debtors and, thereafter, Lender shall have the sole right to collect the Accounts and Payment Intangibles (as those terms are defined in the UCC, as defined in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement) of the Borrower or take possession of the Collateral and the books and records relating thereto. After the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall not, without prior written consent of Lender, grant any extension of time of payment of any Account or Payment Intangible, compromise or settle any Account or Payment Intangible for less than the full amount thereof, release, in whole or in part, any Person or property liable for the payment thereof, or allow any credit or discount whatsoever thereon.

(c) The Borrower hereby appoints Lender as the Borrower’s attorney-in-fact with power exercisable during the continuance of an Event of Default to (i) endorse the Borrower’s name upon any notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of payment relating to the Accounts or Payment Intangibles of the Borrower, (ii) sign the Borrower’s name

 

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on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any of the Accounts or Payment Intangibles of the Borrower, drafts against Account Debtors with respect to Accounts or Payment Intangibles of the Borrower, assignments and verifications of Accounts or Payment Intangibles and notices to Account Debtors with respect to Accounts or Payment Intangibles of the Borrower, (iii) send verification of Accounts of the Borrower, and (iv) notify the U.S. Postal Service authorities to change the address for delivery of mail addressed to the Borrower to such address as Lender may designate and to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out this Agreement. All acts of said attorney or designee are hereby ratified and approved, and said attorney or designee shall not be liable for any acts of omission or commission (other than acts of omission or commission constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction), or for any error of judgment or mistake of fact or law; this power being coupled with an interest is irrevocable until all of the Obligations are paid in full and all of the Commitments are terminated.

(d) Nothing herein contained shall be construed to constitute Lender as agent of the Borrower for any purpose whatsoever, and Lender shall not be responsible or liable for any shortage, discrepancy, damage, loss or destruction of any part of the Collateral wherever the same may be located and regardless of the cause thereof (other than from acts of omission or commission constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction). Lender shall not, under any circumstance or in any event whatsoever, have any liability for any error or omission or delay of any kind occurring in the settlement, collection or payment of any of the Accounts of the Borrower or any instrument received in payment thereof or for any damage resulting therefrom (other than as a result of acts of omission or commission by Lender constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction). Lender, by anything herein or in any assignment or otherwise, does not assume any of the obligations under any contract or agreement assigned to Lender and shall not be responsible in any way for the performance by the Borrower of any of the terms and conditions thereof.

(e) If any Account or Payment Intangible of the Borrower includes a charge for any tax payable to any Governmental Authority, Lender is hereby authorized (but in no event obligated) in its discretion to pay the amount thereof to the proper taxing authority for the Borrower’s account and to charge the Borrower therefor. The Borrower shall notify Lender if any Account or Payment Intangible of the Borrower includes any taxes due to any such Governmental Authority and, in the absence of such notice, Lender shall have the right to retain the full proceeds of such Account or Payment Intangible and shall not be liable for any taxes that may be due by reason of such Account or Payment Intangible.

6.11     Further Assurances; Post-Closing Items .

(a) Take, and cause each other Loan Party to take, such actions as are necessary or as Lender may reasonably request from time to time to ensure that the Obligations of Borrower and each other Loan Party under the Loan Documents are secured by substantially all of the assets of Borrower and each Loan Party (as well as all equity interests of Borrower and each Subsidiary) and guaranteed by each Loan Party (including, promptly upon the acquisition or creation thereof, any Subsidiary acquired or created after the Closing Date), in each case including (a) the execution and delivery of guaranties, security agreements, pledge agreements,

 

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mortgages, deeds of trust, financing statements and other documents, and the filing or recording of any of the foregoing and (b) the delivery of certificated securities and other Collateral with respect to which perfection is obtained by possession.

(b) Execute and/or deliver, and/or cause to be executed and/or delivered, as applicable, to the Lender each of the items, if any, listed on Schedule 6.11(b) attached hereto (collectively, the “Post-Closing Items”) on or before the applicable due date listed after each such Post-Closing Item, each of which Post-Closing Items must be in form, substance and content reasonably satisfactory to the Lender.

Section 7.     Negative Covenants.

Until the expiration or termination of the Commitments and thereafter until all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations to the extent no claim giving rise thereto has been asserted) are Paid in Full, Borrower and Co-Borrower agree that, unless at any time Lender shall otherwise expressly consent in writing, they will:

7.1     Debt .

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Debt, except:

(a) the Obligations;

(b) Debt secured by Liens permitted by Section 7.2(d) , and extensions, renewals and refinancings thereof; provided that the aggregate amount of all such Debt outstanding on any Business Day, when aggregated with all Debt described in (c) through (g) below and outstanding on such Business Day, shall not exceed the lesser of (i) $3,000,000 or (ii) 25% of EBITDA for the period ending on such Business Day;

(c) Debt of Borrower to any domestic Wholly-Owned Subsidiary or Debt of any domestic Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to Borrower or another domestic Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; provided that such Debt, to the extent it consists of indebtedness for borrowed money, shall be evidenced by a demand note in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender and pledged and delivered to Lender pursuant to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement as additional collateral security for the Obligations, and the obligations under such demand note shall be subordinated to the Obligations hereunder in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Lender;

(d) Debt described on Schedule 7.1 as of the Closing Date, and any extension, renewal or refinancing thereof so long as the principal amount thereof is not increased;

(e) an aggregate outstanding amount of unsecured Non-Senior Debt not at any time exceeding $100,000 (exclusive of Debt permitted under Section 7.1(c) );

(f) Contingent Obligations arising with respect to customary indemnification obligations in favor of purchasers in connection with Dispositions permitted under Section 7.5 ;

(g) other Debt, in addition to the Debt listed above, in an aggregate outstanding amount not at any time exceeding $50,000.

 

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7.2     Liens .

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, create or permit to exist any Lien on any of its real or personal properties, assets or rights of whatsoever nature (whether now owned or hereafter acquired), except:

(a) Liens for taxes or other governmental charges not at the time delinquent or thereafter payable without penalty or being diligently contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and, in each case, for which it maintains adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP and the execution or other enforcement of which is effectively stayed;

(b) Liens arising in the ordinary course of business (such as (i) Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, landlords and materialmen and other similar Liens imposed by law and (ii) Liens incurred in connection with worker’s compensation, unemployment compensation and other types of social security (excluding Liens arising under ERISA) or in connection with surety bonds, bids, performance bonds and similar obligations) for sums not overdue or being diligently contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and not involving any deposits or advances or borrowed money or the deferred purchase price of property or services and, in each case, for which it maintains adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP and the execution or other enforcement of which is effectively stayed;

(c) Liens described on Schedule 7.2 as of the Closing Date;

(d) subject to the limitation set forth in Section 7.1(b) , (i) Liens arising in connection with Capital Leases (and attaching only to the property being leased), (ii) Liens existing on property at the time of the acquisition thereof by Borrower or any Subsidiary (and not created in contemplation of such acquisition) and (iii) Liens that constitute purchase money security interests on any property securing debt incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring such property, provided that any such Lien attaches to such property within 60 days of the acquisition thereof and attaches solely to the property so acquired;

(e) attachments, appeal bonds, judgments and other similar Liens, for sums not exceeding $50,000 arising in connection with court proceedings; provided that the execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;

(f) easements, rights of way, restrictions, minor defects or irregularities in title and other similar Liens that do not (i) secure obligations for the payment of money or (ii) interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(g) Liens arising under the Loan Documents; and

 

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(h) the replacement, extension or renewal of any Lien permitted by clause (c) above upon or in the same property subject thereto arising out of the extension, renewal or replacement of the Debt secured thereby (without increase in the amount thereof).

7.3     Operating Leases .

Not permit the aggregate amount of all rental payments under Operating Leases made (or scheduled to be made) by Borrower and the Subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) to exceed $2,000,000 in any Fiscal Year.

7.4     Restricted Payments .

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, (a) make any dividend or other distribution to any of its equity holders, (b) purchase or redeem any of its equity interests or any warrants, options or other rights in respect thereof, (c) except for Permitted Management Fees and Permitted Transaction Services Fees, pay any management fees or similar fees to any of its equity holders or any Affiliate thereof, (d) make any redemption, prepayment (whether mandatory or optional), defeasance, repurchase or any other payment in respect of any Non-Senior Debt or (e) set aside funds for any of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any Subsidiary may pay dividends or make other distributions to Borrower or to a domestic Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; (ii) in each case to the extent due and payable on a non-accelerated basis and permitted under any applicable subordination provisions thereof, Borrower may make regularly scheduled payments of interest in respect of Non-Senior Debt; (iii) any Loan Party may make repurchases of capital stock deemed to occur upon the exercise of options or warrants (i.e., a cashless exercise); and (iv) any Loan Party may repurchase or redeem capital stock from any former officers, directors and employees (or their estates, spouses or former spouses) of any Loan Party in connection with the termination of such Person’s employment (or such directors’ directorship) with the Loan Party; provided that, in connection with such transactions, the total cash payments under this Section 7. 4 shall not exceed $100,000 in the aggregate during any Fiscal Year; provided, further, that all Term B Loans shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and any restriction imposed on Non-Senior Debt by this Section 7.4 shall not apply to the Term B Loans.

7.5     Mergers; Consolidations; Asset Sales .

(a) Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, be a party to any merger or consolidation, except for any such merger or consolidation of any Subsidiary into Borrower or any domestic Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

(b) Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, sell, transfer, dispose of, convey or lease any of its assets or equity interests, or sell or assign with or without recourse any receivables, except for (i) sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business and (ii) sales and dispositions of assets (excluding any equity interests of Borrower or any Subsidiary) for at least fair market value so long as the net book value of all assets sold or otherwise disposed of in any Fiscal Year does not exceed 10% of the net book value of the consolidated assets of Borrower and the Subsidiaries as of the last day of the preceding Fiscal Year.

 

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7.6     Modification of Organizational Documents .

Not permit the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of Borrower or any other Loan Party to be amended or modified in any way which could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the interests of Lender.

7.7     Use of Proceeds .

Use the proceeds of the Loans solely to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, for working capital, for Capital Expenditures and for other general business purposes of Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries; and not use or permit any proceeds of any Loan to be used, either directly or indirectly, for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of “purchasing or carrying” any Margin Stock.

7.8     Transactions with Affiliates .

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, enter into, or cause, suffer or permit to exist any transaction, arrangement or contract with any of its other Affiliates, which is on terms which are less favorable than are obtainable from any Person which is not one of its Affiliates.

7.9     Inconsistent Agreements .

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, enter into any agreement containing any provision which would (a) be violated or breached by any borrowing by Borrower hereunder or by the performance by Borrower or any other Loan Party of any of its Obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (b) prohibit Borrower or any other Loan Party from granting to Lender a Lien on any of its assets or (c) create or permit to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any other Loan Party to (i) pay dividends or make other distributions to Borrower or any other Subsidiary, or pay any Debt owed to Borrower or any other Subsidiary, (ii) make loans or advances to Borrower or any other Loan Party or (iii) transfer any of its assets or properties to Borrower or any other Loan Party other than (A) customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of all or a substantial part of the capital stock or assets of any Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder (B) restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to purchase money Debt, Capital Leases and other secured Debt permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Debt and (C) customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

7.10     Business Activities .

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, engage in any line of business other than the businesses engaged in on the Closing Date and businesses reasonably related thereto or acquire any properties or assets that are not reasonably related to the conduct of such business activities. Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, issue any equity interest other than (a) any issuance of shares of Borrower’s common equity securities pursuant to any employee or

 

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director option or stock purchase program, benefit plan or compensation program, or (b) any issuance by a Subsidiary to Borrower or another Subsidiary in accordance with Section 7.4 .

7.11     Investments .

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, make or permit to exist any Investment in any other Person or create or establish any Subsidiary (other than any Subsidiary formed in compliance with Section 7.16 ), except the following:

(a) contributions by Co-Borrower or Borrower to the capital of any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in existence on the Closing Date that is also a Domestic Subsidiary, or by any Subsidiary to the capital of any other Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in existence on the Closing Date that is also a Domestic Subsidiary, so long as the recipient of any such capital contribution has guaranteed the Obligations and such guaranty is secured by a pledge of all of its equity interests and substantially all of its real and personal property, in each case in accordance with Section 6.11(a) ;

(b) Investments constituting Debt permitted by Section 7.1(c) ;

(c) Contingent Obligations constituting Debt permitted by Section 7.1 or Liens permitted by Section 7.2 ;

(d) Cash Equivalent Investments;

(e) bank deposits in the ordinary course of business;

(f) Investments in securities of Account Debtors received pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of such Account Debtors;

(g) Investments listed on Schedule 7.11 as of the Closing Date; and

(h) any purchase or other acquisition by Co-Borrower or Borrower or any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is also a Domestic Subsidiary of the assets or equity interests of any Domestic Subsidiary.

7.12     Restriction of Amendments to Certain Documents .

Not amend or otherwise modify, or waive any rights under (a) the Purchase Agreement, other than immaterial amendments, modifications and waivers not adverse to the interests of Lender, (b) any provisions of any Non-Senior Debt (other than Term B Loans, which amendment, modification or waiver of rights shall be governed by this Agreement) or (c) the Management Agreement.

7.13     Fiscal Year .

Not change its Fiscal Year.

 

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7.14     Financial Covenants .

7.14.1     Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio .

Not permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the periods set forth below to be less than the applicable ratio set forth opposite such period:

 

Period

   Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio
From the date of this Agreement through June 30, 2008    0.7:1.0
From the date of this Agreement through September 30, 2008    1.0:1.0
From the date of this Agreement through December 31, 2008 and for each Computation Period thereafter    1.1:1.0

7.14.2     Senior Debt to EBITDA Ratio .

Not permit the Senior Debt to EBITDA Ratio (i) from the date of this Agreement through June 30, 2008 to exceed 4.0:1.0, and (ii) as of the last day of any Computation Period thereafter to exceed 3.75:1.0.

7.14.3     Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio .

Not permit the Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio (i) from the date of this Agreement through June 30, 2008 to exceed 5.5:1.0, and (ii) as of the last day of any Computation Period thereafter to exceed 5.25:1.0.

7.14.4     Capital Expenditures .

Not permit the aggregate amount of all Capital Expenditures (i) for the period from and including the Closing Date and continuing up to and including December 31, 2008 to exceed $1,500,000 for such period, or (ii) for any Fiscal Year thereafter to exceed $1,200,000 for such Fiscal Year.

If Borrower and the Subsidiaries do not utilize the entire amount of Capital Expenditures permitted in any Fiscal Year, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would be caused thereby, Borrower may carry forward to the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year only, 50% of such un-utilized amount (with Capital Expenditures made by Borrower in such succeeding Fiscal Year applied last to such unutilized amount).

7.15     Bank Accounts .

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party, to maintain or establish any new bank accounts other than the bank accounts set forth on Schedule 7.15 without prior written notice to Lender and unless Lender, Borrower or such other Loan Party and the bank at which the account is to be opened enter into a tri-party agreement regarding such bank account pursuant to which such bank acknowledges the security interest and control of Lender in such bank account and agrees to limit its set-off rights on terms satisfactory to Lender and otherwise acceptable to Lender.

 

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7.16     Subsidiaries .

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party, to establish or acquire any Subsidiary unless the Loan Parties shall have caused such new Subsidiary to take all actions pursuant to Section 6.11(a) hereof with respect to such Subsidiary and such other actions as reasonably requested by Lender, including (a) execution by such Subsidiary of a joinder to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or a mortgage or deed of trust, (b) a pledge to Lender of the capital securities of such Subsidiary, (c) such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents related to the addition of such Subsidiary as may be requested by Lender, and (d) such opinions, certificates, resolutions, instruments, copies of filings and notices, and other materials relating to such Subsidiary as Lender may reasonably request.

Section 8.    Events of Default; Remedies.

8.1     Events of Default .

Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement:

8.1.1     Non-Payment of Credit .

Default in the payment when due of the principal of any Loan; or default in the payment when due of any interest, fee or other amount payable by any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document.

8.1.2     Default Under Other Debt .

Any default shall occur and continue until the termination of any applicable cure period under the terms applicable to any other Debt of any Loan Party in an aggregate amount (for all such Debt so affected and including un-drawn committed or available amounts and amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) exceeding $100,000 and such default shall (a) consist of the failure to pay such Debt when due, whether by acceleration or otherwise, or (b) accelerate the maturity of such Debt or permit the holder or holders thereof, or any trustee or agent for such holder or holders, to cause such Debt to become due and payable (or require Borrower or any other Loan Party to purchase or redeem such Debt or post cash collateral in respect thereof) prior to its expressed maturity.

8.1.3     Bankruptcy; Insolvency .

Any Loan Party becomes insolvent or generally fails to pay, or admits in writing its inability or refusal to pay, debts as they become due; or any Loan Party applies for, consents to, or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee, receiver or other custodian for such Loan Party or any property thereof, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or, in the absence of such application, consent or acquiescence, a trustee, receiver or other custodian is appointed for any Loan Party or for a substantial part of the property of any thereof and is not discharged within 60 days; or any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement, or other case or proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any dissolution or liquidation proceeding, is commenced in respect of any Loan Party, and if such case or proceeding is not commenced by such Loan Party, it is consented to or acquiesced in by such Loan Party, or remains for 60 days un-dismissed; or any Loan Party takes any action to authorize, or in furtherance of, any of the foregoing.

 

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8.1.4     Non-Compliance with Loan Documents .

(a) Failure by Borrower or Co-Borrower to comply with or to perform any covenant set forth in Sections 6.1.1 , 6.1.2 , 6.1.3 , 6.1.4, 6.1.6 , 6.1.8 , 6.1.10, 6.2, 6.3(b) and 6.3(c) , 6.4(d), 6.5 , 6.7 , 6.9, 6.10, 6.11 and Section 7 ; or (b) failure by any Loan Party to comply with or to perform any other provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document applicable to it (and not constituting an Event of Default under any other provision of this Section 8 ) and continuance of such failure described in this clause (b) for 30 days.

8.1.5     Representations; Warranties .

Any representation or warranty made by any Loan Party herein or any other Loan Document is breached or is false or misleading in any material respect, or any schedule, certificate, financial statement, report, notice or other writing furnished by any Loan Party to Lender in connection herewith is false or misleading in any material respect on the date as of which the facts therein set forth are stated or certified.

8.1.6     Pension Plans .

Institution of any steps by any Person to terminate a Pension Plan if as a result of such termination any Loan Party or any member of the Controlled Group could be required to make a contribution to such Pension Plan, or could incur a liability or obligation to such Pension Plan, in excess of $100,000; (b) a contribution failure occurs with respect to any Pension Plan sufficient to give rise to a Lien under Section 302(f) of ERISA; or (c) there shall occur any withdrawal or partial withdrawal from a Multiemployer Pension Plan and the withdrawal liability (without unaccrued interest) to Multiemployer Pension Plans as a result of such withdrawal (including any outstanding withdrawal liability that Borrower or any other Loan Party or any member of the Controlled Group have incurred on the date of such withdrawal) exceeds $100,000.

8.1.7     Judgments .

Final judgments, awards, or orders (or any settlement of any claim that, if breached, could reasonably be expected to result in a judgment, order or award) which exceed an aggregate of $100,000 shall be rendered against any Loan Party and remain unsatisfied, and shall not have been vacated or had execution thereof stayed pending appeal within 60 days after entry or filing of such judgments; provided, however, that any such judgment, order, award or settlement shall not give rise to an Event of Default under this subsection if and for so long as (A) the amount of such judgment, order, award or settlement is covered by a valid and binding policy of insurance between the defendant and the insurer covering full payment thereof and (B) such insurer has been notified, and has not disputed the claim made for payment, of the amount of such judgment, order, award or settlement.

 

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8.1.8     Invalidity of Collateral Document s.

Any Collateral Document shall cease to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party (or any Person by, through or on behalf of any Loan Party) shall contest in any manner the validity, binding nature or enforceability of any Collateral Document.

8.1.9     Invalidity of Subordination Provisions .

Any subordination provision in any document or instrument governing Non-Senior Debt, or any subordination provision in any subordination agreement that relates to any Non-Senior Debt or any subordination provision in any guaranty by any Loan Party of any Non-Senior Debt, shall cease to be in full force and effect, or any Person (including the holder of any applicable Non-Senior Debt) shall contest in any manner the validity, binding nature or enforceability of any such provision.

8.1.10     Change of Control .

(a) Manager and its Investment Affiliates shall collectively cease to, directly or indirectly, (i) own and control at least 51% of the outstanding equity interests of Co-Borrower or Borrower owned by them on the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Related Transactions) or (ii) possess the right to elect, directly or indirectly (through contract, ownership of voting securities or otherwise), at all times a majority of the board of directors (or similar governing body) of Borrower and to direct the management policies and decisions of Borrower, or (b) a “Change of Control” or other similar event shall occur, as defined in, or under, any documentation evidencing or otherwise relating to any Non-Senior Debt.

8.2     Remedies .

If any Event of Default described in Section 8.1.3 shall occur, the Commitments shall immediately terminate and the Loans and all other Obligations shall become immediately due and payable and Borrower shall become immediately obligated to cash collateralize all Letters of Credit in a manner acceptable to Lender, all without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind; and, if any other Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, Lender shall declare the Commitments to be terminated in whole or in part and/or declare all or any part of the Loans and other Obligations to be due and payable, whereupon the Commitments shall immediately terminate (or be reduced, as applicable) and/or the Loans and other Obligations shall become immediately due and payable (in whole or in part, as applicable), and/or Borrower shall immediately become obligated to cash collateralize the Letters of Credit (all or any, as applicable) in a manner acceptable to Lender, all without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind. Lender shall promptly advise Borrower of any such declaration, but failure to do so shall not impair the effect of such declaration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the effect as an Event of Default of any event described in Section 8.1.1 may only be waived by the written concurrence of Lender, and the effect as an Event of Default of any other event described in this Section 8 may be waived by the written concurrence of Lender. Any cash collateral delivered hereunder shall be held by Lender (without liability for interest thereon) and applied to the Obligations arising in connection with any drawing under a Letter of Credit. After the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit, such cash collateral shall be applied by Lender to any remaining Obligations and any excess shall be delivered to Borrower or as a court of competent jurisdiction may elect.

 

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Section 9.     Miscellaneous.

9.1     Waiver; Amendments .

No delay on the part of Lender in the exercise of any right, power or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by it any right, power or remedy preclude other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No amendment, modification or waiver of, or consent with respect to, any provision of this Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents (or any subordination and intercreditor agreement or other subordination provisions relating to any Non-Senior Debt) shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and approved by Lender, and then any such amendment, modification, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

9.2     Notices .

Except as otherwise provided in Sections 2.2.2 and 2.2.3 , all notices hereunder shall be in writing (including facsimile transmission or electronic mail) and shall be sent to the applicable party at its address shown on Annex II or at such other address as such party may, by written notice received by the other parties, have designated as its address for such purpose. Notices sent by facsimile transmission or electronic mail shall be deemed to have been given when sent; notices sent by mail shall be deemed to have been given three Business Days after the date when sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; and notices sent by hand delivery or overnight courier service shall be deemed to have been given when received. For purposes of Sections 2.2.2 and 2.2.3 , Lender shall be entitled to rely on telephonic instructions from any person that Lender in good faith believes is an authorized officer or employee of Borrower, and Borrower shall hold Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense resulting from any such reliance. Each of Borrower and Lender hereby agree that Lender may, in its discretion, deliver information and notices to such financial institutions as may be a party hereto from time to time using the internet service “Intralinks.”

9.3     Computations .

Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any accounting term used in this Agreement shall have the meaning customarily given such term in accordance with GAAP, and all financial computations hereunder shall be computed in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. The explicit qualification of terms or computations by the phrase “in accordance with GAAP” shall in no way be construed to limit the foregoing.

9.4     Costs; Expenses .

Borrower and Co-Borrower agree to pay on demand all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of Lender (including Legal Costs) incurred after (but not prior to or on) the Closing Date in connection with the administration (including protection of Collateral) of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and all other documents provided for herein or delivered

 

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or to be delivered hereunder or in connection herewith (including any proposed or actual amendment, supplement or waiver to any Loan Document), and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including Legal Costs) incurred by Lender after an Event of Default in connection with the collection of the Obligations and enforcement of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any such other documents. In addition, Borrower and Co-Borrower agree to pay, and to save Lender harmless from all liability for, any fees of Borrower’s auditors in connection with any reasonable exercise by Lender of their rights pursuant to Section 6.4 . All Obligations provided for in this Section 9.4 shall survive repayment of the Loans, cancellation of the Notes and termination of this Agreement).

9.5     Indemnification by Borrower .

In consideration of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Lender and the agreement to extend the Commitments provided hereunder, each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify, exonerate and hold Lender, and each of the officers, directors, employees, Affiliates and agents of Lender (each a “ Lender Party ”) free and harmless from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including Legal Costs (collectively, the “ Indemnified Liabilities ”), incurred by Lender Parties or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any tender offer, merger, purchase of equity interests, purchase of assets (including the Related Transactions) or other similar transaction financed or proposed to be financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, with the proceeds of any of the Loans, (b) the use, handling, release, emission, discharge, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Substance at any property owned or leased by Borrower or any other Loan Party, (c) any violation of any Environmental Laws with respect to conditions at any property owned or leased by any Loan Party or the operations conducted thereon, (d) the investigation, cleanup or remediation of offsite locations at which any Loan Party or their respective predecessors are alleged to have directly or indirectly disposed of Hazardous Substances or (e) the execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by Lender, except to the extent any such Indemnified Liabilities result from the applicable Lender Party’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. If and to the extent that the foregoing undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, Borrower hereby agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law. All Obligations provided for in this Section 9.5 shall survive repayment of the Loans, cancellation of the Notes, any foreclosure under, or any modification, release or discharge of, any or all of the Collateral Documents and termination of this Agreement.

9.6     Marshaling; Payments Set Aside .

Lender shall be under no obligation to marshal any assets in favor of Borrower or any other Person or against or in payment of any or all of the Obligations. To the extent that Borrower makes a payment or payments to Lender, or Lender enforces its Liens or exercises its rights of set-off, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of such enforcement or set-off or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party in connection with any bankruptcy, insolvency or

 

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similar proceeding, or otherwise, then to the extent of such recovery, the obligation hereunder 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 enforcement or setoff had not occurred.

9.7     Nonliability of Lender .

The relationship between Borrower and Co-Borrower on the one hand and Lender on the other hand shall be solely that of borrower and lender. Lender shall have no fiduciary responsibility to Borrower or Co-Borrower. Lender undertakes no responsibility to Borrower or Co-Borrower to review or inform either of them of any matter in connection with any phase of Borrower’s business or operations. Execution of this Agreement by Borrower and Co-Borrower constitutes a full, complete and irrevocable release of any and all claims which either of them may have at law or in equity in respect of all prior discussions and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Lender shall not have any liability with respect to, and each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby waives, releases and agrees not to sue for, any special, indirect, punitive or consequential damages or liabilities.

9.8     Assignments; Participations .

9.8.1     Assignments .

(a) Lender may at any time assign to one or more Persons (any such Person, an “ Assignee ”) all or any portion of Lender’s Loans and Commitments. Borrower shall be entitled to continue to deal solely and directly with Lender in connection with the interests so assigned to an Assignee until Lender shall have received and accepted an effective Assignment Agreement executed, delivered and fully completed by the applicable parties thereto.

(b) From and after the date on which the conditions described above have been met, (i) such Assignee shall be deemed automatically to have become a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to such Assignee pursuant to such Assignment Agreement, shall have the rights and obligations of a “Lender” hereunder and (ii) the assigning Lender, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment Agreement, shall be released from its rights (other than its indemnification rights) and obligations hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, upon Lender’s assignment of any or all of its Loans and/or Commitments to an Assignee, such Assignee shall have all of the rights and obligations of Lender in respect of such assigned Loans and/or Commitments, and shall be deemed to be “Lender” hereunder, as if such Person were an original party hereto. Upon the request of the Assignee (and, as applicable, the assigning Lender) pursuant to an effective Assignment Agreement, Borrower shall execute and deliver to Lender for delivery to the Assignee (and, as applicable, the assigning Lender) a Note in the principal amount of the Assignee’s Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loan Commitment plus the principal amount of the Assignee’s Term Loans (and, as applicable, a Note in the principal amount of the Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loan Commitment retained by the assigning Lender plus the principal amount of the Term Loans retained by the assigning Lender). Each such Note shall be dated the effective date of such assignment. Upon receipt by the assigning Lender of such Note, the assigning Lender shall return to Borrower any prior Note held by it.

 

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(c) Lender, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in the United States a copy of each Assignment Agreement delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of Lender and each Assignee, and the Commitments of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to, Lender and each Assignee pursuant to the terms hereof. The entries in such register shall be conclusive, and Borrower and Lender may treat each Person whose name is recorded therein pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. Such register shall be available for inspection by Borrower, Lender and any Assignee, at any reasonable time upon reasonable prior notice to Lender.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.8.1 or any other provision of this Agreement, Lender may at any time assign all or any portion of its Loans and its Notes (i) as collateral security to a Federal Reserve Bank, to Lender’s trustee for the benefit of its investors or to any other Person (but no such assignment shall release Lender from any of its obligations hereunder) and (ii) to (x) an Affiliate of Lender or (y) an Eligible Institution.

9.8.2     Participations .

Lender may at any time sell to one or more Persons participating interests in its Loans, Commitments or other interests hereunder (any such Person, a “ Participant ”). In the event of a sale by Lender of a participating interest to a Participant, (a) Lender’s obligations hereunder shall remain unchanged for all purposes, (b) Borrower shall continue to deal solely and directly with Lender in connection with Lender’s rights and obligations hereunder and (c) all amounts payable by Borrower shall be determined as if Lender had not sold such participation and shall be paid directly to Lender. No Participant shall have any direct or indirect voting rights hereunder. Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower agrees that if amounts outstanding under this Agreement are due and payable (as a result of acceleration or otherwise), each Participant shall be deemed to have the right of set-off in respect of its participating interest in such amounts to the same extent as if the amount of its participating interest were owing directly to it as Lender under this Agreement; provided that such right of set-off shall be subject to the obligation of each Participant to share with Lender, and Lender agrees to share with each Participant, as provided in Section 2.11.4 . Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower also agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 3 as if it were a Lender (provided that no Participant shall receive any greater compensation pursuant to Section 3 than would have been paid to Lender if no participation had been sold).

9.9     Confidentiality .

Lender agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts (equivalent to the efforts Lender applies to maintain the confidentiality of its own confidential information) to maintain as confidential all information provided to it by any Loan Party and designated as confidential, except that Lender may disclose such information (a) to Persons employed or engaged by Lender or any of its Affiliates (including collateral managers of Lender) in evaluating, approving, structuring or administering the Loans and the Commitments; (b) to any assignee or participant or potential assignee or participant that has agreed to comply with the covenant contained in this Section 9.9 (and any such assignee or participant or potential assignee or participant may disclose such information to Persons employed or engaged by them as described in clause (a)

 

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above); (c) as required or requested by any federal or state regulatory authority or examiner, or any insurance industry association, or as reasonably believed by Lender to be compelled by any court decree, subpoena or legal or administrative order or process; (d) as, on the advice of Lender’s counsel, is required by law; (e) in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy under the Loan Documents or in connection with any litigation to which Lender is a party; (f) to any nationally recognized rating agency or investor of Lender that requires access to information about Lender’s investment portfolio in connection with ratings issued or investment decisions with respect to Lender; (g) that ceases to be confidential through no fault of Lender; (h) to a Person that is an investor or prospective investor in a Securitization that agrees that its access to information regarding the Borrower and the Loans and Commitments is solely for purposes of evaluating an investment in such Securitization and who agrees to treat such information as confidential; or (i) to a Person that is a trustee, collateral manager, servicer, noteholder or secured party in a Securitization in connection with the administration, servicing and reporting on the assets serving as collateral for such Securitization. For purposes of this Section, “ Securitization ” means a public or private offering by Lender or any of its Affiliates or their respective successors and assigns, of securities which represent an interest in, or which are collateralized, in whole or in part, by the Loans or the Commitments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower consents to the publication by Lender of a tombstone or similar advertising material relating to the financing transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and Lender reserves the right to provide to industry trade organizations information necessary and customary for inclusion in league table measurements.

9.10     Captions .

Captions used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Agreement.

9.11     Nature of Remedies .

All Obligations of Borrower and Co-Borrower and rights of Lender expressed herein or in any other Loan Document shall be in addition to and not in limitation of those provided by applicable law. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of Lender, 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.

9.12     Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Agreement. Receipt by telecopy of any executed signature page to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall constitute effective delivery of such signature page.

 

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9.13     Severability .

The illegality or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement or any instrument or agreement required hereunder shall not in any way affect or impair the legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement or any instrument or agreement required hereunder.

9.14     Entire Agreement .

This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, embodies the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements and understandings of such Persons, verbal or written, relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof and any prior arrangements made with respect to the payment by Borrower of (or any indemnification for) any fees, costs or expenses payable to or incurred (or to be incurred) by or on behalf of Lender.

9.15     Successors; Assigns .

This Agreement shall be binding upon Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender and the successors and assigns of Lender. No other Person shall be a direct or indirect legal beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. Neither Borrower nor Co-Borrower may assign or transfer any of its rights or Obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Lender.

9.16     Governing Law .

THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH NOTE SHALL BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH STATE, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH PRINCIPLES WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

9.17     Forum Selection; Consent to Jurisdiction .

ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, SHALL BE BROUGHT AND MAINTAINED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (IN EACH CASE, SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN); PROVIDED THAT ANY SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE BROUGHT, AT LENDER’S OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND. BORROWER AND CO-BORROWER HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR

 

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THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION AS SET FORTH ABOVE. BORROWER AND CO-BORROWER FURTHER IRREVOCABLY CONSENT TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS BY REGISTERED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, OR BY PERSONAL SERVICE WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE STATE OF NEW YORK. BORROWER AND CO-BORROWER HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH THEY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT REFERRED TO ABOVE AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH LITIGATION HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.

9.18     Waiver of Jury Trial .

EACH OF BORROWER, CO-BORROWER AND LENDER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, ANY NOTE, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AND ANY AMENDMENT, INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT DELIVERED OR WHICH MAY IN THE FUTURE BE DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THEREWITH OR ARISING FROM ANY LENDING RELATIONSHIP EXISTING IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OF THE FOREGOING, AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT AND NOT BEFORE A JURY.

[ SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW ]

 

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The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.

 

FOX FACTORY, INC., as Borrower
By:   /s/    Robert Fox
Name:   Robert Fox
Title:   President

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP., as Co-Borrower
By:   /s/    Elias J. Sabo
Name:   Elias J. Sabo
Title:   President

 

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC, as Lender
By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
Name:   James J. Bottiglieri
Title:   Chief Financial Officer


ANNEX I

Commitments and Pro Rata Shares

 

Lender

   Revolving Loan

Commitment

  Term A
Loan
  Term B
Loan

Compass Group

Diversified Holdings LLC

   100%   100%   100%

 

 

Annex

I


Annex II

Addresses

Fox Factory, Inc.,

as Borrower

Address for Notices:

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention:    Chief Operating Officer
Telephone:    (831) 274-6500
Telecopy:    (831) 768-9342

Fox Factory Holding Corp.,

as Co-Borrower

Address for Notices:

24422 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite 370

Laguna Hills, California 92653

Attention:    Elias J. Sabo
Telephone:    (949) 420-0700
Telecopy:    (949) 420-0771

Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC,

as Lender

Address for Notices:

Sixty One Wilton Road, Second Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

Attention:    Chief Financial Officer
Telephone:    (203) 221-1703
Telecopy:    (203) 221-8253

Address for Payments:

Bank:      Bank of America
Bank Address:      126 Post Road East Westport, Ct 06880
ABA #:      026009593
Account Name:      Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC
Account #:      003852504395
Reference:      Fox Factory, Inc.

 

Annex

II


Exhibit A

Form of Assignment Agreement

This Assignment Agreement (this “ Assignment Agreement ”) is entered into as of             by and between the Assignor named on the signature page hereto (“ Assignor ”) and the Assignee named on the signature page hereto (“ Assignee ”). Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by and among Fox Factory, Inc. (“ Borrower ”), Fox Factory Holding Corp. (“Co-Borrower”) and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, as lender (together with any successors or assigns, the “Lender”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

Assignor and Assignee agree as follows:

1. Assignor hereby sells and assigns to Assignee, and Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from Assignor the interests set forth on the schedule attached hereto, in and to Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents as of the Effective Date (as defined below). Such purchase and sale is made without recourse, representation or warranty except as expressly set forth herein.

2. Assignor (i) represents that, as of the Effective Date, it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interests assigned hereunder free and clear of any adverse claim; (ii) makes no other representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statement, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement, any Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (iii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of any Loan Party or any other Person or the performance or observance by any Loan Party of its Obligations under the Credit Agreement or the Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto.

3. Assignee (i) represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to enter into this Assignment Agreement; (ii) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant thereto and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment Agreement; (iii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon Assignor or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (iv) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; (vi) represents that on the date of this Assignment Agreement it is not presently aware of any facts that would cause it to make a claim under the Credit Agreement; and (vii) if organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States, attaches the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States, which have been duly executed, certifying as to Assignee’s exemption from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to Assignee under the Agreement or such other documents as are necessary to indicate that all such payments are subject to such tax at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty.

 

A-1


4. The effective date for this Assignment Agreement shall be as set forth on the schedule attached hereto (the “ Effective Date ”).

5. Upon such acceptance, from and after the Effective Date, (i) Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment Agreement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Assignment Agreement, relinquish its rights (other than indemnification rights) and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement.

6. Upon such acceptance, from and after the Effective Date, Borrower shall make all payments in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to Assignee. Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments for periods prior to the Effective Date with respect to the making of this assignment directly between themselves.

7. THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.

8. This Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Assignment. Receipt by telecopy of any executed signature page to this Assignment shall constitute effective delivery of such signature page.

 

A-2


The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

ASSIGNOR:
   
 

 

By:    
Title:    

 

ASSIGNEE:
   
 

 

By:    
Title:    

 

A-3


Schedule to Assignment Agreement

 

Assignor:    
Assignee:    
Effective Date:    

Credit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among Fox Factory, Inc. (“ Borrower ”), Fox Factory Holding Corp. (“ Co-Borrower ”) and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, as Lender

Interests Assigned:

 


Commitment/Loan
   Revolving Loan
Commitment
   Term A Loan
Commitment
     Term B Loan
Commitment
 

Assignor Amounts

   $                                           $                                                      $                                                

Amounts Assigned

   $                                           $                                                      $                                                
Assignee Amounts (post-assignment)    $                                           $                                                      $                                                

Assignee Information:

 

Address for Notices:       Address for Payments:   
             
        Bank:        
Attention:           ABA #:        
Telephone:           Account #:        
Telecopy:           Reference:        

 

A-4


Exhibit B

Form of Compliance Certificate

Please refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among Fox Factory, Inc. (“ Borrower ”), Fox Factory Holding Corp. (“Co-Borrower”) and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, as lender (together with any successors or assigns, the “Lender”). This certificate (this “ Certificate ”), together with supporting calculations attached hereto, is delivered to Lender pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Terms used but not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement.

Enclosed herewith is a copy of the [annual audited/quarterly] report of Borrower and Co-Borrower as at [              , 200      ] (the “ Computation Date ”), which report fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations [(subject to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end adjustments)] of Borrower and Co-Borrower as of the Computation Date and has been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.

Borrower and Co-Borrower each hereby certifies and warrants that the computations set forth on the schedule attached hereto correspond to the ratios and/or financial restrictions contained in the Credit Agreement and such computations are true and correct as at the Computation Date.

Borrower and Co-Borrower each further certifies that no Event of Default or Default has occurred and is continuing.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have caused this Certificate to be executed and delivered by its respective officer thereunto duly authorized on [              , 200      ].

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:    
Title:    

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:    
Title:    

 

B-1


Schedule to Compliance Certificate

Dated as of [              , 200      ]

 

A.   Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio   
 

1.      Consolidated Net Income

   $                    
 

2.      Plus: Interest Expense

   $                    
 

income tax expense

   $                    
 

depreciation

   $                    
 

amortization

   $                    
 

other

   $                    
 

management fees paid or accrued

   $                    
 

3.      EBITDA

   $                    
 

4.      Income taxes paid

   $                    
 

5.      Management fees paid in cash

   $                    
 

6.      Capital Expenditures

   $                    
 

7.      Sum of (4), (5) and (6)

   $                    
 

8.      Remainder of (3) minus (7)

   $                    
 

9.      Interest Expense paid in cash

   $                    
 

10.    Required payments of principal of Debt (including Term Loans but excluding Revolving Loans)

   $                    
 

12.    Sum of (9) and (10)

   $                    
 

13.    Ratio of (8) to (11)

                  to 1   
 

14.    Minimum Required

                  to 1   
B.   Maximum Senior Debt to EBITDA Ration   
 

1.      Senior Debt

   $                    
 

2.      EBITDA

   $                    
 

3.      Ration of (1) to (2)

                  to 1   
 

4.      Maximum Allowed

                  to 1   
C.   Maximum Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio   
 

1.      Total Debt

   $                    
 

2.      EBITDA (from Item A(3) above)

   $                    
 

3.      Ratio of (1) to (2)

                  to 1   
 

4.      Maximum allowed

                  to 1   
D.   Capital Expenditures   
 

1.      Capital Expenditures for the Fiscal Year

   $                    
 

2.      Maximum Permitted Capital Expenditures

   $                    

 

B-2


Exhibit C

Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

Please refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among Fox Factory, Inc. (“ Borrower ”), Fox Factory Holding Corp. (“Co-Borrower”) and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, as lender (together with any successors or assigns, the “Lender”). This certificate (this “ Certificate ”), together with supporting calculations attached hereto, is delivered to Lender pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings herein as in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower each hereby represents and warrants to the Lender that the following information is true, correct and complete in all material respects as of [ ]:

 

1.       Gross Accounts       $                    
2.       Less Ineligibles      
   -    Does not arise from sale of goods or services    $                       
   -    Lender’s Lien not perfected/Subject to other Lien    $                       
   -    Subject to offset, etc.    $                       
   -    Account Debtor in bankruptcy    $                       
   -    Uninsured Account Debtor outside of United States or Canada    $                       
   -    Sale on approval, sale or return, bill and hold or consignment    $                       
   -    Arises outside the ordinary course    $                       
   -    Governmental Accounts    $                       
   -    Chattel Paper    $                       
   -    Over 90 days past due or over 90 days past invoice date    $                       
   -    Affiliate receivables    $                       
   -    Cross-age    $                       
   -    Concentration    $                       
   -    Not denominated in Dollars or Canadian Dollars    $                       
   -    Other    $                       
   -    Total       $                    
3.       Eligible Accounts [ Item 1 minus Item 2 ]       $                    
4.       Item 3 times 85%       $                    

 

C-1


5.     

Gross Inventory

      $                    
6.     

Less Ineligibles

     
   -  

Lender’s Lien not perfected/Subject to other Lien

   $                       
   -  

Not Salable

   $                       
   -  

Located off-site and no Collateral Access Agreement

   $                       
   -  

Arises outside the ordinary course

   $                       
   -  

“Hot Goods”

   $                       
   -  

Restrictive Agreement

   $                       
   -  

Not located in U.S.

   $                       
   -  

In-transit or held or delivered on consignment

   $                       
   -  

Work-in-progress inventory

   $                       
   -  

Other

   $                       
   -  

Total

      $                    
7.     

Eligible Inventory [ Item 5 minus Item 6 ]

      $                    
8.     

Item 7 times 55%

      $                    
9.     

Item 4 plus Item 8

      $                    
10.     

Lesser of Item 9 and Revolving Loan Commitment

      $                    
11.     

Reserves and allowances

      $                    
12.     

Borrowing Availability [Item 10 minus Item 11]

      $                    
13.     

Revolving Loans

      $                    
14.     

Net Availability [Excess of Item 12 over Item 13]

      $                    
15.     

Required Prepayment [Excess of Item 13 over Item 12]

      $                    

 

C-2


This Borrowing Base Certificate is dated the                 day of                 ,                 .

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:    
Title:  

 

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:    
Title:  

 

 

C-3


Exhibit D

Form of Note

 

                     , 20       

$             

     Westport, Connecticut   

The undersigned, for value received, promise to pay, jointly and severally, to the order of Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC (“ Lender ”) at its principal office of 61 Wilton Road, Westport, Connecticut 06880, the aggregate unpaid amount of all Loans made to the undersigned by Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to below, such principal amount to be payable on the dates set forth in the Credit Agreement.

The undersigned further promise to pay, jointly and severally, interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such Loan is paid in full, payable at the rate(s) and at the time(s) set forth in the Credit Agreement. Payments of both principal and interest are to be made in lawful money of the United States of America.

This promissory note (“ Note ”) evidences indebtedness incurred under, and is subject to the terms and provisions of, the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008 (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”; terms not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement), among the undersigned and the Lender, to which Credit Agreement reference is hereby made for a statement of the terms and provisions under which this Note may or must be paid prior to its due date or its due date accelerated.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

 

D-1


This Note is made under and governed by the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within such State.

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:    
Title:  

 

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:    
Title:  

 

 

D-2


Exhibit E

Form of Notice of Borrowing

Please refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among Fox Factory, Inc. (“ Borrower ”), Fox Factory Holding Corp. (“Co-Borrower”) and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, as Lender. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement. This notice is given pursuant to Section 2.2.2 of the Credit Agreement. Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby request a borrowing under the Credit Agreement as follows:

The aggregate amount of the proposed borrowing is [$              ]. The requested borrowing date for the proposed borrowing (which is a Business Day) is [             , 200     ] . The Revolving Loans comprising the proposed borrowing are [Base Rate][LIBOR] Loans. The duration of the Interest Period for each LIBOR Loan made as part of the proposed borrowing, if applicable, is [            ] months (which shall be 1, 2 or 3 months).

Borrower and Co-Borrower have caused this Notice to be executed and delivered by its respective officer or designee thereunto duly authorized on [                 , 200     ].

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:    
Title:  

 

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:    
Title:  

 

 

E-1


Exhibit F

Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation

Please refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among Fox Factory, Inc. (“ Borrower ”), Fox Factory Holding Corp. (“Co-Borrower”) and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, as Lender. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement. This notice is given pursuant to Section 2.2.3 of the Credit Agreement. Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby request a [ conversion ][ continuation ] of [ Term A Loans ][ Term B Loans ][ Revolving Loans ] as follows:

The date of the proposed [ conversion ] [ continuation ] is [             , 200     ] (which shall be a Business Day). The aggregate amount of the [ Term [ A ][ B ] Loans ] [ Revolving Loans ] proposed to be [ converted ] [ continued ] is $            . [ Specify which part is to be converted and which part is to be continued, if appropriate. ] The Loans to be [ continued ] [ converted ] are [ Base Rate Loans ] [ LIBOR Loans ] and the Loans resulting from the proposed [ conversion ] [ continuation ] will be [ Base Rate Loans ] [ LIBOR Loans ]. The duration of the requested Interest Period for each LIBOR Loan made as part of the proposed [ conversion ] [ continuation ] is [            ] months (which shall be 1, 2 or 3 months).

Borrower and Co-Borrower have caused this Notice to be executed and delivered by its respective officer thereunto duly authorized on [                 , 200     ].

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:    
Title:  

 

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:    
Title:  

 

 

F-1


Execution Copy

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT , dated as of February 7, 2008 (this “Amendment”), is made by and among FOX FACTORY, INC. , a California corporation (“Borrower”), FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP. , a Delaware corporation (“Co-Borrower”), and COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “Lender”).

RECITALS

A. Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender are parties to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008 (the “Original Credit Agreement”). Unless the context as used herein requires otherwise, capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Original Credit Agreement.

B. Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender wish to amend the Original Credit Agreement to effect such amendments, modifications and changes as are hereinafter set forth, subject, however, to all the terms and conditions contained herein (the Original Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, being herein referred to as the “Credit Agreement”).

AGREEMENTS

In order to effect such amendments and in consideration of the premises, and subject to the terms and conditions, set forth herein, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree as follows:

1.     Conditions Precedent to Closing . On or prior to the date hereof, each of the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied and thereafter this Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender and their respective successors and assigns. Borrower and Co-Borrower agree that the failure to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in this Amendment shall in no way affect or impair the obligations of Borrower and Co-Borrower or be construed as a waiver by Lender of any of Lender’s rights under the Credit Agreement.

(a) Lender shall have received each of the following:

i. this Amendment, duly authorized and executed by Borrower and Co-Borrower; and

ii. such other agreements, documents, instruments and certificates as Lender may reasonably request; and


(b) Borrower and Co-Borrower shall have duly and properly performed, complied with and observed each of its covenants, agreements and obligations contained in this Amendment.

2.     Amendments .

(a) Section 1.1 of the Original Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting subsection (e) of the definition of Eligible Account in its entirety and replacing such subsection with the following:

(e) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is located outside of the continental United States of America or Canada if such Accounts are denominated in other than U.S. dollars, unless such Accounts are backed in full by an irrevocable letter of credit in form and substance satisfactory to Lender issued by a domestic commercial bank acceptable to Lender;

(b) Section 1.1 of the Original Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting subsection (k) of the definition of Eligible Inventory in its entirety and replacing such subsection with the following:

(k) it is not “supplies” or “packaging” Inventory; and

(c) The Original Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting Exhibit C attached thereto in its entirety and replacing such exhibit with Exhibit C attached hereto.

3.     Representations and Warranties . Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower (as applicable, the “Representing Party”) hereby represents and warrants to Lender that:

(a) the execution, delivery and performance by the Representing Party of this Amendment are within the corporate powers of the Representing Party, have been duly authorized by all necessary company action and require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental or regulatory body, agency or official;

(b) this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Representing Party enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditor’s rights generally and (ii) general equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law); and

(c) as of the date hereof, and after giving effect to this Amendment, all of the covenants, representations and warranties of the Representing Party set forth in the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all material respects, and no Event of Default under or within the meaning of the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing.

4.     Costs and Expenses . Borrower and Co-Borrower agree to pay all reasonable costs, internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) incurred by Lender in connection with the preparation, execution and enforcement of this Amendment.

 

2


5.     Governing Law . Each of the undersigned agrees that this Amendment and the rights and obligations of all parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed under the substantive laws of the State of New York, without reference to the conflict of laws principles of such state.

6.     Headings . Section headings in this Amendment are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Amendment for any other purpose.

7.     Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed by one or more of the parties hereto on any number of separate counterparts and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

8.     Entire Agreement, Modification, Benefit . The Credit Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement of Lender, Borrower and Co-Borrower, and no provision thereof (including of this Amendment) may be modified, deleted or amended in any manner except by agreement in writing executed by each of Lender, Borrower and Co-Borrower. Except to the extent modified by this Amendment, all of the covenants, representations, warranties, conditions, agreements and other terms contained in the Original Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be and remain in full force and effect and the same are hereby ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof. All such terms of the Original Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, are and shall remain binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Lender, Borrower and Co-Borrower and their respective successors and assigns. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between this Amendment and the Original Credit Agreement, the covenants, representations, warranties, conditions, agreements and other terms of this Amendment shall govern and control.

{Remainder of this page intentionally left blank}

 

3


The parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.

 

FOX FACTORY, INC., as Borrower

By:   /s/    Robert Kaswen  
Name:   Robert Kaswen  
Title:   C.O.O  

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP., as Co-Borrower

By:   /s/    Patrick A. Maciariello  
Name:      
Title:      

 

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC,

as Lender

By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri  
Name:   James J. Bottiglieri  
Title:   Chief Financial Officer  

[Signature Page to Amendment to Credit Agreement]


Exhibit C

Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

Please refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2008 (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) among Fox Factory, Inc. (“ Borrower ”), Fox Factory Holding Corp. (“Co-Borrower”) and Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, as lender (together with any successors or assigns, the “Lender”). This certificate (this “ Certificate ”), together with supporting calculations attached hereto, is delivered to Lender pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings herein as in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower each hereby represents and warrants to the Lender that the following information is true, correct and complete in all material respects as of [ ]:

 

1.           Gross Accounts       $                
2.       Less Ineligibles      
   -    Does not arise from sale of goods or services    $                   
   -    Lender’s Lien not perfected/Subject to other Lien    $   
   -    Subject to offset, etc.    $   
   -    Account Debtor in bankruptcy    $   
   -    Uninsured Account Debtor outside of United States or Canada if Accounts are not denominated in U.S. Dollars    $   
   -    Sale on approval, sale or return, bill and hold or consignment    $   
   -    Arises outside the ordinary course    $   
   -    Governmental Accounts    $   
   -    Chattel Paper    $   
   -    Over 90 days past due or over 90 days past invoice date    $   
   -    Affiliate receivables    $   
   -    Cross-age    $   
   -    Concentration    $   
   -    Not denominated in Dollars or Canadian Dollars    $   
   -    Other    $   
   -    Total       $
3.       Eligible Accounts [ Item 1 minus Item 2 ]       $
4.       Item 3 times 85%       $

 

Exhibit C-1


5.       Gross Inventory       $                
6.       Less Ineligibles      
   -    Lender’s Lien not perfected/Subject to other Lien    $                   
   -    Not Salable    $   
   -    Located off-site and no Collateral Access Agreement    $   
   -    Arises outside the ordinary course    $   
   -    “Hot Goods”    $   
   -    Restrictive Agreement    $   
   -    Not located in U.S.    $   
   -    In-transit or held or delivered on consignment    $   
   -    Other    $   
   -    Total       $
7.       Eligible Inventory [ Item 5 minus Item 6 ]       $
8.       Item 7 times 55%       $
9.       Item 4 plus Item 8       $
10.       Lesser of Item 9 and Revolving Loan Commitment       $
11.       Reserves and allowances       $
12.       Borrowing Availability [Item 10 minus Item 11]       $
13.       Revolving Loans       $
14.       Net Availability [Excess of Item 12 over Item 13]       $
15.       Required Prepayment [Excess of Item 13 over Item 12]       $

 

Exhibit C-2


This Borrowing Base Certificate is dated the              day of                     ,             .

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.  
By:      
Title:      

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.  
By:      
Title:      

 

Exhibit C-3


Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC

61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

October 8, 2008

Fox Factory, Inc.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention: Chief Operating Officer

Telecopy: (831) 768-9342

Re: Second Amendment to Credit Agreement

Gentlemen:

Reference is made hereby to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2008 (as previously amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Lender ”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, as borrower (“ Borrower ”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, as co-borrower (“ Co-Borrower ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have requested that Lender amend, and Lender desires to amend, the Credit Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree to amend the Credit Agreement as of the date first set forth above by (i) amending the defined term Capital Expenditure in Section 1.1 thereof by striking the parenthetical phrase “(other than for leasehold improvements not to exceed $300,000 per year )” contained therein such that such defined term now reads in its entirety as set forth below, and (ii) amending Section 7.14.4 thereof by increasing the permitted annual expenditures set forth there such that Section 7.14.4 now reads in its entirety as set forth below:

Capital Expenditures means all expenditures which, in accordance with GAAP, would be required to be capitalized and shown on the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower, but excluding expenditures made in connection with the replacement, substitution or restoration of assets to the extent financed (a) from insurance proceeds (or other similar recoveries) paid on account of the loss of or damage to the assets being replaced or restored, (b) with cash awards of compensation arising from the taking by eminent domain or condemnation of the assets being replaced or (c) with cash proceeds of Dispositions that are reinvested in accordance with Section 2.9.2(a)(i) .”


“7.14.4 Capital Expenditures.

Not permit the aggregate amount of all Capital Expenditures (i) for the period from and including the Closing Date and continuing up to and including December 31, 2008 to exceed $2,300,000 for such period, or (ii) for any Fiscal Year thereafter to exceed $1,500,000 for such Fiscal Year.

If Borrower and the Subsidiaries do not utilize the entire amount of Capital Expenditures permitted in any Fiscal Year, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would be caused thereby, Borrower may carry forward to the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year only, 50% of such un-utilized amount (with Capital Expenditures made by Borrower in such succeeding Fiscal Year applied last to such unutilized amount).”

Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect.

Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent such representations or warranties relate solely to an earlier date), and (b) after giving effect to this letter agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This letter agreement is a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement. This letter agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same letter agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this letter agreement, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this letter agreement.

This letter agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

{Signature page follows}

 

- 2 -


Cordially,
LENDER:

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED
HOLDINGS LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
  Name:  James J. Bottiglieri
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

BORROWER :

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:   /s/    Robert Kaswen
  Name:  Robert Kaswen
  Title:  Chief Executive Officer

CO-BORROWER :

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/    Patrick A. Maciariello
  Name:  Patrick A. Maciariello
  Title:  Vice President

 

- 3 -


Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC

61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

January 29, 2009

Fox Factory, Inc.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention: Chief Operating Officer

Telecopy: (831) 768-9342

Re: Third Amendment to Credit Agreement

Gentlemen:

Reference is made hereby to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2008 and that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 8, 2008 (as previously amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Lender ”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, as borrower (“ Borrower ”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, as co-borrower (“ Co-Borrower ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have requested that Lender amend, and Lender desires to amend, the Credit Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree to amend the Credit Agreement as of the date first set forth above by amending Section 9.8.1(c) thereof by replacing the current text of Section 9.8.1(c) with the following text, such that Section 9.8.1(c) now reads in its entirety as set forth below:

“(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9.8.1(a), the Borrower hereby authorizes and directs the Lender, for and on behalf of the Borrower, to maintain a record of ownership of the Notes and any interest therein, which record, or “book-entry system”, shall identify the owner or owners of the Notes and any such interests therein. The right to the principal of, and stated interest on, the Notes may be transferred only through such book-entry system.”

Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect.

 

- 1 -


Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent such representations or warranties relate solely to an earlier date), and (b) after giving effect to this letter agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This letter agreement is a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement. This letter agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same letter agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this letter agreement, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this letter agreement.

This letter agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

{Signature page follows}

 

- 2 -


 

Cordially,
LENDER:

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED
HOLDINGS LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
  Name: James J. Bottiglieri
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

BORROWER :

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:   /s/    Robert Kaswen
  Name: Robert Kaswen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

CO-BORROWER :

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/    Patrick Maciariello
  Name: Patrick Maciariello
  Title: Vice President

 

- 3 -


Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC

61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

March 25, 2009

Fox Factory, Inc.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention: Chief Operating Officer

Telecopy: (831) 768-9342

Re: Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

Gentlemen:

Reference is made hereby to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2008, that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 8, 2008, and that certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2009 (as previously amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Lender ”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, as borrower (“ Borrower ”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, as co-borrower (“ Co-Borrower ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have requested that Lender amend, and Lender desires to amend, the Credit Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree to amend the Credit Agreement as of the date first set forth above by amending the defined term Borrowing Availability in Section 1.1 thereof by increasing the percentages applicable to unpaid Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory for Fiscal Year 2009, such that the defined term now reads in its entirety as follows:

Borrowing Availability means, at the time of determination, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Revolving Loan Commitment and (b) the sum of (i) 85% of the unpaid amount of all Eligible Accounts plus (ii) 55% of the unpaid amount of all Eligible Inventory valued at the lower of cost (on a FIFO basis) or market, in each case less an obsolescence reserve established by Borrower from time to time on its balance sheet, in accordance with GAAP and reasonably satisfactory to Lender; provided , however , that at any time of determination during the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2009 only, the percentages applicable to unpaid Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above shall be 90% and 65%, respectively.”

 

- 1 -


Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect.

Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent such representations or warranties relate solely to an earlier date), and (b) after giving effect to this letter agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This letter agreement is a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement. This letter agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same letter agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this letter agreement, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this letter agreement.

This letter agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

{Signature page follows}

 

- 2 -


Cordially,
LENDER:
COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
  Name:  James J. Bottiglieri
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

 

BORROWER :
FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:   /s/    Robert Kaswen
  Name:  Robert Kaswen
  Title:  Chief Executive Officer

 

CO-BORROWER :
FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/    Patrick Maciariello
  Name:  Patrick Maciariello
  Title:  Vice President

 

- 3 -


Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC

61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

March 25, 2010

Fox Factory, Inc.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention: Chief Operating Officer

Telecopy: (831) 768-9342

Re: Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement

Gentlemen:

Reference is made hereby to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2008, that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 8, 2008, that certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2009, and that certain Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 25, 2000 (as previously amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Lender ”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, as borrower (“ Borrower ”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, as co-borrower (“ Co-Borrower ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have requested that Lender amend, and Lender desires to amend, the Credit Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree to amend the Credit Agreement as of the date first set forth above by amending the defined term Borrowing Availability in Section 1.1 thereof by increasing the percentages applicable to unpaid Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory for Fiscal Year 2010, such that the defined term now reads in its entirety as follows:

Borrowing Availability means, at the time of determination, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Revolving Loan Commitment and (b) the sum of (i) 85% of the unpaid amount of all Eligible Accounts plus (ii) 55% of the unpaid amount of all Eligible Inventory valued at the lower of cost (on a FIFO basis) or market, in each case less an obsolescence reserve established by Borrower from time to time on its balance sheet, in accordance with GAAP and reasonably satisfactory to Lender; provided , however , that at any time of determination during the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2010 only, the percentages applicable to unpaid Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above shall be 90% and 60%, respectively.”

 

- 1 -


Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect.

Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent such representations or warranties relate solely to an earlier date), and (b) after giving effect to this letter agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This letter agreement is a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement. This letter agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same letter agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this letter agreement, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this letter agreement.

This letter agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

{Signature page follows}

 

- 2 -


Cordially,
LENDER:

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED

HOLDINGS LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company
By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
  Name:  James J. Bottiglieri
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

 

BORROWER :
FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:   /s/    Robert Kaswen
  Name:  Robert Kaswen
  Title:  Chief Executive Officer

 

CO-BORROWER :
FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/    Patrick Maciariello
  Name:  Patrick Maciariello
  Title:  Vice President

 

- 3 -


Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC

61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

October 6, 2010

Fox Factory, Inc.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention: Mr. Zvi Glasman, Chief Financial Officer

Telecopy: (831) 768-9342

Re: Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement

Gentlemen:

Reference is made hereby to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2008, that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 8, 2008, that certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2009, that certain Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 25, 2009, and that certain Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 26, 2010 (as previously amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Lender ”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, as borrower (“ Borrower ”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, as co-borrower (“ Co-Borrower ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have requested that Lender amend, and Lender desires to amend, the Credit Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree to amend the Credit Agreement as of the date first set forth above by amending Section  7.14.4 thereof by increasing the permitted annual expenditures set forth therein such that Section  7.14.4 now reads in its entirety as set forth below:

7.14.4 Capital Expenditures .

Not permit the aggregate amount of all Capital Expenditures (i) for the period from and January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 to exceed $2,200,000 for such period, or (ii) for any Fiscal Year thereafter to exceed $1,500,000 for such Fiscal Year.

If Borrower and the subsidiaries do not utilize the entire amount of Capital Expenditures permitted in any Fiscal Year, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would be caused thereby, Borrower may carry forward to the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year only, 50% of such un-utilized amount (with Capital Expenditures made by Borrower in such succeeding Fiscal Year applied last to such unutilized amount).”

 

- 1 -


Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect.

Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent such representations or warranties relate solely to an earlier date), and (b) after giving effect to this letter agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This letter agreement is a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement. This letter agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same letter agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this letter agreement, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this letter agreement.

This letter agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

{Signature page follows}

 

- 2 -


 

Cordially,
LENDER :

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED

HOLDINGS LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company
By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
  Name:  James J. Bottiglieri
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

 

BORROWER :
FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:   /s/    Robert Kaswen
  Name:  Robert Kaswen
  Title:  Chief Executive Officer

 

CO-BORROWER :
FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/    Patrick Maciariello
  Name:  Patrick Maciariello
  Title:  Vice President

 

- 3 -


Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC

61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

March 28, 2011

Fox Factory, Inc.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Telecopy: (831) 768-9342

Re: Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement

Gentlemen:

Reference is made hereby to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2008, that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 8, 2008, that certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2009, that certain Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 25, 2009, that certain Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 26, 2010 and that certain Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2010 (as previously amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Lender ”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, as borrower (“ Borrower ”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, as co-borrower (“ Co-Borrower ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have requested that Lender amend, and Lender desires to amend, the Credit Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree to amend the Credit Agreement effective, subject to satisfaction of each of the conditions precedent set forth below, as of the date hereof as follows:

(a) The defined term Borrowing Availability in Section 1.1 thereof is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

Borrowing Availability means, at the time of determination, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Revolving Loan Commitment and (b) the sum of (i) 85% of the unpaid amount of all Eligible Accounts plus (ii) 55% of the unpaid amount of all Eligible Inventory valued at the lower of cost (on a FIFO basis) or market, in each case less an obsolescence reserve established by Borrower from time to time on its balance sheet, in accordance with GAAP and reasonably satisfactory to Lender; provided , however , that at any time of determination during the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2011 only, the percentages applicable to unpaid Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above shall be 90% and 60%, respectively.”

 

- 1 -


(b) The reference within the defined term Revolving Loan Commitment to “$22,000,000” is hereby deleted and replaced with “$28,000,000”.

As conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Amendment, on or prior to the date hereof, the Lender shall have received each of the following:

i. this Amendment, duly authorized and executed by each of Borrower and Co-Borrower;

ii. resolutions of the board of directors of each of Borrower and Co-Borrower approving and authorizing its execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment; and

iii. in connection with the increased Revolving Loan Commitment, cash in the amount of $60,000 representing the Commitment Fee due to Lender in respect thereof.

Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect.

Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent such representations or warranties relate solely to an earlier date), and (b) after giving effect to this letter agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This letter agreement is a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement. This letter agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same letter agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this letter agreement, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this letter agreement.

This letter agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

{Signature page follows}

 

- 2 -


Cordially,
LENDER:
COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
  Name:  James J. Bottiglieri
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

BORROWER :

FOX FACTORY, INC.

By:   /s/    Zvi Glasman
  Name:  Zvi Glasman
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

CO-BORROWER :

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.

By:   /s/    Patrick Maciariello
  Name:  Patrick Maciariello
  Title:  Vice President

 

- 3 -


Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC

61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

September 20, 2011

Fox Factory, Inc.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Telecopy: (831) 768-9342

Re: Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement

Gentlemen:

Reference is made hereby to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2008, that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 8, 2008, that certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2009, that certain Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 25, 2009, that certain Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 26, 2010, that certain Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2010 and that certain Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 28, 2011 (as previously amended, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (together with its successors and assigns, the “Lender”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, as borrower (“Borrower”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, as co-borrower (“Co-Borrower”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have requested that Lender amend, and Lender desires to amend, the Credit Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree to amend the Credit Agreement as of the date first set forth above by amending Section  7.14.4 thereof by increasing the permitted annual expenditures set forth therein such that Section  7.14.4 now reads in its entirety as set for below:

7.14.4 Capital Expenditures.

Not permit the aggregate amount of all Capital Expenditures (i) for the period from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 to exceed $2,200,000 for such period, or (ii) for the period from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 to exceed [$3,300,000] for such period, or (iii) for any Fiscal Year thereafter to exceed $1,500,000 for such Fiscal Year.

 

1


If Borrower and the subsidiaries do not utilize the entire amount of Capital Expenditures permitted in any Fiscal Year, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would be cause thereby, Borrower may carry forward to the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year only, 50% of such un-utilized amount (with Capital Expenditures made by Borrower in such succeeding Fiscal Year applied last to such unutilized amount).”

Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect.

Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent such representations or warranties relate solely to an earlier date), and (b) after giving effect to this letter agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This letter agreement is a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement. This letter agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same letter agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this letter agreement, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this letter agreement.

This letter agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

{Signature page follows}

 

2


Cordially,

 

LENDER:
COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
  Name:  James J. Bottiglieri
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

BORROWER:

FOX FACTORY, INC.

 

B Y :   /s/    Zvi Glasman
  Name:  Zvi Glasman
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

CO-BORROWER:

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.

 

By:   /s/    Patrick Maciariello
  Name:  Patrick Maciariello
  Title:  Vice President

 

- 3 -


Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC
61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor
Westport, Connecticut 06880

April 16, 2012

Fox Factory, Inc.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Telecopy: (831) 768-9342

Re: Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement

Gentlemen:

Reference is made hereby to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2008, that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 8, 2008, that certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2009, that certain Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 25, 2009, that certain Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 26, 2010, that certain Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2010 and that certain Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 28, 2011, that certain Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of September 20, 2011 (as previously amended, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (together with its successors and assigns, the “Lender”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, as borrower (“Borrower”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, as co-borrower (“Co-Borrower”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have requested that Lender amend, and Lender desires to amend, the Credit Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree to amend the Credit Agreement as of the date first set forth above by amending Section  7.14.4 thereof by increasing the permitted annual expenditures set forth therein such that Section  7.14.4 now reads in its entirety as set for below:

7.14.4 Capital Expenditures.

Not permit the aggregate amount of all Capital Expenditures (i) for the period from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 to exceed $2,200,000 for such period, or (ii) for the period from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 to exceed $3,300,000 for such period, or (iii) for the period from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012 to exceed $4,500,000 for such period, or (iv) for any Fiscal Year thereafter to exceed $1,500,000 for such Fiscal Year.

 

1


If Borrower and the subsidiaries do not utilize the entire amount of Capital Expenditures permitted in any Fiscal Year, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would be cause thereby, Borrower may carry forward to the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year only, 50% of such un-utilized amount (with Capital Expenditures made by Borrower in such succeeding Fiscal Year applied last to such unutilized amount).”

Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect.

Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent such representations or warranties relate solely to an earlier date), and (b) after giving effect to this letter agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This letter agreement is a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement. This letter agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same letter agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this letter agreement, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this letter agreement.

This letter agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

{Signature page follows}

 

2


Cordially,
LENDER:
COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
  Name: James J. Bottiglieri
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

BORROWER:

FOX FACTORY, INC.

 

B Y :   /s/    Zvi Glasman
  Name:  Zvi Glasman
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

CO-BORROWER:

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.

 

B Y :   /s/    Patrick Maciariello
  Name:  Patrick Maciariello
  Title:  Vice President

 

- 3 -


Execution Copy

TENTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

This TENTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT , dated as of June 18, 2012 (this “ Amendment ”), is made by and between FOX FACTORY, INC. , a California corporation (the “ Borrower ”), FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP. , a Delaware corporation (the “ Co-Borrower ”), and COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “ Lender ”).

RECITALS

A. Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender are parties to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008 (as previously amended as of each of February 7, 2008, October 8, 2008, January 29, 2009, March 25, 2009, March 26, 2010, October 6, 2010, March 28, 2011, September 20, 2011 and April 16, 2012, the “ Prior Credit Agreement ”). Unless the context as used herein requires otherwise, capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Prior Credit Agreement.

B. Borrower and Co-Borrower have informed Lender of their desire to increase the Commitments and Loans by approximately $62,000,000, which additional Commitments and Loans would be comprised of an additional Term A Loan Commitment and Term A Loan of $60,000,000 (the “ Additional Term A Loan ”) and an increase to the Revolving Loan Commitment of $2,000,000 (the “ Additional Revolving Loan ” and, collectively with the Additional Term A Loan, the “ Additional Loans ”), in order to fund a special distribution to the stockholders of Co-Borrower, and Lender is willing to so increase the Commitments and Loans subject to the terms and conditions provided herein.

C. Immediately prior to the date hereof, there were no Term A Loans or Term B Loans outstanding.

D. The Borrower, the Co-Borrower and the Lender wish to amend the Prior Credit Agreement to effect such amendments, modifications and changes as are hereinafter set forth, including, without limitation, to provide for the Additional Loans, to extend each of the Term A Loan Maturity Date, the Term B Loan Maturity Date and the Termination Date, and to modify the Applicable Margins (the Prior Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, being herein referred to as the “ Credit Agreement ”).

E. Attached hereto as Exhibit B for information purposes only is a substantially complete reference copy of the January 4, 2008 Credit Agreement revised to incorporate the material modifications set forth in each of the nine (9) amendments thereto.


AGREEMENTS

In order to effect such amendments and in consideration of the premises, and subject to the terms and conditions, set forth herein, the Borrower, the Co-Borrower and the Lender hereby agree as follows:

1.     Conditions Precedent to Closing . On or prior to the date hereof, each of the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied and thereafter this Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Co-Borrower and the Lender and their respective successors and assigns. Borrower and Co-Borrower agree that the failure to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in this Amendment shall in no way affect or impair the obligations of either of them or be construed as a waiver by the Lender of any of the Lender’s rights under the Credit Agreement.

(a) The Lender shall have received each of the following:

i. this Amendment, duly authorized and executed by the Borrower and the Co-Borrower;

ii. an amended and restated Note, dated the date hereof and otherwise in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A , duly executed by the Borrower and the Co-Borrower;

iii. resolutions of the board of directors of each Loan Party approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the other Loan Documents contemplated hereby and the borrowing of the Additional Loans for the purposes specified herein, and signature and incumbency certificates of the officers of each Loan Party executing this Amendment and the other Loan Documents delivered in connection herewith, all certified by the applicable Loan Party’s secretary or assistant secretary as being in full force and effect without modification;

iv. such other agreements, documents, instruments and certificates as the Lender may reasonably request; and

v. in connection with the advance of the Additional Loans and the extension of maturities of the Term A Loan Commitment, Term B Loan Commitment and Revolving Loan Commitment, a commitment fee, payable in cash, in the amount of $1,800,000.

(b) Borrower and Co-Borrower shall have duly and properly performed, complied with and observed each of its covenants, agreements and obligations contained in this Amendment.

 

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2.     Amendments .

(a) Section 1.1 of the Prior Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following defined terms:

Tenth Amendment Date means June 18, 2012.

Special 2012 Distributions means cash distributions on or after the Tenth Amendment Date from the Borrower to Co-Borrower in the amount of approximately $67,000,000 and from Co-Borrower to each stockholder of Co-Borrower such stockholder’s pro rata share of that same amount.

(b) Section 1.1 of the Prior Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the definitions of Applicable Margin , LIBOR Rate , Revolving Loan Commitment , Term A Loan Commitment , Term A Loan Maturity Date , Term A Loans , Term B Loan Maturity Date and Termination Date in their entirety with the following defined terms:

Applicable Margin means the applicable rate per annum as set forth in the following table:

 

Level   

Total Debt to

EBITDA Ratio

  

Revolving Loans

  

Term A Loans

      Base Rate    LIBOR    Base Rate    LIBOR
1    Less than 2.0:1.0    3.50    4.50    3.50    4.50
2    Greater than 2.0:1.0 but less than 3.0:1.0    3.75    4.75    3.75    4.75
3    Greater than 3.0:1.0 but less than 4.0: 1.0    4.00    5.00    4.00    5.00
4    Greater than 4.0:1.0 but less than 5.0:1.0    4.25    5.25    4.25    5.25
5    Greater than 5.0:1.0    4.50    5.50    4.50    5.50

The Applicable Margin in respect of the Revolving Loans and Term A Loans shall be adjusted quarterly, to the extent applicable, on each May 1, August 1 and November 1, in each case with respect to the immediately preceding Fiscal Quarter, and on the date financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1.1 , with respect to the last Fiscal Quarter of each Fiscal Year (each, an “Interest Determination Date”) based on the Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio as of the last day of such Fiscal Quarter. Such Applicable Margin shall be effective from such Interest Determination Date until the next Interest Determination Date. Initially, each Applicable Margin shall be that percentage set forth for Level 2 in the table above. After September 30, 2012, each Applicable Margin shall be equal to the applicable rate per annum set forth in the table above opposite the applicable Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio.

 

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LIBOR Rate means, with respect to any LIBOR Loan for any Interest Period, a rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/10,000 of 1%) equal to the greater of (a) 1.25% and (b)(i) the offered rate for deposits in Dollars for the applicable Interest Period and for the amount of the applicable LIBOR Loan that appears on Telerate Page 3750 at 11:00 a.m. London time (or, if not so appearing, as published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal or another national publication selected by Lender) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, divided by (ii) the sum of one minus the daily average during such Interest Period of the aggregate maximum reserve requirement (expressed as a decimal) then imposed under Regulation D of the FRB for “Eurocurrency Liabilities” (as defined therein).

Revolving Loan Commitment means $30,000,000, as of the Tenth Amendment Date (as reduced from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof), plus such additional amounts, if any, that Lender may, in its sole discretion, from time to time commit to advance as Revolving Loans in connection with one or more Acquisitions; provided, however, that no advance in respect of any such additional Revolving Loan Commitment shall exceed that amount that would result in Borrower’s: (i) Senior Debt to EBITDA Ratio exceeding 3.0 to 1.0; or (ii) Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio exceeding 4.5 to 1.0, with both such ratios calculated as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter immediately proceeding the Fiscal Quarter in which such additional amount is to be advanced and on a pro forma basis based on EBITDA for the Computation Period as if the applicable Acquisition had been consummated on the calculation date, with such adjustments thereto as may be determined necessary or appropriate by Lender.

Term A Loan Commitment means, as of the Tenth Amendment Date, $60,000,000 plus, thereafter, such additional amounts, if any, that Lender may, in its sole discretion, from time to time advance as Term A Loans in connection with one or more Acquisitions; provided, however, that no such additional Term A Loan Commitment shall exceed that amount which would result in Borrower’s: (i) Senior Debt to EBITDA Ratio exceeding 3.0 to 1.0; or (ii) Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio exceeding 4.0 to 1.0, with both such ratios calculated as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter immediately proceeding the Fiscal Quarter in which such additional amount is to be advanced and on a pro forma basis based on EBITDA for the Computation Period as if the applicable Acquisition had been consummated on the calculation date, with such adjustments thereto as may be determined necessary or appropriate by Lender.

Term A Loan Maturity Date means June 18, 2018 or such earlier date on which the Commitments terminate pursuant to Section 8 .

Term A Loans means the principal amount outstanding from time to time of loans from Lender to Borrower and Co-Borrower pursuant to the Term A Loan Commitment.

Term B Loan Maturity Date means June 18, 2019 or such earlier date on which the Commitments terminate pursuant to Section 8 .

 

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Termination Date means June 18, 2018 or such earlier date on which the Revolving Loan Commitment terminates pursuant to Section 2.9 or Section 8 .

(c) Section 2.1.2 of the Prior Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated so as to read in its entirety as follows:

2.1.2     Term Loan Commitments .

On the Tenth Amendment Date, Lender agrees to make a Term A Loan to Borrower in an amount equal to $60,000,000. Except as expressly provided in this Section 2.1.2, the Lender shall have no obligation to make Term Loans after the Closing Date. Term Loans which are repaid or prepaid by Borrower or Co-Borrower, in whole or in part, may not be re-borrowed.

(d) Section 2.10.2 of the Prior Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated so as to read in its entirety as follows:

2.10.2    Term A Loans.

The Term A Loans shall amortize as provided in the following table, with each annualized amount being due and payable in equal quarterly installments on the last day of each Fiscal Quarter, commencing September 30, 2012 and continuing to the Term A Loan Maturity Date, on which date the then outstanding Term A Loans shall be paid in full:

 

Year

   Annual Amortization  

1

   $ 3,000,000   

2

   $ 3,000,000   

3

   $ 3,000,000   

4

   $ 3,000,000   

5

   $ 3,000,000   

6

   $     45,000,000   

(e) The first sentence of Section 7.4 of the Prior Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated so as to read in its entirety as follows:

7.4    Restricted Payments.

Not, and not permit any other Loan Party to, (a) make any dividend or other distribution to any of its equity holders other than, on or after the Tenth Amendment Date, the Special 2012 Distributions, (b) purchase or redeem any of its equity interests or any warrants, options or other rights in respect thereof, (c) except for Permitted Management Fees and Permitted Transaction Services Fees, pay any management fees or similar fees to any of its equity holders or any Affiliate thereof, (d) make any redemption, prepayment (whether mandatory or optional), defeasance, repurchase or any other payment in respect of any Non-Senior Debt or (e) set aside funds for any of the foregoing.

 

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(f) Section 7.7 of the Prior Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated so as to read in its entirety as follows:

7.7    Use of Proceeds.

Use the proceeds of the Loans solely for working capital, for Capital Expenditures, to fund the Special 2012 Distributions and for other general business purposes of Co-Borrower, Borrower and the Subsidiaries; and not use or permit any proceeds of any Loan to be used, either directly or indirectly, for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of “purchasing or carrying” any Margin Stock.

(g) Section 7.14.4 of the Prior Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated so as to read in its entirety as follows:

Not permit the aggregate amount of all Capital Expenditures (i) for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2012 to exceed $4,500,000 or (ii) for any Fiscal Year thereafter to exceed $4,000,000.

If Borrower and the Subsidiaries do not utilize the entire amount of Capital Expenditures permitted in any Fiscal Year, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would be caused thereby, Borrower may carry forward to the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year only, 50% of such unutilized amount (with Capital Expenditures made by Borrower in such succeeding Fiscal Year applied last to such unutilized amount).

3.     Representations and Warranties . Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower (as applicable, the “Representing Party”) hereby represents and warrants to the Lender that:

(a) the execution, delivery and performance by the Representing Party of this Amendment are within the corporate powers of the Representing Party, have been duly authorized by all necessary company action and require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental or regulatory body, agency or official;

(b) this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Representing Party enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditor’s rights generally and (ii) general equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law); and

(c) as of the date hereof, and after giving effect to this Amendment, all of the covenants, representations and warranties of the Representing Party set forth in the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all material respects, and no Event of Default under or within the meaning of the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing.

4.     Costs and Expenses . Borrower and Co-Borrower agree to pay all reasonable costs, internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) incurred by the Lender in connection with the preparation, execution and enforcement of this Amendment.

 

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5.     Governing Law . Each of the undersigned agrees that this Amendment and the rights and obligations of all parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed under the substantive laws of the State of New York, without reference to the conflict of laws principles of such state.

6.     Headings . Section headings in this Amendment are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Amendment for any other purpose.

7.     Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed by one or more of the parties hereto on any number of separate counterparts and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

8.     Entire Agreement, Modification, Benefit . The Credit Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement of the Lender, the Borrower and the Co-Borrower, and no provision thereof (including of this Amendment) may be modified, deleted or amended in any manner except by agreement in writing executed by each of Lender, Borrower and Co-Borrower. Except to the extent modified by this Amendment, all of the covenants, representations, warranties, conditions, agreements and other terms contained in the Prior Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be and remain in full force and effect and the same are hereby ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof. All such terms of the Prior Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, are and shall remain binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Lender, the Borrower and the Co-Borrower and their respective successors and assigns. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between this Amendment and the Prior Credit Agreement, the covenants, representations, warranties, conditions, agreements and other terms of this Amendment shall govern and control.

{Remainder of this page intentionally left blank}

 

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The parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.,

as Borrower

By:   /s/    Zvi Glasman  
Name:   Zvi Glasman  
Title:   Chief Financial Officer  

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.,

as Co-Borrower

By:   /s/    Patrick A. Maciariello  
Name:   Patrick A. Maciariello  
Title:   Vice President  

 

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS LLC, as Lender
By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri  
Name:   James J. Bottiglieri  
Title:   Chief Financial Officer  

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Tenth Amendment


Exhibit A

Form of

Amended and Restated Note

 

$90,000,000

    
 
June 18, 2012
Westport, Connecticut
  
  

The undersigned, for value received, promise to pay, jointly and severally, to the order of Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC (“ Lender ”) at its principal office of 61 Wilton Road, Westport, Connecticut 06880, the aggregate unpaid amount of all Loans made to the undersigned by Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to below, such principal amount to be payable on the dates set forth in the Credit Agreement.

The undersigned further promises to pay, jointly and severally, interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such Loan is paid in full, payable at the rate(s) and at the time(s) set forth in the Credit Agreement. Payments of both principal and interest are to be made in lawful money of the United States of America.

This promissory note (“ Note ”) evidences indebtedness incurred under, and is subject to the terms and provisions of, the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008 and amended as of each of February 7, 2008, October 8, 2008, January 29, 2009, March 25, 2009, March 26, 2010, October 6, 2010, March 28, 2011, September 20, 2011, April 16, 2012 and the date hereof (as amended and as may be further amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”; terms not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement), among the undersigned and the Lender, to which Credit Agreement reference is hereby made for a statement of the terms and provisions under which this Note may or must be paid prior to its due date or its due date accelerated.

This Note evidences, in part, indebtedness of the undersigned previously evidenced by (i) that certain Note dated January 4, 2008 in the prior maximum principal amount of $65,000,000 (the “ Prior Note ”), which Prior Note is replaced by this Note; provided, however, that this Note shall not be construed as evidence of repayment or readvance of the indebtedness evidenced by the Prior Note, it being the intention of the undersigned, and, by its acceptance, Lender, that the indebtedness evidenced by this Note includes the indebtedness evidenced by the Prior Note. This Note shall not be construed as a novation or be construed in any manner as an extinguishment of the obligations arising under the Prior Note or to affect the priority of the security interests, liens or mortgages granted in connection with the Prior Note.

{Remainder of page blank; execution page follows}


This Note is made under and governed by the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within such State.

 

FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:      
Title:      

 

FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:      
Title:      

 

Exhibit A-2


Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC

61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor

Westport, Connecticut 06880

December 21, 2012

Fox Factory, Inc.

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

130 Hangar Way

Watsonville, CA 95076

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Telecopy: (831) 768-9342

Re: Eleventh Amendment to Credit Agreement

Gentlemen:

Reference is made hereby to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2008, that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 8, 2008, that certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2009, that certain Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 25, 2009, that certain Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 26, 2010, that certain Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2010, that certain Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 28, 2011, that certain Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of September 20, 2011, that certain Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of April 16, 2012 and that certain Tenth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of June 18, 2012 (as previously amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as lender (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Lender ”), Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation, as borrower (“ Borrower ”), and Fox Factory Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, as co-borrower (“ Co-Borrower ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

Borrower and Co-Borrower have requested that Lender amend, and Lender desires to amend, the Credit Agreement solely to increase the amount of permitted Capital Expenditures for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2012 in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, as of the date first set forth above, Borrower, Co-Borrower and Lender hereby agree to, and do hereby, amend Section 7.14.4 of the Credit Agreement such that Section7.14.4 now reads in its entirely as set forth below:

 

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“7.14.4 Capital Expenditures .

Not permit the aggregate amount of all Capital Expenditures (i) for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2012 to exceed $5,200,000, (ii) for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2013 to exceed $4,500,000 or (iii) for any Fiscal Year thereafter to exceed $4,000,000.

If Borrower and the Subsidiaries do not utilize the entire amount of Capital Expenditures permitted in any Fiscal Year, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would be caused thereby, Borrower may carry forward to the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year only, 50% of such unutilized amount (with Capital Expenditures made by Borrower in such succeeding Fiscal Year applied last to such unutilized amount).”

Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect.

Each of Borrower and Co-Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent such representations or warranties relate solely to an earlier date), and (b) after giving effect to this letter agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This letter agreement is a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement. This letter agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same letter agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this letter agreement by facsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this letter agreement, but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this letter agreement.

This letter agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

{Signature page follows}

 

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Cordially,
LENDER :

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED

HOLDINGS LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:   /s/    James J. Bottiglieri
 

Name: James J. Bottiglieri

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

BORROWER :
FOX FACTORY, INC.
By:   /s/    Zvi Glasman
 

Name: Zvi Glasman

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

CO-BORROWER :
FOX FACTORY HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/    Patrick Maciariello
 

Name: Patrick Maciariello

Title: Vice President

 

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Exhibit 10.29

(AM&T 9/17/09)

KASHIMACOAT Agreement

This Agreement is entered into by and between FOX Factory, Inc.(“FOX”), a corporation incorporated under the law of the state of California, having its head office at 130 Hangar way, Watsonville, California 95076 and Miyaki (“Miyaki”), a corporation incorporated under the law of Japan, having its head office at 1-12-15 Sakuradai, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka prefecture, Japan, as of 2009;

Whereas, Fox desires to use aluminum tubes for bicycle suspension components with “KASHIMACOAT”; and

Whereas, Miyaki is interested in providing such KASHIMA coating services for the tubes of the suspension components supplied by FOX and/or selling Products to FOX after it purchases the Tubes from the Taiwanese manufacturer of the Tubes and it makes KASHIMA coating, each in accordance with the terms hereof;

And therefore, the parties hereby agree as follows:

Article 1 (Definitions)

The following terms shall have the meanings defined herein:

The “Products” mean the KASHIMACOATED Tubes supplied by Miyaki to FOX hereunder;

The “Tubes” means aluminum finished parts, per FOX specification and drawings, for suspension components of bicycles that are KASHIMACOATED or to be KASHIMACOATED; and

the “KASHIMACOAT”, “KASHIMA coating” or “KASHIMACOATED” means coating presently made by Miyaki generally for various parts of bicycles or other products for commercial production in Japan at its factory.

Article 2 (Coating Services)

 

1. FOX will provide to Miyaki, monthly, a non-binding rolling six month run rate forecast (“Proposed Run Rate”). Upon receipt of the Proposed Run Rate by Miyaki, Miyaki will accept the Proposed Run Rate (“Accepted Rate Proposal”) or advise FOX that such Proposed Run Rate is unacceptable (“Unacceptable Rate Proposal”). In the event that the Proposed Run rate is deemed unacceptable by Miyaki, the parties will negotiate in good faith toward a mutually agreeable rate (“Agreed Rate”). FOX may from time to time, in its sole discretion, request KASHIMA coating on the Tubes under a purchase order and if such purchase order is consistent with the Accepted Rate Proposal or Agreed rate then Miyaki will accept the order, and an individual purchase contract will have been validly created. In the event that Miyaki reasonably commits to, or purchases, material or Tubes in anticipation of a FOX purchase order and FOX does not submit such reasonably anticipated purchase order, FOX will purchase such material from Miyaki to the extent that such material cannot be otherwise used by Miyaki. Except for the directly preceding sentence, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to bind or obligate FOX to purchase any Tubes, Products or coatings from Miyaki. The individual purchase contract shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement including those specified in Appendix E.


2. Miyaki shall provide KASHIMA coating services to Tubes supplied by FOX, or to Tubes purchased by Miyaki from Hodaka, under each individual service contract. In the event that the Tubes are supplied from FOX, then FOX shall deliver uncoated Tubes to Nagoya, a port in Japan, with a 45 days prior (to the proposed delivery date) notice to Miyaki containing the proposed delivery date, the established quantity and other specifications for delivery and KASHIMA coating.

 

3. After KASHIMA coating, Miyaki shall deliver the KASHIMACOATED Tubes at the Oakland port and FOX shall take them at the Oakland port, with a notice to FOX promptly after the bill of lading date.

 

4. All Japan inland transportation, ocean transportation from Japan to U.S. (Oakland, California) and insurance therefor shall be arranged and paid by Miyaki, and U.S. inland transportation, ocean transportation from U.S. to Japan (Nagoya) and insurance therefor shall be paid by FOX. Each of the parties shall pay their respective taxes and duties when imposed.

 

5. The fee for KASHIMA coating and the delivery for each Tube shall be per quote in response to request by FOX, subject to Paragraph 7 below. The parties shall discuss and negotiate the fee for subsequent years.

 

6. The fee shall be paid by FOX by wire remittance to the bank account in Japan designated by Miyaki within 30 days after the relevant bill of lading date for shipment of the KASHIMACOATED Tubes to FOX.

 

7. If yen appreciates or depreciates by 5% or more against U.S. dollars from 95 yen/ 1 U.S. dollar, based on which the price was agreed to above, the price for an order placed by FOX thereafter shall be adjusted accordingly.

Article 3 (Sales with Coating)

 

1. When the parties agree, Miyaki will purchase uncoated Tubes from Hodaka; HDK Industrial Co. LTD., a Taiwanese manufacture of Tubes (“Taiwanese Supplier”), with the terms and conditions to be agreed with the Taiwanese Supplier, within the specific and irrevocable authorization of FOX in terms of the quantity, period and specifications as set forth in a purchase order from FOX to Miyaki. The purchase price of Tubes can be agreed freely between Miyaki and the Taiwanese Supplier. The specifications (except for coating) and performance of the Tubes shall be negotiated and agreed to by and between FOX and the Taiwanese Supplier and Miyaki will not be involved in this respect.

 

2. When an individual sale and purchase contract is made between the Taiwanese Supplier and Miyaki, Miyaki shall give a notice to FOX to such effect. Beforehand, however,, Miyaki and FOX shall enter into a purchase order for the Tube including the price on a C.I.F. (Oakland, California) basis (as defined under the ICC Incoterms).

 

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3. After Miyaki makes KASHIMA coating on the Tubes so supplied and purchased, Miyaki will sell and deliver the KASHIMACOATED Tubes to FOX in accordance with the purchase order..

 

4. Article 2, Paragraphs 4, 6 and 7 shall be equally applied to the sale by Miyaki to FOX of the KASHIMACOATED Tubes under this Article 3.

Article 4 (Use of KASHIMACOAT)

 

1. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Miyaki shall grant a right to FOX to exclusively use the trademark of the “KASHIMACOAT” on products comprising the Tubes and/or on related sales and marketing material worldwide. except the use already permitted by Miyaki as of the date hereof (such as to Kowa, Tech-In and Kimori [Bicycles]). The right of FOX to use the “KASHIMACOAT” trademark shall be subject to FOX’s minimum FOX model year order of one hundred thousand (100,000) Tubes. FOX shall not challenge or apply for registration of the same, similar or confusing marks in or outside U.S. in any Class.

 

2. FOX may from time to time advise Miyaki of a possibility or its desire for coating with improved performance characteristics and Miyaki may (but has not an obligation to) develop new coating technology which is more suitable for suspension components of bicycles. The parties confirm and agree that all of intellectual property rights and industrial property rights developed by Miyaki (including patents, know-how, trade marks and names, all of the foregoing hereinafter “IP”) shall belong to Miyaki but, FOX shall have a right to first refusal for exclusive use of such IP and/or new trademark for suspension components of bicycles, subject to the terms of Article 4, paragraph 1 hereof.

Article 5 (Product Liability)

 

1. Subject to the terms and conditions herein, FOX shall have all product liability, warranty liability, contractual or tort liability (“Liabilities”) to end users, distributors and dealers of bicycles incorporating the Products relating to or in connection with sale, distribution, maintenance and use thereof, and Miyaki shall not have such Liabilities to them.

 

2. FOX represents and warrants to Miyaki that FOX has sufficient and commercially reasonable insurance policies to cover potential Liabilities.

 

3. FOX shall hold Miyaki, its directors and officers and employees and [its sub-contractors and suppliers] (together the “Indemnitees”) harmless from and against the Liabilities and any and all related claims, damages, losses, costs and expenses (together “Damages”), and indemnify the Indemnitees from the Liabilities and Damages incurred or to be incurred by Indemnitees, and pay such the Liabilities and Damages to Miyaki upon request except that this Paragraph shall not apply to the extent (and in proportionate to) that the Liabilities and the Damages are attributable to the fraud or willful misconduct of the Indeminitee.

 

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Article 6 (Warranty)

 

1. Miyaki shall replace Product having defective coating, or process non-conformity, with conforming KASHIMACOATED Tubes, provided that the notice of such coating defect or process non-conformity is given by FOX within [12] months from the relevant bill of lading date. Miyaki shall pay all transportation costs for such Products. All of the other remedies with respect to the defective coating on the Products are excluded.

 

2. Miyaki shall not have any obligation to pay damages and repair costs, or to repair the Tube outside Japan, or provide technical assistance or training for repair, development or otherwise.

 

3. MIYAKI WARRANTS TO FOX THAT ALL COATING OF THE PRODUCTS WILL CONFORM TO THE KASHIMACOATING AND TO ALL FOX DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE COATING AND COATING / HANDLING PROCESS (BUT NOT OTHERWISE TO THE PARTS THEMSELVES). ALL OTHER WARRANTIES NOT EXPRESSLY INCLUDED HEREIN, INCLUDING, THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXCLUDED.

Article 7 (Supply Chain Manual, Appendix E)

Appendix E (Terms and Conditions dated 1 July 2003) of FRS Supply Chain Manual shall apply to the transactions and Tubes procured hereunder, unless otherwise explicitly modified herein. The parties confirm that Sections 2, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18 and 23 of Appendix E (but not limited to these, if modified herein) are not applicable hereto.

Article 8 (Notice)

The order and notice shall be given as follows (until otherwise notified in writing)

 

            To: FOX    

   Mark Garcia
   130 Hangar Way
   Watsonville, CA 95076 USA

            To: Miyaki    

   Hitoshi Kawai
   1-12-15 Sakuradai
   Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu City
   Shizuoka Prefecture
   JAPAN

 

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Article 9 (Terms and Termination)

 

1. This Agreement shall become valid when both parties sign this Agreement and shall be valid for five (5) years; after that, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed for another one year (thereafter the same) unless the party gives a notice not to renewal this Agreement prior to the expiration date.

 

2. Either party may terminate this Agreement (together with all outstanding individual contracts hereunder) by a 30 days written notice upon occurrence of any of the following:

 

  (i) A material breach by the other party of this Agreement which is not cured within 3 weeks after the notice; or

 

  (ii) The other party becomes insolvent, enters bankruptcy proceedings, or appointment of an administrator or trustee.

 

4. Upon termination, Miyaki can cease to provide KASHIMA coating services, but FOX shall pay the price for any Products and the cost of any Tubes if the Products have been delivered at the port or Tubes have been purchased from the Taiwanese Supplier, before the termination of this Agreement.

Article 10 (Law; Jurisdiction)

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, USA excluding any choice of law provisions and the courts of Santa Cruz County California USA. shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute in connection with or under this Agreement (including a dispute of each individual transaction hereunder).

                Date: September 17, 2009

 

  FOX
  /s/ Robert Kaswen
  Robert Kaswen
  CEO

 

  Miyaki
  /s/    Rokuro Ito
  Rokuro Ito
  President and CEO

 

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Exhibit 21.1

List of Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiary name

    

Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization

Fox Factory, Inc.      California

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have issued our report dated May 13, 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Fox Factory Holding Corporation contained in the Registration Statement and Prospectus. We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption “Experts.”

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

San Jose, California

July 8, 2013